Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization

Sandy Ogg
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Careers
  • Updated Semiweekly

Think about the worst job you've ever had. What made it so? How did you feel about yourself and your abilities while you were stuck in that awful position? Welcome to Sandy on Talent, where we discuss the unfortunate reality of good talent going to waste and uncover how business leaders can unlock hidden potential in themselves and others to achieve personal and organizational growth. Join Sandy and his renowned guests for insightful and honest discussions on executive leadership, talent optimization, and entrepreneurial success. Now think of the best job you've ever had. It felt entirely different, didn't it? Our mission is to help everyone find fulfillment, dignity, and success in their jobs. We call that magical union "click" —the moment talent perfectly aligns with their role, connecting abilities and superpowers to tangible value, and everyone wins. Whether you're a CEO, business executive, ambitious employee, or an entrepreneur, our insights are tailored to provide actionable strategies for harnessing potential and driving organizational success. Host Sandy Ogg brings over three decades of experience as a CEO advisor, talent expert, and entrepreneur. He founded CEO.works and has served as an operating partner at Blackstone Group and as CHRO of Unilever. Throughout his career, Sandy has collaborated with top global business leaders, gaining insights into the consistent practices that drive value for stakeholders. He leverages this knowledge to develop talent-focused tools to help leaders and organizations thrive in today's economic environment. On our podcast, Sandy and his guests will tackle one of the top issues highlighted in every CEO annual survey: the persistent shortage of talent where it's needed most. Through thought-provoking conversations, they will address burning questions like "How do we hire the best people?" "Is the organization talented enough?" "Is the hierarchy dying or already dead?" And, "Why do transformations fail?" If you're ready to transform your approach to leadership and talent, join us for Sandy on Talent, where we ignite the spark that propels individuals and organizations toward excellence.

  1. 040: Betting on People: How Guy Schory Built a Career at the Intersection of Technology and Purpose

    5d ago

    040: Betting on People: How Guy Schory Built a Career at the Intersection of Technology and Purpose

    Some careers follow a plan. Guy Schory's followed people. In this episode, Sandy sits down with Guy Schory, board director and former public company executive, to explore what it actually takes to build a career at the edge of technology, purpose, and calculated risk. Guy spent a decade at eBay and PayPal under CEO John Donahoe, then crossed into sports media and entertainment as President of Digital Businesses and Global CTO at Endeavor Group Holdings under Ari Emanuel. Two iconic leaders, two completely different playbooks. Guy absorbed both. The conversation covers how the right people create career inflection points, why the worst job can become the best one, and what Guy calls betting on people over opportunity on paper. For anyone trying to find their own click, this one delivers. In this episode, you will hear: How a high school passion for bringing youth together across conflict zones set the foundation for Guy Schory's mission-driven career Why Guy bet on boring work with great people over exciting work with the wrong ones, and how that single early-career decision paid off for decades The role calculated risk played at every major inflection point, from raising tens of millions internally at eBay to crossing into sports media and entertainment What Guy learned from two of the most different leaders in business, John Donahoe and Ari Emanuel, and how he built a career by combining both playbooks Sandy's "work, role, talent" risk framework and why all three variables have to interact positively for even the most talented people to succeed How the worst job of Guy's career became the catalyst for the best one Why finding your "click" starts with deep alignment on values, not job titles or industry prestige Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    1 hr
  2. 039: Talent, Value, and the Click: Shefali Salwan on Building a Career That Means Something

    May 28

    039: Talent, Value, and the Click: Shefali Salwan on Building a Career That Means Something

    Some careers follow a straight line. Shefali Salwan's crossed five countries, three industries, and thirty years of hard lessons before it all clicked. Sandy sits down with Salwan, founder of FulcrumQ and a globally respected executive coach and HR innovator, to dig into the science of talent to value and what it actually takes to build a career that connects your skills to outcomes that matter. Salwan draws on her experience at Unilever, ANZ Grindlays, and CEO Works to make the case that when talent and challenge don't match, no salary will fix it. She uses the Sudoku metaphor to explain why a puzzle that's too easy is just as paralyzing as one that's too hard. This one will make you rethink how you measure fit, fulfillment, and what it means to find your click. In this episode, you will hear: Growing up on a tea plantation in northeast India and how it shaped Shefali Salwan's view of dignity at work The ANZ Grindlays transformation which meant 2,500 employees reapplying for their own jobs  Reframing gender diversity at Unilever as a business problem, not a fairness argument The Sudoku metaphor for career fit, and why too easy is just as paralyzing as too hard What a well-paying UK banking job taught Salwan about compensation versus fulfillment How FulcrumQ connects people decisions to real business outcomes Why AI removing tedium from entry-level work makes human judgment harder to develop, not less important Resources from this Episode FulcrumQ - https://fulcrumq.com/ Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    1h 1m
  3. 038: The Project Economy: Why Projects Are the Future, Not Just the Present with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez

    May 14

    038: The Project Economy: Why Projects Are the Future, Not Just the Present with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez

    Projects aren't just how work gets done. According to Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, they're how the future gets built. In this episode, Sandy sits down with the world's leading authority on project management, a Thinkers 50 honoree, six-time author, and the originator of the project economy concept, to talk about why most organizations are running too many projects, finishing too few, and paying a steep price for it. Antonio brings decades of on-the-ground experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fortis Bank, and GSK, and his latest book, Powered by Projects, published by Harvard Business Review Press, gives leaders a concrete framework for turning strategy into results. The conversation covers prioritization, team structure, CEO failure rates, and what Antonio calls "are you crazy" projects. The ones worth betting on. In this episode, you will hear: How Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez went from shy, peripatetic student to the world's leading authority on project management Why projects build the future while operations only run the present The painful truth about prioritization and why a strategic session that doesn't feel uncomfortable probably wasn't strategic Why launching more projects than you finish or kill is a sign of poor leadership "Are you crazy?" projects and why most companies don't have enough of them How CEO success rates have dropped to 27% and what project discipline has to do with fixing that Building internal transformation muscle so every level of an organization can adapt, change, and keep moving Resources from this Episode Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    1h 6m
  4. 037: The Art of the Turnaround: How Jan Zijderveld Transformed Unilever Europe and Saved Avon Products - Part 2

    Apr 30

    037: The Art of the Turnaround: How Jan Zijderveld Transformed Unilever Europe and Saved Avon Products - Part 2

    Jan Zijderveld has run businesses on five continents, fixing broken ones, growing strong ones, and inheriting everything in between. In Part 2 of this conversation, he picks up where the strategic playbook left off: leading leaders across Southeast Asia and Europe, then walking away from 30 years at Unilever to take the top job at a company most people had written off. That company was Avon. Share price at $2, $2 billion in debt, 6 million sales reps cycling in and out the door every year. Zijderveld rebuilt it around four levers: brand, earnings, digital, and simplification, and sold it three years later for $6 a share. The episode closes with hard-earned advice: start with the end in mind, take risks, and learn from everyone worth learning from. In this episode, you will hear: Leading leaders across Southeast Asia and Europe, and what changes when the people reporting to you run billion-dollar companies How Jan turned a shrinking European business into Unilever's sharpest competitive proving ground The state of Avon when he arrived: $2 share price, $2 billion in debt, and 6 million reps churning through the door every year Four levers that rebuilt Avon from the ground up: brand restoration, rep earnings, digitization, and radical simplification Why 90th-percentile talent succeeds only 27% of the time, and what the other two variables are Start with the end in mind, get flying hours, and surround yourself with people who have a spike Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    43 min
  5. 036: The Art of the Turnaround: How Jan Zijderveld Transformed Unilever Europe and Saved Avon Products - Part 1

    Apr 16

    036: The Art of the Turnaround: How Jan Zijderveld Transformed Unilever Europe and Saved Avon Products - Part 1

    In part one of this two-part episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy sits down with Jan Zijderveld, a rare breed of truly global executive who built an extraordinary career spanning eight countries across three continents. From brand manager in New Zealand to President of Unilever Europe — a $14 billion business across 34 countries — Jan shares the leadership lessons, hard-won instincts, and pattern recognition that only come from decades of doing difficult things in unfamiliar places. Jan opens up about his high-stakes turnaround of Avon Products, why the CEO success rate hovers around 27%, and how the right "click" between talent, work, and role is the real driver of extraordinary outcomes. His advice is simple but profound: start with the end in mind, take risks, get your flying hours, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. In this episode, you will hear: How Jan Zijderveld built a truly global career across eight countries and three continents The nearly 30-year Unilever journey that took him from brand manager to President of Europe Leading a high-stakes turnaround at Avon Products and navigating its acquisition by Natura Why only 27% of top-tier CEO talent actually succeeds — and what's really behind the gap Sandy's "click" framework and how it connects talent, work, and role as the real driver of success The case for pattern recognition and flying hours over raw talent alone Why starting with the end in mind — and surrounding yourself with inspiring people — is Jan's blueprint for a life well lived Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    50 min
  6. 035: Humility, Curiosity & the Click: What Makes a Great CEO with Shlomo Yanai

    Apr 2

    035: Humility, Curiosity & the Click: What Makes a Great CEO with Shlomo Yanai

    What does it take to lead at the highest levels — in war, in business, and beyond? In this episode, Sandy sits down with Shlomo Yanai, a man who has done exactly that. From commanding forces in the Yom Kippur War to transforming Teva Pharmaceuticals into an $18 billion global powerhouse, Shlomo's journey is unlike anything you've heard before. Born to Holocaust survivors, Shlomo brings a rare depth of perspective on resilience, leadership, and reinvention. The conversation explores what it truly means to "click" in a role — and why humility and curiosity may be the most underrated qualities in a CEO. If you're searching for your next great chapter, Shlomo's advice is simple: stop living in the past, and follow your gut. In this episode, you will hear: Growing up as the son of Holocaust survivors and the silence that shaped a generation Hiding his combat role from his parents — and the moment it all came to light Lessons from the Yom Kippur War and why Israel's military recovery defined his leadership philosophy Doubling Teva Pharmaceuticals' revenue to $18 billion through bold, people-first leadership Why the current CEO selection process is "precisely wrong" — and what should replace it Humility and curiosity as the most undervalued traits in executive leadership "Follow your gut" — advice for senior leaders navigating their next chapter Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    1h 16m
  7. 034: REPLAY: Crafting Collegiate Coaching Success and Building Future MLB Stars with Tracy Smith

    Mar 19

    034: REPLAY: Crafting Collegiate Coaching Success and Building Future MLB Stars with Tracy Smith

    What if you could transform a personal setback into an extraordinary career in collegiate sports? Tracy Smith, the head baseball coach at the University of Michigan, did just that. From his modest beginnings in Kentland, Indiana, to climbing the ranks in university baseball coaching, Tracy's story is one of resilience and strategic thinking. Listen as he shares how a life-changing car accident redirected his path, allowing him to channel his energy into coaching and developing Major League talents like Kyle Schwarber. This episode is your chance to glean insights from a seasoned coach who has not only survived the challenges of leadership in sports but has thrived, with 805 career victories and 90 MLB draft picks to his name. Tracy walks us through the intricacies of building successful coaching programs, revealing the art of balancing coaching skills with business acumen. His journey from Miami University to Indiana University is filled with rich stories, like playing every position in a single game and lessons on stepping out of comfort zones. Discover how he secured significant investments for program facilities and what it takes to nurture young athletes, guiding them to reach their full potential. His candid reflections on leadership provide a blueprint for anyone looking to create a positive and enduring impact in their field. In this episode, you will hear: Tracy Smith's journey from Kentland, Indiana, to coaching success at the University of Michigan. Insights into building a successful collegiate coaching program. Leadership challenges and the importance of authenticity and strategic alignment. Developing MLB talents like Kyle Schwarber and the impact of strong leadership. Navigating personal and professional challenges in collegiate sports. Creating a cohesive ecosystem and finding the 'Click' for team success. Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    56 min
  8. 033: From Chariots of Fire to the House of Lords: Lord David Puttnam on Leadership, Purpose, and Creative Excellence

    Mar 5

    033: From Chariots of Fire to the House of Lords: Lord David Puttnam on Leadership, Purpose, and Creative Excellence

    In this episode, Sandy sits down with Lord David Puttnam—Academy Award–winning producer of Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields, and The Mission—to explore what it truly takes to build a life of meaning, impact, and excellence. From being born during the Blitz to reshaping British film, education policy, and environmental legislation, Lord Puttnam reveals the through-line that connects his remarkable journey: self-awareness, purpose, and the drive to "amaze" rather than simply perform. Together, they discuss resilience, creative leadership, commercial discipline in the arts, and the difference between ego-driven ambition and mission-driven work. Lord Puttnam reflects on his time in film, politics, and education—and the lessons that matter most. For anyone searching for the intersection between talent and purpose, this conversation delivers enduring insight. In this episode, you will hear: The discipline of self-education and learning to connect seemingly unrelated ideas The standard of "amaze me" and why good is never good enough Producing award-winning films with purpose, including Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields, and Local Hero The difference between ego and mission in creative leadership Transitioning from film to public policy, education reform, and the UK Climate Change Act Why self-awareness and identity are foundational to finding your true "click" Resources from this Episode https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Puttnam https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230605-local-hero-why-the-iconic-scottish-environmental-film-was-decades-ahead-of-its-time Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    1h 2m
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About

Think about the worst job you've ever had. What made it so? How did you feel about yourself and your abilities while you were stuck in that awful position? Welcome to Sandy on Talent, where we discuss the unfortunate reality of good talent going to waste and uncover how business leaders can unlock hidden potential in themselves and others to achieve personal and organizational growth. Join Sandy and his renowned guests for insightful and honest discussions on executive leadership, talent optimization, and entrepreneurial success. Now think of the best job you've ever had. It felt entirely different, didn't it? Our mission is to help everyone find fulfillment, dignity, and success in their jobs. We call that magical union "click" —the moment talent perfectly aligns with their role, connecting abilities and superpowers to tangible value, and everyone wins. Whether you're a CEO, business executive, ambitious employee, or an entrepreneur, our insights are tailored to provide actionable strategies for harnessing potential and driving organizational success. Host Sandy Ogg brings over three decades of experience as a CEO advisor, talent expert, and entrepreneur. He founded CEO.works and has served as an operating partner at Blackstone Group and as CHRO of Unilever. Throughout his career, Sandy has collaborated with top global business leaders, gaining insights into the consistent practices that drive value for stakeholders. He leverages this knowledge to develop talent-focused tools to help leaders and organizations thrive in today's economic environment. On our podcast, Sandy and his guests will tackle one of the top issues highlighted in every CEO annual survey: the persistent shortage of talent where it's needed most. Through thought-provoking conversations, they will address burning questions like "How do we hire the best people?" "Is the organization talented enough?" "Is the hierarchy dying or already dead?" And, "Why do transformations fail?" If you're ready to transform your approach to leadership and talent, join us for Sandy on Talent, where we ignite the spark that propels individuals and organizations toward excellence.

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