The Leadership Spark

Sylvain Newton
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Welcome to 'The Leadership Spark', where we illuminate the path to exceptional leadership through insightful dialogues with brilliant authors. Join me, Sylvain Newton, once a month, as I dive into the minds of thought leaders, uncovering the stories, strategies, and wisdom hidden within the pages of their books. Each episode is a journey, a personal exploration into the spark that ignites exceptional leadership. Tune in, learn and grow. This isn't just a podcast; it's a dynamic community where leadership comes alive. Let’s light the way together!

  1. Scenario Planning with Roch Parayre

    12/18/2025

    Scenario Planning with Roch Parayre

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Roch Parayre, founder and CEO of Strategique. Drawing on his global experience in executive education and consulting, Roch discusses scenario planning, innovation, and strategic leadership. He explains how scenario planning helps organizations prepare for multiple possible futures, emphasizing adaptability over prediction. The conversation explores the challenges of adopting this mindset, the role of AI, and the importance of resilience, curiosity, and sensemaking in leadership. Roch shares practical examples and insights on how leaders can navigate uncertainty and drive effective, agile strategies in today’s fast-paced environment. Show notes: Roch Parayre LinkedIn profileBook: "Lean Start-up“ from Eric RiesBook: "Essence of Decision" by Graham Allison and Philip ZelikowArticle “Strategic thinking is like a golf swing” by Roch ParayrePESTEL frameworksylvainnewton.com/podcast

    54 min
  2. Relaxed Resilience with Peter Salzer

    11/13/2025

    Relaxed Resilience with Peter Salzer

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Peter Salzer, an accomplished CEO, chairman, and private equity partner. Peter shares insights from his 30-year leadership journey across multiple industries, discussing his shift from corporate roles to private equity with a focus on operational value creation. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, inclusive leadership, and “relaxed resilience.” Peter recounts navigating crises, fostering communication during organizational challenges, and adapting to technological disruption like AI. The conversation offers practical advice on career development, people management, and building sustainable, high-performing organizations through hands-on leadership. Show notes: Peter Salzer LinkedIn profileBook: "The Big Short"Book: "The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition”Book: “Why nations fail”Thomas Malone at the MITsylvainnewton.com/podcast

    50 min
  3. Leadership and Culture with Steve Sargent

    10/09/2025

    Leadership and Culture with Steve Sargent

    In this episode, Steve Sargent, a seasoned Global CEO with over 20 years at GE and current non-executive director, shares his leadership learning and philosophy. He discusses the importance of structured time management, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Steve reflects on the influence of leaders who have impacted him, the value of making people feel appreciated, and the need for adaptability in today’s volatile world. He also highlights practical habits, such as weekly reflection on priorities and time spent with people and customers, to ensure leaders focus on what truly matters. Show notes: Steve Sargent LinkedIn profileBook “Winning” by Jack WelchBook “Jack - Straight from the gut” by Jack WelchBook “Good to great” by Jim CollinsBook “Start with why” by Simon SinekBook “The infinite game” by Simon SinekThe Great Barrier Reef Foundationsylvainnewton.com/podcast

    52 min
  4. Strategy and Leadership with Nick Binedell

    09/11/2025

    Strategy and Leadership with Nick Binedell

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Nick Binedell, an academic originally from Zimbabwe and founding director of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in South Africa. Nick shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped his worldview and curiosity, discusses his transition from corporate leadership to academia, and recounts the founding of GIBS. He offers insights on business education, leadership challenges in Africa, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, and the integration of strategy and operations. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and authentic leadership in navigating complex, rapidly changing environments.  Show notes: Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of PretoriaProfessor Nick BinedellHBR article: “Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow” by Larry E. GreinerBook “Winning” by Jack WelchBook “Life and Death in the Executive Fast Lane” by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vriessylvainnewton.com/podcast

    55 min
  5. Resurgent with Julian Birkinshaw

    08/14/2025

    Resurgent with Julian Birkinshaw

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Julian Birkinshaw, Dean and Professor at the Ivey Business School in Canada, and co-author of "Resurgent." They discuss how established companies are better positioned to navigate the digital transformation than new market entrants. Burkinshaw shares lessons from companies like Disney, GE, Pearson and Nokia and explores the challenges of AI and productivity. Additionally, they explore the Leadership capabilities required to successfully navigate the Digital Transformation. This episode offers practical insights for leaders facing rapid technological and organizational change. Show notes: Julian Birkinshaw‘s websiteBook “Resurgent” by Julian Birkinshaw and John FallonBook "Only the Paranoid Survive" by Andrew GroveBook "The Age of Unreason" by Charles HandyBook "Team of Teams" by General Stanley McChrystalBook "Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel GolemanBook "Megatrends" by John Naisbittsylvainnewton.com/podcast

    58 min
  6. Core Assumptions in Business Theory with Subramanian Rangan

    07/10/2025

    Core Assumptions in Business Theory with Subramanian Rangan

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews INSEAD professor Subramanian Rangan about the intersection of economic performance and societal progress. Rangan discusses his book, "Core Assumptions in Business Theory," and highlights how businesses can integrate profit, people, and planet through practical examples like the Linden Group’s True Value Method. The conversation explores the importance of moral reasoning in leadership, the challenges of measuring intangible impacts, and the need for companies to balance financial success with ethical responsibility and sustainability for lasting progress. Show notes: Society for ProgressBook “Core Assumptions in Business Theory” by Subramanian RanganBook "Dreams and Details" by Jim Hagemann SnabeBook "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam SmithBook "The Great Transformation" by Karl PolanyiBook "Passions and Interests" by Albert sylvainnewton.com/podcast

    59 min
  7. Strategy Activation Canvas with Robert Wreschniock

    06/12/2025

    Strategy Activation Canvas with Robert Wreschniock

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain converses with Robert Wreschniock, CEO of the Tatin Institute for Strategy Activation. They delve into Robert's book, "The Strategy Activation Canvas," focusing on bridging the gap between strategy formulation and implementation. Robert emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and visual communication of strategy within organizations. He advocates for engaging, memorable formats over traditional presentations to ensure employees retain and act upon strategic goals. Additionally he shares his perspective on Change Management and Transformation and the necessity to embrace the “nay sayers” in the process.  Show notes: Book “Strategy Activation Canvas” by Ansgar Thiessen and Robert WreschniokQuickMBA websiteBook “Das große Buch der Strategie“ by Robert WreschniokBook „Leading Change“ by John KotterBook “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. CoveyGallup Strengths Findersylvainnewton.com/podcast

    57 min
  8. Leadership: Essential Selections with Barbara Kellerman

    05/08/2025

    Leadership: Essential Selections with Barbara Kellerman

    In this episode of the Leadership Spark podcast, Sylvain converses with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned professor of public leadership at Harvard Kennedy School. They discuss particularly her book “Leadership: Essential selections” and explore the intricate dynamics between leaders and followers, emphasizing the importance of context. Barbara introduces her leader-follower-context triad, critiques the leadership industry's leader-centric focus, and discusses the distinctions between power, authority, and influence. Show notes: Book  “Bad Leadership” by Barbara Kellerman Book  “Followership” by Barbara Kellerman Book  “LEADERSHIP: Essential Selections on Power, Authority, and Influence” by Barbara Kellerman Book  “The end of Leadership” by Barbara Kellerman Book  “Professionalizing Leadership” by Barbara Kellerman Book  “Leadership from bad to worse” by Barbara Kellerman sylvainnewton.com/podcast

    40 min
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About

Welcome to 'The Leadership Spark', where we illuminate the path to exceptional leadership through insightful dialogues with brilliant authors. Join me, Sylvain Newton, once a month, as I dive into the minds of thought leaders, uncovering the stories, strategies, and wisdom hidden within the pages of their books. Each episode is a journey, a personal exploration into the spark that ignites exceptional leadership. Tune in, learn and grow. This isn't just a podcast; it's a dynamic community where leadership comes alive. Let’s light the way together!

Information

  • Creator
    Sylvain Newton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Leadership Spark
  • Show Website
    The Leadership Spark