Leading Through Uncertainty

The world doesn’t come with a manual for unpredictable times, but great leaders know how to adapt when the rules keep changing. Leading Through Uncertainty is a podcast that dives into real stories and practical advice from people who’ve been there: senior leaders, industry experts, and Odgers insiders. We talk about what it really takes to lead when the future feels foggy, how to make decisions, keep teams motivated, and turn challenges into opportunities. No jargon, no fluff, just honest conversations to help you navigate the unknown with confidence. Hit play and join us for insights that matter when certainty isn’t an option.

  1. 2d ago

    Retail Leadership Through Uncertainty: AI, Boards & Strategy

    In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Jane explores the future of leadership with Chania Stempowski, Managing Director of Odgers South Africa and leader of the firm's Retail & Consumer Practice. Together they discuss how retail leaders can navigate uncertainty, the impact of AI on leadership, what boards often misunderstand about digital transformation, and the capabilities that will define successful leaders over the next five years. Key topics include: Leadership in uncertain markets AI and the future of retail leadership Digital transformation and organisational change Board effectiveness and succession planning Building resilient organisations Leadership capability for the future Retail industry trends and disruption Executive search insights from South Africa and global markets Key Quote: "AI won't replace retail leaders, but retail leaders who don't use AI will likely be replaced by those who do." Subscribe for more conversations with global business leaders, board members and executive search experts exploring leadership, succession, talent and transformation. #Leadership #AI #RetailLeadership #ExecutiveSearch #Boards #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #SuccessionPlanning #retailindustry Frequently Asked Questions What leadership skills will be most important in the age of AI? How can boards prepare for continued uncertainty? Will AI replace retail leaders? What does successful digital transformation require? How can organisations become more resilient during disruption?

    Retail Leadership Through Uncertainty: AI, Boards & Strategy
  2. Sep 11

    How Sports Leaders Navigate Uncertainty, Investment & Innovation

    How will sports leadership evolve in an era of uncertainty, institutional investment, technological disruption and changing fan expectations? In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Odgers Chief Operating Officer Kate Burns speaks with Euan Frizzell, Partner and Head of International Sports Practice at Odgers, about the future of leadership in sport, executive search, succession planning, fan engagement, AI and the growing influence of private capital across the sports industry. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience advising sports organisations, governing bodies, investors and global brands, Euan shares insights into what distinguishes today's most effective leaders and why adaptability is becoming the defining leadership capability in sport. In this episode: The future of sports leadershipHow institutional investment is reshaping sportCommercial growth versus performance on the pitchThe power and economics of fan engagementWhy adaptability matters more than everEmerging sports, esports and new audiencesAI's impact on executive search and talent assessmentSuccession planning and future-ready leadership teamsThe role of governance, advisory boards and non-executive directorsHow sports organisations attract talent from outside the industry Key questions answered in this interview What will redefine sports leadership over the next decade? What are the biggest blind spots facing sports leaders today? Why is fan engagement becoming increasingly valuable? How is investment changing the leadership demands on sports organisations? What leadership skills matter most in uncertain times? How is AI changing executive search and talent assessment? What does successful leadership in sport look like today? How should boards prepare for continued uncertainty? About the Guest Euan Frizzell is a Partner at Odgers and leads the firm's international sports practice outside the United States. He advises sports organisations, governing bodies, investors and global brands on executive search, leadership strategy, succession planning and organisational transformation. About Leading Through Uncertainty Leading Through Uncertainty is Odgers' leadership interview series exploring how senior leaders navigate complexity, transformation and opportunity across industries and markets worldwide.

    How Sports Leaders Navigate Uncertainty, Investment & Innovation
  3. Sep 3

    How Great Leaders Navigate Uncertainty

    In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Chris Hamilton sits down with investor, board adviser and former global CEO Subhanu Saxena to explore what effective leadership looks like in an era defined by disruption, complexity and constant change. Drawing on a career that spans engineering, consulting, banking, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and healthcare investing, Subhanu Saxena shares practical lessons on navigating uncertainty, leading business turnarounds, building resilient organisations and developing future leaders. During the conversation, they discuss: Why leaders should stop trying to predict the future and focus on adaptabilityLessons from leading a major business turnaround at PepsiCoWhat investors look for in leadership teams todayHow to identify organisational inflection points before problems escalateThe role of boards in developing leadership talentWhy diversity of thought matters when navigating uncertaintyThe leadership capabilities organisations need for the next decadeBuilding cultures where people can thrive as themselvesThe importance of purpose, authenticity and self-awareness in leadership A standout insight from the conversation: "If things go well and everyone thinks the same, that's fine. But when you hit a problem, you want someone to come up with a contrarian view." Whether you're a CEO, board member, investor or aspiring leader, this discussion offers valuable perspectives on leading people, navigating change and creating organisations that can succeed in uncertain environments.

    How Great Leaders Navigate Uncertainty

About

The world doesn’t come with a manual for unpredictable times, but great leaders know how to adapt when the rules keep changing. Leading Through Uncertainty is a podcast that dives into real stories and practical advice from people who’ve been there: senior leaders, industry experts, and Odgers insiders. We talk about what it really takes to lead when the future feels foggy, how to make decisions, keep teams motivated, and turn challenges into opportunities. No jargon, no fluff, just honest conversations to help you navigate the unknown with confidence. Hit play and join us for insights that matter when certainty isn’t an option.

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