Mark C. Thompson

Join Mark and co-host Jacquelyn Lane, President and Co-founder of 100 Coaches Agency, for a powerful episode of the Chief Executive Summit featuring Klaus Kleinfeld, former Chairman and CEO of Alcoa and former CEO of Siemens AG. Klaus shares insights from his global leadership journey and his new book, Leading to Thrive, offering a fresh framework for sustainable success. Key takeaways: • Boardroom Strategy: What every CEO should know about managing group dynamics. • Energy Over Time: Why managing energy—not time—is the key to peak performance. • The Inner Game: How mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual energy fuel great leadership. This is a candid, insightful conversation with one of the world's most experienced global leaders.

This week on the Chief Executive Summit, we're joined by Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, and co-host Scott Osman, Founder and CEO of 100 Coaches Agency. Barbara reflects on the setbacks that shaped her path to CEO and how optimism, humility, and mission-driven leadership have guided her journey. Key takeaways: * Her “worst day” opened the door to her best opportunity * The importance of raising your hand and owning your impact * Why asking “What do you think?” is a game-changer in leadership A powerful conversation full of clarity, courage, and actionable wisdom.

Join Mark for a fascinating look back at one of the most visionary conversations from our archives, featuring Steve Jobs, then Chairman and CEO of Pixar Animation Studios and interim CEO of Apple. In this rare dialogue, Steve shares his reflections on building Pixar into what he described as "the second great animation studio in the world." He dives into the power of blending creative genius with technical innovation, the art of storytelling, and how Pixar pioneered a new era of digital filmmaking — all while balancing leadership at both Pixar and Apple. Key moments include: Pixar's approach to merging Silicon Valley's technology with Hollywood's storytelling tradition. Steve's insights on scaling creativity, finding the right talent, and fostering a collaborative culture. The vision for digital cinema and building evergreen revenue streams through beloved characters and franchises. Steve's relentless focus on quality and his belief in the longevity of great storytelling offer timeless lessons for every leader striving to leave a lasting impact. Don't miss this incredible conversation, hosted by Mark.

Join Mark for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit, featuring Asheesh Advani, CEO of Junior Achievement Worldwide and co-author of Modern Achievement. Order Modern Achievement: https://a.co/d/eGHXedC Watch now: https://www.chiefexecutivealliance.com/post/cea-summit-asheesh-advani-ja-worldwide Asheesh leads an organization that impacts over 15 million young people annually across 118 countries, fostering entrepreneurship, self-efficacy, and leadership skills in the next generation. In this conversation, he shares insights on: • The Future of Achievement: Why traditional goal-setting is outdated in a world where young professionals will have 20 jobs and 7 careers on average. • Self-Efficacy & Entrepreneurship: How JA programs instill an unshakable belief in success through hands-on experience. • Innovation & Adaptability: A framework for navigating change—fixed, flexible, and freestyle—that empowers leaders at all levels. • Building a Meaningful Network: The power of surrounding yourself with mentors and how relationships drive career success. Asheesh's perspective is a must-hear for leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about shaping the future workforce. #Leadership #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship #ChiefExecutiveSummit #MarkThompson

Join Mark for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit, featuring Mike Clem, CEO of Sweetwater, the nation's largest online retailer of musical instruments and audio/video equipment for creators. Mike shares his inspiring journey from tech and e-commerce professional to leading Sweetwater—a $1.5 billion company with over 10 million customers and a culture centered on building lifelong relationships. After two pianos and four trumpets later, Mark is sold on Sweetwater. Key insights from the conversation: Heart and Culture: Sweetwater thrives by fostering one-to-one relationships and providing over-the-top customer service, from free tech support to personalized guitar inspections. Mike discusses how this culture was shaped by founder Chuck Surack, who started the company in 1979 in the back of a VW bus. Leadership Transition: Mike shares how his 20 years with Sweetwater prepared him to step into the CEO role, including his commitment to preserving its people-first culture while navigating rapid growth. Employee Engagement: With 2,700 employees, Mike emphasizes the importance of leadership accountability for team happiness and engagement, noting how this approach strengthens customer experiences. Balancing Stakeholders: Learn how Mike leads with heart while balancing the needs of employees, customers, investors, and the community. This is a masterclass in scaling with purpose and staying true to core values in leadership. Don't miss it!

Join Mark for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit, featuring Geoff Smart, Chairman and Founder of ghSMART and a leading expert in CEO and C-suite readiness. Geoff shares his transformative approach to leadership assessment and development, offering invaluable insights for aspiring and current executives. Key Highlights: Beyond Psychology Tests: Geoff explains why traditional tools like cognitive tests often fall short at the executive level. Forensic Leadership Analysis: Discover Geoff's unique method of evaluating leadership through a detailed examination of past experiences and performance, validated by peer and board feedback. Role-Specific Readiness: Insights into tailoring leadership development to the strategic needs of an organization. Geoff also discusses groundbreaking research, including the three key traits that increase team success by 20 times: prioritization, talent management, and result-focused relationships. These principles, combined with a rigorous selection process, drive long-term success for leaders and organizations alike. Don't miss this conversation about aligning leadership excellence with organizational strategy. Listen now.

Join Mark for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit featuring Tom Gruber, co-creator of Siri and a pioneer in humanistic AI. This conversation dives deep into Tom's remarkable journey and the future of artificial intelligence, offering unique insights for leaders navigating this transformative era. Key Highlights: The Origins of Siri: Tom reflects on building Siri with a small team of 24 and the pivotal decision to join Apple, sharing personal anecdotes about working with Steve Jobs and embedding AI into the iPhone. AI's Role in Leadership: Discover how leaders can embrace AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them, emphasizing collaboration and critical thinking in a tech-driven workplace. Humanistic AI: Tom advocates for AI systems designed to enhance human potential and address global challenges, from education to mental health care. Navigating Risks: Learn how to balance AI's powerful potential with the ethical responsibility to prevent unintended consequences, such as misinformation or system failures. Tom's vision for AI goes beyond automation—it's about empowering humanity. Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company or an emerging startup, this episode is a must-listen for understanding AI's role in shaping the future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights.

Join Mark on this week's episode of the Chief Executive Podcast for an insightful discussion with Niren Chaudhary, former Chairman of the Board and CEO at Panera Brands, and David Reimer, CEO and Managing Partner of The ExCo Group. Niren and David share strategies for leading in an era of profound change and the evolving demands on today's CEOs. Key takeaways include: The Evolving CEO Role David emphasizes the need for CEOs to stay adaptable in an ever-changing environment. Building a Resilient Pipeline Both leaders stress the importance of fostering curiosity and resilience in future executives, preparing them to lead in unpredictable times. Creating Psychological Safety Niren underscores the value of challenging ideas and embracing dissent: "Don't tell me why you agree with me, tell me why you disagree." Data Meets Judgment Niren encourages leaders to use data for informed decisions but warns against waiting for perfection—act when "70% certain" and trust your judgment for the rest. Discover how today's leaders can stay agile and foster innovative cultures. Tune in to learn these strategies for navigating modern leadership challenges.

Join Mark for an in-depth episode of the Chief Executive Summit featuring Melissa D. Smith, CEO of WEX. Over her decade of leadership, Melissa has transformed WEX into a powerhouse in the fintech space, driving innovation and growth while navigating major milestones like the company's IPO and the challenges of the global pandemic. In this compelling conversation, Melissa delves into: Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: Melissa explains how fostering an environment where employees can be their authentic selves has helped WEX build diverse, high-performing teams. The Power of Strategic Risk-Taking: From large acquisitions to leveraging AI and data, she shares her approach to taking informed risks that propel the company forward. Developing Future Leaders: Melissa emphasizes the importance of clarity in talent development, outlining how WEX builds a strong leadership pipeline by focusing on both experience and behavior. Melissa's candid insights on resilience, innovation, and the future of fintech make this episode a must-watch for executives looking to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Join Mark for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit featuring John Dickerson, renowned journalist, CBS News Prime Time anchor, and author. Together, they delve into the complexities of leadership in times of change and volatility. Through John's unique perspective, drawn from his experiences and his book 'The Hardest Job in the World', they explore various aspects of presidential leadership, including decision-making, the impact of media, team building, and adaptation to change. The dialogue also delves into the evolving role of CEOs and the intersection of politics and corporate America.

This week on the Chief Executive Summit, we are thrilled to share a conversation with Mark's dear friend and inspiration, Curtis Martin, NFL Hall of Fame running back. Curtis overcame incredible challenges throughout his life, including poverty, violence, and the loss of loved ones. He'll share how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership and building trust. Key Takeaways: Vulnerability is Key: Curtis reveals the importance of vulnerability in building trust. Leading with Authenticity: He emphasizes the power of being a real leader, not one who's always right. The Strength of Listening: Understanding someone's pain is crucial for building trust, as Curtis demonstrates through a powerful story. Consistency is King: Trust is built through consistent actions, not just grand gestures. Don't miss this inspiring episode! Tune in to hear the full conversation with Curtis Martin.

Join Mark for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Podcast featuring his early interview with Jensen Huang, Co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA. Listen as he recounts his extraordinary journey from reform school in Kentucky to becoming a tech titan and visionary leader in the semiconductor industry. Reflecting on early experiences, Huang shares how they shaped his character and approach to adversity. Join us as we explore his inspiring story and pivotal moments that led to today's highly anticipated "AI Woodstock" event, where NVIDIA unveils its latest chips. Tune in to discover the evolution of NVIDIA and the technological advancements shaping our future.

Join us for the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit Show hosted by Mark Thompson! In this exclusive interview, Adrian Mitchell, COO & CFO of Macy's, reveals the keys to transparent leadership, strategic trade-offs, and building a customer-centric approach. Discover valuable insights that can transform your business strategies and drive retail success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from an industry expert.

Don't miss the latest episode of the Chief Executive Podcast! In this insightful conversation, Mark is joined by the legendary Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, the father of the executive coaching profession. They discuss the critical topic of "Adding Too Much Value" and why it's essential for leaders to resist the urge to constantly provide solutions. Marshall shares his wisdom and experiences, highlighting the importance of thoughtful restraint and empowering others. Discover how leaders can achieve greater effectiveness by focusing on commitment and creating a supportive environment.

Join us for an insightful discussion at the Chief Executive Summit hosted by Mark Thompson, featuring Aicha Evans, the CEO of Zoox. In this interview, Aicha shares her inspiring journey as a lifelong innovator. Discover the future of transportation with Zoox's self-driving electric robo-taxis, designed for safety, sustainability, and urban efficiency. Aicha also highlights her experiences as a first-time CEO, shedding light on the challenges of building a sustainable company and the importance of effective leadership and coaching. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a remarkable industry leader.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Chief Executive Summit podcast to hear Mark's conversation with Gordon E. Moore, co-founder and former chairman of Intel Corporation, who passed away recently at the age of 94. Moore was the mastermind behind Moore's Law, which predicted the doubling of the number of transistors on a silicon chip at regular intervals, paving the way for the exponential growth of computer data-processing power. Join Mark as he discusses Moore's Law and its impact on the high-tech industry with the man who saw the future. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the boldest and most creative technicians of the high-tech age. Tune in now to the Chief Executive Summit podcast to hear the full episode. #GordonEMoore #Moore'sLaw #IntelCoFounder #ChiefExecutiveSummit #podcast #high-techindustry

Happy International Day of Happiness! What better way to celebrate than by wishing a very happy birthday to the legendary Dr. Marshall Goldsmith? On this episode of the Chief Executive Podcast, Mark and Marshall dive into the topic of “No,” “But,” and “However.” Key insight in this episode: Coaching highly successful, hard-working, smart, dedicated, driven to achieve, stubborn, opinionated, know-it-alls – and the revealing little game Marshall plays with them called, “No,” “But,” and “However.” As two of the most influential voices in leadership and organizational behavior, Mark and Marshall have spent their careers empowering executives to make a difference in their organizations and beyond. Join Mark and Marshall as they share insights and principles that can help you become a better leader. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of Chief Executive Podcast. Listen now!

Mark invites you to join him on the latest "Chief Executive Summit" Podcast with none other than the legendary Maya Angelou. In this episode, Maya shares her seven sacred promises that have guided her through life, inspiring millions of people along the way. As a prolific writer, award-winning activist, and one of the most influential poets of our time, Maya Angelou has reinvented herself over and over again, leaving a profound impact on the world. Mark was deeply moved by Maya's philosophy, spirit, and impact. After seeking her out and connecting with her, they had a transformative conversation in Maya's home in the American South. Join Mark as he delves deep into Maya's wisdom and gain insights that could change your life. Don't miss out on this powerful and inspiring episode of Chief Executive Podcast. Listen now!

In honor of International Women's Day, we're thrilled to present the fourth and final installment of our Women in Leadership series. Hosted by Mark and Dr. Bonita Thompson, a leader in Collaborative Leadership, this episode features four inspiring guests: Dr. Penny Patterson, Ann Wrixon, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, and Candice Carpenter. These incredible women are all visionaries in their respective fields, and they share how they created support and community for their visions, despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way. From building a strong network to embracing persistence and determination, their insights and experiences are truly eye-opening. Here are 4 key insights from the episode to get you started: Passion fuels success, drives over obstacles "Radical mentoring" creates extraordinary employee growth
Staying true to your values is essential for building and maintaining strong relationships Setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth Ready to be inspired? Tune in now to the "Chief Executive Summit" podcast and celebrate International Women's Day with us!

Tune in to "The Chief Executive Summit" with Dr. Bonita S. Thompson, a leader in Collaborative Leadership, as she sits down with guests Carol Kauffman, PhD., author of the recently released, Real-Time Leadership, and Wendy Clark, Former CEO of Dentsu International. In this episode, you'll gain actionable insights and strategies for effective leadership in today's fast-paced business world. From leading with authenticity to cultivating a growth mindset, you won't want to miss the wisdom and experience these powerful women have to share. So grab your headphones and learn how to lead with purpose and passion!

Today is President's Day in the United States, a day to honor and celebrate the country's past presidents. However, this year's observance is marked by somber news. The country's 39th president, Jimmy Carter, was recently admitted to hospice care at the age of 98. Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, is known for his humanitarian work and post-presidential efforts to promote peace and democracy around the world. Despite his advanced age and health challenges, Carter has remained active and engaged in public life. His latest health setback has prompted an outpouring of support and well wishes from political leaders and ordinary citizens alike. As the nation reflects on the legacy of past presidents, Carter's contributions to American democracy and global diplomacy will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated. Listen to Mark interview former President Jimmy Carter, who has defined a new type of leadership role in America.

Join us for the second installment of our four-part Women in Leadership series. Mark and Dr. Bonita Thompson were honored to host discussions with these remarkable leaders Laura D'Andrea Tyson, Dr. Tamara Jernigan, Nadine Strossen, Baylee Decastro, and Norma Hotaling. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn from their unique experiences in stepping forward as leaders. This series is a must-listen for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills.

Join us for the first installment of our four-part Women in Leadership series. Mark and Bonita had the privilege of sitting down with trailblazers like Madeline Albright, Barbara Walters, and Gloria Steinem. These women shattered ceilings and accomplished great things in their careers. Tune in to benefit from their wisdom and be inspired by their journeys. You too can reach new heights with the help of these leaders. #womeninleadership #leadershipdevelopment #empowerment"

Major General (Ret) Gale S. Pollock served as the Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command and as the Acting Surgeon General of the Army. She was also the 22nd Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Today, she leads Elevivo as founder and CEO. Mark Thompson, #1 CEO Coach, sat down with Gale to talk about how encouragement from others helped her overcome a challenging childhood and attain amazing success. Gale also shares great insights and lessons learned over a distinguished career. You won't want to miss this episode!

Patricia Corsi, Chief Marketing, Digital and Information Officer at Bayer, joined Mark Thompson, #1 CEO Coach for this week's podcast! As a board member for Tate & Lyle and working with Bayer for many years, Patricia is a renowned voice in the consumer health field. Patricia sat down with Mark to talk about this unique industry and the changes she's been part of in it over the last few years.

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, joins Mark Thompson, #1 CEO Coach, to talk about her journey in leadership and how she's changing the culture and standards for the US Olympic Team. Learn about Sarah's preparation for the CEO role and the challenges she's faced in this fascinating role!

Kathleen Winters is a world-class Board Member, CFO and advisor to global companies. Having worked for Honeywell, ADP, American Express, and more, Kathleen has a unique and rich insight into leading global companies as a CFO. Mark Thompson sat down with Kathleen to talk about her experiences leading these major brands, and how she balances the dynamic and complex challenges the role presents.

Mamatha Chamarthi has led a revolution in new technology, design, style and function within the car industry at Stellantis. As one of the leading global automaker and mobility providers, their brands are recognizable around the world from Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ram, Jeep, Maserati, Peugeot, and more. Mamatha shares with us the keys to her success in innovation, technology and creating an unforgettable brand.

Mike Kaufmann, the CEO of Cardinal Health, is an inspiration in the healthcare industry, creating a culture for adapting and evolving to the rapidly changing health scene for the US. Mark Thompson is joined in this episode by Pranay Agrawal, Co-Founder and CEO of Fractal Analytics, who is driving innovation and change in the AI sphere, among other industries. Mike, Pranay and Mark talked about the changes in their company work culture, business methodologies, and leadership for today's world.

As the former CEO of Ancestry and longtime board member of companies such as McDonald's, Handshake, AppLovin and more, Margo Georgiadis is an expert on creating meaningful missions, values and lasting innovation. Through her time at Ancestry, Margo inspired her team to lean into the needs of their customer, growing exponentially and creating the world's largest collection of family records.

The Chief Executive Podcast is honored to have Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. As the 2022 WEF event in Davos, Switzerland ramps up to begin this year's incredible talks and collaborative groups, Klaus shares with us how leadership and organization has changed, and the future of our economies and businesses.

Michael Dell is one of the most successful entrepreneurs - turning an idea and great services into a leading computer company around the world. Mark Thompson, the World's #1 CEO Coach and New York Times bestselling author, sat down with Michael to talk about entrepreneurship, building a great company, and innovation in technology.

In an exclusive interview with Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Groups, this serial entrepreneur is, quite literally, propelling himself into space! Riding on his latest success with Virgin Galactic, Richard shares with us his secrets to success, how he selects a CEO, and what it takes to survive entrepreneurship.

Don Weinstein leads the Global Product and Technology at ADP, a company who is rapidly becoming a leading provider in Human Capital Management Solutions. Together with my co-host, Pranay Agrawal, CEO of Fractal, we sat down with Don to listen to the emerging technology that helps us better understand, manage, and communicate with employees at every level. Take a listen as Don shares how Human Capital Management has evolved over this last year, and grown into a space that is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for business success today.

In this week's episode, Mark Thompson is joined by an incredible leader, Alan Mulally, former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Ford Motor Company and named No. 3 on Fortune's “World's Greatest Leaders” list. As a globally recognized top CEO, Alan's humility, compassion and excellent leadership is evident in the way he talks about growing his companies and enriching the lives of his team and employees. Learn more about Alan's Working Together principles and the secrets to how he made huge turnarounds, pivoted strategies and led his companies to success, all while helping his company culture thrive.

Jesper Nordengaard, President of Hills Pet Nutrition, a Colgate Palm-Olive company, sits down with Mark C. Thompson and his co-host, Martin Lindstrom, the world's leading authority on branding. Jesper and Martin discuss innovation in the retail world, the exploding growth of pet nutrition, and what it takes to build a brand that sticks with its customers.

Coretha is at the forefront of developing and designing a new type of workforce in the modern era. As an expert in developing Chief People Officers and Chief Human Resource Officers, Coretha shares with Mark how she is looking at the future of remote and hybrid work, and how to think about the critical role that Human Resources plays in the success of a company. Coretha also shares her expertise as a coach and how this has played perfectly into her work with HR experts and executives around the world.

As the Corporate Vice President and General Manager at Intel, Asha Keddy's world revolves around creating solutions for problems that don't yet exist! Her work with 5G has put at the forefront of new communication technology and realizing what is possible in this ever-growing space. Listen to Asha as she talks about her strategies for success and agility, as well as the lessons she's learned along the way.

As the Head of Strategy of data42, a Novartis company, Sid is always thinking about disruptive change. As with any technology company, it's critical to think for the future of not what is, but what's possible. Learn more about how to think about strategy and courage for leaping into the unknown with this new episode!

Kristin Peck has been changing the face of veterinary medicine as the CEO of Zoetis Inc and helping the health and lives of animals around the world. Kristin is paving new roads for her industry, being one of the first veterinary medicine companies to become public and scaling their business in revolutionary ways. In this new episode, Kristin shares with Mark the stories of the struggles faced during COVID, how she views leadership and the CEO role, and what's next for her and the company as they move forward.

President and CEO elect of Nu Skin, Ryan Napierski, joins me to share the key elements of a global strategy and how he has worked to develop a globalized brand that transcends market differences. Learn more about how Nu Skin has navigated the challenges of globalizing their brand and line of products – and how you can be better equipped for your business to do the same.

John Lawn, President and CEO of Hershey Entertainment, has a unique outlook on his business goals. As a company, their mission focuses around serving their community and the Milton Hershey School, giving them an incredible perspective for the reason behind all they do. Mark sat down with John to talk about his experience with Hershey, thoughts on leadership and the story behind the incredible work they're doing in their community.

As the CEO of Giant, a national grocery store chain in the United States, Nick plays a role in communities and families around the country. Mark sat down with Nick to talk about how he views his company's mission, Corporate Social Responsibility, and how's he's working to build a more sustainable future for food.

With a 30 year career as Commissioner of the NBA, there is no doubt David Stern was an exceptional leader. His values for the players, coaches, fans and partners of the NBA made him a cherished aspect of the organization. Drawing from the Interview Archives, listen as Mark chats with David about his career and philosophies on leadership.

Sir Richard Branson is one of the best known entrepreneurs in the world. He has created or acquired over 60 businesses and his recent trip to space with Virgin Galactic has launched him into further international recognition. Mark sat down with Branson to talk about the entrepreneurial spirit, how he views failed businesses, and a philosophy for everything new.

As the CEO of HP, Enrique Lores is always reinventing himself and his company, in order to stay up with the pace of innovation and global scale. Enrique started as an engineer with HP, and his passion for the mission of the company has led him to be an inspiring leader of one of the largest tech companies in the world. Mark sat down with Enrique to hear more about the story of his career and his thoughts on leadership and innovation.

As the General Manager of Enterprise at Indeed, Maggie Hulce is innovating the way we hire, train and think about our employees! Mark and Maggie sat down to discuss how she engages both companies and employees in her role, as well as insights on the hiring process.

Bonus material for the episode with Cristiano Amon, CEO-elect of Qualcomm! Mark Thompson, #1 CEO Coach, sits down with Marshall Goldsmith, ranked the top business thinker in the world, for insights on Cristiano's interview. Mark and Marshall unpack the coaching moments for this episode and more!

Cristiano Amon, CEO-elect of Qualcomm, is no stranger to the subject of disruptive innovation. As a leader in cutting-edge electronic technology, Cristiano knows that fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity and opportunities to fail and learn are crucial to innovating the next breakthroughs in the field. Listen to a great episode as Mark and Cristiano discuss Cristiano's career with Qualcomm and important lessons learned along the way.