Our guest Taha Bawa admits he grew up with more opportunities than most. He traveled, volunteered, went to renowned schools, had parents who believed in him. But it was a visit to a refugee camp at age 10 that opened his eyes. While Taha was giving out sweets to kids his age, he realized luck was the only thing that separated him from them. The opportunity haves versus have nots. Today, as co-founder and CEO of Goodwall, Taha&rsquo;s mission is to help create opportunities for Gen Z youth from around the world. The social network platform helps those aged 14-24 from over 150 countries maximize their educational and professional potential while making a positive societal impact.&nbsp; In this episode, we&rsquo;ll talk with the Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO about how companies can attract and retain Gen Z employees and, in turn, how those employees can earn a seat at the leadership table. We&rsquo;ll discuss corporate authenticity and how diversity of thought that includes the Gen Z POV is good economics. And we&rsquo;ll talk about the importance of re-learning, having an entrepreneurial mindset and being comfortable with failure&mdash;regardless of age. It&rsquo;s a conversation that&rsquo;s as much for C Suite leaders as Gen Z leaders-to-be. &nbsp;

Ready or Not, Gen Z is Coming

Today’s guest grew up in a landlocked region of the UK, with more than a hundred miles separating her from the open ocean. Not your typical start for someone who went on to become a trailblazing, record-breaking yachtswoman.&nbsp; On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with long-time sailing buddy Dee Caffari MBE—the only woman to have sailed solo while circumnavigating the world, in both directions. Throughout her career, Dee has continued to surprise and inspire others with her courage, grit, and determination to enter uncharted waters.&nbsp; Dee shares her deep experience in leading teams through adversity—how you get them to pull together and perform, even in stormy times, and how she overcame loneliness when sailing solo for the first time. She also talks about the importance of demonstrating self-awareness as a leader, as well as how she responded when told that she was ‘too emotional’ to lead a team. Dee also imparts a key piece of advice—you learn the best lessons from your mistakes, so don’t be afraid to be bold and take a risk. We’ll also hear from <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/people/consultant-directory/marie-osmonde-le-roy-de-lanauze-molines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marie-Osmonde Le Roy de Lanauze-Molines</a>, a Managing Director in our Paris office, who will highlight the <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/reports-surveys/the-next-ceo/equality-at-the-top" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gender imbalance in global CEO appointments and discuss how organizations can chart a path to achieving gender parity.</a>&nbsp;If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:&nbsp; <ul><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/doubling-down-on-double-standards" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doubling Down on Double Standards: British Journalist Mary Ann Sieghart on Closing The Authority Gap | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds Associates</a></li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/from-server-to-coo-kat-cole-journey-to-the-top" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds Associates</a></li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/leadership-lounge-how-to-recover-from-failure" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leadership Lounge - Ep.3 | How to recover from failure | Russell Reynolds Associates</a></li></ul>

Charting New Waters: A Conversation with Record-Breaking Yachtswoman Dee Caffari MBE

Today’s healthcare industry has gone from science fiction to science fact in a very short period of time. Gene editing, artificial intelligence (AI), and a host of medical innovations are helping researchers discover new life-changing solutions to target previously incurable diseases like sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke Murphy and Emma Combe talk with Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, about how he’s transforming the practice of medicine in a highly competitive industry through new technologies and breakthrough science. Beyond drug discovery, Paul discusses how he’s embracing innovation and AI across his organization to drive efficiency and new thinking, as well as finding ways to make healthcare more equitable for those who need it around the world. He talks about how he balances financial risk and return on investment inherent in the pharmaceutical industry. He shares his approach to talent management, dynamic resource allocation, and how the explosion of digital technologies have upended the traditional path to the C-suite. Paul also talks about the impact of business on society, including Sanofi’s sponsorship of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll also hear from <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/people/consultant-directory/danny-ryan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Danny Ryan</a>, an Executive Director in our London office, who will discuss <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/articles/high-growth-biopharma-organizations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how organizations can not only weather today’s volatile biopharma market but thrive in it</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/risk-taking-and-dealmaking-with-global-medtech-leader-kevin-lobo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Risk-taking and Dealmaking with Global MedTech Leader, Kevin Lobo</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/front-row-seat-to-the-digital-revolution-with-microsoft-vice-chair-and-president-brad-smith-part-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Front Row Seat to the AI Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 2</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/leadership-lounge-how-can-leaders-succeed-in-a-gen-ai-driven-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leadership Lounge | Ep. 6 – How can leaders succeed in a Gen-AI-driven world?</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/how-the-barely-possible-can-overcome-the-barely-solvable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How the Barely Possible Can Overcome the Barely Solvable with First Mode’s Chris Voorhees</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

Science Fiction to Science Fact: A Conversation with Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson

Leaders today are grappling with uncertainty on multiple fronts. And the quickening pace of change is leaving many feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. It’s in high-stakes moments like these that mentoring can help leaders overcome loneliness, gain a new vantage point, or benefit from objective advice from someone who’s been there before.&nbsp;In fact, in our recent <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/reports-surveys/global-leadership-monitor/methodology" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Global Leadership Monitor</a>, 71% of the CEOs we surveyed felt that mentoring could have been better incorporated during their transition into the role. But, when it comes to choosing a mentor, what should you prioritize? What does a great mentor-mentee relationship look like? And when in your career can you benefit most from a mentor? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to three of our esteemed leadership advisors: Symon Elliott, Mia Keinanen, and Steve Morse. Here, they share real-life examples of how mentors can propel leaders forward for professional and personal success. Tune in to discover how having a mentor can increase the longevity of your success as a leader, and why vulnerability and honesty are key traits to harness for a fruitful mentoring relationship.&nbsp;

Why even top leaders need a mentor

What does it take to win the Super Bowl? The obvious factors include drive, grit, determination, and excellence to make it to the championship level. But what else goes into the winning formula to propel teams through the ups and downs of an NFL season where only one team can be called the champion?&nbsp;&nbsp;Today on Redefiners, we talk with Kevin Demoff, Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Rams football team, who won Super Bowl LVI in 2022. Kevin takes us into the locker room and the front office to share what it takes to be a Super Bowl championship team. He talks about the importance of consistency and authenticity as a leader, how he uses fan feedback to solve problems, the importance of inclusion and diversity to reflect your fan community in your staff, and how fear of failure and vulnerability help him propel his organization to new heights. Kevin also goes beyond football to talk about the vision and sustainability plans behind Hollywood Park, the 300-acre sports and entertainment complex that houses SoFi Stadium where the Rams play.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pull up a chair and grab your nachos, chicken wings, and a favorite beverage for this insightful conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll also hear from <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/people/consultant-directory/ben-shrewsbury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ben Shrewsbury</a>, a Managing Director in our Dallas office, who will discuss <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/articles/inside-the-mind-of-the-coo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why COOs are often first choice for the CEO role</a>, and the skills they’ll need to dial up to thrive in the top seat.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/episode-3-leadership-lessons-from-the-field-troy-vincent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leadership Lessons from the Field with Troy Vincent</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/how-to-lead-iconic-brands-with-empathy-purpose-integrity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">From Gillette to Jamba Juice: How to Lead Iconic Brands with Empathy, Purpose &amp; Integrity</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/leading-with-vulnerability-with-bestselling-author-jacob-morgan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leading with Vulnerability with Bestselling Author Jacob Morgan</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff 

Great leaders at the top of their game have the audacity to continue to believe in themselves, to continue to work harder and keep trying, even when faced with failure. It’s a superpower that helps them redefine themselves, their companies, their industries, and ultimately be successful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, we sit down with one of those audacious leaders. Sarah Mensah is the first female president of Jordan Brand, which revolutionized sports marketing in 1984 when Nike partnered with Michael Jordan to create the first Air Jordan basketball shoe. Sarah has broken barriers throughout her career at the Portland Trailblazers, Nike, and now Jordan Brand. We’ll talk with Sarah about the power to be unabashedly yourself, harness humility and courage, and use your voice in the right way to be a trailblazer in your career. We’ll explore how Jordan Brand is committed to improving the lives of Black people and inspiring communities across the world to ensure racial equality, social justice and greater access to education. And she’ll share how risk-taking, innovation, and values-based decision-making are core parts of the DNA driving Jordan Brand’s global growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll also hear from <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/people/consultant-directory/hetty-pye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hetty Pye</a>, a Managing Director in our London office, who will discuss <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/reports-surveys/why-is-the-leadership-gender-gap-still-so-large" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the gender imbalance in today’s C-suites and the steps organizations can take to close the gap.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’d like to read more about Sarah Mensah and how women are rewriting the rules for success to close the gender gap at the top of organizations today, pick up a copy of <a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/microsite/to-the-top-book" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To The Top</a> by Russell Reynolds Associates Managing Director Jenna Fisher.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/sunscreen-and-success-supergoops-winning-formula-with-ceo-amanda-baldwin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunscreen and Success: Supergoop!'s Winning Formula with CEO Amanda Baldwin</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/opening-hearts-and-minds-on-late-night-news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Opening Hearts and Minds on Late Night News with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/from-server-to-coo-kat-cole-journey-to-the-top" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

Great leaders at the top of their game have the audacity to continue to believe in themselves, to continue to work harder and keep trying, even when faced with failure. It’s a superpower that helps them redefine themselves, their companies, their industries, and ultimately be successful.  Today, we sit down with one of those audacious leaders. Sarah Mensah is the first female president of Jordan Brand, which revolutionized sports marketing in 1984 when Nike partnered with Michael Jordan to create the first Air Jordan basketball shoe. Sarah has broken barriers throughout her career at the Portland Trailblazers, Nike, and now Jordan Brand. We’ll talk with Sarah about the power to be unabashedly yourself, harness humility and courage, and use your voice in the right way to be a trailblazer in your career. We’ll explore how Jordan Brand is committed to improving the lives of Black people and inspiring communities across the world to ensure racial equality, social justice and greater access to education. And she’ll share how risk-taking, innovation, and values-based decision-making are core parts of the DNA driving Jordan Brand’s global growth.  


Outwork the Competition: Jordan Brand’s Winning Strategy with President Sarah Mensah

The board director role is one of the most coveted roles in business. But how do you land your first board seat? And what is life really like when you get there? We invited RRA leadership advisors Alvin Chiang and Anupama Puranik into the Leadership Lounge to share why a board role isn’t just something you should think about once you’ve already made it.  Gone are the days when boards are only populated with ex-CEOs, CFOs or other senior leaders. As new issues emerge at breakneck speed—sustainability, DE&amp;I, digital transformation, economic volatility, and geopolitical tensions—boards need diversity of thought more than ever before. Leaders who can help boards steer confidently into the unknown are now in high demand. As Alvin Chiang makes clear: Being a board director is no longer just about stopping the ship from sinking. It’s about making sure there’s a strategy for sailing your boat and crew from point A to point B.  Tune in to discover more about what sets great board directors apart—and how to land your first board role (and stay there).

Leadership Lounge: How can you get on a board—and stay there?

Redefiners

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Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world.In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates Leadership Advisor Hoda Tahoun and former CEO Clarke Murphy host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who share their insights and perspectives on how they lead, boldly. You’ll come away with fresh ideas and tangible takeaways on how you can redefine your own leadership trajectory – no matter where you are on your journey.&nbsp; &nbsp; Our Hosts:Clarke Murphy&nbsp; Clarke Murphy is the former Chief Executive Officer of Russell Reynolds Associates and serves on the Board of Directors. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he was the Global Leader of the firm's CEO/Board Services Practice.​ While at Russell Reynolds Associate​s, Clarke has conducted a number of significant projects in the industry, including Fortune 100 board searches and CEO successions. In addition, he has led notable searches in​​ the private equity industry including searches ​for the Carlyle Group and Warburg Pincus. Hoda TahounAs a leadership advisor and leader of the global Leisure &amp; Hospitality Practice at RRA, Hoda Tahoun identifies, assesses, and develops dynamic C-suite leaders for global hospitality, travel, and leisure companies. Based in Miami, Hoda helps clients solve their most pressing leadership issues at the CEO, C-suite, and other executive-levels. She also advises clients on customer-centric, go-to-market leadership roles such as chief marketing officers and chief experience officers. Hoda is committed to reshaping the hospitality and leisure landscape to ensure it is an industry that leads with purpose, value, and wellbeing and continues to attract and retain talent across all facets of diversity. Hoda spent more than seven years working for a boutique executive search firm, rising to the title of principal where she worked closely with hotel management companies, cruise lines and private equity firms. Previously, Hoda was an assistant vice president at SHUAA Capital in Dubai where she led the firm’s investment banking efforts. She has also worked at American Express, Bank of America and Citi.

Ready or Not, Gen Z is Coming

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