Exceptional Leaders

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In this engaging series from Morgan Stanley, experts from across the firm sit down with leaders at world-class companies for insightful conversations covering everything from leadership lessons to foundational changes in industries, markets and society.

27 FEB

SAP: Steering Business into the AI Era

From its early days building ERP systems in Germany, SAP has evolved to become a backbone of global business. Today, many of the largest companies in the world depend on SAP systems to run everything from financial accounting and supply chain management to e-commerce and data analytics, making the company’s strategic choices uniquely consequential. When Christian Klein became CEO in 2020, he made a bold call: Move SAP decisively into the cloud and prepare the company for an AI‑driven future. Now, he argues that while AI is rapidly advancing, its effectiveness depends on a few things only SAP can offer at scale. In this episode of Exceptional Leaders, European Software analyst Adam Wood sits down with Klein at SAP’s headquarters in Waldorf, Germany to discuss SAP’s cloud shift, its AI ambitions, and why human insight and collaboration still matter—even as intelligent agents become ubiquitous. The proceeding content is informational only and based on information available when created. It is not an offer or a solicitation nor is it tax or legal advice. It does not consider your financial circumstances and objectives and may not be suitable for you. ©2026 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

19 min
29 JAN

Coca-Cola: Building a Company That Can Adapt with James Quincey

On this episode of Exceptional Leaders, host Dara Mohsenian, Morgan Stanley’s U.S. beverage and household products analyst, speaks with James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Together, they discuss the leadership and cultural decisions that have helped Coca-Cola evolve at global scale—building an organization designed to adapt in moments of disruption and to grow across shifting consumer preferences. Quincey shares how The Coca-Cola Company became a “total beverage company,” why “culture eats strategy,” and what it takes to turn a transformation from an idea into daily execution. They also explore the company’s long runway in emerging markets through Quincey’s “two bottles” framework, and how experience operating in volatile regions shaped his emphasis on agility, judgment, and management development. With a leadership transition ahead as Quincey prepares to step into the role of Executive Chairman, the conversation offers a clear view into what must endure at The Coca-Cola Company: a mindset built for change, and a culture strong enough to outlast any one leader. The guest speakers are neither employees nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. (“Morgan Stanley”). The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and figures contained herein has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information or data contained in this podcast. This podcast does not provide individually tailored investment advice and is not a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. © 2026 Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Members SIPC.

25 min
10/11/2025

Dick’s Sporting Goods: A New Arena of Retail with Executive Chairman Ed Stack

On this episode of Exceptional Leaders, host Simeon Gutman, Morgan Stanley’s hardline and broadline retail analyst, speaks with Ed Stack, Executive Chairman and longtime former CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Together, they discuss the strategic decisions that have enabled the company to lead through disruption and redefine the future of brick‑and‑mortar retail. Stack shares how Dick’s is combining immersive in‑store experiences through its House of Sport concept with digital platforms like GameChanger to strengthen its presence in the growing youth sports market. By supporting athletes throughout their entire journey, Dick’s continues to demonstrate how purpose‑driven leadership and a long‑term commitment to community are shaping the future of one of America’s most iconic retailers. The guest speakers are neither employees nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. (“Morgan Stanley”). The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and figures contained herein has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information or data contained in this podcast. This podcast does not provide individually tailored investment advice and is not a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. © 2025 Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Members SIPC.

24 min

3 Episodes

In this engaging series from Morgan Stanley, experts from across the firm sit down with leaders at world-class companies for insightful conversations covering everything from leadership lessons to foundational changes in industries, markets and society.