Executiveland

Elizabeth Freedman
  • 5.0 (16)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Why “Why Should Anyone Care?” Is The Most Important Question, with Chief Marketing Officer Roanne Neuwirth

    On this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Roanne Neuwirth, former Global Chief Marketing Officer for BTS. They explore the evolving role of marketing in the C-Suite and how executives can drive credibility in an AI-driven world. Key takeaways: How CMOs balance functional expertise, people leadership, and executive team membershipWhy strategic marketing is critical for differentiation, relevance, and value creation, especially in the age of AIMethods for guiding internal teams to prioritize, partner effectively, and champion business strategyThe growing importance of executive visibility on platforms such as LinkedIn to strengthen personal and company brandsLessons from Roanne on building trust, strong client relationships, and impactful storytelling in consulting and professional servicesShare this episode with marketing and executive leaders seeking to amplify their influence, drive growth, and elevate their team’s impact. 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 2 - On the Right Side of History: Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar on Democratizing AI • 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

  2. Jun 4

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

    Enjoy this encore release of an early season episode, that is just as valuable to listen to for a second time! 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! • 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

  3. May 28

    Thinking About Leaving Corporate for Consulting? What Senior Leaders Need to Know First, with Coach Melisa Liberman

    On this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Melisa Liberman, founder and CEO of Melisa Liberman Coaching. They explore how corporate leaders can successfully transition into independent consulting. You’ll hear: How to navigate the identity shift from corporate executive to business owner and rebuild confidence independent of past titlesWhy starting simple with “foot in the door” consulting offers helps you land clients quickly and refine your business modelHow to leverage past experience without feeling like you’re starting from scratch and recognize patterns of successPractical approaches to pipeline growth, lead generation, and client acquisitionEmerging consulting opportunities, including AI strategy and diagnostics, and how to identify high-value solutions your clients needMaking the leap into independent consulting starts with a decision, not a perfect plan. This episode gives you the roadmap. Share it with a colleague who’s ready to make the leap. 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! • 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

  4. May 21

    "Our job is to do great things" - Maia Josebachvili, Chief Revenue Officer of AI at Stripe

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman talks with Maia Josebachvili, Chief Revenue Officer for AI at Stripe, about what it really takes to lead at the frontier. Maia shares why authority is never handed to you and why the best leaders surround themselves with people who know more than they do. You’ll learn:  Why leadership is about creating followership, not giving orders from a boardroomHow to approach a role you have never done before by building the right network and teamThe "pin check" culture from skydiving and what it teaches us about defaulting to trust in high stakes situationsWhy getting to ground truth means talking to customers directly, not just reviewing dataHow a simple one page framework creates clarity in complex momentsMaia also opens up about an early career mistake when she tried to act like what she thought a CMO should be, and why being yourself works better than fitting a mold.  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! • 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

  5. May 14

    Why Executives Lose Confidence in Leaders

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman explains why even highly capable leaders can lose the confidence of senior executives, not because they lack talent, but because trust is built on whether senior leaders believe you can consistently deliver meaningful outcomes.  Key takeaways from this episode: Why executive confidence is built on outcomes, not effort, activity, or being busyThe hidden ways unclear communication creates doubt and erodes trust at senior levelsHow leaders unintentionally lose credibility when they are not fully bought into the outcome themselves, even if they publicly alignWhy understanding what you are truly being paid to deliver changes how executives experience your leadershipShe also shares three practical questions leaders should ask themselves: what outcomes are you actually paid to produce, how do executives currently experience you, and are you fully bought in or privately broadcasting doubt? Strengthening trust starts here. 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! • 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

  6. May 7

    From ‘You’ll Never Make It’ to the C-Suite: Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP & Chief People & Culture Officer, The Atlanta Braves

    On Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP and Chief People and Culture Officer for the Atlanta Braves, to talk about resilience, self-worth, and intentional leadership. DeRetta shares how she pushed past doubt, defined her value, and stayed committed to her vision through career pivots, personal adversity, and earning her doctorate. Key themes you'll hear: How to tune out "ugly noise" and stay committed to your goals, even when others doubt youWhy thinking like a "free agent" can transform how you define and communicate your valueThe importance of asking the right questions before stepping into new roles, and the cost of not askingHow to take inventory of your life and career to make aligned decisions in different seasonsThe role of vision journals, mentorship, and belief in building a long-term, purpose-driven careerDeRetta also shares insights from her book Courage of Voice, along with stories of the mentors and life experiences that shaped her leadership style, her commitment to empowering women, and her belief that success is available to anyone willing to stay the course. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who could use the reminder that their goals are still within reach.  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! Purchase Dr. DeRetta Rhodes book here: amazon.com/Courage-Voice-Empowering-Women-Professional/dp/1961863014 To learn more about Dr. DeRetta Rhodes: mlb.com/braves/team/front-office/deretta-rhodes Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 16 - Robert Clarkson, Former CRO Americas at Stripe: Why Empathy and Co-Creation Win • 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

  7. Apr 30

    “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! • 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

  8. Apr 23

    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 • 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
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5
out of 5
16 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
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Executiveland
  • Show Website
    Executiveland

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