Executiveland

Elizabeth Freedman
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT

The Unwritten Playbook of the C-Suite Executiveland is the podcast for senior leaders, aspiring executives, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to lead and succeed at the top. Hosted by executive coach and trusted advisor Elizabeth Freedman — founder of E•Suite Leader and longtime advisor to Fortune 100 companies — this show takes you behind the scenes of 20+ years working with C-Suite executives and their teams. Each month, you’ll get real-world insights from the coaching room: what works, what backfires, and the subtle traps even experienced leaders fall into. You’ll hear directly from executives about the do’s, don’ts, and day-to-day realities of leading at the highest level — the kind of stuff no one puts in a leadership book. Whether you're an executive now or working closely with one, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies to earn trust, build credibility, and make a bigger impact —Because no one hands you a map to Executiveland — but this is the next best thing.Website: https://esuiteleader.com

  1. 21H AGO

    Mark Berthiaume: The Business-First Mindset of Successful CIOs

    In this episode of Welcome to Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman is joined by Mark Berthiaume, former CIO and Chief Admin Officer at Hanover Insurance. With a career spanning over four decades, Mark has a unique perspective on the evolution of leadership. He shares his journey from early days as a computer programmer to navigating executive roles, and his ultimate transition from an IT-focused leader to a business executive with IT within his purview. Today, he leverages this hard-won perspective in his roles across multiple private and nonprofit boards.  You’ll explore: The critical evolution from IT leadership to broader business leadershipWhy aligning business strategy with IT is essential for organizational successThe indispensable role of mentorship, leadership development, and succession planningHow Mark’s personal leadership evolution and mentoring shaped his pathThe value of learning from mistakes on the way to the C-suiteThis episode offers a grounded roadmap for elevating your leadership, whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own path to the C-suite. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on  Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    51 min

  2. FEB 5

    Build Your Career Before You Need It: How the Best Executives Stay in Control of Their Futures

    Too many smart, capable executives find themselves blindsided when change hits, whether it's a reorg, a new CEO, or a shift in market strategy. Suddenly, their roles are vulnerable. In this episode, Elizabeth Freedman explains why even top-performing leaders need to invest in their careers before they need to, and what high-impact executives do differently to stay ready, relevant, and in control. This is a candid episode for any senior leader navigating change, considering their next move, or looking to stay one step ahead of the unexpected. You will learn: Why waiting for the "right time" to focus on your career is a risk, not a strategyWhat strong career infrastructure looks like at the executive levelHow to pressure-test your story, your value, and your visibility outside your companyThe critical difference between performance feedback and reputation feedbackHow to manage the "inner game" of executive transition and decision-makingWhether you are actively in transition or simply thinking ahead, this episode offers a grounded approach to protecting your most valuable asset: your career. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on  Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    21 min

  3. JAN 29

    When Bad Teams Happen to Great Leaders: Why Smart Executive Teams Underperform

    Strong leadership teams do not happen by accident. In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman focuses on why even smart, experienced senior leaders can find themselves on teams that underperform, and what it actually takes to build teams that deliver real enterprise value.  With teams under extraordinary pressure in 2026, Elizabeth explains why old meeting habits, misaligned agendas, and unclear accountability are quietly eroding performance, engagement, and results.From rethinking team meetings as engines for decision making, to replacing low value updates with real dialogue, to designing agendas that create space for strategic thinking, this episode offers clear guidance for leaders who want better outcomes without adding more complexity.  You’ll learn: Why leadership teams struggle even when individual leaders are strongHow meeting design directly shapes team performance and accountabilityWhat separates productive dialogue from time wasting discussionHow to prepare teams for decisions that actually stick after the meeting endsWhy enterprise value, not activity, is the real measure of team effectivenessThis episode offers a clear, grounded approach to improving performance where it matters most, while within a team or leading one yourself. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your team, increase impact across the organization, and create a leadership environment that supports both results and careers. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on  Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    23 min

  4. JAN 22

    Robert Clarkson, Former CRO Americas at Stripe: Why Empathy and Co-Creation Win

    Robert Clarkson, former Chief Revenue Officer (Americas) at Stripe, joins Elizabeth Freedman to unpack what it really means to lead revenue at scale. With a career that spans public, private, and high-growth tech companies, Robert shares the mindset and habits that separate effective CROs from the rest and why great sales leadership has little to do with charisma and everything to do with consistency, clarity, and customer insight. Together, they explore how the best revenue leaders align sales with enterprise strategy, earn credibility across functions, and drive focus in fast-moving, high-pressure environments. Robert also talks about what he's learned in the C-suite, how he’s coached teams through major transitions, and the critical shift from being a top performer to becoming a top leader. You’ll explore: The modern CRO mandate and why it’s not just about hitting targetsWhat strong sales leadership looks like in the C-suiteHow to keep teams aligned without micromanagingThe biggest mistakes leaders make under pressureWhat to do when execution is strong, but outcomes still fall shortFor more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    48 min

  5. JAN 15

    Executive Reinvention with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva

    Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, founder of the Reinvention Academy and seasoned corporate executive, joins Elizabeth to unpack what it really means to reinvent, personally, professionally, and organizationally. In a world where 1 in 5 companies now reinvents faster than the annual budget cycle, change is no longer a one-time event. It’s a continuous, strategic capability that separates the organizations that thrive from the ones that disappear. You’ll explore: Why the old rules of episodic change no longer workThe psychological contract leaders must rewrite to reduce resistanceHow “kill parties” and micro-experiments can re-energize teamsThe critical difference between reinvention, innovation, and changeWhat executives often miss about political intelligence and business modellingTo start building your reinvention capability, visit Dr. Nadya’s website and subscribe to Nadya’s “Reinvention Weekly” newsletter. You can also download her full digital book The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook: How to Thrive in Chaos. For additional tools and strategies to lead with confidence at the top, visit Elizabeth’s website and take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment. Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    45 min

  6. JAN 8

    Elevate Your Executive Image with Dressing Well CEO Mary Lou Andre

    Mary Lou Andre, founder and CEO of Dressing Well, joins Elizabeth to explore the often-overlooked power of executive image. Drawing from decades of experience coaching senior leaders, Mary Lou shares how clothing, grooming, and etiquette are not just surface-level details, they’re strategic communication tools that support leadership performance and presence. Together, they unpack what executive image really means today, why “fit, fabric, function, and flair” still hold up, and how to handle situations where appearance gets in the way of performance or perception.  You’ll explore: Why executive image is a communication tool, not a vanity projectThe subtle signals leaders send with poor fit or “anything goes” looksThe three words that should guide how you dress: appropriateness, boundaries, and respectHow to eliminate decision fatigue and show up ready, every timeThe real reason image impacts confidence, trust, and credibilityTo learn more about Mary Lou’s insights visit dressingwell.com. And for more strategies and tools to lead with greater impact, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland! Mary Lou’s Links: www.dressingwell.com IG  @marylouandrestyle Linked In | Mary Lou Andre Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    46 min

  7. JAN 1

    The Strategic CIO: Kevin Dushney on Leading as a True C-Suite Partner

    Everyone says they want IT to be strategic. But what happens when the business doesn’t know what it actually needs and the CIO can’t get in the room? Kevin Dushney has led IT across nine biotech companies. He knows what it takes to drive value as CIO when your seat at the table isn’t guaranteed, the business moves fast, and the tech budget comes with scrutiny.  In this episode, Kevin Dushney joins Elizabeth Freedman to talk straight about what works and what backfires when it comes to earning trust, building influence, and delivering outcomes that actually stick. You’ll explore: What to do when you've delivered, but the business isn’t satisfiedHow CIOs earn trust and drive business results without the titleThe hidden cost of “solving problems on your own” across functionsA better way to define success, and avoid the “post-mortem letdown” Looking for more? Visit Elizabeth’s website for free resources, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executive Land so you’re always one step ahead of the unwritten playbook!å Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    49 min

  8. 12/25/2025

    The Executive Advantage: Influence That Actually Works at the Top

    Influence is the #1 topic that comes up in the coaching room, and not just for aspiring leaders. Even experienced senior executives often say the same thing: influencing at the highest levels feels harder than it should. In this  episode, Elizabeth Freedman breaks down why that is, and what leaders can do to shift the effort they’re putting in, without overexplaining, overpreparing, or overthinking. You’ll learn: Why influence at the executive level is multi-dimensional The subtle mistake of communicating to roles instead of peopleThe hidden cost of compensation strategies like overpreparing, escalating and too much detailThree simple, practical shifts leaders can make today to increase executive influenceFor those looking to sharpen their executive presence and increase impact across stakeholders, this episode offers a clear, actionable roadmap. Learn more about E-Suite Impact, Elizabeth’s advanced leadership program for senior leaders at the website! Grow Your Executive Impact: Learn the Effortless Executive Influence System Registration Now Open: Program for E-Suite Impact: Next Cohort Starts January 22 (early bird thru 2025) Enroll today: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-program • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    17 min
See All (20)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Unwritten Playbook of the C-Suite Executiveland is the podcast for senior leaders, aspiring executives, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to lead and succeed at the top. Hosted by executive coach and trusted advisor Elizabeth Freedman — founder of E•Suite Leader and longtime advisor to Fortune 100 companies — this show takes you behind the scenes of 20+ years working with C-Suite executives and their teams. Each month, you’ll get real-world insights from the coaching room: what works, what backfires, and the subtle traps even experienced leaders fall into. You’ll hear directly from executives about the do’s, don’ts, and day-to-day realities of leading at the highest level — the kind of stuff no one puts in a leadership book. Whether you're an executive now or working closely with one, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies to earn trust, build credibility, and make a bigger impact —Because no one hands you a map to Executiveland — but this is the next best thing.Website: https://esuiteleader.com

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Freedman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Executiveland
  • Show Website
    Executiveland

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