Episodios

  • 221 - How Great CEOs Are Leading the AI Tsunami with Nancy Duarte

    221 - How Great CEOs Are Leading the AI Tsunami with Nancy Duarte
    Jan 8 2026
    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21 Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies __________________________________________ In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Nancy Duarte, CEO & Principal at Duarte, Inc. and author of six bestselling books. Known for transforming how leaders communicate, Nancy shares how CEOs can lead in the era of AI by becoming strategic, authentic communicators. She explains how to use AI to drive both efficiency and creativity, why clear messaging is essential during change, and how to build a strong leadership presence that inspires trust. Nancy also reflects on her own leadership journey and the importance of empathy and values in shaping a high-performing culture. Nancy shares how CEOs can lead with confidence in a fast-changing world shaped by AI and rising complexity. She explains why leaders must understand AI at a deep level and use it across the whole business, not just for small tasks. Nancy highlights the growing need for strong communication, showing how leaders can build trust through clear, authentic messages. She also talks about the importance of storytelling, emotional connection, and adapting communication to different teams. Throughout the conversation, she offers real insights and practical tools leaders can use to guide change, reduce resistance, and grow with purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why CEOs must lead AI efforts instead of leaving them to others - How to use AI to improve both productivity and creativity at work. - The role of authentic communication in building trust and clarity. - Ways to prepare for resistance and guide teams through change. - How strong values and culture can support performance and growth. 👉 Check out her Books: https://www.duarte.com/resources/books/ 👉 Check out her Newsletter: https://www.duarte.com/help-contact/newsletter/ Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and Introduction of Nancy Duarte [02:21] - Why AI is a tsunami that CEOs must lead through [04:06] - Using AI for both productivity and creative value [06:38] - How CEOs can build a strong AI-driven business [14:28] - What separates world-class leaders from the rest [16:49] - Preparing for resistance and gaining buy-in through story [21:19] - How to cascade communication across the company [26:42] - Nancy’s shift from founder to visionary CEO [34:45] - Balancing values and performance for long-term success [37:08] - Final advice for CEOs to lead with empathy and clarity Follow Our Guest Nancy Duarte: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyduarte/ - Twitter (X): https://x.com/nancyduarte - Duarte, Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duarte-design/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team or driving change, this talk with Nancy Duarte offers powerful lessons on using AI wisely, communicating with impact, and leading with empathy in today’s fast-moving business world.
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    38 m
  • 220 - The 2026 CEO Mindset - 7 Shifts Every Leader Must Make This Year

    220 - The 2026 CEO Mindset - 7 Shifts Every Leader Must Make This Year
    Jan 1 2026

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21

    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now

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    2026 won’t reward the same leadership habits of the past. This year will demand more clarity, more courage, and more self-awareness than any other — especially as AI, complexity, and pressure keep accelerating.

    In this first episode of the year, I walk you through the seven mindset shifts every CEO must make to lead confidently in 2026: from knowing to learning, from more goals to fewer but better commitments, from leading alone to leading in community, from static strategic plans to strategic adaptability, from authority to authenticity, from managing performance to designing culture, and from chasing growth to building legacy.

    You’ll be challenged to audit how you’re really leading today, spot where you’re still operating from “old” logic, and redesign your 2026 around clarity of intent, identity, and impact. I’ll also share why this is the year to stop carrying leadership alone and how WCL21 — my new CEO circle — will support you in making these shifts real in your world.

    - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    10 m
  • 219 - The 10 Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me

    219 - The 10 Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me
    Dec 18 2025

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21

    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now

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    2025 was the year I sat with some of the sharpest minds in leadership — CEOs who turned around distressed businesses, thinkers who challenged how we work, and operators who rebuilt organizations from the inside out.

    In this final episode of the year, I’m not recapping episodes. I’m pulling out the 10 deepest leadership lessons that kept showing up — from Amy Edmondson on psychological safety to Gary Hamel on systems, Adam Bryant, Linda Gratton, Jim Keyes, Chris O’Neill, Ole Rosgaard, Brian Melka, Leisha Ward and more — and what their ideas mean for how you lead in 2026.

    We cover why psychological safety is courage plus accountability, why clarity is the most underrated CEO superpower, why culture is engineered not declared, how discomfort and reinvention drive growth, why time and attention are your real constraints, how AI is making leadership everyone’s job, and why legacy beats performance. If you want a sharp reset for how you lead in 2026, this episode is your roadmap.

    - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    13 m
  • 218 - Why Even Successful CEOs Feel Stuck — and What to Do About It

    218 - Why Even Successful CEOs Feel Stuck — and What to Do About It
    Dec 15 2025

    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now

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    From the outside, you look like a successful CEO. But inside, you feel the gap: more pressure, fewer real conversations, and almost no space to say what it’s really costing you.

    This quiet gap between the role everyone sees and the reality you live is where even the best leaders start to drift — not in a big breakdown, but through decision fatigue, overthinking, reactive leadership, and the sense that you should be further ahead by now.

    In this episode, I explain why even successful CEOs feel stuck, why 2026 will amplify this “CEO gap”, and why the real problem isn’t your capacity but your environment. I’ll also share why I created WCL21 — a high-level, intentionally small circle of CEOs — and how the right space can restore your clarity, confidence, and strategic altitude. If you want to learn more or join as a founding member, go to https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21.

    - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    10 m
  • 217 - How Smart CEOs Turn Brand into a Real Business Asset (with David Aaker)

    217 - How Smart CEOs Turn Brand into a Real Business Asset (with David Aaker)
    Dec 11 2025
    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by David Aaker, Vice Chairman of Prophet. Recognized as the father of modern branding, David is a renowned author of 18 books and over 120 articles, with more than 170,000 citations. He shares his updated thinking from the new edition of his book “Aaker on Branding”, highlighting how branding must evolve in a fast-changing world. David explains the dangers of short-term thinking, the power of building strong brand portfolios, and why branding is key for long-term growth and innovation. David shares how leaders can bring branding back to the center of business strategy by treating it as a long-term asset, not just a marketing tool. He explains why many organizations fall into the trap of short-term thinking and how this weakens brand value. David introduces his five key principles of modern branding, covering areas like relevance, loyalty, and brand portfolios. He also shows how branding plays a key role in driving innovation, building trust, and standing out in crowded markets. Throughout the conversation, he offers real examples and clear steps leaders can take to build stronger, more meaningful brands. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Why short-term thinking can damage brand value and business growth. 2. The five key areas that make up a strong and modern brand strategy. 3. How branding supports innovation and helps create new markets. 4. Ways to build trust and stand out in a crowded, skeptical market. 5. Why brand and company culture must work together for long-term success. 📘 Read “Aaker on Branding” - Unlock the essential guide to building powerful, strategic brands from David Aaker. 👉 Visit: https://prophet.com/2025/04/aaker-on-branding-second-edition/ Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of David Aaker [02:50] - What is new in the updated edition of Aaker on Branding [04:59] - The five key elements of modern branding [07:44] - Why branding is vital for disruptive innovation [14:49] - How to build trust and capture attention in crowded markets [22:51] - Real examples of brands that stand out and stay consistent [26:46] - How CEOs can treat branding as a long-term asset [30:33] - Branding in B2B and its connection to company culture [33:50] - Should brands take a stand on social or political issues? [38:56] - Final advice for leaders to strengthen brand strategy Follow Our Guest David Aaker: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaker/ - Prophet: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prophet/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a brand or shaping strategy, this talk with David Aaker offers valuable insights on building strong brands, staying relevant, and driving long-term growth in a fast-changing business world.
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    40 m
  • 216 - Trust Is Collapsing in Leadership — Here’s How to Rebuild It

    216 - Trust Is Collapsing in Leadership — Here’s How to Rebuild It
    Dec 4 2025

    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now

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    Trust is collapsing in institutions and leadership teams, and when your people stop believing you, execution falls apart.

    In this short solo episode, I unpack why trust is in crisis and what CEOs can do to rebuild it quickly and credibly. I talk about:

    • Why trust is the real currency of leadership and what happens to execution when it erodes

    • How overpromising and underdelivering quietly destroy credibility over time

    • Why silence and lack of transparency during restructurings fuel fear, rumours and attrition

    • How hypocrisy and misaligned actions (rewarding toxic high performers, ignoring values) kill culture

    • Three practical ways to rebuild trust fast: do what you say, communicate uncomfortable truths, and align words, actions and rewards

    If you’re leading in an environment where promises have been broken or engagement is slipping, this episode will help you treat trust as a strategic asset and rebuild it through integrity, transparency and aligned action.

    - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    9 m
  • 215 - The CEO’s New Playbook for Digital Transformation with Alex Adamopoulos

    215 - The CEO’s New Playbook for Digital Transformation with Alex Adamopoulos
    Nov 27 2025
    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Alex Adamopoulos, Forbes Business Council Influencer at Forbes Boston Business Council, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Emergn, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in business transformation. Emergn, a global digital business firm that has helped major companies through their transformation journeys. Alex is recognized as a thought leader and contributor to industry discussions, including writing for Forbes. He shares insights on why many transformations fail, the importance of a product-led approach, and how AI can enhance learning and drive human-centered value in organizations. Alex shares how leaders can drive successful transformations by embracing a product-led approach, where teams work together to create value through continuous, incremental delivery. He explains why many transformation efforts fail, often due to disconnected leadership and unclear goals. Alex highlights the importance of building the right capabilities, encouraging experimentation, and using AI to enhance learning. He also discusses how a mindset shift in leadership can help organizations adapt and thrive in today’s fast-evolving business world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why many transformation efforts fail and how to avoid common pitfalls. - How to build a product-led organization through incremental delivery. - The importance of leadership alignment and clear value creation. - How AI can support learning and drive human-centered value. - Why investing in skills and capabilities is key to successful change. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Alex Adamopoulos [02:25] - Why do many transformation efforts fail? [04:15] - The role of silos in organizational transformation [08:08] - The concept of a product-led organization explained [11:52] - Mindset shifts leaders need for a product-led organization [17:35] - Building capabilities and skills for successful change [21:17] - How AI enhances learning and drives value creation? [24:53] - AI's Return on Investment and Practical Application Challenges [30:53] - AI-Driven Learning Platforms for Skill Building [32:08] - Human-Centric Value in AI Adoption [37:27] - Practical tips for leaders to move towards AI-enabled organizations Follow Our Guest Alex Adamopoulos: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aadamopoulos/ - Forbes Boston Business Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbes-boston-business-council/ - Emergn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergn/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading change or looking to grow as a leader, this talk with Alex Adamopoulos offers key insights on driving transformation, leveraging AI, and building strong leadership in today’s fast-growing business world. #Leadership #ProductLed #AI #Transformation #AlexAdamopoulos #Emergn #WorldClassLeadersShow
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    40 m
  • 214 - The False Hope of Stability: How Great CEOs Build Real Resilience

    214 - The False Hope of Stability: How Great CEOs Build Real Resilience
    Nov 20 2025

    Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now

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    CEOs keep telling themselves, “once we get through this quarter, things will stabilise.”

    The truth is, stability isn’t coming, volatility is the new baseline.

    In this solo episode, I explain why most leaders still misunderstand resilience and what it really takes to perform consistently when the world refuses to calm down. I talk about:

    • Why betting on a “return to normal” keeps you reactive and exposed

    • Three common misconceptions about resilience: endurance, heroic personal grit, and reacting after the fact

    • How to embed adaptability into your system with cross-training, pre-mortems and regular stress tests

    • Why recovery is a strategic lever, not a luxury and how practices like recharge weeks actually boost performance

    • How to anchor your leadership in purpose so your people stay focused and engaged through uncertainty

    If you’re a CEO or senior executive still hoping the external environment will stabilise, this episode will help you reframe resilience around adaptability, recovery and purpose, the real foundations of performance in a volatile world.

    - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    10 m
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