The Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Episode 17: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Stepping Up as a Regional Leader

In this episode of the Criticaleye podcast, Managing Director Charlie Wagstaff speaks with Pascal De Petrini, former Chair of Danone Asia and Criticaleye Board Mentor. Pascal brings 37 years of global leadership experience in consumer products, with more than two decades in Asia, where he’s built, scaled, and transformed businesses within major publicly-listed companies.

During the podcast, Pascal shared valuable insights from his experience stepping up into regional leadership roles in the APAC region. He reflected on the challenges of managing multiple stakeholders, adapting to different cultures, and aligning global business objectives with local realities. Pascal emphasised the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and building a trusted team that provides honest feedback. He also discussed the complexities of navigating organisational politics and the need for agility and adaptability when leading in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment.

Discussion points include: 

• Navigating the complexities of regional leadership
• Cultural sensitivity in global business strategy
• The power of authentic leadership and trust
• Managing organisational politics with diplomacy
• The importance of agility in leadership