The Recruitment Show with Lewis Maleh

Today on The Recruitment Show, Lewis Maleh is joined by Stephanie Ogden, CEO of Munich Re Syndicate , for the first episode in our special Dive In Festival series.

From walking into a new organisation knowing just one person to leading through uncertainty and navigating the rise of AI, Stephanie shares an honest perspective on what leadership really looks like today.

Together they discuss:
• What it's really like starting as CEO in a global organisation
• Why staying comfortable can hold you back
• The rise of AI and the importance of protecting your authentic voice
• Why negotiation, judgement and human relationships still matter
• Advice for professionals looking to build meaningful careers
• Hybrid working, leadership and the future of work

Whether you're leading a business, building your career, or simply curious about how AI is changing leadership, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders at every stage of their career.

This episode is the first in our special Dive In Festival series, exploring leadership, AI, culture and the future of work through conversations with senior leaders.

Show Notes:
Dive In Festival
https://diveinfestival.com
Connect with Stephanie Ogden
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ogden-6b72a710/

----
Connect with Lewis Maleh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh
Learn more about Bentley Lewis
https://bentleylewis.com

Feeling stuck in your career? You're not alone.

In this episode, Lewis Maleh shares practical advice for anyone who feels they've lost direction, missed out on opportunities, or simply isn't sure what comes next.

He explains why you don't need to have your entire career mapped out, how to set meaningful goals without adding pressure, and why success isn't always about climbing the corporate ladder.

Lewis also shares the framework he uses to review his own progress, the importance of building a personal board of directors, and how small, consistent actions can create long-term career growth.

Whether you're just starting out, changing direction, or reassessing what's important, this episode offers practical ideas to help you move forward with confidence.

In this episode:
Why it's normal to feel stuck
How to define success on your own terms
A simple annual career review exercise
Setting goals without feeling overwhelmed
Why course-correcting is a strength
Building your own personal board of directors
Practical steps to regain momentum

🎙️ Espresso with Lewis — practical leadership insights, no fluff.

----
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh
Learn more: https://bentleylewis.com

Most references are official. Backchannel references are different.

In this episode, Lewis Maleh explores the reality of informal references in executive hiring, why they happen, and why hiring managers should be careful not to let a single opinion outweigh the evidence.

He discusses:
What backchannel references are
Why they happen in executive search
How much weight hiring managers should give them
Why context matters before making a hiring decision
What candidates should understand about professional reputation

🎙️ Espresso with Lewis — practical leadership insights, no fluff.

----
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh
Learn more: https://bentleylewis.com

Most senior leadership roles are never advertised.

Instead, they're filled through executive search firms, referrals and private networks. If recruiters can't find you, you may never even know the opportunity existed.

In this episode, Lewis Maleh explains how executive search really works, from market mapping and longlists to shortlists and final interviews. He also shares practical advice on how to become more visible to executive recruiters, build meaningful relationships with search firms and position yourself for future leadership opportunities.

Whether you're actively looking for your next role or simply planning ahead, understanding how executive search works can completely change your approach to career progression.

In this episode:
Why many executive roles are never advertised
How executive search firms identify candidates
Why networking matters more than applying online
How LinkedIn helps recruiters find talent
What recruiters look for during executive interviews
Practical ways to become more visible in the hidden job market

🎙️ Espresso with Lewis — practical leadership insights, no fluff.

----
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh
Learn more: https://bentleylewis.com

You’ve got the job offer. Before you say yes, how do you know it’s actually the right move?

In this episode, Lewis Maleh shares three things to look at before accepting a new role: whether the expectations are genuinely clear, whether the offer reflects your value, and what the culture is really like behind the interview process.

Because getting an offer is exciting. But the job, the package and the people all need to make sense before you make the move.

A quick listen for anyone weighing up a new opportunity or thinking about their next career move.

🎙️ Espresso with Lewis — practical leadership insights, no fluff.

----
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh
Learn more: https://bentleylewis.com