MUF #6 Success Is a Lie: Barbara Martin Coppola Unfiltered

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In this truly inspiring episode of Mork Unfiltered, host Patrick Mork welcomes Barbara Martin Coppola, a global and purpose-driven leader renowned for her transformative work across diverse industries and continents. As the former CEO of Decathlon, Barbara spearheaded bold initiatives in digital innovation, sustainability, and impact, following significant leadership roles at IKEA, Google, Grubhub, and Samsung.

Join Patrick and Barbara for a candid conversation that delves into the heart of authentic leadership, balancing ambition with personal values, and making a lasting difference.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Authentic purpose is not just a statement; it's a measurable foundation for driving engagement and value.
• Balancing a demanding career with personal life, especially motherhood, is achievable by setting boundaries and choosing supportive environments.
• Embracing your unique identity and cultural background can be a powerful asset in global leadership.
• Resilience comes from learning to break down overwhelming challenges and creating space for reflection.
• True success lies in living by your values and leaving a proud, human-centric legacy.

Notable Quotes from Barbara:

• "What stands out was a real sense of unlimited possibilities."
• "It's either through the heart or it doesn't work." (on purpose)
• "I believe the impossible is possible."
• "Respect for people." (her non-negotiable value)
• "Slice the elephant into really small chunks."
• "Going to the balcony."

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome to Mork Unfiltered: Introduction of Barbara Martin Coppola's remarkable background, including her transformative tenure as Decathlon CEO and previous roles at global giants like IKEA, Google, and Samsung.
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• [01:22] Life at Google: Unlimited Possibilities & Navigating Overachievement: Barbara reflects on her seven dynamic years at Google, where she held five different roles, experiencing a unique culture of innovation and smart, yet humble, colleagues. Learn about the importance of self-management amidst endless opportunities.

• [03:42] The Unfiltered Truth: Balancing Motherhood & Executive Leadership: Discover how becoming a mom became Barbara's biggest "forcing function" for prioritization, allowing her to excel professionally while prioritizing family. She shares practical advice for women navigating the pressures of demanding careers and managing guilt, emphasizing the power of choosing the right work environment.

• [09:56] Cultural Chameleon: Lessons from Samsung & Embracing Difference: Barbara discusses her formative experience at Samsung, where being a minority (one of two white people, reporting to the first woman VP) taught her the power of authenticity and turning difference into a positive asset.

• [15:11] Global Identity & Adaptable Leadership: Explore how her multi-cultural background has made her a "chameleon," skilled in modulating communication and understanding non-verbal cues to connect effectively with diverse teams worldwide.

• [17:42] The Heart of Business: Why Purpose Goes Beyond Profit: Barbara passionately explains why working in purpose-driven organizations is essential for her, framing it as a legacy and a source of profound pride. She unpacks Decathlon's mission ("move people through the wonders of sport") and the importance of authentic purpose.

• [25:10] Keeping Purpose Alive: Measurement, Culture & Engagement: Learn how Barbara ensured purpose was ingrained at Decathlon, from constant reinforcement (like IKEA) to quarterly employee surveys and integrating purpose goals alongside financial and planetary metrics.

• [30:43] Navigating Self-Doubt: Strategies for Resilience & Growth: Barbara shares candidly about her moments of self-doubt, particularly when taking on the Chief Digital role at IKEA. She offers powerful techniques like "slicing the elephant" and "going to the balcony" for gaining perspective and pushing through challenges.

• [38:53] Giving Back: Her Passion for Education & INSEAD: Discover why Barbara is deeply involved with INSEAD, reflecting her belief in education as a tool for personal growth and for developing leaders who prioritize humanity.

• [41:00] Barbara's Definition of Success: Values, Legacy & The Impossible: A heartfelt insight into what a successful life means to her – living fulfilling experiences, exchanging energy with people, being proud of her legacy, and her belief that "the impossible is possible."

• [43:49] Lightning Round: Quickfire insights on the one value she never compromises on (respect for people), a must-read book for executives (Isabella Allende's works), and her favorite movie (Dead Poets Society).