Redefining Executive Career

Uplift People Consulting

Uplift is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. Redefining Executive Career is a leadership series hosted by Serap Zel, Founder of Uplift, drawing on 20+ years of executive search experience across five continents and 50+ countries. In conversation with founders, board members, and senior executives, the series explores leadership transitions, strategic decisions, and what truly defines executive impact today.

  1. How Executives Should Tell Their Story in Career Transitions with Philipp Humm

    FEB 11

    How Executives Should Tell Their Story in Career Transitions with Philipp Humm

    Unlock the secret to transforming your executive storytelling and stand out in your next career move. This episode reveals game-changing frameworks and practical tips to craft compelling narratives that showcase how you think — not just what you've achieved. Key Highlights: Discover why traditional achievement lists fall flat in executive interviews.Learn from Philipp Humm, CEO of StoryLab, on uncovering powerful stories in everyday moments.Master storytelling frameworks like the ‘moment of realization’ to captivate leadership audiences.Explore the importance of emotional highs and lows in your narrative.Understand the art of keeping stories simple and conversational.Prepare your mindset for high-stakes interviews with practical exercises.Why Listen: Perfect for senior leaders feeling stuck or transitioning careers.Gain practical, proven strategies to tell stories that resonate and inspire.Learn how to incorporate storytelling into your daily routine to enhance leadership presence. Why this works: This episode offers tangible tips and inspiring insights tailored for senior leaders, making it both relatable and immediately actionable. The focus on everyday moments and practical exercises encourages listeners to start transforming their narratives today.Philipp Humm; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Philipp-Humm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipp_humm/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipphumm?originalSubdomain=nl Serap Zel; https://www.linkedin.com/in/serapzel/

    20 min
  2. 10/01/2025

    Lost in Transformation ft. Rupert Brown

    Lost in Transformation What does it really take to lead people through change, not the neat frameworks, but the messy, emotional, human side of transformation? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, we reconnect with Rupert Brown, seasoned Global HR Leader and author of Lost in Transformation. With a career spanning P&G, Maersk, and Virgin Media, and leadership experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Rupert brings a wealth of global perspective on guiding organizations through disruption. Hosted by Serap Zel, Founder & CEO of Uplift, this episode explores: Why vulnerability can be a leadership superpower and how to balance openness with authority The unexpected value of “difficult” voices and how leaders can reframe them as early warning signals How to steer in a “never normal” world where predictability is rare and the playbook is constantly shifting Why transformation is also about identity, and how to create space for people to process change The role of “distributed trust” and how leaders can tap into peer-to-peer trust in uncertain times Rupert’s personal journey of writing Lost in Transformation and how it shaped his views on leadership today 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift🎙 Guest: Rupert Brown, Global HR Leader & Author – Lost in Transformation 👉 Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation on what it means to lead change with both head and heart in today’s complex world. #upliftingleaders #lostintransformation #leadership #change #futureofwork #upliftpeople

    30 min
  3. Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets? ft. Arif Ender

    08/18/2025

    Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets? ft. Arif Ender

    Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets? How can companies design compensation strategies that truly work in emerging markets, and how should candidates assess offers in these fast-growing economies? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, “Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets?,” we sit down with Arif Ender, Director of Compensation (EMEA & LATAM) at Palo Alto Networks, to unpack the realities, opportunities, and misconceptions of building competitive rewards packages in dynamic regions. Hosted by Serap Zel, Founder & CEO of Uplift, this episode explores: The most common misconceptions companies have when entering or scaling in emerging markets How base pay, bonuses, equity, and benefits expectations differ between emerging and developed markets Key levers for attracting top talent when budgets are limited The role of transparency and communication in shaping successful compensation strategies What mid-senior professionals should look for beyond salary when evaluating offers The biggest pitfalls candidates face when moving into or across emerging markets—and how to avoid them Actionable advice for both founders entering a new market and candidates making career moves in emerging economies 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift 🎙 Guest: Arif Ender, Director of Compensation (EMEA & LATAM) – Palo Alto Networks 👉 Tune in for clear, practical insights on designing—and securing—compensation packages that work in diverse, fast-growing regions. #upliftingleaders #compensationstrategy #emergingmarkets #talentattraction #futureofwork #upliftpeople

    32 min
  4. Exponential Organizations: The New Playbook for 10X Growth & Impact ft. Salim Ismail

    07/03/2025

    Exponential Organizations: The New Playbook for 10X Growth & Impact ft. Salim Ismail

    What does it take to lead with exponential thinking in a world defined by disruption, decentralization, and accelerating technologies? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, “Exponential Organizations: The New Playbook for 10X Growth & Impact,” we’re joined by Salim Ismail, bestselling author, futurist, and founding executive director of Singularity University. A global thought leader on exponential innovation, Salim shares how organizations—from startups to Fortune 500s—can unlock unprecedented growth by shifting mindsets, structures, and leadership styles. From why most companies are built for predictability in an unpredictable world to how the ExO model has helped transform businesses across industries, Salim offers powerful, real-life insights that challenge the traditional playbook. He also explores how leaders can build cultures of continuous transformation, why AI and decentralization are reshaping talent strategy, and what skills will truly matter in the age of exponential change. 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift 🎙 Guest: Salim Ismail, Author – Exponential Organizations, Co-founder – OpenExO 👉 Join Salim'sWorkshop to build your ExO: https://openexo.com/10x-shift?video=Uplift Tune in for a bold and future-focused conversation on growth, leadership, and thriving in times of radical change. #upliftingleaders #exponentialorganizations #futureofwork #leadershipstrategy #10xgrowth #executivethinking #disruption #ai #exoleadership #salimismail #globalleaders

    21 min

About

Uplift is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. Redefining Executive Career is a leadership series hosted by Serap Zel, Founder of Uplift, drawing on 20+ years of executive search experience across five continents and 50+ countries. In conversation with founders, board members, and senior executives, the series explores leadership transitions, strategic decisions, and what truly defines executive impact today.