Keywords

leadership, crisis management, proactive approach, problem-solving, team dynamics

Summary

In this conversation, Charles Skinner emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership, especially in crisis situations. He advocates for leaders to confront challenges head-on rather than avoiding them, highlighting the need for clear communication and decisive action in managing teams effectively.

Bio

Charles Skinner is a veteran corporate turnaround specialist. He is currently CEO of Restore plc and author of the new book "Buy, Run, Build - A Guide to Entrepreneurship through Acquisition". He is "a businessman with vast experience of finding, acquiring, growing and (mostly) successfully selling over 100 businesses". He is a non-executive and chair of several organisations.

Takeaways

The natural human reaction is to avoid problems.

Leaders should run towards challenges instead of away from them.

Proactive problem-solving can prevent larger issues.

Clear communication is key in crisis management.

Leaders must be decisive in their actions.

Facing challenges head-on builds trust within teams.

Effective leadership requires a willingness to confront the unknown.

Crisis management is a vital skill for all leaders.

Sound bites

"Run towards the gunfire, find out whether it's firecrackers"

"It's your job as a leader to work out what's going on"

Chapters

00:00 – Leadership Insights + AI, Crypto & Risk Management Trends

01:31 – Introducing Charles Skinner: CEO, Turnaround Expert & Author

07:26 – Career Pivot Strategy: Why Most People Stay in Their First Job

11:06 – Essential Skills for Becoming a Successful CEO or Business Owner

12:46 – Talent Management Masterclass: How to Spot High-Potential People

15:29 – Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Finding Talent in Existing Teams

17:05 – Operational Excellence: Site Visits, Stock Checks & Real-World Reality

21:10 – Business Clarity: Asking Simple Questions That Drive Performance

25:25 – Productivity & Strategy: How Leaders Prioritise What Really Matters

33:27 – Why "Unsexy" Industries Offer Huge Business Growth Opportunities

Louise van Haarst and Alice Driscoll are highly experienced and in-demand leadership and performance coaches and conflict specialists. They are co-founders of leadership consultancy The Power House and co-creators of Smart Conflict®—an evidenced-based approach to handling hard conversations. They have recently released their book Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work.

Keywords

conflict resolution, leadership coaching, hard conversations, communication skills, workplace dynamics, emotional intelligence, relational conflict, task conflict, executive coaching, Smart Conflict

Summary

In this conversation, leadership coaches Louise Van Haarst and Alice Driscoll discuss their new book, 'Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work.' They share their diverse backgrounds in conflict resolution and coaching, emphasising the importance of addressing conflict in leadership roles. The discussion covers common scenarios where conflict arises, introduces their Five Rs framework for effective conflict resolution, and explores the difference between relational and task conflict. They also address how to navigate situations with potential mal-intent and the significance of self-regulation in difficult conversations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the positive reception of their book and its impact on readers.

Takeaways

• Conflict is inherent to human relationships and can lead to growth - in fact, an absence of conflict can be a problem.

• Assuming positive intent can help navigate difficult conversations.

• Self-regulation is crucial in managing conflict effectively.

• The Five Rs framework provides a structured approach to conflict resolution.

• Relational conflict differs from task conflict and requires different strategies.

• Time does not heal; proactive measures are necessary to resolve conflict.

• Understanding the motivations behind conflict can lead to better outcomes.

• Navigating mal-intent requires careful questioning and open-mindedness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conflict Coaching and the Powerhouse

02:38 Backgrounds of Louise and Alice

05:16 The Journey to Conflict Coaching

08:12 The Importance of Conflict in Organizations

10:47 Common Conflict Scenarios

13:48 The Five Rs Framework for Conflict Resolution

21:01 The Importance of Repair in Relationships

29:25 Understanding Conflict: Relational vs. Task Conflict

33:45 Navigating Malintent in Conversations

40:14 Regulating Emotions During Conflict

42:55 The Impact of the Book and Its Reception

Jon co-founded eDelta Consulting, Inc. in 2000 alongside fellow Ernst & Young alumni, with a mission to deliver innovative Technology and Information Security services to Fortune 500 companies as well as dynamic mid-sized public and private organizations.

For over a decade, Jon has been at the forefront of evaluating information systems and business processes across industries ranging from financial services and retail to entertainment.

Jon has branched into industries outside of the typical CPA range - such as Recruitment, Human Resources, and AI implementation.

A sought-after speaker, Jon regularly shares insights on topics as wide-ranging as Sarbanes-Oxley, information security, Artificial Intelligence, disaster recovery, business continuity, corporate risk assessment, and Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs).

Jon is also a Certified Public Accountant, serves on the board of ISACA, and is an active member of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). He earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. 

Keywords

John Bosco, E-Delta Consulting, AI, risk management, information security, technology consulting, business growth, regulatory compliance, financial services, emerging technologies

In this episode of the C-Suite Framework podcast, John Bosco, founder of E-Delta Consulting, shares his journey from the Big Four to establishing his own consulting firm. He discusses the evolution of technology and risk management, the challenges organizations face with emerging technologies like AI, and the importance of learning from past events to navigate future risks. John emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to changing regulations and the role of AI in transforming business operations.

Takeaways

John Bosco founded E-Delta Consulting to fill a niche in technology and information security services.

His experience in the Big Four helped him build confidence in consulting and communication.

E-Delta Consulting has grown to about 30 full-time employees, focusing on technology assurance and GRC.

Organizations are grappling with the risks associated with emerging technologies, particularly AI.

AI is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge for businesses, requiring careful implementation.

John emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to change in the industry.

Regulatory compliance varies significantly between the US and Europe, especially regarding AI.

AI is expected to transform various sectors, including finance, marketing, and legal compliance.

Organizations must be cautious and thoughtful in their approach to AI adoption.

Learning from past economic cycles is crucial for future preparedness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Bosco and E-Delta Consulting

01:58 Career Journey and Founding E-Delta Consulting

07:45 Growth and Evolution of E-Delta Consulting

09:05 Challenges in Emerging Technologies and AI

14:27 Risk Management and Organizational Challenges

20:01 Comparative Analysis of US and European Regulations

26:47 AI in Risk Management and Business Operations

34:46 Future of AI and Its Impact on Industries

37:07 Learning from Past Cycles and Future Preparedness

Clare Radford is the founder of & Culture consulting. An experienced consultant, and Occupational Psychologist, Ex EY Lane4, with twenty years of experience in culture change, leadership development and talent management, focusing on large scale transformational projects.

18 months ago, she walked away from a safe job, a steady salary, and a career she'd carefully built to start a consultancy to work with businesses who value their people as much as their profit and to see if it was possible to run a consultancy with a conscience. She has been named a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2025.

Keywords

consultancy, culture change, leadership development, women in the workplace, human capital, AI in business, ethical business practices, return to work, learning experiences, entrepreneurship

Summary

In this episode of the C-suite framework podcast, Claire Radford shares her journey from a stable corporate career to founding her own consultancy focused on culture change and leadership development. With over 20 years of experience, Claire discusses the importance of valuing people in business, the challenges women face returning to work after maternity leave, and the need for human-centered leadership in an increasingly AI-driven world. She emphasises the significance of creating engaging learning experiences and the value of human capital in organisations. Claire also shares insights from her global experiences and the importance of ethical business practices.

Takeaways

• Claire Radford transitioned from a stable job to start her own consultancy.

• Her experiences in different cultures shaped her understanding of workplace dynamics.

• The importance of data collection in making informed career decisions.

• Creating memorable learning experiences is crucial in leadership development.

• Human-centered leadership is essential in today's work environment.

• AI should enhance human interaction, not replace it.

• Women returning to work face significant challenges that need addressing.

• Organizations often undervalue the implicit knowledge of their employees.

• Engagement in the workplace is linked to personal connections.

• Play and simulations can enhance learning and decision-making skills.

Sound bites

"If it's worth doing, it's worth paying for."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Claire Radford and Her Journey

02:46 Cultural Insights from Global Experience

05:46 The Courage to Start Anew

08:23 Navigating Ethical Business Practices

11:14 The Importance of Human-Centered Leadership

14:19 AI and the Human Element in Workplaces

16:59 Supporting Women Returning to Work

19:37 The Value of Human Capital

22:42 The Role of Play in Learning

25:24 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

The "C-Suite Framework" podcast dives deep into the world of corporate leadership by speaking with experts and C-Suite executives about key roles such as Operations, Risk, People, and Sustainability. Each episode dissects the challenges leaders face today, offering insights and practical takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own careers. Balancing depth with fun, the podcast is both entertaining and informative, giving listeners a unique perspective into the dynamics of executive roles and how to navigate their own path to success.

🔎 Hosted by Jennifer Geary — former COO, CRO, and bestselling author of How to be a CRO, The Augmented COO, and more.

➡️ For more insights, access to online courses, book information and more, visit csuiteframework.com

Michael Rasmussen is an internationally recognized authority, thought leader, and pioneer in the disciplines of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). With over 30 years of experience, he is globally known for defining and shaping GRC strategy, processes, and technology. In February 2002, while at Forrester Research, Michael developed the concept of GRC — establishing the foundation for how organizations approach strategy, process, and technology in today's complex business environment. For this, he is widely acknowledged as the "Father of GRC."

A trusted advisor to boards, executives, and professionals around the world, Michael has dedicated his career to helping organizations design and implement effective GRC strategies that are aligned with business objectives.

Michael is also the host of the Risk is Our Business podcast.

Join us for a special edition of the C-Suite Framework podcast as we welcome Michael Rasmussen, a globally recognised authority in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). With over 30 years of experience, Michael shares his journey from graphic design to becoming a pioneer in GRC. Discover insights into the evolution of risk management, the differences between US and European approaches, and the future of GRC technology.

Key Highlights:

• Michael's career journey and the birth of GRC

• Differences in risk management approaches between the US and Europe

• The importance of aligning risk management with business objectives

• The role of technology in enhancing GRC strategies

• Future trends in risk management, including GRC 7.0 and digital twins

Key Takeaways:

• The Evolution of GRC: Michael Rasmussen discusses the development of GRC and its impact on organizations worldwide.

• US vs. Europe in Risk Management: A comparison of risk management maturity and practices across continents.

• Strategic Alignment: The necessity of aligning risk management with business objectives for effective governance.

• Technological Integration: How technology supports and enhances GRC strategies.

• Future of Risk Management: Insights into GRC 7.0 and the role of digital twins in modeling risk scenarios.

Soundbites:

"Technology doesn't solve bad process and bad strategy. It can magnify those issues."

"Europe is more mature than the US when it comes to risk management."

"The best chief risk officer in the Marvel superhero universe is Dr. Strange."

Chapters:

Introduction to Michael Rasmussen (0:00 - 2:30)

The Birth of GRC (2:31 - 10:00)

Comparing Risk Management Across Continents (10:01 - 20:00)

Aligning Risk with Business Objectives (20:01 - 30:00)

The Role of Technology in GRC (30:01 - 40:00)

Future Trends: GRC 7.0 and Digital Twins (40:01 - 50:00)

Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook (50:01 - End)

Hashtags: #RiskManagement #GRC #Podcast #Leadership

Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest insights in risk management and governance.

The "C-Suite Framework" podcast dives deep into the world of corporate leadership by speaking with experts and C-Suite executives about key roles such as Operations, Risk, People, and Sustainability. Each episode dissects the challenges leaders face today, offering insights and practical takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own careers. Balancing depth with fun, the podcast is both entertaining and informative, giving listeners a unique perspective into the dynamics of executive roles and how to navigate their own path to success.

🔎 Hosted by Jennifer Geary — former COO, CRO, and bestselling author of How to be a CRO, The Augmented COO, and more.

➡️ For more insights, access to online courses, book information and more, visit csuiteframework.com

Julien Haye is an experienced board advisor and risk leader with over 26 years in financial services. He is Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at FinTech firm Fennech and Managing Director of Aevitium LTD, a specialist advisory practice supporting boards and executive teams in strengthening governance, culture, and strategic resilience.

A former Chief Risk Officer and senior risk executive in global financial institutions, Julien has led major risk and compliance transformations across complex, regulated environments—including heading a Global Non-Financial Risk function. He is the author of The Risk Within, a book exploring how psychological safety enables better decision-making and risk oversight, and host of the CPD-accredited RiskMasters podcast

In this episode of the C-suite Framework Podcast, host Jennifer Geary interviews Julian Haye, an experienced board advisor and risk leader. They discuss Julian's career journey, the importance of psychological safety in risk management, and how organizations can foster a culture that encourages open communication and effective decision-making. Julian shares insights from his book, 'The Risk Within,' and emphasizes the need for organizations to empower their people during transformation. The conversation also touches on Julian's writing process and the impact of his book on his consultancy work and personal life as a new parent.

Links

Timothy R. Clark's work: https://www.aevitium.com/post/four-stages-of-psychological-safety-risk-management

Takeaways

Julian Haye has over 26 years of experience in financial services.

Psychological safety is crucial for effective risk management.

Organizations must empower their people to drive transformation.

Open communication can lead to better risk awareness and decision-making.

The number of reported risk events can increase as a sign of a healthy culture.

Julian's book, 'The Risk Within,' explores the connection between risk and psychological safety.

Writing a book can open new opportunities and enhance one's career.

Consultancy services should focus on strategic risk leadership.

Julian emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational culture during change.

Parenthood has changed Julian's perspective on women's roles and parenting.

Sound Bites

"Psychological safety is not a woolly, soft concept."

"Writing a book is the start of a new journey, not the end."

"You need to be super clear as to why you're going there."

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Julian Haye

01:19 Julian's Career Journey

03:48 The Role of Risk in Organizations

07:45 Psychological Safety and Risk Culture

11:15 The Importance of Open Communication

15:08 Managing Change and Transformation

19:36 Embedding Psychological Safety

22:29 The Writing Process and Book Insights

28:29 Impact of Writing on Career

31:06 Consultancy Services and Client Engagement

35:24 Personal Reflections on Parenthood

The "C-Suite Framework" podcast dives deep into the world of corporate leadership by speaking with experts and C-Suite executives about key roles such as Operations, Risk, People, and Sustainability. Each episode dissects the challenges leaders face today, offering insights and practical takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own careers. Balancing depth with fun, the podcast is both entertaining and informative, giving listeners a unique perspective into the dynamics of executive roles and how to navigate their own path to success.

🔎 Hosted by Jennifer Geary — former COO, CRO, and bestselling author of How to be a CRO, The Augmented COO, and more.

➡️ For more insights and training, visit csuiteframework.com

Bio

Amy Walters Cohen is an award-winning author and independent researcher specialising in cutting-edge thought leadership on today's most pressing business challenges.

With over 10 years' experience in applied psychology, serving as a Head of Research for EY and Lane4, she has led projects into an array of HR and leadership topic areas, including the future of leadership, GenAI and digital transformation, maximising coaching effectiveness, hybrid working, 21st century career development, and organisational culture change. Amy is also a visiting lecturer at the University of Bath.

Her book, Ruthlessly Caring: And Other Paradoxical Mindsets Leaders Need to Be Future-Fit, was published by the world-leading academic publisher John Wiley & Sons in 2023. In 2024, she became the first solo female author to win Business Book of the Year at the Business Book Awards and also won the People, Culture, and Management category. Additionally, she was named Thought Leader of the Year at the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) Awards.

Amy is a regular keynote speaker and has been featured in Ambition, The CEO Magazine, PQ Magazine, and HRD Magazine, as well as on The Evolving Leader podcast.

Keywords

leadership, paradoxical mindsets, research, organizational culture, future of work, coaching, AI, hybrid working, career development, evidence-based insights

Summary

In this podcast episode, Amy Walters-Cohen discusses her journey as an award-winning author and researcher specializing in leadership and organizational culture. She shares insights from her book 'Ruthlessly Caring,' which explores the paradoxical mindsets leaders need to navigate today's complex business environment. The conversation delves into the importance of research in leadership, the writing process of the book, and the impact of her recent awards on her career. Amy also introduces her new venture, Human Dynamics Research, aimed at helping leaders develop the skills necessary for future success.

Takeaways

• Paradoxical mindsets are essential for effective leadership.

• The writing process can be both rewarding and challenging.

• Awards can significantly enhance a book's visibility and credibility.

• Understanding internal scripts can empower leaders to change.

• Leadership requires a nuanced approach to decision-making.

• The importance of embracing discomfort for growth.

• AI and technology are reshaping leadership dynamics.

• Human Dynamics Research aims to provide evidence-based insights.

Sound Bites

"The importance of paradoxical mindsets"

"It's a human tendency to want to simplify"

"You need this in yourself as a leader"

"You can't outsource some of the mindsets"

"The writing process did come relatively easy"

"The book gave the audience a wider perspective"

"It's about being thoughtful about risks"

"You need to embrace both and thinking"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amy Walters-Cohen

02:22 Amy's Background and Career Journey

06:43 The Importance of Research in Leadership

07:08 Inspiration Behind 'Ruthlessly Caring'

09:34 Research Methodology for the Book

12:07 Complexity in Leadership Mindsets

14:30 The Role of Internal Scripts in Leadership

18:28 The Writing Process of the Book

19:54 Impact of Awards on Amy's Career

22:31 Discussion on Paradoxical Mindsets

28:24 Relevance of the Book in Today's Context

33:21 Amy's New Venture: Human Dynamics Research

For online courses, tools and books, visit www.csuiteframework.com