Leadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Identifying and developing the next generation of leadership talent is critically important. No decision will have a bigger impact on the performance of an organization and its enduring legacy. Yet, many leaders struggle with effective succession planning. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to three of our trusted advisors—James Diggines, Rebecca Slan Jerusalim, and Stacey Shapiro—who share their perspectives on: The critical first steps CEOs should take to build effective succession processes How to spot leadership potential beyond the obvious candidates Common succession planning mistakes that can derail organizations Strategies for keeping unsuccessful candidates engaged and motivated How succession decisions can transform organizational culture "Too often succession is really a check the box exercise at a critical point in time, as opposed to having a long-term focus."Rebecca Slan Jerusalim, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you'll learn from this episode: Timing is everything in succession planning. Start succession planning as soon as you step into a new leadership role. The longer the duration, the easier it is to develop internal talent. Succession isn't replacement—it's development. Effective succession encompasses long-term talent development. Organizations must actively identify and invest in key talent year-over-year. Keep your talent pipelines broad and dynamic. Resist the urge to quickly converge on one or two candidates. Business conditions shift, and what you need in a leader today may differ dramatically from what you need tomorrow. Transparency builds loyalty. When succession decisions are made, providing clear feedback and development opportunities to unsuccessful candidates can retain crucial senior talent.A closer look at the research from this episode: Board Culture and Director Behavior Study | Russell Reynolds Associates Global CFO Turnover Index | Russell Reynolds Associates Russell Reynolds Associates Global CHRO Turnover Index | Russell Reynolds Associates Russell Reynolds Associates SHRM Succession Planning ROI Study | Society for Human Resources Management
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Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with Purpose
Many of us have heard the expression “doing good is good for business.” In this episode, Simon Kingston sits down with former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy about how he put this concept into practice on a truly global scale. Bill takes us on his journey of how he redefined broadcast television, launching the most channels in television history with more than 200 global channels and 20 brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and numerous others. He discusses how and why he started MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation, Suga, and other social responsibility initiatives to realize the ethos of “doing good is good for business.” And Bill shares his journey from West Point to MTV to GAVI and beyond. We'll also hear from Andrew White, a leadership advisor who specializes in executive assessment and development, who will discuss why curiosity and adaptability are essential leadership traits in today's business environment. Four things you’ll learn from this episode: Why doing good is good for business and how to achieve it at scale How to navigate the various challenges when launching a media startup How to deal with uncertainty and risk to realize global growth How to adapt a business background to serve in global non-profits and NGOs If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff Leadership Lounge: Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues
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Leadership Lounge: How to Build Trust and Transform Executive Team Performance
Today's senior executives operate in an environment where trust has never been more critical, or more fragile. According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in business leaders is at an all-time low, with people's fear that business leaders are dishonest increasing by 12% in the last year. So, as a leader, how can you cultivate trust within your team and organization? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to three of our trusted advisors—Henryk Krajewski, Emmy Melville, and Ilana Abramowicz—who share their perspectives on: How trust is evolving in today's fast-paced business environment The specific behaviors that distinguish highly trusted executives Practical strategies for building and rebuilding trust within teams How to accurately assess trust levels rather than relying on gut feeling “Don’t take somebody else’s credit. If you make a mistake, you own it. You don’t bury somebody else.”Ilana Abramowicz, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you'll learn from this episode:Trust is built on consistency. You need to demonstrate that you can follow through on your promises and commitments, no matter how small. Trust isn’t something that’s nice-to-have in an organization. It needs to be intentionally built at a foundational level. Transparent communication is vital for trust—sharing relevant information openly, explaining decisions clearly, and being forthright about challenges creates a culture where trust can flourish. Trusted leaders give credit, own mistakes (even if minimal), and maintain confidentiality. In this episode, we will cover: The four fundamental components that make up trust in the leadership context Why trust should be a foundational priority rather than an afterthought Why trust is critical for accelerating decision-making and enabling productive conflict The ‘1% rule’ for initiating trust repair when relationships have fractured The connection between trust and concrete business outcomes How differing trust languages can create unintended barriers within teams Why timing is critical in addressing trust breaches before they become permanent A closer look at the research from this episode: Edelman Trust Barometer How CEOs Can Build and Maintain a High-Performing C-suite | Russell Reynolds Associates The New CEO | Russell Reynolds Associates
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The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution
When it comes to global financial markets, the only certainty is the likelihood of uncertainty and change. The world is in a period of transformation on multiple levels fueled by AI and technology innovation, shifting economic policies, and infrastructure modernization. At the foundation of all of this transformation is the unrelenting need for long-term capital. In today’s special in-studio episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with a leader who’s not only deftly navigating her organization through change in her role as Nasdaq CEO, but she’s doing it all at the speed of global capital. Adena Friedman talks about Nasdaq’s evolution from the world’s first electronic stock exchange to its current role as a global technology company serving the broader financial system and capital markets. She digs into her career journey from intern to CEO at Nasdaq, how Nasdaq stays on the leading edge of technology and innovation, and how to compete for and keep top tech talent. And she discusses the $80 trillion investment opportunity to bring every society in every economy forward to face the realities of the world that we're living in today. We'll also hear from Tristan Jervis, a leadership advisor specializing in AI transformation, who will discuss the four critical steps CEOs can take to build AI-powered organizations. Four things you’ll learn from this episode: Adena’s personal story, career and leadership journey, and advice on how to navigate change and uncertainty What to do to take advantage of impending changes to the global economy How to nurture and grow a culture of innovation to stay ahead of disruption How Nasdaq competes for and keeps top tech and AI talent If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership Elections, Geopolitics, and Global Business: A Conversation with Former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? Private Investment Guru David Rubenstein Goes Public on How to Be a Successful Leader & Investor Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common?
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Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director
Today's board directors operate in a complex business landscape, balancing strategic guidance, technological innovation, and heightened governance expectations. They must provide critical leadership while navigating rapid change and increasing stakeholder scrutiny. So, as an executive, do you have what it takes to thrive in a board role? And how can you maximize your impact once you're there?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Maggie Benkert, Edward Mason, and Rusty O'Kelley—who share their perspectives on: How to evaluate whether a board opportunity is the right fit What board chairs are looking for in new directors The behaviors that set exceptional board directors apart How to build effective relationships with fellow board members "I advise clients and candidates to be really selective about taking a board role. You want to find an opportunity where you can add considerable value, but it's also developmental or stretching for you, and helps support you in your career." Ed Mason, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates. Four things you'll learn from this episode:Be strategic and selective when pursuing board opportunities. Ensures it aligns with your career goals, skills, and values. Board selection committees value ‘T-shaped’ leaders who bring both breadth across strategic decision-making and depth in specialized focus areas. The most effective board directors demonstrate five key behaviors: sound judgment, constructive engagement, integrity, asking the right questions, and bringing independent perspectives. Don’t underestimate the importance of building strong connections with fellow board members. Small gestures can make a big difference. In this episode, we will cover: What questions executives should ask themselves before pursuing board opportunities. Three key things boards look for when appointing new directors. The importance of speaking the language of governance rather than management during board interviews. Practical strategies for building relationships with fellow board members. How to maximize your contribution and stay effective throughout your board tenure. A closer look at the research from this episode: 2025 Board Culture and Director Behavior Study, Russell Reynolds Associates
Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world.In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates Leadership Advisor Hoda Tahoun and former CEO Clarke Murphy host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who share their insights and perspectives on how they lead, boldly. You’ll come away with fresh ideas and tangible takeaways on how you can redefine your own leadership trajectory – no matter where you are on your journey. Our Hosts:Clarke Murphy Clarke Murphy is the former Chief Executive Officer of Russell Reynolds Associates and serves on the Board of Directors. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he was the Global Leader of the firm's CEO/Board Services Practice.While at Russell Reynolds Associates, Clarke has conducted a number of significant projects in the industry, including Fortune 100 board searches and CEO successions. In addition, he has led notable searches in the private equity industry including searches for the Carlyle Group and Warburg Pincus.Hoda TahounAs a leadership advisor and leader of the global Leisure & Hospitality Practice at RRA, Hoda Tahoun identifies, assesses, and develops dynamic C-suite leaders for global hospitality, travel, and leisure companies. Based in Miami, Hoda helps clients solve their most pressing leadership issues at the CEO, C-suite, and other executive-levels. She also advises clients on customer-centric, go-to-market leadership roles such as chief marketing officers and chief experience officers. Hoda is committed to reshaping the hospitality and leisure landscape to ensure it is an industry that leads with purpose, value, and wellbeing and continues to attract and retain talent across all facets of diversity.Hoda spent more than seven years working for a boutique executive search firm, rising to the title of principal where she worked closely with hotel management companies, cruise lines and private equity firms. Previously, Hoda was an assistant vice president at SHUAA Capital in Dubai where she led the firm’s investment banking efforts. She has also worked at American Express, Bank of America and Citi.
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