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  • Leading with Emotional Intelligence

    Leading with Emotional Intelligence
    2025/11/27
    Episode 222 Released November 27, 2025 Audio Quality Note Please note: Due to technical difficulties with the host's microphone during recording, Sue's audio quality is below our usual standard. We've chosen to release this episode despite these challenges because the conversation offers valuable insights that we believe are too important to delay. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Episode Overview In this conversation, Swedish-born CEO and leadership coach Andreas Pettersson shares his transformative approach to leadership that prioritizes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and sustainable success over relentless hustle culture. Drawing from his experience leading tech companies to successful exits and his work coaching executives across the globe, Andreas challenges conventional wisdom about what it takes to be an effective leader in today's business environment. Key Topics Discussed Work-Life Harmony vs. Work-Life Balance Why the traditional 9-to-5 model no longer reflects modern work realityThe concept of "work-life harmony" and flowing in and out of work naturallyBreaking free from guilt about checking emails after hoursCompartmentalizing effectively to reduce stress Cultural Perspectives on Leadership Differences between European and American work culturesWhy Europeans often achieve more in fewer hoursThe role of social safety nets in reducing fear-based motivationAdapting leadership styles across different cultural contexts From Fear-Based to Abundance Mindset Moving beyond the "insecure overachiever" mentalityWhy imposter syndrome might be the wrong labelThe importance of recognizing your daily achievementsBuilding genuine confidence through self-awareness The Power of Emotional Intelligence Why growing people creates growing organizationsUnderstanding your inner child's influence on leadership decisionsThe role of vulnerability as a leadership strengthDeveloping curiosity about your own behavioral patterns Sustainable High Performance Setting realistic daily expectations based on your unique strengthsThe practice of journaling wins to build momentumWhy working harder isn't the same as working effectivelyRecognizing when you've "crushed it" and celebrating those moments Key Insights "If you're not growing your people, you are not going to grow your organization." "I think so many people let that insecure part be the narrative of who they were as a child. Instead, when you recognize that's what you're doing to yourself, you can change it." "Vulnerability is a power. Once you can admit these things and you can talk about them, you are able to control yourself." "It's not about the number of hours you put in. Europeans are more effective—it's a little bit less fluff and a little bit more 'let's get shit done.'" About Andreas Pettersson Andreas is a Swedish entrepreneur and leadership coach based in California. After a successful career as a tech CEO, including a lucrative exit where he was asked to stay on for two years, Andreas chose to follow his passion for developing other leaders. Through his company, Leaders Adapt, he works with entrepreneurs and executives to help them build the emotional intelligence and self-awareness needed to lead effectively without burning out. Andreas's approach combines his international business experience across Europe, Asia, and the United States with deep personal work on overcoming fear-based leadership patterns. His mission is to help leaders transition from insecure overachievers to confident, emotionally intelligent executives who achieve sustainable success. Connect with Andreas Pettersson Instagram: @andreas.the.ceo (Andreas personally responds to all messages) Website: Leaders Adapt LinkedIn: Andreas Pettersson Andreas welcomes questions and often responds with personalized voice memos. He also publishes leadership insights and solutions to common executive challenges on his blog. Coming Soon from Andreas Andreas is developing free leadership kcourses based on his 12 core leadership principles, which is available on YouTube . These courses address the most common patterns and challenges he encounters when working with executives. Takeaways for Business Executives Reframe your definition of productivity – Focus on delivering your unique value rather than maximizing hours worked Develop your emotional intelligence – True leadership effectiveness comes from understanding yourself and adapting to others Identify your inner narratives – Recognize when childhood conditioning or others' voices are driving your decisions Celebrate your wins daily – Build momentum and confidence by acknowledging when you've "crushed it" Embrace work-life harmony – Stop feeling guilty about natural work flow and focus on compartmentalizing effectively Get curious about yourself – Self-awareness and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses Shift from fear to abundance – Let your achievements build confidence ...
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    36 分
  • Turning Adversity Into Leadership – with Ted Santos

    Turning Adversity Into Leadership – with Ted Santos
    2025/11/13
    Episode 221 Released November 13, 2025 Guest: Ted Santos, Business Strategist and Founder of Turnaround Investment Partners ----- In this episode, I sat down with Ted Santos, a business strategist who has pioneered a disruptive leadership model that challenges how executives think about change, adversity, and organisational transformation. Ted's approach isn't just theoretical – it's forged from personal experience that would break most people. The Power of Early Adversity Ted's story begins with tragedy. At just 21, he lost his mother and found himself responsible for his younger siblings. What could have been paralysing became transformative. As we explored in our conversation, the resilience, problem-solving abilities, and capacity to navigate chaos that he developed during those formative years became the foundation for his unique approach to business transformation. What struck me most was Ted's insight that these skills didn't emerge at 21 – they'd been building since he was six years old. This revelation opens up fascinating questions about how early challenges shape our leadership capabilities and our ability to thrive in disruption. Uncovering Blind Spots At the heart of Ted's methodology is identifying blind spots – those limiting beliefs and mental barriers that organisations don't even know they have. He shared a compelling example: before Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1956, it was considered humanly impossible. Today, a 15-year-old in New Zealand has achieved it. The barrier wasn't physical; it was perceptual. This principle applies directly to business. Ted's work with Turnaround Investment Partners focuses on helping organisations recognise where they've unconsciously set limits. When a sales team insists they "can't sell to CEOs" or when leadership assumes certain transformations are impossible, these aren't facts – they're unexamined beliefs masquerading as reality. The Business Case for Personal Wellbeing One unexpected revelation in our conversation was about workplace productivity and divorce. Ted explained that organisations lose £300 billion annually in productivity when employees navigate divorce, with individual productivity dropping 50-75%. I found this particularly resonant, having experienced it myself – missing opportunities because I simply didn't have the bandwidth to respond. This connection led us to discuss Ted's book, *Here's Why You Can't Find Love*. Whilst it might seem tangential to business strategy, it addresses a critical blind spot: organisations can't afford to ignore the personal challenges their people face. These challenges directly impact performance, innovation, and growth. The Role of Leadership in Transformation Drawing on the principles of Edward Deming, Ted emphasised that meaningful organisational change must begin at the top. Deming famously refused to work with companies whose CEOs wouldn't personally engage in the transformation process. Ted applies this same rigour. The logic is compelling: if leadership harbours blind spots about what's possible, if they misdiagnose problems (blaming the sales team when the issue lies in strategic perception), then no amount of intervention at lower levels will create lasting change. Transformation requires leaders who are willing to examine their own limiting beliefs first. Chaos as Catalyst Perhaps the most counterintuitive aspect of Ted's approach is his relationship with chaos. Whilst most consultants promise to solve problems, Ted jokes that he creates them. This isn't flippancy – it's recognition that disruption, properly managed, brings out the best in people and organisations. As Ted noted, the entire universe emerged from the chaos of the Big Bang. Chaos isn't the end of possibility; it's often the beginning. The question isn't whether your organisation will face disruption, but whether you've developed the mental frameworks, emotional resilience, and cultural accountability t o transform it into opportunity. Practical Takeaways for Executives For busy executives, Ted's message is clear: your perceived limitations are often more constraining than actual reality. Whether you're facing market disruption, organisational change, or personal challenges, the pathway forward begins with identifying your blind spots and reframing what you believe is possible. This isn't about positive thinking – it's about neuroplasticity, intentional perspective shifts, and building cultures of accountability and calculated risk-taking. ----- **Connect with Ted Santos:** - Email: tsantos@turnaroundip.com - LinkedIn: Ted Santos - Book: *Here's Why You Can't Find Love* (available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble)
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    37 分
  • Building Your Resilience Plan – with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier

    Building Your Resilience Plan – with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier
    2025/10/30
    Episode 220 Released 2025-10-30 Building Your Resilience Plan with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier Guest: Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, Workplace Mental Health Expert, Psychologist, and Speaker If you're a busy, I suspect you've already spotted yourself in this scenario: demands are increasing, deadlines are looming, and your natural response is to lean in harder, work longer hours, and push through with the same tools that have got you here. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier to unpack why this instinct—whilst understandable—is precisely what leads high-performing professionals straight to burnout. And more importantly, we explore what you might do instead. The Dangerous Pattern Every Executive Should Recognise Here's an uncomfortable truth that Marie-Hélène lays out with refreshing clarity: successful professionals are fabulous at what they do, and that's precisely why they're at risk. You've built your career on handling demanding hours, exceeding expectations, and pushing through challenges. But here's what's happening behind the scenes that you might not realise. When demands increase, we systematically make two critical errors in judgement. First, we underestimate the size and depth of those demands. That project you think will take half an hour? Three hours later, you're still at it. We minimise the scope, underestimate the likelihood that other demands will pile on simultaneously, and fundamentally misjudge what's ahead. Second, and this is where it gets really interesting, we overestimate our supply. We overestimate how much energy we have, how much time is available, and how much capacity we're working with. Put these two biases together—underestimating demand while overestimating supply—and of course you're going to put your head down and just power through. In your mind, you can handle it. But the math doesn't work out that way in reality. The One-Minute Solution You Can Start Today Marie-Hélène offers a practical starting point that bypasses the usual resistance executives have to "stepping back." She knows what you're thinking: "I haven't got time to step back for half an hour and think about this strategically. I need to get it done now." So here's her challenge: take one minute. Literally, set a timer on your phone for 60 seconds and allow yourself to step back. What often happens in that single minute is you realize, "Oh, I actually should step back for five minutes, and now I understand why it's worth making that time." That brief pause gives you enough visibility to see the benefit of proper planning, and suddenly the investment makes sense. Think about it this way: you'd never tell someone to handle a major work situation with only 10% visibility. You'd demand full information before making decisions. Yet when it comes to your own workload and capacity, you're operating on minimal visibility, making assumptions, and hoping it works out. It's time to dial up that visibility from a one out of ten to a ten out of ten. Why You Keep Doing It Yourself (And Why That Needs to Change) There's another pattern Marie-Hélène and I identify that hits close to home for many executives. You love action. You take quick ownership. You have genuine accountability. And you've spent years building deep expertise that makes you incredibly capable. But here's the catch: doing it yourself was the premise behind how you got to where you are. In your earlier career, your success was built on personal execution, on being the one who could handle it all. As you've moved into leadership, that instinct hasn't fully shifted. So when something needs to be done, your first thought is still, "I'll just do it myself. It'll be faster, better, done right." This isn't stupidity—it's a skill that hasn't evolved with your role. And while you know intellectually that you should be delegating and empowering your team, in the moment, when pressure hits, you default to what you know: doing it yourself. Marie-Hélène points out that this creates a rather interesting paradox. As a leader, you know it's not good leadership to take everything on yourself. But your brain is protecting you because it sees the consequence of delegation: it takes time to explain, to teach, to hand over, and to manage the risk that it might not be done as well. In high-pressure moments, your brain calculates that doing it yourself is the lower-risk option. Understanding this mechanism is the first step to changing it. The Project Manager Mindset: A Useful Reframe Here's a practical reframe that can transform how you approach overwhelming workloads. Put on your project manager hat. Most executives have worked with project managers and, as Marie-Hélène says, "Thank God for project managers!" They're the ones keeping everyone on track. What would a project manager do if you brought them this "simple half-hour task" you're about to dive into? They'd sit you down and say, "Wait a second. ...
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    32 分
  • Mastering Salary Negotiation with John Gates

    Mastering Salary Negotiation with John Gates
    2025/10/15
    Episode 219

    Released 2025-10-16

    Guest: John Gates, Founder of Salary Coach

    Episode Summary

    I sit down with veteran recruiter John Gates, who shares over 30 years of insider knowledge on salary negotiation. With 75,000+ job offers under his belt, John reveals why 80% of people don't negotiate at all—and how much money they're leaving on the table. This episode is packed with practical techniques you can use immediately to maximize your compensation.

    Key Takeaways

    Why People Don't Negotiate

    • Fear of losing the opportunity trumps everything else
    • Most people lowball themselves at the first pay discussion
    • The fear multiplies 10x when the actual offer arrives

    The Three Options When Asked About Salary

    1. Give a number (usually a mistake)
    2. Refuse to answer (risky—you might get bounced)
    3. Use a range (the smart play)

    Secret Techniques Revealed

    • Turn the question around: "What's your budget for the position?"
    • Master the 8-10 second silence after asking
    • Use overlapping ranges to avoid painting yourself into a corner
    • Remember: Their "top" number is never really the top

    The Current Job Market Reality

    • White-collar recession hitting hard in the US
    • Unprecedented layoffs combined with AI emergence
    • Resume gaps are creating unfair bias against talented candidates
    • Employers missing opportunities with loyal, hungry talent
    Memorable Quotes from John:

    "I set a goal to cover my annual salary every month in negotiation savings with candidates. I hit that goal most of the time."

    "If you said 'I want £200,000,' they're going to offer you £200,000. What if they could have offered you £240,000? You just left £40,000 on the table."

    "A great negotiation should be a collaboration that improves your relationships on the way in instead of damaging them."

    Resources

    Book: Act Your Wage and How to Get It by John Gates (available on Amazon)

    Connect with John: Linkedin

    The Executive Edge: Practical skills you can apply to achieve and maintain success in life and business.
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    41 分
  • Grasping Confidence with Tara Lafon Gooch

    Grasping Confidence with Tara Lafon Gooch
    2025/10/01
    Episode 218 Released 2025-10-02 Episode Overview

    In this episode of The Executive Edge, host Sue Firth sits down with confidence coach and entrepreneur Tara Lafon Gooch to discuss building authentic confidence, personal branding, and the transformative power of gratitude. Tara shares her journey from corporate burnout to becoming a TEDx speaker, author, and CEO, offering practical strategies for anyone looking to step into their power and purpose.

    Key Topics Discussed

    From Corporate Success to Personal Fulfillment

    • Tara's 2022 turning point as a corporate sales director
    • The difference between external success and internal fulfillment
    • Recognizing when it's time for transformation

    The Foundation of Confidence

    • How childhood experiences shape our confidence levels
    • The seed analogy: understanding your inherent purpose and potential
    • Why external validation isn't enough for lasting confidence

    The GRASP Method

    • Gratitude: Rewiring your brain and taking control of your internal environment
    • Responsibility: Developing an ownership mentality
    • Action: Moving from theory to application
    • Sight: The power of visualization and seeing your future self
    • Purpose: Aligning with your natural strengths and fulfillment

    Building Your Personal Brand

    • Overcoming the fear of visibility and judgment
    • Why consistency matters more than perfection
    • The "one moonshot a day" philosophy

    The TEDx Journey

    • Landing a TEDx talk before publishing her book
    • Choosing ideas with global resonance
    • How TEDx became a launching pad for bigger opportunities
    Practical Takeaways
    • Start and end each day with gratitude to bookend your life in thankful acknowledgment
    • Use "ninja mindset moves" to interrupt negative thought patterns
    • Take one daring action every single day (365 moonshots = guaranteed results)
    • Control your internal environment first when external circumstances feel overwhelming
    • Remember: You can't be what you can't see—visualization is essential
    Key Quotes

    "Without that contrast of darkness, it can be hard to appreciate and have perspective," - Tara

    "If I was to give you 10 million today but you're not going to wake up tomorrow, you don't care so much about 10 million. Every single day you wake up, you won the lottery." - Tara

    "An ounce of doing is worth more than a pound of theorizing." - Wallace D. Wattles

    "You can't be what you can't see." - Marian Wright Edelman

    "You don't need anybody else; you just need you. You have all the tools and purpose within you already." - Tara

    About Tara Lafong Gooch

    Tara is a confidence coach, TEDx speaker, author, and CEO of Best Branding Solutions. She helps authors, speakers, and thought leaders build their personal brands through coaching, podcasting, and speaking engagements. Her upcoming book focuses on confidence in leadership, applying the GRASP method to team development.

    Connect with Tara
    • Website: TaraLaFonGooch.com
    • LinkedIn: Available for connection (self-proclaimed frequent user!)
    • Social Media: YouTube, Facebook
    • Company: Best Branding Solutions
    Resources Mentioned
    • TEDx Nottingham talk on confidence and gratitude
    • Book: How to deliver and market a TEDx talk
    • Upcoming book: Confidence in Leadership (using the GRASP method)
    • The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles (1910)

    The Executive Edge provides practical skills you can apply to achieve and maintain success in life and business.
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    34 分
  • From Trauma to Triumph: Building Multiple Successful Businesses

    From Trauma to Triumph: Building Multiple Successful Businesses
    2025/09/17
    Episode 217 Released September 18, 2025 Guest: Jose Berlanga - From Trauma to Triumph: Building Multiple Successful Businesses Website: https://joseberlanga.com Episode Overview In this episode, Sue Firth interviews Jose Berlanga, a Houston-based entrepreneur who has built success across multiple industries despite facing significant early-life challenges. From overcoming severe childhood trauma to creating thriving businesses in real estate, construction, food service, and petrochemicals, Jose shares his unique perspective on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the art of building successful partnerships. Key Topics Discussed Overcoming Early Challenges Childhood trauma and severe burns that shaped Jose's resilient mindsetLearning difficulties including ADD, dyslexia, and anxietyHow Jose transformed perceived weaknesses into entrepreneurial strengthsThe power of looking beyond immediate problems toward solutions The Entrepreneurship Mindset Why Jose considers himself a "deal maker" rather than an inventorThe importance of understanding your role in the business worldBuilding reputation through accountability and hard workThe difference between dreaming about success and taking action Business Strategy & Partnership Why partnerships are crucial in today's fast-paced business environmentThe art of assembling teams with complementary skillsHow Jose attracted partners by establishing credibility early onBuilding "much bigger companies" through strategic collaboration Key Success Principles Diversified Skill Requirements: Modern executives need knowledge across sales, marketing, legal, finance, distribution, and psychologyTime Management: Treating different business departments like children who need equal attentionAvoiding Common Pitfalls: The danger of focusing only on areas you're good at while neglecting othersPurpose Over Profit: Why passion and mission matter more than financial motivation alone Learning from Failure Jose's honest discussion about multiple business failuresWhy success requires perfect alignment of many factors (timing, team, market, concept)The critical importance of understanding your "why" in any ventureHow lack of passion and purpose leads to failure Current Projects & Future Vision Transitioning from day-to-day operations to mentorship and writingPublished Work: "The Business of Home Building" (available now)Upcoming Release: "Dirt Rich" (launching soon)In Progress: "Quantum Entrepreneurship" (expected later this year) Notable Quotes from Jose "I'm a proponent of turning bad things into opportunities." "You cannot teach people to want things... you cannot convince someone to become ambitious; that has to come from you." "Success means that a lot of things had to align and all these stars had to work together in harmony." "Most of my failures in my career were due to my lack of understanding why I was doing what I was doing." "Life is a mathematical problem, an ongoing equation where it never ends, and it shouldn't end." Key Takeaways for Listeners Identify Your Business Role: Understand whether you're an inventor, technician, financial expert, or team builderEmbrace Strategic Partnerships: Success is rarely a solo journey in today's business environmentBalance Multiple Priorities: Give equal attention to all business areas, not just your strengthsLead with Purpose: Passion and mission must drive business decisions, with profit as a natural consequenceView Failure as Education: Every setback provides valuable lessons for future successNever Stop Reinventing: Continuous learning and growth are essential throughout your career Resources Mentioned Books by Jose Berlanga: "The Business of Home Building" (Available now)"Dirt Rich" (Coming soon)"Quantum Entrepreneurship" (In development) Guest Website: https://joseberlanga.com Connect with The Executive Edge For more episodes featuring practical business skills and inspiring success stories, subscribe to The Executive Edge with Sue Firth. Note: Jose Berlanga will return later this year to discuss his upcoming book "Quantum Entrepreneurship" in greater detail.
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    36 分
  • Mastering Strategic Change with Dan Roberts

    Mastering Strategic Change with Dan Roberts
    2025/09/03
    Released September 4, 2025 | Episode 216 Episode Summary

    In this episode of The Executive Edge, host Sue Firth sits down with leadership and strategic change advisor Dan Roberts to explore the critical human element of organizational transformation. Drawing from extensive experience in change management and organizational development, Dan shares practical strategies for helping companies navigate change successfully while maintaining team engagement and momentum.

    Guest Bio

    Dan Roberts is a leadership and strategic change advisor with a background in behavioral psychology and business. His career has focused on helping companies achieve genuine growth through effective change management. Dan is the founder of Impactful Performance and author of "Optimize Your Leadership: An Impactful and Healthy Way to Lead in the New Age."

    Key Takeaways The Foundation of Successful Change
    • Change management is fundamentally about the people side of change, not just technology and processes
    • Companies often know what they want to achieve but struggle with how to get there
    • Success requires asking the right questions rather than having all the answers
    The "Slow Down to Speed Up" Principle
    • Organizations need to be intentional and strategic about change implementation
    • Creating a structured plan and process optimizes conditions for success
    • Avoiding the rush to implement prevents setting up for failure
    Essential Elements of Change Management
    1. Clear Communication: Explain the "why" behind changes, not just the "what"
    2. Resource Assessment: Ensure people, processes, and technology are in place
    3. Risk Management: Identify barriers and resistance points early
    4. Roadmap Creation: Develop step-by-step plans people can understand
    5. Training & Support: Provide adequate preparation and ongoing assistance
    Making Change Less Scary
    • Connect changes to existing pain points that employees recognize
    • Frame changes to show "what's in it for them" (WIIFM)
    • Use peer-to-peer champions rather than top-down mandates
    • Introduce changes in digestible, bite-sized chunks
    • Pilot programs can help problem-solve before full rollout
    Leadership in Uncertain Times
    • Focus on what you can control vs. the macro environment
    • Create a calm, even-keeled leadership presence amid chaos
    • Use the "win the day" approach: plan the work, work the plan
    • Think in project-based cycles rather than rigid long-term plans
    • Maintain focus on immediate, actionable steps while keeping the vision clear
    The Power of Language
    • How you phrase messages determines how they're received
    • Use softer language (e.g., "fluid" instead of "volatile")
    • Ensure consistent messaging across all leadership
    • Balance transparency with avoiding unnecessary alarm
    Memorable Quotes
    • "It's not about having the answers. It's are we asking the right questions?"
    • "You have to slow down to speed up"
    • "Plan the work, work the plan, don't plan the results"
    • "Looking too far in the future is anxiety, and looking in the past is depression"
    Action Items for Leaders
    • Conduct strategic planning sessions focused on your unit's value to the organization
    • Develop clear, consistent talking points for all leaders to use
    • Identify and empower peer champions within teams
    • Break large changes into manageable monthly and quarterly goals
    • Focus on "winning the day" rather than obsessing over long-term outcomes
    Resources Mentioned
    • Website: impactfulperformance.com
    • Book: "Optimize Your Leadership: An Impactful and Healthy Way to Lead in the New Age" (available on Amazon)
    • LinkedIn: Dan Roberts
    Final Thoughts

    Change is inevitable in today's business environment, but with the right approach focused on people, clear communication, and manageable implementation, organizations can navigate transformation successfully. The key is remembering that while you can't control the macro environment, you can control how your team responds to and moves through change.

    The Executive Edge with Sue Firth provides practical skills for success in life and business. Subscribe on all major podcast platforms for more insights from leading experts.
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    41 分
  • From Goldman to Growth: Strategic Partnerships, AI Adoption, and Building Exit-Ready Businesses: A conversation with Candice Elsmore

    From Goldman to Growth: Strategic Partnerships, AI Adoption, and Building Exit-Ready Businesses: A conversation with Candice Elsmore
    2025/07/24
    Episode 215 Released July 24, 2025 Interview with Candice Elsmore - Former Investment Banker turned COO, Strategic Partnerships Expert Guest Background Candice Elsmore brings extensive international experience across four continents: South African origins: Grew up in JohannesburgEducation: London Business School, Wharton (US)Career progression: Investment banker at Goldman Sachs → COO roles → Strategic partnerships in tech/fintechCurrent location: Middle East (UAE)Specialization: Working with startups, blockchain companies, and financial disruption technologies Key Discussion Topics Investment Banking Insights Top criteria banks consider for business investment: Financial fundamentals - Numbers remain paramountStrategic value - How the acquisition enhances existing businessGeographic/product synergies - Complementary capabilities or market accessOperational improvement potential - Ability to enhance cash flowsFuture impact assessment - Particularly relevant for emerging technologies like AI Strategic Partnerships: Two Main Categories Capability Building - Acquiring specific technology or skills to grow market shareDistribution Access - Gaining connectivity to end users and new markets Note: Strategic partnerships are particularly prevalent in fintech, where businesses need multiple channels but acquiring many companies isn't feasible. Preparing Your Business for Sale Critical considerations for business owners: Customer diversification - Avoid concentration risk with only 1-2 major clientsScalable processes - Build systems that don't depend solely on the founderTalent and structure - Ensure the business can operate without daily founder involvementMultiple stakeholder perspective - Consider how buyers will evaluate customers, products, and talent Key insight: Buyers examine businesses from multiple angles - owners should proactively address potential blind spots. Future Trends & AI Adoption Practical AI recommendations: Start using AI tools daily - ChatGPT, Claude (Anthropic), PerplexityBegin with simple tasks - Letter writing, routine work (without sensitive information)Build confidence gradually - Let AI learn your style and preferencesStrategic applications - Use for skill assessment, strategic thinking supportExpect 60-70% accuracy - Sufficient for overcoming writer's block and idea generation Why change is difficult: Human "caveman brain" associates change with dangerEvolution hasn't caught up with modern business needsSmall daily interactions (5-10 minutes) help build comfort Managing Executive Pressure Essential strategies for high-stakes decision making: Diversify your identity - Don't tie self-worth solely to career successDevelop multiple outlets - Family, sports, faith, hobbiesBuild habits over time - Can't create reserves during crisis momentsNon-negotiable personal time - 20-30 minutes daily for balance and controlAccept the reality - Senior roles come with unique stress and responsibility Example: Many Goldman Sachs executives were marathon runners - long runs provide head-clearing, fresh air, exercise, and endorphins. Navigating Workplace Diversity Challenges Practical approaches: Ask questions - Stay curious rather than defensive when facing biasProfessional boundaries - Know when to stand your ground appropriatelyDevelop diplomacy skills - Critical for senior diverse leadersStay calm and assertive - Avoid fight-or-flight responsesGround yourself - Leverage other life aspects during difficult situations Regional Expansion: Middle East Focus Candice's new initiative: Developing a private women's network in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)Initial focus: UAE and Saudi ArabiaAddressing gap in professional women's networking in the regionDrawing from successful UK experience with women's network "CHIEF" Special Offer Candice is offering free 15-minute consultations to three fintech professionals from the podcast audience. Topics covered: Capital raising timing and strategyBusiness scaling and go-to-market approachesGeographic expansion decisionsFundraising and dilution considerationsStrategic partnership alignment Key Takeaways Numbers drive investment decisions, but strategic value and future potential are equally importantStrategic partnerships are essential in tech/fintech for capability building and market accessBusiness preparation for sale requires addressing customer concentration, operational dependencies, and structural weaknessesAI adoption should start small and build daily habits rather than wholesale transformationExecutive resilience requires diverse identity, consistent personal practices, and strong support systemsWorkplace navigation for diverse leaders demands curiosity, diplomacy, and professional boundariesChange is the only constant - adaptability across markets and cultures is essential for success About The Executive Edge The Executive Edge provides practical skills for achieving and maintaining success in life and business. Available on all major podcast ...
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    35 分