Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri shares how her humble beginnings in Casablanca and a passion for science shaped her journey to the C-suite. She reflects on the tough choices behind a global career, why embracing discomfort fuels transformation, and how she navigates leadership’s loneliest moments.

Phoenix Group CEO Andy Briggs reflects on how his family values shaped his four-decade career, why purpose-driven leadership matters when making tough decisions and how staying true to yourself is key to building long-term success.

London Marathon Events CEO Hugh Brasher shares how his family’s sporting legacy shaped his career, why embracing tough decisions builds resilience, and how focusing on where you want to go—rather than the obstacles—is key to leadership and growth.

Veolia’s CEO reflects on how the ground-breaking women in her family unlocked her career ambitions, why she wishes she had trusted her instincts earlier, and why reframing our mindset is key to tackling global sustainability challenges.

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Andrea Rossi, CEO of global investment manager M&G.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘Executive Decisions with Steve Sedgwick’ is a CNBC podcast offering a rare window into the minds of top decision-makers. Hosted by financial journalist Steve Sedgwick, each episode explores the pivotal choices that shape the careers and legacies of 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.