The Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Carol Borg, NED, Ricardo plc and Alan Bannatyne, Chair, XPS Group and Criticaleye Board Mentor to cover how the skills in finance are changing, as well as the ways in which the function itself needs to adapt to deliver the strategic insight and analysis that organisations need if they’re to retain their competitive edge.

Discussion points include: 

• What does a high-performing finance function look like today? 
• What skills that may not have been top of mind a few years ago are crucial today? 
• Are there gaps between the Group CFO and finance team due to increased complexity? 
• How is the finance function evolving? 
• Advice for first-time CFOs

Episode 11 of Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In our latest episode of the Inspiring Leaders Podcast, we break down some of the findings from Criticaleye’s 2024 CEO Research. Hosted by Criticaleye Senior Editor Jacob Ambrose Willson, this episode features Karen Fawcett, Non-executive Director, Aegon, LGT and Temus, and Criticaleye Board Mentor, and Criticaleye CEO, Matthew Blagg.

Karen and Matthew discuss the shifting priorities of CEOs in the last 12 months, agility versus strategy, the influence of major geopolitical swings, executive burnout, stakeholder management and the ongoing importance of personal development.

Discussion points include: 

• Focus on improved business performance
• Sustainability slipping down the agenda
• Balancing agility with strategy
• Macroeconomics and the impact of geopolitics
• The rise in executive burnout
• Managing internal and external stakeholders
• External reference points for leaders 

Episode 13: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Stepping Up as a CEO

In this episode, our guest speaker shares invaluable insights into his journey as a CEO, Board member, and leader navigating the complexities of modern business. ​Featuring Criticaleye's Managing Director Charlie Wagstaff, plus our guest Board Mentor at Criticaleye and Independent Non-Executive Director at Tencent - Ian Stone.

Discussion points include: 

• Real-life experiences and insights as a CEO.
• How can the approach to M&A be optimised to prioritise partnering over-controlling?
• How crucial is it to collaborate with existing key personnel and founders in this process?
• Identifying emerging issues for CEOs that need greater attention from Boards.
• The significance of committees at the senior level and what distinguishes effective committees from ineffective ones.
• Navigating the balance between operational involvement and strategic oversight for CEOs and Boards.

Episode 14: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Navigating the Path to Success as a CEO

In this episode, hosted by Criticaleye's Managing Director Charlie Wagstaff, our esteemed guest speaker, William Lo, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career as a seasoned executive based in Asia. With over three decades of experience in senior management and serving on the Boards of numerous publicly listed companies, William's portfolio spans a variety of industries, including telecommunications, internet, banking, fashion and retail. He delves into the challenges of leadership, organisational resilience, and the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Discussion points include: 

• The key challenges faced by CEOs today, and how can they navigate them effectively?
• What strategies can organisations employ to build resilience in the face of uncertainty and change?
• How is the ever-changing landscape of technology impacting businesses?
• What opportunities does it present for growth and innovation?
• Role of the Board in shaping culture

Episode 10 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we speak to Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy & Talent Officer at Standard Chartered. 

Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we ask Tanuj about the evolving role of HR, managing cross-cultural dynamics, and major trends to watch in 2024. 

Discussion points include: 

• Data driven HR 
• The future of the workforce
• Advice for first-time HR leaders
• Evolving HR practices
• Where can Boards support the HR function? 

Episode 9 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast 

In this episode, we invite leaders to discuss the role of the CEO in the current climate, Board dynamics, and what guidance and support senior executives should be utilising.

Hosted by Marc Barber, Director of Content at Criticaleye, we were pleased to invite special guests Rachel Osborne, NED and Audit Committee Chair at Ocado Group, NED and Audit Chair at Marstons, and former CEO of Ted Baker and Fiona Ross, Chair of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE), Chair of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and NED at The Scottish Government, onto this episode.

Both are Board Mentors at Criticaleye. 

Discussion points include: 

• Priorities and perspectives in boardrooms
• How to be an agile CEO?
• What distinguishes the best chief executives? 
• Guidance and support for leaders
• Challenges for first-time CEOs

Episode 8 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this podcast, our guest speaker discusses the key findings from Criticaleye's Research on Chairs and Non-executives, board dynamics and the current landscape for businesses. Hosted by Emily Jones, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we were pleased to invite Criticaleye CEO, Matthew Blagg.

Discussion points include: 

• Do Chairs and NEDs need to be much closer to the business? 
• Is psychological safety discussed enough on Boards? 
• Boardroom dynamics and alignment on strategy, stakeholders and leadership. 
• Issues moving up the agenda.
• Do Boards need more from committee Chairs in terms of data and insights?

Episode 12: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Cultivating Top Talent in Asia for Organisational Growth

Explore the dynamic landscape of talent management and leadership development in rapidly evolving Asia. Discover effective strategies for cultivating top talent, including guiding transitions and mentoring high performers.​ Featuring Criticaleye's General Managing Director, Michael Crompton, plus our guest President, APAC at Flywheel Digital, Dan Cotton. 

Discussion points include: 

• Challenges in acquiring and mentoring Talent
• Transitioning from Fast-Paced Startups to Large Corporations
• How has the nature of business disciplines changed over time?
• The Role of Mentorship in Management​
• Identifying and Leveraging Opportunities for Growth

Episode 7 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this podcast, our speakers discuss priorities for the next twelve months, advice for first-time CEOs and how can the Chair support the CEO? Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we were pleased to invite special guests Brittany Harris, Co-founder and CEO, Qualis Flow, Mark Whitby, Criticaleye Board Mentor, Chair, BibliU, and Melanie Lane, CEO, Pod Point. 

Discussion points include: 

• Pressure points for growth company CEOs over the next twelve months
• Board dynamics 
• Where should Chairs be supporting and guiding the CEO? 
• Evolving as a founder-CEO
• How can a mentor support a CEO of a Growth Company? 
• Essential elements to drive high performance

Episode 6 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Focused on the HR Director role within the current landscape, future of the workforce, and how HR is evolving. Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we were pleased to invite special guests Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer, Co-operative Group, and Nick Ulycz, Chief People Officer, Aldermore Group.  

Discussion points include: 

• The business landscape and how that’s impacting HR leadership
• The HRD’s role in supporting the senior leadership team and the Board, plus where they can make the most difference?  
• What makes a high-performing HR leader?  
• Advice for a first-time Group HRDs
• The impact AI is having on the workforce 
• How our speakers’ leadership styles have changed and adapted over time