Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Matthew Blagg, CEO for Criticaleye, joins Marketing and Communications Director Julia Brook for the first Inspiring Leaders podcast for 2026. They take a look at some of the lessons for leaders last year, and examine the trends and topics that will be front of mind for senior executives over the next 12 months. Discussion points include: The landscape in 2026 and difficulties for leaders to make the right decisions at pace when so much is changing Executive skill set and what key traits will be needed to be a successful CEO, CFO or CPO this year What challenges the Board is facing, how they will examine risk this year and whether external challenges will create more conflict in the boardroom Which stakeholder groups will be most pronounced for executive teams Unique and common challenges in the APAC region Why great CEOs in 2026 will be those who are brilliant communicators, able to articulate difficult things in a clear way and those who understand risk

Episode 29: Criticaleye Asia Podcast – Leading Business Transformation Through Innovation In this episode, Michael Crompton, General Manager Asia at Criticaleye, speaks with Tian Beng Ng, President and Group CEO at Certis, about what it takes to lead large, complex organisations through transformation in an era of rapid technological change. Drawing on his experience leading mission-critical operations across Asia, Tian Beng shares how technology has become a core driver of business strategy, not just an enabler. The conversation explores how leaders can harness AI, data, automation and robotics while maintaining operational stability, aligning teams and strengthening culture. Discussion points include: Why technology must sit at the heart of modern business transformation Balancing innovation with stability in mission-critical environments Leading people through change with clarity, trust and purpose The role of culture, communication and leadership alignment during transformation How CEOs can build momentum and resilience in times of uncertainty

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Dave Wilson, Chair of LBG Media (LADbible) and Knights plc, joins Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore how Boards and executive teams can successfully navigate today’s capital markets while staying focused on long-term value creation. In a landscape of tightening liquidity, shifting investor expectations and ongoing macro uncertainty, leaders of publicly listed businesses face growing pressure to balance short-term market demands with long-term growth. Drawing on his extensive executive and non-executive experience, Dave shares insights from supporting high-growth companies, preparing for IPO and guiding teams through public-market volatility. Discussion points include: How leaders can balance immediate market pressures with long-term value creation Lessons from preparing for IPO and operating successfully on the public markets The impact of reduced liquidity on decision-making and Board-level conversations Key challenges facing plc leadership teams and how a Chair can best support them The evolving relationship between Chairs, CEOs and CFOs amid market and macro pressures Avoiding short-termism through effective communication with investors and analysts Approaches to assessing growth, profitability and M&A in a complex capital environment Why peer networks are increasingly important for resilience and perspective Practical advice for plc leaders aiming to deliver sustainable growth in a difficult market

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast In this episode, Lorcan O'Connor, CEO for Transport Infrastructure Ireland joins Criticaleye’s Marketing and Communications Director Julia Brook to discuss his journey to the CEO role and reflections of being a Group CEO at Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), Ireland's largest public transport provider. Managing multiple stakeholders is a key skill for any CEO. In this podcast, we look at what core skills and capabilities are needed to be successful in the role. Discussion points include: Lorcan's own career journey and route to becoming a CEO Gaining the skills and attributes needed throughout your career that will lead to a senior leadership role The questions executives should ask before taking on the top job and assessing if it is right of them Key challenges to navigating important stakeholder groups including the Board and Government The CEO-CFO partnership and what makes a winning team which can drive the business strategy

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Bérangère Michel, Former CFO of the John Lewis Partnership and Ben Freeman, Country CFO RWE Renewables UK / Global Director Accounting RWE Offshore, join Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Bridgette Hall to explore what it takes to lead effectively through transformation and continuous change. In an era defined by volatility, shifting stakeholder expectations and the accelerating pace of organisational evolution, leaders are under unprecedented pressure to balance business priorities with empathy, purpose and resilience. Bérangère and Ben share their experiences of guiding teams through uncertainty, driving cultural alignment and sustaining performance during times of transformation. Discussion points include: The most common challenges leaders face when navigating change and how to overcome them What effective leadership looks like during periods of disruption and evolution How to engage and motivate people when organisations are undergoing transformation Building trust, alignment and resilience across teams The critical role of culture in enabling and sustaining change Balancing strategic business priorities with the human side of transformation Practical behaviours and approaches that help people embrace change How leadership itself is evolving in response to increasing complexity Why maintaining strong external networks and reference points is essential for decision making and perspective Lessons learned from leading people through uncertainty and transformation

Episode 28: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Succeeding as a Strategic CFO in a Time of Transformation In this episode, Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, speaks with Joe Dische, CFO at PropertyGuru, and an experienced finance leader with over two decades of experience across the technology, media and telecom sectors. He has led organisations through complex transformations, scaling businesses from start-up to growth and driving strategic and financial excellence across diverse markets. The conversation explores what it takes to lead the finance function through scale, scrutiny and change and how today’s CFOs can balance growth, profitability and purpose in a rapidly evolving business environment. Discussion points include: What defines a high-performing CFO and finance function today? Lessons from leading through both public and private ownership How diverse experiences shape modern financial leadership? How can CFOs balance growth and profitability amid shifting market conditions? How can finance leaders build strong partnerships with CEOs and Boards through transformation?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Rob Hornby, Co-CEO of AlixPartners and Rita Clifton CBE, Portfolio Chair and Non-Executive Director (including Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership, Chair of Simplyhealth, Chair of the international sustainability organisation Forum for the Future, Visiting Fellow at Saïd Business School University of Oxford, Fellow and former Trustee of WWF-UK, Board Trustee of Green Alliance and Criticaleye Board Mentor) join Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Bridgette Hall to discuss what it takes to lead successfully in a digital world. As technology continues to transform every aspect of business, leaders are under growing pressure to balance innovation with ethics, human connection and cultural change. Rob and Rita explore how leaders can build empowered teams, retain top talent and drive organisational transformation while navigating the complexities of AI, automation and data-driven decision making. Discussion points include: How technology is reshaping organisations and the ways executives and Boards lead The ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, data and automation – and how leaders can ensure inclusivity and people-centred progress The growing importance of human and empathetic leadership in a tech-driven era How traditional sectors can adapt, foster resilience and integrate new technologies without destabilising core operations The key traits leaders need to thrive amid digital disruption The role of Boards in supporting executives through digital evolution and complex decision making Why benchmarking and learning from peers is critical in a fast-changing environment Final reflections on how leaders can inspire cultural change and build teams equipped for the future

Episode 27: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Becoming a World-Class CEO: Insights from the Board   In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Bruce Cox, a Criticaleye Board Mentor and seasoned global leader with over 40 years of executive experience across the industrial and resources sectors. Bruce has held senior roles at BHP and Rio Tinto, and today serves as a Non-executive Director for several major organisations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. He brings deep expertise in governance, strategy and business transformation, helping leaders drive growth and navigate complex change. The conversation explores what it takes to be a world-class CEO from the Board’s perspective, focusing on how great CEOs build trust, engage effectively with their Boards and continuously evolve to meet today’s complex leadership challenges.   Discussion points include: What qualities and behaviours define an exceptional CEO from the Board’s perspective? How do Boards evaluate a CEO’s ability to lead through uncertainty and transformation? Which behaviours enable CEOs to maintain trust and confidence with their Boards? What mindsets and approaches help great CEOs influence and align their Boards? How can leaders continue to learn and evolve at the highest level?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Lucinda Charles-Jones, Non-executive Director & Chair or RemCo for Virgin Money and Rank Group (plus a Criticaleye Board Mentor) and Jim Devine, Group HRD, Spirax Group speak to us about some of the findings of our most recent research with Chief People Officers.  Discussion points include: Key challenges and opportunities for CPOs, HR Directors and CHROs in the year ahead How priorities have shifted for CPOs and HRDs and evolving expectations on their role around driving business strategy and shaping the culture The skills and personality traits needed to be successful in the CPO role Relationships with key stakeholders including the Board, the senior leadership team and workforce What approach CPOs are taking when it comes to implementing new technology and AI across their organisations

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Christopher Boerger, CFO of E.ON UK, joins Criticaleye’s Director of Content Marc Barber to discuss the evolving role of the CFO as a driver of innovation and growth. From balancing risk and return to embracing new technologies and leading through volatility, Christopher reflects on how finance leaders can unlock creativity and long-term value in large organisations. Discussion points include: What innovation means for a business like E.ON UK and how new ideas are brought to market The CFO’s role in supporting experimentation, investment and the freedom to fail Approaches to risk appetite and measuring ROI on new projects The reality of AI-driven change and what’s hype versus substance Why both large and small companies face challenges with innovation Balancing short- vs long-term thinking in today’s volatile environment Lessons learned from over two years as Country CFO lead at E.ON UK

Episode 26: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Succeeding as a Regional Leader in Asia   In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Lance Little, Head of Region for Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific. Lance leads a team of over 6,000 employees across 16 markets and brings more than 30 years of experience in building leadership teams, shaping organisational culture and driving growth across diverse countries, including New Zealand, India, Thailand and Singapore. Drawing on his extensive experience, Lance shares his insights on what it takes to lead at scale in Asia. He explores how leaders can build connected and resilient teams, navigate cultural and operational complexities and continue to grow and adapt in a fast-moving environment.    Discussion points include:  What leadership capabilities are essential for success across the region today? How can regional leaders build resilient and connected teams across culturally diverse markets? How can regional leaders maintain self-awareness and continue to grow while managing large, dispersed teams? How should leaders adapt their approach to meet the varying expectations and needs of teams across different countries? What strategies help leaders create a shared purpose and values that unite teams and support long-term success?

Episode 25: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Aspiring CFOs: What Boards Really Want from Their CFOs   In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Catherine O’Connell, a seasoned Board professional and Criticaleye Board Mentor. Catherine currently serves on the Audit & Supervisory Board at FUJITSU and recently completed a historic term on the board of TOYOTA as its first foreign female outside board member. She is also the CEO of her own boutique law firm in Tokyo, where she provides fractional general counsel services to global businesses.   Drawing on her extensive Board experience, Catherine shares valuable insights into how CFOs can meet rising expectations in the Boardroom. She explores what Boards truly value in their CFOs today, how the role is evolving, and what aspiring leaders need to focus on to have real strategic impact at Board level.   Discussion points include:  What qualities and capabilities are Boards in Asia prioritising in their CFOs today? How can CFOs build trust, credibility and influence with the Board? What role do CFOs play in shaping non-financial strategy? How can aspiring CFOs prepare for Board interactions and avoid common pitfalls? How can CFOs stay ahead of evolving Board expectations and add value as strategic leaders?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Martin Balaam, CEO of Pimberly and Jacqui Summons, NED/Fractional CHRO join Criticaleye's Senior Editor, Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore the demands of private equity ownership from driving value creation and managing Board dynamics to resolving conflict, keeping exit front of mind and leading under pressure in today’s challenging market. Discussion points include: The growing popularity of private equity as a route to business growth and the impact of current market conditions How the definition of success in PE has evolved and what value creation looks like today Boardroom dynamics in PE-backed businesses and the characteristics of high-performing Boards The role of the Chair and executive team in managing investor relationships and resolving conflict Keeping the exit in focus throughout the ownership cycle while driving sustainable growth Leading through the pressures of the exit process and the current macroeconomic environment

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Tea Colaianni, Senior Independent Director at Watches of Switzerland and portfolio Non-Executive Director, shares her journey from Chief People Officer to the Boardroom and the unique strengths HR leaders bring as NEDs. Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we explore the transition from executive to NED roles, the importance of effective governance, the evolving role of HR at board level, and what boards should focus on when it comes to culture, inclusion and the future of work. Discussion points include: Tea Colaianni’s career journey from law to Chief People Officer to Non-Executive Director Key challenges and lessons from transitioning into the boardroom after an executive career The unique value CPOs bring to boards and what’s holding more HR leaders back from NED roles What makes a Board high-performing and the responsibilities of a Senior Independent Director How boards can take meaningful action on culture, inclusion and diversity What boards are missing about the future of work and how HR leaders can prepare to step up

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Sangeeta Desai, Non-Executive Director at Boat Rocker Media and Board Mentor at Criticaleye, joins Matthew Blagg, CEO of Criticaleye, to discuss how senior leaders can bring clarity of direction and purpose to inspire high performance in today’s volatile and fast-moving business environment. Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we focus on how Chairs and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) can best support CEOs in navigating uncertainty, fostering alignment and accelerating strategic decision-making to ensure long-term success. Discussion points include: How Chairs and NEDs can support CEOs during periods of volatility and pressure The balance between long-term strategy and short-term pressures at Board level Where misalignment occurs across leadership teams and Boards and how to address it The role of the Chair in fostering alignment and high performance What pace means for effective leadership and decision-making How resilience and clarity of direction help leadership teams thrive under pressure

Episode 24: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - A Board’s Perspective on the Business Landscape    In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Benny Goh, Founder and Managing Partner of Parami Solutions. Benny also serves as Strategic Advisor and Non-Executive Director at Taqtik Health, Inc., Board Advisor to Pereira International and is a Criticaleye Board Mentor. With over 30 years of leadership experience across Asia, he brings deep expertise in corporate governance, sustainability and energy efficiency.   During their conversation, Benny shares his perspective on how Boards can navigate the increasingly complex business landscape in Asia, shaped by rapid technological change sustainability imperatives and geopolitical uncertainty. He also discusses how Board leadership is evolving to manage risk, seize new opportunities and foster long-term organisational resilience and adaptability.   Discussion points include: How can Boards balance effective risk management with the need to seize new opportunities? What role do Boards play in building long-term organisational resilience? How should sustainability be integrated into Board-level decision-making? How are investor expectations around ESG influencing governance? How can Boards foster innovation while maintaining stability in fast-evolving markets? In what ways is Board leadership adapting to drive adaptability and long-term value in Asia?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast In this episode, we hear from Deborah Frost, UK Chair of Mercer Master Trust and former CEO of Personal Group, as she shares her experiences in leading and transforming high-growth businesses. Hosted by Marc Barber, Director of Content at Criticaleye, Deborah draws on both her executive and non-executive experience. She highlights how innovation has been key to her success and explores how to build a culture that supports creativity while effectively managing risk. Key discussion points:  The critical role of innovation in driving business growth. Empowering management teams while maintaining strategic oversight. What investors typically seek in high-growth companies. How leaders can prepare effectively for investor scrutiny and due diligence. Common red flags that may deter potential investors. Key advice for CEOs preparing their business for the next phase of growth.

Episode 23: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Succeeding as a Regional CFO in Asia In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Echo Jin, Chief Financial Officer, Asia at Microsoft. Echo plays a crucial role in shaping Microsoft’s long-term strategy and business planning across the Asia region, working closely with the CEO to drive strategic development.  During their conversation, Echo shares her expertise on the evolving role of CFOs in shaping business strategy, managing cross-border teams and adapting to the rapid changes in the dynamic region. She discusses the unique challenges faced by finance leaders in Asia, as well as how the CFO role is expanding beyond traditional financial oversight to become a key driver of innovation and long-term organisational success.   Discussion points include: How does the role of a Regional CFO extend beyond financial oversight in shaping the business strategy? How do you influence key stakeholders to align and drive organisational decisions? What challenges do you face in leading cross-border finance teams? How do you see the CFO role evolving in the future, especially in terms of driving innovation? How do you envision the CFO role adapting to challenges in Asia?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast In this episode, we hear from Sean Latus, Group CEO at Calisen, as he reflects on his transition from CFO to CEO and the realities of leading a complex organisation in today’s business climate.  Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, Sean shares his journey into the CEO role, the key mindset shifts and challenges he faced. He reflects on staying strategically focused, evolving stakeholder relationships and offers advice for others transitioning from CFO to CEO.  Discussion points include:  Navigating the career journey from CFO to Group CEO. The motivations, doubts and decisions behind stepping into the top role. Shifting responsibilities and early challenges faced as a new CEO. Leading from the front without getting pulled back into the detail. Redefining relationships with the Board and other key stakeholders. Advice for CFOs transitioning to CEO – what to expect and what support is needed.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Alison Gowen, Group HRD at AG Barr plc and Neil Hayward, Chair at Skills Union, discuss how CPOs and senior HR leaders can effectively align strategic HR objectives with broader business goals. Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we discuss the key priorities for HR leaders in 2025, the challenges of aligning HR with business objectives and how HR leaders can strengthen their influence at the executive and Board level. Key discussion points include: Key trends shaping the HR landscape and where leaders should focus to drive impact. Challenges and best practices for integrating HR initiatives with company objectives. How HR leaders can strengthen relationships with key stakeholders like the CEO, CFO and Chair. Strategies for overcoming resistance and increasing HR’s influence within the organisation.  Key metrics and the role of AI in tracking HR’s contribution to business performance