What if the reason your team isn't performing has nothing to do with strategy, structure, or process, and everything to do with the human brain? In this episode, Simon sits down with Mike Mears, former Chief of Human Capital at the CIA, bestselling author, and founder of the CIA Leadership Academy. Drawing on decades of experience from operating behind the Iron Curtain to working alongside Jack Welch at GE, Mike reveals why most executives are unknowingly working against human nature, and what to do about it. Mike breaks down the neuroscience behind why certainty is the missing ingredient in modern leadership, why only 25% of employees are truly engaged, and how a simple shift in approach can unlock the brain chemicals that drive trust, motivation, and real change. You'll also hear how Leon Panetta's approach to the hunt for Bin Laden is one of the best leadership lessons you've never been taught and how you can apply the same principle to transform your team starting this week.

In this episode of Tenzing's Executive Edge, host Greg Anderson sits down with Omer Abdullah — global business leader, co-founder of the SmartCube, and founder of procurement advisory venture Procuria — to tackle a pressing question: how do procurement practitioners future-proof themselves in an AI-driven world? Drawing on over 35 years of experience, Omer argues that procurement has reached an existential inflection point. AI and agentic technology are rapidly eliminating not just transactional work, but a significant portion of the analytical middle layer too — and the function will emerge smaller, leaner, and far more strategically oriented as a result. Omer and Greg discuss why this is actually the opportunity procurement professionals have always asked for, but only for those willing to skill up and embrace the change. For those who don't, CFOs will simply let the machines do the work.

In this episode of Executive Edge, Greg interviews Yale Peebles — a West Point graduate, former Army captain, Wharton MBA and CEO of YSP Advisory Services — about turning complex strategy into real-world execution.

Yale explains how disciplined leadership, clear communication, and practical planning (including built-in flexibility and a regular ‘‘drumbeat’’ of updates) help teams move from vision to measurable results. He emphasizes simplifying plans, identifying critical dependencies, assigning ownership, and focusing on solutions, not problems.

Tune in for actionable lessons on accountability, cross-functional coordination, and executing mergers, integrations, and growth initiatives under pressure.

In this episode of Executive Edge, Simon welcomes Aaron Miller, Partner at Apollo Global Management and Chairman of Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions, for a candid conversation on leadership, accountability, and the evolving role of the operating partner in private equity.

Drawing on his experience across consulting, global operations, and portfolio leadership, Aaron explains why operating partners must move beyond advice-giving toward true stewardship—owning outcomes, not just recommendations. He shares how Apollo has built a scalable, technology-enabled operating model, integrating data, AI, and repeatable playbooks to drive consistent value creation across its portfolio.

The discussion also explores what differentiates great leaders in moments of inflection. Aaron offers a powerful perspective on why many people love the title of leader, but far fewer love leadership itself—and why that distinction matters when building resilient organizations. From talent and culture to technology and execution, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what modern leadership really requires in private equity and beyond.

In this episode of Executive Edge, Greg Anderson is joined by Roy Langley, President and Founder of Pelagic Search, for a candid conversation on what really drives successful talent decisions—on both the hiring side and the candidate side. Drawing on years of experience working with private equity–backed and founder-led businesses, Roy shares why trust, energy, and discipline matter more than ever in high-stakes executive hiring.

Together, they explore why “post and pray” hiring strategies fall short, how leaders can better attract and assess top talent, and what candidates must do to stand out in a crowded and often passive market. From the importance of in-person engagement to the hidden signals that separate great hires from costly mistakes, this episode offers practical insights for executives who know that getting talent right is not just an HR issue—but a strategic imperative.

In this episode of Executive Edge, Greg Anderson speaks with Don Kieffer—former Harley-Davidson executive, MIT Sloan senior lecturer, and co-creator of Dynamic Work Design about why so much work slows down inside organizations.

Don shares lessons from the factory floor, the executive suite, and decades of advisory work to explain why traditional org charts and process models fail to reflect how work really happens. He introduces Dynamic Work Design as a practical way to make work visible, reduce friction, and keep progress moving—especially in complex, knowledge-based environments.

A focused, insight-rich conversation for leaders looking to cut through bureaucracy and redesign work so results come faster and more naturally.

Simon Rycraft talks with José Juan López Portillo, a former diplomat and international relations expert, about why history and context are essential to leadership, decision-making, and geopolitics.

They discuss how studying history builds analytical tools for understanding the present and anticipating the future, Mexico's deep historical influence—from agriculture to silver trade—and practical advice for executives considering investment or partnership in Mexico.

In this episode of Executive Edge, Greg Anderson sits down with David Hargraves—CEO of Pharma Logistics, Navy veteran, and seasoned healthcare supply chain leader—for a compelling conversation centered on the power of customer delight.

David reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy and explains why “satisfied” customers are never the goal. He breaks down how a relentless focus on customer delight, paired with uncompromising compliance and operational rigor, fuels Pharma Logistics’ growth and differentiates its service experience. David also opens up about the mentors who influenced his career, the unexpected turns that built his resilience, and the mindset forged during his military service.

From mastering complex pharmaceutical regulations to cultivating trust-based, service-driven teams, David offers practical strategies for leaders committed to delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond expectations.

A dynamic and energizing discussion for anyone looking to elevate customer relationships, inspire team performance, and create lasting impact through the pursuit of true customer delight.