Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization

Sandy Ogg
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Careers
  • Twice a week

Think about the worst job you've ever had. What made it so? How did you feel about yourself and your abilities while you were stuck in that awful position? Welcome to Sandy on Talent, where we discuss the unfortunate reality of good talent going to waste and uncover how business leaders can unlock hidden potential in themselves and others to achieve personal and organizational growth. Join Sandy and his renowned guests for insightful and honest discussions on executive leadership, talent optimization, and entrepreneurial success. Now think of the best job you've ever had. It felt entirely different, didn't it? Our mission is to help everyone find fulfillment, dignity, and success in their jobs. We call that magical union "click" —the moment talent perfectly aligns with their role, connecting abilities and superpowers to tangible value, and everyone wins. Whether you're a CEO, business executive, ambitious employee, or an entrepreneur, our insights are tailored to provide actionable strategies for harnessing potential and driving organizational success. Host Sandy Ogg brings over three decades of experience as a CEO advisor, talent expert, and entrepreneur. He founded CEO.works and has served as an operating partner at Blackstone Group and as CHRO of Unilever. Throughout his career, Sandy has collaborated with top global business leaders, gaining insights into the consistent practices that drive value for stakeholders. He leverages this knowledge to develop talent-focused tools to help leaders and organizations thrive in today's economic environment. On our podcast, Sandy and his guests will tackle one of the top issues highlighted in every CEO annual survey: the persistent shortage of talent where it's needed most. Through thought-provoking conversations, they will address burning questions like "How do we hire the best people?" "Is the organization talented enough?" "Is the hierarchy dying or already dead?" And, "Why do transformations fail?" If you're ready to transform your approach to leadership and talent, join us for Sandy on Talent, where we ignite the spark that propels individuals and organizations toward excellence.

  1. 12 hr ago

    050: Why Talent Isn't Enough: The Hidden Factors Behind CEO Success with Sanyin Siang

    Why do highly talented leaders sometimes struggle to succeed? Sandy and executive coach and Duke professor Sanyin Siang explore how fit — not talent alone — shapes fulfillment and performance. Sanyin shares three defining moments: immigrating from Taiwan at seven, losing her academic scholarship, and stepping beyond her comfort zone into leadership work that revealed her strength as a connector.  Their conversation examines trust and integrity, including the importance of self-awareness, candid feedback, and telling difficult truths with care. They also consider what makes work energizing, how unclear expectations and unsupportive management can erode even a meaningful role, and why leaders should assess the work, the boss, the team, and the conditions for success — not just the title.  Listeners will leave with a richer framework for matching strengths to context, building trust, and pursuing impact over status. In this episode, you will hear: Belonging, assumptions, and adapting across cultures Learning from failure and asking for support Trust, integrity, self-awareness, and candid feedback How talent, work, and role conditions combine to shape success Finding agency, energy, and purpose in a role Building self-awareness and resilience through good relationships Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

    050: Why Talent Isn't Enough: The Hidden Factors Behind CEO Success with Sanyin Siang

  2. 15 Oct

    049: REPLAY: Transformative Journeys in Private Equity: Jean Salata's Path to Leadership and Impact

    Jean Salata, chairman of EQT Asia, shares his extraordinary journey in the world of private equity, offering invaluable insights into his career and personal philosophy. From transforming Baring Private Equity Asia into an independent powerhouse and merging it with EQT to becoming a titan in the financial world with a heart for philanthropy, Jean's story is one of vision and impact. Through our conversation, his family's immigrant experience shines through, showing how it shaped his commitment to sustainability, education, and the arts. The episode takes you on a ride through the unpredictable world of finance, recounting a pivotal moment in 1989 when the vibrant streets of Hong Kong opened a world of opportunities. Discover how Jean's career was shaped by momentous events like the collapse of Barings Bank, which catapulted him into launching a private equity business that grew beyond expectation. His story is a testament to being in the right place at the right time and having the courage to embrace uncertainty for exponential growth, particularly within the bustling Asian Markets. In this episode, you will hear: Jean Salata's transformative journey in private equity, highlighting his role in Baring Private Equity Asia's merger with EQT. The impact of cultural alignment on mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the integration of BPEA and EQT. Lessons from Jean's immigrant family history and its influence on his commitment to sustainability and philanthropy. The importance of risk-taking and seizing opportunities, exemplified by pivotal moments like the collapse of Barings Bank. Building successful organizations through integrity, values, and effective communication. The concept of finding a career that ignites passion, akin to a "nuclear reaction," for personal and professional fulfillment. Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    049: REPLAY: Transformative Journeys in Private Equity: Jean Salata's Path to Leadership and Impact

  3. 1 Oct

    048: Turning a Side Passion into a Full-Time Career with Dennis Long

    Stuck between a "good enough" job and the work you're actually meant to do? We sit down with longtime player, coach, and Mystic Schooners owner and GM Dennis Long to unpack how he found his click and built a life around the game he loves. We follow his journey from UConn scholar-athlete to pro baseball, then through procurement and banking, and finally into full-time coaching and entrepreneurship. Dennis shares how 30,000-plus pitching lessons, a master's in sports psychology, and decades in summer collegiate baseball shaped his philosophy. We explore the "scholar athlete" as a national treasure, what great coaching and leadership actually look like, and why your work should feel less like labor and more like helping people get better. Listeners will learn practical ways to evaluate their own fit and move closer to their version of click. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from corporate roles in procurement and banking into full-time coaching Building a pitching-instruction business from a few lessons to a lasting brand The scholar-athlete as a "national treasure" and what they uniquely learn How the right fit between talent, work, and role creates your "click" The mental side of baseball, confidence, and life lessons from sport Coaching, mentorship, and caring about players beyond their statistics Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

    048: Turning a Side Passion into a Full-Time Career with Dennis Long

  4. 17 Sept

    047: REPLAY: Transforming Global Education: Leadership Insights with Nord Anglia CEO Andrew Fitzmaurice

    Step into the world of international education with Andrew Fitzmaurice, the dynamic CEO of Nord Anglia Education, whose strategic vision has taken the organization from four schools to an impressive global network of 89 institutions. Andrew shares his unique insights into how his varied career experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing commercial success with the well-being of students, teachers, and principals. This episode also explores Andrew's role as chairman of IMG Academy, where the synergy between Nord Anglia and this premier sports education brand is brought to light, illustrating the power of collaboration in the educational sector. Our discussion extends into personal career paths, reflecting on the pivotal role of family influence, education, and resilience in shaping one's professional journey. We share experiences from the trenches of the early job market, highlighting the challenges and unexpected opportunities that ultimately lead to a fulfilling career. Through an engaging Formula One analogy, the conversation uncovers the essentials of effective leadership, underscoring how precision, resource optimization, and leveraging individual strengths drive organizational success. In this episode, you will hear: Leadership insights from Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO of Nord Anglia Education Expansion journey from 4 to 89 schools globally Balancing commercial success with educational excellence Synergy between Nord Anglia and IMG Academy Personal career reflections and early job market challenges Navigating educational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic Resources from this Episode https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/  Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    047: REPLAY: Transforming Global Education: Leadership Insights with Nord Anglia CEO Andrew Fitzmaurice

  5. 3 Sept

    046: Finding Your Click: Sean Plankey on Purpose, Persistence, and Career Growth

    What does it take to find work that truly fits? Sandy sits down with friend and defense technology leader Sean Plankey to explore the persistence, self-awareness, and purposeful decision-making behind a meaningful career. Sandy and Sean discuss why finishing what you start, betting on yourself, and seeking work with a clear mission can shape a career. Sean shares candid lessons from a poorly structured startup role, where lack of integrity and resources made success impossible, and contrasts that experience with leading transformation efforts at the U.S. Coast Guard. We learn why strong leaders distinguish between meaningful change and unnecessary tradition, invest in people and tools, and build teams intentionally. Listeners will gain practical guidance for finding their "click" by evaluating a role's purpose, authority, resources, culture, and alignment with their strengths. In this episode, you will hear: Persistence through academic challenges and Sean's path to the Coast Guard Academy and Penn Cybersecurity leadership, military service, and deployment to Afghanistan Moving from military service into technology, startups, and purpose-driven work Transforming the U.S. Coast Guard through investment, modernization, and team empowerment Lessons from a startup role marked by misalignment, limited resources, and integrity concerns Finding your "click" through diligence, team fit, meaningful work, and clear role expectations Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

    046: Finding Your Click: Sean Plankey on Purpose, Persistence, and Career Growth

  6. 20 Aug

    045: Inside CURVE Sports' Vision to Build 30 Youth Baseball Super Clubs Across America

    Listeners get something special here! We're sharing a conversation Sandy had as a guest on the Buying Sandlot podcast, and they were kind enough to let us bring it to you because the discussion is so rich and informative.  In this episode, Sandy shares how he plans to build 30 youth baseball "super clubs" across the country by partnering with local leaders rather than buying them out. He breaks down why CURVE is betting on "train more, play local," how capital and better operations can actually reduce travel and open doors for more families, and why the scholar-athlete is a national treasure.  Sandy also connects youth sports to education through his work with Nord Anglia Education, IMG Academy, and Prometric, sharing how verified testing, better coaching, and local academies can reshape player development, family life, and long-term opportunities for kids. We hope you enjoy this conversation! In this episode, you will hear: How CURVE Sports is building 30 youth baseball and softball super clubs across the U.S. Partnership model with club owners instead of traditional buyouts "Train more, play local" as an alternative to heavy travel and showcase culture The scholar athlete as a "national treasure" and the link between sports and education Lessons from Nord Anglia Education and IMG Academy applied to youth sports Using verified testing and data to measure development for players, parents, and college recruiters Making youth sports more sustainable for families through capital, coaching, and local academies Resources from this Episode https://www.buyingsandlot.com/t/podcast  Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

    045: Inside CURVE Sports' Vision to Build 30 Youth Baseball Super Clubs Across America

  7. 6 Aug

    044: Balancing Ambition with Empathy: Leadership Lessons from GameChanger's President, Sameer Ahuja

    Finding work that truly "clicks" is at the heart of this conversation with Sameer Ahuja, President of GameChanger and Senior Vice President at Dick's Sporting Goods. We explore how his father's refugee story, relentless work ethic, and quiet sacrifices shaped Sameer's drive to build organizations where people are treated with dignity and respect. We walk through his path from consulting and banking to serial entrepreneurship and, ultimately, leading GameChanger inside a large public company. Sameer explains how he developed his leadership philosophy: balancing ambition with empathy, bringing clarity to complex situations, and building teams that can do their best work. In this episode, we break down why many CEOs fail despite strong résumés: the odds depend not just on talent, but also on the work to be done and how the role and boss framework are designed. We also discuss ideas like "think bigger, start smaller, move faster" and how to shape your role so you can play free, increase your chances of success, and feel genuinely happy in your work. In this episode, you will hear: Sameer's upbringing as the son of Indian refugees and how his father's sacrifices shaped his ambition Leadership philosophy of balancing ambition with empathy and bringing clarity to complexity Why clarity around vision, strategy, and priorities is essential as teams and revenue scale How the "boss framework," role design, and actual work affect a leader's real odds of success Finding your personal "click" at work through happiness, contentment, and creating the right conditions to play free Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

    044: Balancing Ambition with Empathy: Leadership Lessons from GameChanger's President, Sameer Ahuja

  8. 23 Jul

    043: What It Takes to Lead as a CEO Today with Dr. Mark C. Thompson

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark C. Thompson, founding CEO and chairman of the Chief Executive Alliance, to explore how growing up amid the space race and tech booms shaped his obsession with pace, reinvention, and value creation. He shares stories from working alongside Charles Schwab, witnessing the birth of online trading, and brushing up against legends like Steve Jobs and Richard Branson. We discuss the difference between skills and agency, why even the most talented leaders fail when they lack true decision-making power, and how boards often overlook what it actually takes for a CEO to succeed after the succession process is done. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of CEO readiness, the realities of scaling at speed, and how to think about their own career through the lenses of entrepreneurship, operating excellence, and ownership mindset. In this episode, you will hear: Stories and lessons from encounters with Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and other iconic leaders The difference between skills and agency for leaders and CEOs What it really means to be CEO ready and "qualify twice" for the role The constant need for reinvention, scaling at speed, and productive paranoia Finding purpose, impact, and the best job fit across entrepreneur, operator, investor, and coach roles Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

    043: What It Takes to Lead as a CEO Today with Dr. Mark C. Thompson
See All (51)

Trailer

About

Think about the worst job you've ever had. What made it so? How did you feel about yourself and your abilities while you were stuck in that awful position? Welcome to Sandy on Talent, where we discuss the unfortunate reality of good talent going to waste and uncover how business leaders can unlock hidden potential in themselves and others to achieve personal and organizational growth. Join Sandy and his renowned guests for insightful and honest discussions on executive leadership, talent optimization, and entrepreneurial success. Now think of the best job you've ever had. It felt entirely different, didn't it? Our mission is to help everyone find fulfillment, dignity, and success in their jobs. We call that magical union "click" —the moment talent perfectly aligns with their role, connecting abilities and superpowers to tangible value, and everyone wins. Whether you're a CEO, business executive, ambitious employee, or an entrepreneur, our insights are tailored to provide actionable strategies for harnessing potential and driving organizational success. Host Sandy Ogg brings over three decades of experience as a CEO advisor, talent expert, and entrepreneur. He founded CEO.works and has served as an operating partner at Blackstone Group and as CHRO of Unilever. Throughout his career, Sandy has collaborated with top global business leaders, gaining insights into the consistent practices that drive value for stakeholders. He leverages this knowledge to develop talent-focused tools to help leaders and organizations thrive in today's economic environment. On our podcast, Sandy and his guests will tackle one of the top issues highlighted in every CEO annual survey: the persistent shortage of talent where it's needed most. Through thought-provoking conversations, they will address burning questions like "How do we hire the best people?" "Is the organization talented enough?" "Is the hierarchy dying or already dead?" And, "Why do transformations fail?" If you're ready to transform your approach to leadership and talent, join us for Sandy on Talent, where we ignite the spark that propels individuals and organizations toward excellence.

Information

You Might Also Like