Redefining Executive Career

Uplift People Consulting
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Uplift is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. Redefining Executive Career is a leadership series hosted by Serap Zel, Founder of Uplift, drawing on 20+ years of executive search experience across five continents and 50+ countries. In conversation with founders, board members, and senior executives, the series explores leadership transitions, strategic decisions, and what truly defines executive impact today.

  1. Why Do Great Leaders Still Struggle with Visibility? with Nausheen I. Chen

    2D AGO

    Why Do Great Leaders Still Struggle with Visibility? with Nausheen I. Chen

    Many highly accomplished leaders believe their work should speak for itself. But at senior levels, performance alone is rarely enough. In this episode, we explore why exceptional leaders are sometimes overlooked — not because they lack capability, but because their value is not always visible, articulated, or experienced in the moments that matter most. Through real executive-level challenges, we examine how communication, presence, and strategic visibility shape leadership opportunities, board selection, and career progression. This conversation reveals why some leaders continue to advance — while others remain highly capable but unexpectedly overlooked. Key Highlights • Why the mindset of “I did the work, people should know my value” can become a hidden risk at senior levels.• The subtle communication habits that weaken executive presence — including over-explaining, softening language, or hiding behind complexity.• What truly differentiates leaders in high-stakes moments such as board interviews, investor discussions, and C-level hiring processes.• The role of online visibility and thought leadership in today’s leadership landscape.• Why founders and senior leaders often feel uncomfortable with personal visibility — and how to approach it authentically. Why Listen • Understand why strong performance alone does not guarantee recognition at senior levels.• Learn how executive presence and language shape how leaders are perceived.• Gain practical insight into how visibility influences leadership opportunities.• Discover how leaders can build credibility without becoming performative or inauthentic. Why This Works This episode goes beyond generic advice about personal branding. Nausheen I. Chen shares practical insights on how leaders can communicate their value clearly, show up with confidence in critical moments, and navigate visibility without losing authenticity. The result is a powerful conversation about how leadership impact is not only built — but also perceived. Guest: Nausheen I. ChenConnect with Nausheen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheenichen/ Hosted by: Serap Zel Connect with Serap:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serapzel/ Nausheen has also shared a complimentary course on speaking fearlessly for listeners of this episode. Free course:https://www.speaking.coach/free-course/

    28 min
  2. How to Get a Board Director Role with Di-Ann Eisnor

    FEB 25

    How to Get a Board Director Role with Di-Ann Eisnor

    Step inside the boardroom and uncover what it really takes to earn — and deserve — a board seat. In this episode, we go beyond surface-level advice to explore how boards actually work, how directors are selected, and what separates credible board members from impressive executives. This is not about titles.It’s about judgment, perspective, and long-term impact. Key Highlights: • Understand what a board actually does — and why it’s fundamentally different from an executive leadership team.• Learn why shifting from operator to overseer is one of the hardest transitions senior leaders face.• Discover how board director roles really come together — and why they rarely start with an application.• Explore how visibility for board roles is built through credibility and consistency, not self-promotion.• Identify what meaningful contribution looks like in the first year on a board — and the common mistakes first-time directors make. Why Listen: • Essential for senior leaders aspiring to board roles.• Gain clarity on how boards evaluate potential directors.• Learn how to position yourself long before an opportunity formally appears.• Understand how to add real strategic value once you’re in the room. Why This Works: This episode demystifies the boardroom. Instead of generic advice about networking or “building your brand,” Di-Ann Eisnor shares real insight into how trust, judgment, and long-term visibility shape board opportunities. It’s practical, strategic, and grounded in experience — giving senior leaders a clearer path from executive operator to board-level thinker. Guest: Di-Ann Eisnor Connect with Di-Ann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneisnor/ Hosted by Serap ZelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serapzel/

    22 min
  3. How Executives Should Tell Their Story in Career Transitions with Philipp Humm

    FEB 11

    How Executives Should Tell Their Story in Career Transitions with Philipp Humm

    Unlock the secret to transforming your executive storytelling and stand out in your next career move. This episode reveals game-changing frameworks and practical tips to craft compelling narratives that showcase how you think — not just what you've achieved. Key Highlights: Discover why traditional achievement lists fall flat in executive interviews.Learn from Philipp Humm, CEO of StoryLab, on uncovering powerful stories in everyday moments.Master storytelling frameworks like the ‘moment of realization’ to captivate leadership audiences.Explore the importance of emotional highs and lows in your narrative.Understand the art of keeping stories simple and conversational.Prepare your mindset for high-stakes interviews with practical exercises.Why Listen: Perfect for senior leaders feeling stuck or transitioning careers.Gain practical, proven strategies to tell stories that resonate and inspire.Learn how to incorporate storytelling into your daily routine to enhance leadership presence. Why this works: This episode offers tangible tips and inspiring insights tailored for senior leaders, making it both relatable and immediately actionable. The focus on everyday moments and practical exercises encourages listeners to start transforming their narratives today.Philipp Humm; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Philipp-Humm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipp_humm/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipphumm?originalSubdomain=nl Serap Zel; https://www.linkedin.com/in/serapzel/

    20 min

  4. 10/01/2025

    Lost in Transformation ft. Rupert Brown

    Lost in Transformation What does it really take to lead people through change, not the neat frameworks, but the messy, emotional, human side of transformation? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, we reconnect with Rupert Brown, seasoned Global HR Leader and author of Lost in Transformation. With a career spanning P&G, Maersk, and Virgin Media, and leadership experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Rupert brings a wealth of global perspective on guiding organizations through disruption. Hosted by Serap Zel, Founder & CEO of Uplift, this episode explores: Why vulnerability can be a leadership superpower and how to balance openness with authority The unexpected value of “difficult” voices and how leaders can reframe them as early warning signals How to steer in a “never normal” world where predictability is rare and the playbook is constantly shifting Why transformation is also about identity, and how to create space for people to process change The role of “distributed trust” and how leaders can tap into peer-to-peer trust in uncertain times Rupert’s personal journey of writing Lost in Transformation and how it shaped his views on leadership today 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift🎙 Guest: Rupert Brown, Global HR Leader & Author – Lost in Transformation 👉 Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation on what it means to lead change with both head and heart in today’s complex world. #upliftingleaders #lostintransformation #leadership #change #futureofwork #upliftpeople

    30 min
  5. Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets? ft. Arif Ender

    08/18/2025

    Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets? ft. Arif Ender

    Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets? How can companies design compensation strategies that truly work in emerging markets, and how should candidates assess offers in these fast-growing economies? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, “Smart Compensation: What Works in Emerging Markets?,” we sit down with Arif Ender, Director of Compensation (EMEA & LATAM) at Palo Alto Networks, to unpack the realities, opportunities, and misconceptions of building competitive rewards packages in dynamic regions. Hosted by Serap Zel, Founder & CEO of Uplift, this episode explores: The most common misconceptions companies have when entering or scaling in emerging markets How base pay, bonuses, equity, and benefits expectations differ between emerging and developed markets Key levers for attracting top talent when budgets are limited The role of transparency and communication in shaping successful compensation strategies What mid-senior professionals should look for beyond salary when evaluating offers The biggest pitfalls candidates face when moving into or across emerging markets—and how to avoid them Actionable advice for both founders entering a new market and candidates making career moves in emerging economies 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift 🎙 Guest: Arif Ender, Director of Compensation (EMEA & LATAM) – Palo Alto Networks 👉 Tune in for clear, practical insights on designing—and securing—compensation packages that work in diverse, fast-growing regions. #upliftingleaders #compensationstrategy #emergingmarkets #talentattraction #futureofwork #upliftpeople

    32 min
  6. HR Leadership Across Industries & Insights for Healthcare in the Middle East ft. Mohamed Abdulwahab

    07/31/2025

    HR Leadership Across Industries & Insights for Healthcare in the Middle East ft. Mohamed Abdulwahab

    How can HR leadership evolve across industries, and what’s next for healthcare in the Middle East? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, “HR Leadership Across Industries & Insights for Healthcare in the Middle East,” we sit down with Mohamed Abdulwahab, an accomplished HR executive with a diverse background spanning retail, logistics, FMCG, and now healthcare. Hosted by Serap Zel, Founder & CEO of Uplift, this episode unpacks: How leadership, operations, and talent dynamics shift across industries Surprising lessons learned when moving between sectors What makes performance management in healthcare uniquely complex, and how to keep it human Key trends shaping the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East How HR leaders can successfully adapt across industry borders 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift 🎙 Guest: Mohamed Abdulwahab, Group Chief People Officer -Saudi German Health 👉 Tune in for practical, thought-provoking insights at the intersection of industry transformation and people leadership. #upliftingleaders #hrleadership #healthcareHR #middleeasttalent #futureofwork #industryinsights #upliftpeople

    24 min
  7. Beyond Borders: Insights from a Global HR Leader in Japan ft. Basak Basar Beleli

    07/17/2025

    Beyond Borders: Insights from a Global HR Leader in Japan ft. Basak Basar Beleli

    How can HR leaders adapt across cultures while creating meaningful employee experiences? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, “Beyond Borders: Insights from a Global HR Leader in Japan,” we’re joined by Başak Başar Beleli, an experienced international HR executive, for a powerful conversation on cross-cultural leadership and talent strategy. Hosted by Serap Zel, Founder & CEO of Uplift, this episode explores: Key cultural lessons from working across Europe and AsiaThe unique dynamics of Japan’s talent marketHow loyalty, harmony, and hierarchy shape HR in JapanTips for foreign companies entering JapanWhat defines a great employee experience across cultures 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift 🎙 Guest: Başak Başar Beleli, VP, People & Culture Japan Korea - The Coca-Cola Company 👉 Tune in for practical insights on leading people across borders and cultures. #upliftingleaders #globalHR #japanworkculture #employeeexperience #peopleandculture #hrstrategy #upliftpeople

    26 min
  8. Exponential Organizations: The New Playbook for 10X Growth & Impact ft. Salim Ismail

    07/03/2025

    Exponential Organizations: The New Playbook for 10X Growth & Impact ft. Salim Ismail

    What does it take to lead with exponential thinking in a world defined by disruption, decentralization, and accelerating technologies? In this episode of Uplifting Leaders, “Exponential Organizations: The New Playbook for 10X Growth & Impact,” we’re joined by Salim Ismail, bestselling author, futurist, and founding executive director of Singularity University. A global thought leader on exponential innovation, Salim shares how organizations—from startups to Fortune 500s—can unlock unprecedented growth by shifting mindsets, structures, and leadership styles. From why most companies are built for predictability in an unpredictable world to how the ExO model has helped transform businesses across industries, Salim offers powerful, real-life insights that challenge the traditional playbook. He also explores how leaders can build cultures of continuous transformation, why AI and decentralization are reshaping talent strategy, and what skills will truly matter in the age of exponential change. 🎙 Host: Serap Zel, Founder/CEO – Uplift 🎙 Guest: Salim Ismail, Author – Exponential Organizations, Co-founder – OpenExO 👉 Join Salim'sWorkshop to build your ExO: https://openexo.com/10x-shift?video=Uplift Tune in for a bold and future-focused conversation on growth, leadership, and thriving in times of radical change. #upliftingleaders #exponentialorganizations #futureofwork #leadershipstrategy #10xgrowth #executivethinking #disruption #ai #exoleadership #salimismail #globalleaders

    21 min
See All (28)

About

Uplift is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. Redefining Executive Career is a leadership series hosted by Serap Zel, Founder of Uplift, drawing on 20+ years of executive search experience across five continents and 50+ countries. In conversation with founders, board members, and senior executives, the series explores leadership transitions, strategic decisions, and what truly defines executive impact today.

Information

  • Creator
    Uplift People Consulting
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Uplift People Consulting
  • Show Website
    Redefining Executive Career