In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Ludovic Subran, Group Chief Investment Officer at Allianz and Senior Fellow at Harvard University, shares insights on leadership, economics, and innovation. He discusses the power of storytelling in economics, the transformative potential of AI and alternative data, and Europe’s evolving global role. Ludovic emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, the importance of clear frameworks, and the balance between kindness and accountability in leadership. He highlights how empathy, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity drive effective teams and decision-making.

Show notes:

• Ludovic Subran LinkedIn profile
• United Nations Worldfood Programme
• Book: "Grit” by Angela Duckworth
• Book “First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins
• Book “Investing in a Changing Climate” by Ludovic Subran

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this Leadership Spark Podcast episode, Sylvain welcomes back Harvard professor Ranjay Gulati to discuss his new book, Courage: How to Be Bold. They explore the difference between risk and uncertainty, and how courage means acting purposefully despite fear. Ranjay shares multiple stories of everyday and extraordinary courage, from disaster response to personal challenges. The episode highlights that courage is a learnable skill, essential for leaders and individuals navigating today’s unpredictable world, and is deeply connected to purpose and human connection.

Show notes:

• Book: "Courage: How to be bold” by Ranjay Gulati
• HBR Article: “Now is the time for courage” by Ranjay Gulati
• Book: “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker
• Book: “Radical uncertainty” by John Kay and Mervyn King

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Roch Parayre, founder and CEO of Strategique. Drawing on his global experience in executive education and consulting, Roch discusses scenario planning, innovation, and strategic leadership. He explains how scenario planning helps organizations prepare for multiple possible futures, emphasizing adaptability over prediction. The conversation explores the challenges of adopting this mindset, the role of AI, and the importance of resilience, curiosity, and sensemaking in leadership. Roch shares practical examples and insights on how leaders can navigate uncertainty and drive effective, agile strategies in today’s fast-paced environment.

Show notes:

• Roch Parayre LinkedIn profile
• Book: "Lean Start-up“ from Eric Ries
• Book: "Essence of Decision" by Graham Allison and Philip Zelikow
• Article “Strategic thinking is like a golf swing” by Roch Parayre
• PESTEL framework

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Peter Salzer, an accomplished CEO, chairman, and private equity partner. Peter shares insights from his 30-year leadership journey across multiple industries, discussing his shift from corporate roles to private equity with a focus on operational value creation. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, inclusive leadership, and “relaxed resilience.” Peter recounts navigating crises, fostering communication during organizational challenges, and adapting to technological disruption like AI. The conversation offers practical advice on career development, people management, and building sustainable, high-performing organizations through hands-on leadership.

Show notes:

• Peter Salzer LinkedIn profile
• Book: "The Big Short"
• Book: "The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition”
• Book: “Why nations fail”
• Thomas Malone at the MIT

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode, Steve Sargent, a seasoned Global CEO with over 20 years at GE and current non-executive director, shares his leadership learning and philosophy. He discusses the importance of structured time management, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Steve reflects on the influence of leaders who have impacted him, the value of making people feel appreciated, and the need for adaptability in today’s volatile world. He also highlights practical habits, such as weekly reflection on priorities and time spent with people and customers, to ensure leaders focus on what truly matters.

Show notes:

• Steve Sargent LinkedIn profile
• Book “Winning” by Jack Welch
• Book “Jack - Straight from the gut” by Jack Welch
• Book “Good to great” by Jim Collins
• Book “Start with why” by Simon Sinek
• Book “The infinite game” by Simon Sinek
• The Great Barrier Reef Foundation

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Nick Binedell, an academic originally from Zimbabwe and founding director of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in South Africa. Nick shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped his worldview and curiosity, discusses his transition from corporate leadership to academia, and recounts the founding of GIBS. He offers insights on business education, leadership challenges in Africa, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, and the integration of strategy and operations. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and authentic leadership in navigating complex, rapidly changing environments.

Show notes:

• Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria
• Professor Nick Binedell
• HBR article: “Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow” by Larry E. Greiner
• Book “Winning” by Jack Welch
• Book “Life and Death in the Executive Fast Lane” by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Julian Birkinshaw, Dean and Professor at the Ivey Business School in Canada, and co-author of "Resurgent." They discuss how established companies are better positioned to navigate the digital transformation than new market entrants. Burkinshaw shares lessons from companies like Disney, GE, Pearson and Nokia and explores the challenges of AI and productivity. Additionally, they explore the Leadership capabilities required to successfully navigate the Digital Transformation. This episode offers practical insights for leaders facing rapid technological and organizational change.

Show notes:

• Julian Birkinshaw‘s website
• Book “Resurgent” by Julian Birkinshaw and John Fallon
• Book "Only the Paranoid Survive" by Andrew Grove
• Book "The Age of Unreason" by Charles Handy
• Book "Team of Teams" by General Stanley McChrystal
• Book "Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman
• Book "Megatrends" by John Naisbitt

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews INSEAD professor Subramanian Rangan about the intersection of economic performance and societal progress. Rangan discusses his book, "Core Assumptions in Business Theory," and highlights how businesses can integrate profit, people, and planet through practical examples like the Linden Group’s True Value Method. The conversation explores the importance of moral reasoning in leadership, the challenges of measuring intangible impacts, and the need for companies to balance financial success with ethical responsibility and sustainability for lasting progress.

Show notes:

• Society for Progress
• Book “Core Assumptions in Business Theory” by Subramanian Rangan
• Book "Dreams and Details" by Jim Hagemann Snabe
• Book "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
• Book "The Great Transformation" by Karl Polanyi
• Book "Passions and Interests" by Albert

sylvainnewton.com/podcast