M&G’s Andrea Rossi: Early CEO Ambitions, A Mistimed Entrepreneurial Leap & Why Europe’s Best Days Lie Ahead
In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Andrea Rossi, CEO of global investment manager M&G. Andrea shares how his multicultural upbringing—growing up in France with a Swedish mother and Italian father—shaped his adaptability and resilience as a leader. He reflects on his academic journey from France to Rome and INSEAD, calling his MBA a truly formative experience. Rossi reveals why joining GE was one of his best career decisions and how it sparked his passion for Six Sigma, a methodology he still champions today. After two decades at AXA, his entrepreneurial drive led him to launch his own firm, only to face the challenges of COVID-19. He candidly discusses the lessons learned and why timing matters. Now at the helm of M&G, Andrea outlines the company’s strategic priorities, his confidence in Europe’s growth potential and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in high-pressure roles. Tune in for insights on leadership, resilience and navigating change from one of Europe’s top executives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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IIF’s Tim Adams: Rejecting Enron, Building Afghanistan’s Central Bank & Today’s Debt Dilemma
In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick speaks with Tim Adams, President and CEO of the Institute of International Finance and one of the most influential voices warning about the global debt crisis. Adams shares his remarkable journey from a small Kentucky town to the forefront of international finance. A childhood spent in the local library sparked his curiosity and ambition: “Once you open your mind, it never goes back,” he says. Tim reflects on pivotal career choices, including turning down a job at Enron that “seemed too good to be true,” joining George W. Bush’s presidential campaign and later serving at the U.S. Treasury, where he helped rebuild financial systems in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. He also discusses the origins of the IIF, founded during the Latin American debt crisis and shares insights on the challenges facing today’s global economy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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London Stock Exchange's Julia Hoggett: Identity, Courage & Modernizing Markets
In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick speaks with Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange and a trailblazer in British finance.Raised in a family of pioneering lawyers and judges—including her mother, Baroness Hale—Julia chose a different path, studying sociology at Cambridge and launching a career in the City. She shares how her upbringing shaped her values, and how watching her mother break barriers inspired her to challenge the status quo.Julia reflects on her decision to come out as gay early in her career, a move that was both courageous and transformative. She discusses the impact of inclusive leadership, the importance of empathy in the workplace, and why making tough—and sometimes unpopular—decisions is part of the job.From playing golf to find balance, to steering one of the world’s most influential financial institutions, Julia offers powerful insights on authenticity, resilience, and the future of capital markets.Listen now to hear Julia Hoggett’s remarkable journey and her vision for the London Stock Exchange.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ms. Jo Malone CBE: Resilience, Reinvention & Rewriting Her Destiny
In the debut episode of Executive Decisions, CNBC's Steve Sedgwick sits down with Ms. Jo Malone CBE, the visionary perfumer behind one of Britain’s most beloved lifestyle brands.Jo shares the pivotal decisions that shaped her life—from a challenging childhood on a London council estate, where she helped raise her sister and managed the family’s finances, to launching her first business and selling it to Estée Lauder.She opens up about being labeled “lazy and stupid” at school, surviving breast cancer and navigating the emotional complexities of building a second brand under a non-compete clause.Now leading ventures like Jo Loves and Jo Vodka, Jo reflects on the power of resilience, the importance of purpose-driven decisions and the unwavering support of her husband and business partner, Gary.This is a story of grit, grace and the belief that your best chapters are always ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Siemens Energy's Christian Bruch: Crisis, Courage & The Human Side of Leadership
In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick speaks with Christian Bruch, CEO of Siemens Energy, about the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership.From an early love of languages and math to a formative stint in a psychiatric hospital during Germany’s public service program, Christian shares how empathy and curiosity became cornerstones of his approach to business. He reflects on bold career moves—including relocating his family to the U.S.—and the freedom to take risks that prepared him for the top job.Christian opens up about the toughest chapter of his career: Siemens Energy’s 2023 existential crisis, triggered by massive losses and plunging share prices. He reveals the sleepless nights, the lessons learned and why resilience and adaptability matter more than ever.Finally, Christian talks candidly about his struggle with work-life balance and his passion for driving the energy transition.Listen now for insights on leadership under pressure, personal growth and the future of energy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
‘Executive Decisions’ is a CNBC podcast offering a rare window into the minds of top decision-makers. Hosted by seasoned financial journalist Steve Sedgwick, each episode explores the pivotal choices that shape the careers and legacies of influential business leaders and policymakers. Through candid conversations about risk, doubt and conviction, the series reminds us that even the most powerful face uncertainty and trade-offs.The first season of 'Executive Decisions’ will launch on November 11th.
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