The Inspiring Leaders Podcast

criticaleye

Drawing on the leadership experience within Criticaleye’s global Peer-to-Peer Board Community, our podcast covers the leadership, strategy and stakeholder challenges senior executives are facing.  Contact us to know more

  1. Jul 30

    HR Leaders At The Top Table: Robert Chong on the Evolving Role of the CPO

    Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Robert Chong, Senior Advisor for Sembcorp Industries and a Criticaleye Board Mentor speaks to Criticaleye Senior Editor Bridgette Hall about the evolving role of the CHRO in Asia and if HR leaders are adapting and equipping themselves for the challenges of a fast-paced and AI-driven business environment. Drawing on Robert's extensive experience and C-suite roles at Shangri-La Group, Keppel Corporation, Temasek Holdings, Shell and PepsiCo, he outlines the key differences between HR leaders who are 'outside the room' compared to those who are actively involved in strategic decisions at the top of the organisation. Discussion points include: Robert's career across different regions and the value of adaptability as a leadership skill Why CPOs and CHROs need to be at the table and driving conversations around AI, particularly as it relates to the workforce and how workflows are changing What makes a great CEO-CPO relationship - Robert describes where it works well and where it can go wrong The value of mentoring in a senior leadership role, particularly from external mentors The role of the CPO and CHRO on the Board - working with Independent Directors when it comes to people and culture A must-listen for CPOs, CHROs and senior leaders looking to strengthen their effectiveness, improve decision-making and navigate the complexities of leadership in today’s rapidly changing environment.

  2. Jun 30

    Richard Williams, Former CHRO at Western Union: How HR Becomes a Board-Level Power Function

    Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Richard Williams, Board Mentor at Criticaleye and former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Western Union joins Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye to explore what it takes to lead HR in a global organisation. Drawing on his experience leading people strategy across multiple markets and complex regulatory environments, Richard shares insights on how the role of HR has evolved from a support function to a core driver of business performance and Board-level influence. From building effective global people strategies to developing leadership pipelines across borders, discussion points include: The capabilities HR leaders need today to operate effectively in multi-market organisations Designing people strategies that work across both highly regulated environments and fast-growth emerging markets Managing talent mobility and building leadership pipelines across international teams How HR can establish itself as a true value creator and strategic partner to the business Building credibility and influence at Board level as both a CPO and Board leader Leading and making decisions with confidence in ambiguity and at pace The role of mentoring in developing high-performance leaders and Boards A must-listen for HR and business leaders looking to better understand the evolving role of HR in global organisations and the leadership behaviours required to succeed at scale.

  3. Jun 11

    Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium: How Great CEOs Stay Ahead of the Curve

    Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, joins Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, to explore what it takes to succeed as a CEO in today’s fast-changing business environment. As organisations navigate increasing complexity and constant change, the demands on CEOs continue to evolve. In this episode, Mike shares insights from his leadership journey, reflecting on stepping into the top role, building high-performing teams and staying focused on long-term strategy. Drawing on his experience as CEO of enfinium, Mike discusses the challenges facing chief executives today, along with the importance of continuous leadership development, self-awareness and maintaining an external perspective. Discussion points include: Mike’s career journey and pathway to becoming a CEO The surprises and challenges of stepping into a first CEO role Navigating the critical first 100 days and balancing learning with decisive action Early wins and key lessons learned from mistakes How CEOs can communicate effectively and keep teams focused amid constant change The role of feedback, data and independent perspective in leadership effectiveness Approaches to self-development as a CEO and developing the leadership team Advice for first-time CEOs on maintaining strategic focus and avoiding operational overload A must-listen for CEOs looking to sharpen their leadership impact, strengthen strategic focus and lead with confidence through complexity.

  4. Jun 2

    Claire Ainscough, CPO at Ocado on Leading People and Culture

    Claire Ainscough, Chief People Officer (CPO) at Ocado Group joins Bridgette Hall to explore what it takes to lead the people agenda in a fast-moving, technology-driven business. As organisations navigate rapid advances in automation, robotics and digital innovation the role of the Chief People Officer continues to evolve. In this episode Claire shares how people leaders can shape culture, design organisations for speed and innovation and ensure the workforce is equipped for the future in a business operating at the intersection of technology and large-scale operations. Drawing on her experience at Ocado Claire reflects on her leadership journey, the realities of stepping into the CPO role in a complex global business and how People functions can drive strategic impact while supporting high performance across diverse teams. Discussion points include: Claire’s leadership journey and what attracted her to Ocado How the CPO role balances day-to-day leadership with long-term strategic impact Designing organisations and cultures that support innovation, pace and high performance Workforce planning, skills and reskilling as automation and robotics evolve Attracting and retaining critical engineering and digital talent What the high-performing People function of the future will look like A must-listen for senior people leaders looking to build high-performing organisations, navigate technological change and shape the future of work.

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Drawing on the leadership experience within Criticaleye’s global Peer-to-Peer Board Community, our podcast covers the leadership, strategy and stakeholder challenges senior executives are facing.  Contact us to know more