Episodios

  • 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
  • 213 - Amy Edmondson: The Truth About Psychological Safety for CEOs to Drive Perfomance

    213 - Amy Edmondson: The Truth About Psychological Safety for CEOs to Drive Perfomance
    Nov 13 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 talks with Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and top global expert on psychological safety and leadership. Amy is the author of The Fearless Organization and Right Kind of Wrong, and has been ranked #1 by Thinkers50 in 2021 and 2023. She shares why psychological safety is key for learning, teamwork, and innovation, how leaders can handle failure well, and why honesty and trust matter now more than ever in fast-changing times. Amy shares how leaders can build trust by creating a space where people feel safe to speak up with honesty and ideas. She explains why psychological safety is not about being nice but about learning, being real, and taking smart risks. Amy highlights the need for open talk, shared goals, and dealing with failure in a way that drives learning. She also shares how teams can rebuild trust after setbacks and why clear purpose, honesty, and teamwork are key to lead in today’s fast-changing world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why psychological safety helps teams speak up and learn.How leaders can build trust through honesty and listening.The difference between smart failures and avoidable mistakes.Ways to handle pressure and lead with courage in tough times.How to rebuild safety and keep teams strong during change. 📘Check out Amy Edmondson's powerful books, The Fearless Organization and Right Kind of Wrong & others, available on her website! Visit: https://amycedmondson.com/books/ Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Amy Edmondson [04:01] - How Amy shifted from engineering to studying people and teams [06:44] - Discovering psychological safety through research on errors [10:56] - Common myths: psychological safety is not about being nice [17:48] - Balancing authenticity with work-relevant honesty [19:22] - How to hold high-quality conversations under pressure [26:05] - Understanding intelligent vs. blameworthy failures [29:19] - How to avoid “failure theatre” and promote real learning [34:26] - Rebuilding psychological safety after it’s been broken [37:50] - Why systems thinking is the next step for leaders [40:49] - Amy’s final challenge for CEOs: double down on purpose Follow Our Guest Amy Edmondson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson/ Website: https://amycedmondson.com/ Books: https://amycedmondson.com/books/ Harvard Business School: https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-business-school/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetroneWebsite: https://www.andreapetrone.comInstagram: 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/E9WE7Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUlApple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading people, facing big challenges, or aiming to grow as a leader, this talk with Amy Edmondson gives clear insights, real stories, and useful tips on building trust, handling failure, and leading with honesty and purpose in today’s fast-changing world. #Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #Teamwork #SmartFailure #AmyEdmondson #HarvardBusinessSchool #WorldClassLeadersShow
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    42 m
  • 212 - The CEO Trap: How Over-Delegation Erodes Credibility and Connection

    212 - The CEO Trap: How Over-Delegation Erodes Credibility and Connection
    Nov 6 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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    Delegation is a strength..until it becomes a trap.

    Many CEOs step back so far they lose sight of strategy, culture, and credibility.

    In this episode, I’ll share why over-delegation is rising, the hidden risks it creates, and three ways to strike the right balance.

    - 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
  • 211 - The Rise of Fear-Based CEOs and What It Means for Your Career and Company Culture with Kate Lowry

    211 - The Rise of Fear-Based CEOs and What It Means for Your Career and Company Culture with Kate Lowry
    Oct 30 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 Kate Lowry, a CEO coach, author, and venture capitalist based in Silicon Valley. Kate is Founder, CEO Coach & Advisor at Scaleheart Co. and Author at Girl Friday Productions. She has extensive experience working with leaders in startups, private equity, and big tech companies like McKinsey & Company, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the author of the book “Unbreakable” and focuses on coaching underrepresented CEOs. Kate shares her insights on leadership, overcoming fear-driven environments, and how to thrive in challenging workplaces. Kate discusses how CEOs can thrive in fear-based environments by building resilience and embracing vulnerability. She shares how leaders can manage stress, create a positive culture, and lead with clarity. Kate explains the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and understanding the behaviours of fear-driven leaders. Through her own experiences and advice, she highlights how CEOs can protect their teams, use strategic tactics, and navigate challenges to succeed in today's competitive world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How CEOs can thrive under fear-based leadership by building resilience.The importance of self-awareness and understanding fear-driven behaviours.Why emotional intelligence and vulnerability are key to effective leadership.How to create a positive culture by protecting your team and staying focused.Ways to use strategic tactics and manage stress to succeed in challenging environments. 📘Check out Kate Lowry's powerful book, “Unbreakable” available now on her website! For pre-order, visit: https://a.co/d/hXnaHej Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Kate Lowry [02:19] - Kate’s background in coaching and working with CEOs [05:49] - The rise of fear-based leadership in today’s workplace [08:33] - Building resilience to thrive under fear-based leadership [11:19] - The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership [16:10] - How to protect your team from toxic leadership styles [24:30] - The role of vulnerability in leadership success [29:29] - Key lessons on resilience and managing stress at work [31:13] - Kate’s advice on staying grounded in tough leadership situations [32:04] - Tactics for managing fear-based leaders effectively [36:17] - Navigating the challenges of working with fear-driven CEOs Follow Our Guest Kate Lowry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/ Website: https://www.katelowry.com/ Book (Unbreakable): https://www.katelowry.com/book Scaleheart Co.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scaleheart-co/ Girl Friday Productions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/girl-friday-productions/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetroneWebsite: https://www.andreapetrone.comInstagram: 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/E9WE7Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUlApple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team or managing stress, Kate Lowry shares key advice on building resilience, handling fear-based leaders, and creating a positive culture in tough environments. #Leadership #FearBasedLeadership #ResilientLeadership #CEOCoaching #KateLowry #Unbreakable #WorldClassLeadersShow
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    40 m
  • 210 - How to Win Your First 90 Days as CEO

    210 - How to Win Your First 90 Days as CEO
    Oct 23 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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    If you’re stepping into a CEO or a new leadership role, your reputation isn’t built over years.

    It’s built in the first 90 days.

    In this article, I’ll share why those three months matter, the traps new CEOs fall into, and the moves that set you up for long-term success.

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

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 138,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    9 m
  • 209 - Think Like a Top 1% CEO – Adam Bryant Tells You How

    209 - Think Like a Top 1% CEO – Adam Bryant Tells You How
    Oct 16 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 Adam Bryant, Senior Managing Director and Partner at The ExCo Group, a leadership development and executive mentoring firm. Adam joined The ExCo Group in 2017 after a 30-year career in journalism, including 18 years at The New York Times. He created the weekly "Corner Office" column, interviewing over 1000 CEOs and Leaders. Adam is the author of four books, including his latest, The CEO Test and The Leap to Leader, published by Harvard Business Review. He also serves as an Advising Member at World 50 Group and Senior Adviser to the Reuben Mark Initiative for Organizational Character and Leadership at Columbia University. Adam shares insights on leadership, authenticity, overcoming challenges, and what it takes to be a world-class CEO. Adam shares how CEOs can grow by embracing leadership challenges, staying curious, and leading with authenticity. He explains how leaders should simplify complexity, foster trust, and be transparent about their values. Adam emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and balancing paradoxes in leadership. Through stories and advice, he highlights how resilience, clarity, and teamwork help leaders navigate change and achieve success. He also discusses how CEOs can use data and make quick decisions to drive performance in today's evolving business environment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How embracing leadership challenges helps CEOs grow.The importance of leading with authenticity and transparency.Why simplifying complexity and balancing paradoxes is key to success.How to build trust and empower teams through clear communication and values.Ways to use resilience, self-awareness, and teamwork to navigate change. 📘Check out Adam Bryant's two insightful books, “The CEO Test” and “The Leap to Leader”, available now on Amazon! 1) The CEO Test: https://a.co/d/eBXJ69l 2) The Leap to Leader: https://a.co/d/hTNsU65 Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Adam Bryant [03:22] - How Adam’s career in journalism shaped his leadership insights [05:32] - The importance of curiosity and embracing leadership challenges [11:54] - Leading with authenticity and transparency [13:24] - Balancing paradoxes in leadership and decision-making [15:43] - How to stay true to your values while navigating change [21:47] - The AAA feedback loop: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action [23:56] - What drives CEOs to take on the hardest leadership jobs [26:16] - Adversity, ambition, and the four sources of leadership drive [30:42] - Red flags that lead CEOs toward failure or isolation [32:59] - Building trust and empowering teams for success [38:29] - Adam’s advice on developing self-awareness as a leader [41:46] - Leading with resilience and handling tough moments Follow Our Guest Adam Bryant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambryantleadership/ The ExCo Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excoleadership/ World 50 Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world50/ Columbia University: https://www.linkedin.com/school/columbia-university/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetroneWebsite: https://www.andreapetrone.comInstagram: 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/E9WE7Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUlApple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team, navigating change, or shaping your leadership style, this conversation with Adam Bryant offers practical insights, powerful stories, and key lessons on leading with authenticity, transparency, and resilience in today’s ever-evolving business world. #Leadership #AuthenticLeadership #GrowthMindset #ResilientLeaders #AdamBryant #ExCoGroup #WorldClassLeadersShow
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    45 m
  • 208 - When Ego Becomes Louder Than Purpose (And Kills the Best Teams)

    208 - When Ego Becomes Louder Than Purpose (And Kills the Best Teams)
    Oct 9 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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    On paper, you’ve got A-players.

    The dream team.

    But under pressure, even the best teams crack.

    In this episode, I’ll explain why high-performing teams break, the warning signs to watch for, and three ways to keep them performing when it matters most.

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

    - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 135,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
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    9 m
  • 207 - The CEO Pressure for Executives to Master High-Stakes Decisions with Brian Melka

    207 - The CEO Pressure for Executives to Master High-Stakes Decisions with Brian Melka
    Oct 2 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

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    In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Brian E. Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko. With over 25 years of experience in leading industrial companies, Brian shares how his humble beginnings in a small Iowa town shaped his leadership style. He talks about driving cultural change at Rehlko, leading with accountability and resilience, and leveraging innovation and AI to enhance energy resilience. Brian provides valuable insights on overcoming challenges and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

    Brian shares how CEOs can grow by embracing challenges, staying curious, and leading with accountability. He explains how leaders should foster trust, create a clear vision, and empower teams to experiment, fail, and learn. Through personal stories and advice, Brian emphasizes how culture, resilience, and strong values guide teams through change. He also highlights how using data, quick decision-making, and teamwork can drive success in today’s fast-paced business world.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    • Why embracing challenges helps CEOs grow and improve.
    • How to create a culture of accountability that drives success.
    • Why trust, resilience, and clear vision matter in tough times.
    • Ways to lead through change using data, quick decisions, and teamwork.
    • How to support teams by making learning from failure safe and encouraged.
    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Brian E. Melka [03:20] - How growing up in a small town shaped Brian's leadership style [08:08] - The importance of embracing challenges for career growth [12:48] - Making tough decisions and leading through uncertainty [15:10] - Building a people-first culture at Rehlko [16:34] - Leading through change with data and quick decision-making [20:10] - How to engage people and lead culture change effectively [24:35] - Being intentional as a CEO and the rule of thirds in change [31:20] - Brian’s CEO journey and tips for managing time [33:36] - The role of resilience and accountability in leadership [39:10] - Advice to aspiring CEOs: run toward hard problems

    Follow Our Guest Brian E. Melka:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmelka/
    • RehIko: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehlko/
    • RehIko (Website): https://www.rehlko.com/

    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, managing change, or building a strong culture, this talk with Brian E. Melka shares practical stories, useful tools, and key lessons on leading with accountability, resilience, and purpose in today’s fast-paced world.

    #Leadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthMindset #ResilientTeams #BrianE.Melka #Rehlko #WorldClassLeadersShow
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    40 m