Executiveland

Elizabeth Freedman

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. -3 J

    “Every Time You Walk in the Room, You’re Being Evaluated” –Ricky Hopson, Catalent Group President and Chief of Staff

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman talks with Ricky Hopson, Group President, Clinical and Specialty Services at Catalent and Chief of Staff. With over 25 years at Catalent, Ricky has navigated roles across finance, operations, and executive leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing. You'll learn: How Ricky's finance background shaped his leadership across multiple functionsWhy expertise in both finance and operations drives successHow to build cross-functional teams and plan for succession at every levelHow to create positive client relationships, even during high-pressure negotiationsWhat makes a great CFO and how leadership roles are evolving todayShare this episode with a senior leader who's balancing multi-functional responsibilities. 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! Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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

    38 min
  2. 23 AVR.

    Why Ego Is the New Enterprise Risk with Deborah Borg, EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer, IFF.

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman speaks to Deborah Borg, EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer at IFF. Deborah shares her insights on navigating the C-Suite, balancing leadership roles, and the power of clear communication. They dive into the evolving role of HR, how to influence the C-Suite as an HR executive, and the tension between business needs and people-first leadership. You’ll explore: The challenges and rewards of being the sole HR voice in the C-Suite, and how to keep employee interests front and center.The importance of speaking up early and confidently, even on topics outside your functional expertise, plus why curiosity is at a premium for today's senior leaders.Why collaboration (not ego) is key to executive leadership, along with managing change, handling fatigue, and being explicit about what to stop doing.The strategic value of HR leaders on corporate boards and how to break into board roles.Balancing digital tools with human connection, including how AI assistants can free up HR for high-impact moments.This episode is packed with practical advice on leadership, navigating HR in the C-Suite, and fostering a culture of change. Share it with a fellow leader who might need these insights. 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! To learn more about Deborah Borg, www.iff.com/experts/debora-borg Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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
  3. 16 AVR.

    Plot Twist: Your Executive Role Just Changed

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman uses the analogy of landing in Paris after expecting a perfect trip to reveal why executive leadership feels so different today. The job changes while you are in it, leaving even seasoned leaders caught off guard. Leaders now face shifting macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical pressures, and AI driven disruption. Traditional preparation from business schools and past roles no longer applies. Key takeaways from this episode: Why unpredictability is the new normal and how to stop reacting and start anticipatingHow to build anticipatory muscles to adjust in real time, not just run scenariosThe shift from pushing teams to mobilizing them quickly with clarity and confidenceElizabeth offers practical advice on operating in uncertainty and delivering value even in turbulent times. Tune in to reflect on your leadership approach and gain actionable insights. 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! Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 22 - When Smart Executives Can't Get People to Follow Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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

    14 min
  4. 9 AVR.

    “The Gap No One Prepares You For: Executive to C-Suite” - Dr. Mitch Stevison, CEO, Frontgrade Technologies | U.S. Army Veteran

    On this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Dr. Mitch Stevenson, President and CEO of Frontgrade Technologies, to explore what it really takes to lead through constant change. Drawing from his military background, Mitch shares why transformation is no longer a long term initiative, it is happening in real time. He offers a grounded perspective on navigating uncertainty, managing change fatigue, and building organizations that can adapt quickly without a clear playbook, all while staying anchored in strong leadership principles. Key themes include: Why the best laid plans rarely survive first contact, and how effective leaders adapt in real timeHow military leadership shaped Mitch’s approach to contingency based leadership and managing risk and opportunityThe role of authenticity and self awareness when leading without a clear roadmapPractical ways to address change fatigue while still moving the organization forwardThe value of empowering external change agents and investing in continuous improvement to drive lasting changeThis episode is a reminder that if you're navigating change in your organization or stepping into a leadership role without a clear roadmap, you'll find a practical and honest perspective to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. 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! To learn more about Dr. Mitch Stevenson, www.frontgrade.com/people/mitch-stevison. Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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. 2 AVR.

    The 3 Types of Negative Executive Energy

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman explores the subtle forms of negative executive energy that quietly undermine trust and performance. She breaks down how even high-performing leaders can unintentionally shift into self-protective behaviors that hold them back. From proving your worth to perfecting every detail, these tendencies often come from a good place. This conversation offers a grounded look at how to recognize these patterns and shift back to a more intentional, results-driven way of leading. You’ll explore: How these three types of negative executive energy show up under pressureWhy trying to prove your value at senior levels can actually weaken your credibilityHow over-managing perception or staying overly polished can come across as inauthentic and limit your influenceThe hidden cost of perfectionism on team performance, decision-making speed, and long-term scalabilityYou'll learn practical ways to spot your default pattern and make small, immediate shifts in how you show up. From saying less in moments of proving energy to sharing work before it feels perfect, these adjustments can quickly change how others experience your leadership and the impact you create. 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! Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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

    26 min
  6. 26 MARS

    "You Don’t Grow Into Being a Good CEO by Pretending to Be Someone You’re Not" with Kevin Campbell, CEO, Capgemini Insights & Data GBL | CEO, Syniti

    On this episode of Executiveland, Kevin Campbell, CEO of Insights and Data at Capgemini and former CEO of Syniti, joins Elizabeth Freedman to share the unspoken realities of stepping into the top job. Drawing on decades of experience leading global data and transformation businesses, Kevin offers a candid look at how senior executives balance instinct, influence, and accountability while navigating boards, acquisitions, and an AI-driven landscape. You’ll explore: Why strong opinions in the C-suite should spark productive debate, not silence itHow to influence a CEO by pairing data with context, judgment, and market perspectiveWhat it takes to build aligned, mission-driven executive teams that perform under pressureThe leadership lesson behind “taste the soup” and staying close to the businessWhy curiosity is becoming a defining competitive advantage for leaders navigating AI and transformationTune in for straight talk on boardroom dynamics, executive communication, and leading through change with clarity and conviction. 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! To learn more about Kevin Campell, visit his linkedin. Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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

    41 min
  7. 19 MARS

    How to Deliver Bad News to Your CEO (Without Losing Credibility)

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman tackles a high-stakes challenge for senior leaders: rebuilding lost credibility in the C-Suite. She shares actionable strategies for navigating this, focusing specifically on how to deliver bad news to your CEO without escalating the damage. Key takeaways include: How to leverage clear and concise communication when things go wrong, taking ownership and pivoting from excuses to actionable solutionsWhy "under-reacting" to tough feedback or unrealistic requests helps preserve trust and avoid escalating tensionThe reason the "Trust Me" trap fails, and how to earn confidence through demonstrated competence and consistent action insteadWhy strong judgment is critical and understanding what truly matters to the executive team and making decisions accordinglyIf you're ready to learn how to regain trust and communicate more effectively at the executive level, tune in to this episode! 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! Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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

    25 min
  8. 12 MARS

    Neal Sheorey, CFO of Albemarle Corp: Finance Leadership, Fast Decisions, and Leading Through Change

    CFO Neal Sheorey joins Elizabeth Freedman to share what it really takes to step into the C suite when there is no playbook to follow. As a first time CFO at Albemarle, a global specialty chemicals company and one of the world’s largest lithium producers, Neal reflects on his three year journey navigating change and making the role his own. Neal offers an honest look at how senior leaders actually learn on the job, why the C suite playbook is unwritten by design, and what it means to lead with confidence when the environment shifts quickly. From managing a major balance sheet pivot within his first 100 days, to building trust with a board as a new executive, this conversation highlights the mindset, judgment, and resilience required at the top. Key themes you’ll explore: How first-time C-Suite executives develop their own style and trust their instincts in the roleWhat it takes to earn trust quickly as a new, external leader in a a high pressure environmentLessons from leading through thinking quickly, rapid change, and market shiftsHow CFOs can influence decisions through clarity, data, and strong relationshipsThis episode offers a grounded, real world look at what actually matters in the first years at the top. Tune in to hear how Neal Sheorey built confidence, credibility, and momentum in one of the most demanding seats in the organization and what his journey reveals about leadership in uncertain environments. 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! To learn more about Neal Sheorey, visit www.albemarle.com. Registration for Spring 2026 E-Suite Impact is now open – register before March 31 for preferred early rates. For details and to sign up, please visit 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
5
sur 5
15 notes

À propos

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

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