Money doesn't give you control — perspective does. Former SoftBank CFO and bestselling author Alok Sharma joins The C-Suite Framework to unpack what really happens inside financial bubbles, how AI is quietly reshaping white-collar work, and why the biggest career breakthroughs often arrive disguised as failure.

Drawing on his experience leading multi-billion-dollar deals at SoftBank, overseeing the acquisition of ARM Holdings, and navigating extreme wealth and pressure, Alok reflects on decision-making under uncertainty, operational leadership, and the human cost of success.

You'll learn how to:

• Shift perspective when navigating bubbles and market hype

• Recognise when leverage, not valuation, creates real risk

• Understand how AI is already displacing white-collar roles

• Prepare for career inflection points disguised as setbacks

• Balance operational execution with long-term vision

• Make better decisions by knowing your own cognitive limits

About Alok:

Alok Sama is the author of the bestselling literary memoir The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble. He serves as a Senior Advisor to Warburg Pincus LLC, chairs the Advisory Board for Valhalla Ventures and is a director of Baer Capital Partners.

He was formerly President & CFO of SoftBank Group International ("SBGI") and Chief Strategy Officer for SoftBank Group ("SBG"). While at SoftBank, Alok led the $59bn merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, the $34bn acquisition of ARM Holdings Plc, the $10bn disposition of SoftBank's stake in Alibaba Group Holding, among many other deals.

Alok has over 30 years of investment banking, capital market and investment experience in New York, London and Hong Kong. Alok was formerly a senior Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.

Alok co-founded Baer Capital Partners, an alternative asset management firm. He continues to be a Director of Baer Capital. He is a member of the CNBC Global CFO Council, and a former Chairman of the London Chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). He also holds an MFA for Creative Writing from NYU.

Chapters:

01:15 — Writing The Last Bubble and avoiding "success memoir" clichés

03:44 — Writing, craft, and ego

07:30 — Are we really in a bubble?

09:43 — Valuations vs leverage

13:02 — Technology cycles and timing

16:21 — Operator vs visionary

20:57 — Wealth, control, and walking away

23:28 — Career breaks disguised as failure

25:39 — AI and job displacement

29:59 — What future generations should learn

32:51 — Immigration, identity, and storytelling

Resources & Links:

• C-suite Framework courses & books: https://csuiteframework.co.uk/

• Read Jenny's eight lessons from The Money Trap

• Read about Irish government funding fo the arts - https://www.ft.com/content/15a6d3b9-81c0-46c6-a4b7-f881b5eeadad

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• Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

• Leave a 5★ rating or quick review

• Share this episode with a leader navigating uncertainty

Security isn't a checkbox, it's a culture.

Former Navy Intelligence analyst and cybersecurity expert Cordell Robinson shows leaders how to embed security-by-design, strengthen compliance, and empower non-technical teams.

In this episode, host Jennifer Geary speaks with Cordell Robinson, founder & CEO of Brownstone Consulting, whose career spans military intelligence, software engineering, law, cybersecurity, and privacy. Cordell explains how non-technical executives can meaningfully shape cyber strategy, why compliance is really about culture, and how AI is being misused more than it's being mastered.

You'll learn how to:

• Shift from checkbox compliance to outcome-based security.

• Build security into your SDLC from day one.

• Ask the right questions as a non-technical leader.

• Avoid the biggest leadership mistakes in AI adoption.

• Strengthen culture, not just controls.

About Cordell Robinson:

Cordell Robinson is founder and CEO at Brownstone Consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering from Pepperdine University and a Jurist Doctor of Law from Georgetown University. He is a former Senior Naval Intelligence Analyst and is certified in C|CISO, CAP, and CRISC.

Chapters:

01:35 — Introducing Cordell Robinson

03:26 — Engineering, Navy intelligence & the pivot to cyber law

06:30 — Starting Brownstone Consulting

09:24 — What clients really ask for: compliance, AI governance & testing

11:02 — Why compliance matters beyond the certificate

13:03 — Culture change through testing & honest assessment

16:46 — Military discipline, leadership & communicating cyber risk

19:17 — Contingency planning & incident response in practice

20:37 — U.S. vs Europe: different regulatory mindsets

23:47 — Security-by-design & challenges in AI adoption

25:37 — How non-technical leaders can ask better questions

Resources & Links:

• C-suite Framework courses & books: https://csuiteframework.co.uk/

• The Cyber Security Handbook by Stephen Delahunty

• Check out Cordell's Compliance Aid app https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/compliance-aid/id6753880752
  

Enjoying The C-Suite Framework?

• Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

• Leave a 5★ rating or quick review

• Share with a leader who needs to strengthen their cyber mindset

Keywords

Noelle Mykolenko, Trusted Advisor, Trust Equation, Imposter Syndrome, C-Suite, Leadership, Empathy, AI, Organizational Growth, Professional Relationships

Summary

In this episode of the C-Suite Framework podcast, host Jennifer Geary welcomes Noelle Mykolenko, CEO of Trusted Advisor Associates. They discuss Noelle's journey from being a client of Trusted Advisor to leading the organization, emphasizing the importance of trust in professional relationships. The conversation delves into the Trust Equation, the impact of self-orientation and imposter syndrome, and how leaders can build trust as they transition into C-suite roles. Noelle also addresses the relevance of empathy in today's world and how technology, particularly AI, can enhance effectiveness without replacing the human element in relationships.

Nicole Mykolenko is CEO at Trusted Advisor Associates. She has a track record of enabling organisational excellence and growth across senior roles, built on a foundation of management consulting and US government work. She holds a Bachelors in French, Economics and International Business and an MBA from University of Virginia.

Takeaways

Noelle Mykolenko emphasizes the importance of trust in professional relationships.

The Trust Equation consists of credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation.

Self-orientation can detract from effective communication and relationship building.

Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for professionals, especially women.

Vulnerability is a powerful tool for building trust in leadership.

Empathy is crucial in understanding others' experiences and perspectives.

The mediums of communication may change, but human needs remain constant.

Leaders must be aware of their blind spots and strengths to build effective teams.

Reframing negative thoughts can help in overcoming self-doubt.

AI can enhance effectiveness but should not replace personal relationships.

Sound bites

"The power of trust makes things more meaningful."

"Trust is personal, it happens between two people."

"Vulnerability is a very powerful tool."

Chapters

02:41 – Noelle's career journey and how she discovered The Trusted Advisor

06:30 – Why The Trusted Advisor remains a long-lasting and influential framework

08:48 – An introduction to the Trust Equation and its core components

14:36 – Expanding on self-orientation and its impact on trust-building

17:00 – The importance of listening and presence in trust-based relationships

17:51 – How imposter syndrome intersects with self-orientation and leadership effectiveness

20:17 – Developing self-awareness as a foundational leadership capability

21:24 – Practising self-kindness and reframing doubt in senior leadership roles

23:22 – Applying the trust framework when transitioning into the C-suite

28:35 – Navigating moments when vulnerability isn't reciprocated

28:54 – The relevance of the Trusted Advisor model in a world of uncertainty and polarization

31:26 – How AI supports more effective human connection through enhanced insight and preparation

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