The world doesn’t come with a manual for unpredictable times, but great leaders know how to adapt when the rules keep changing. Leading Through Uncertainty is a podcast that dives into real stories and practical advice from people who’ve been there: senior leaders, industry experts, and Odgers insiders.
We talk about what it really takes to lead when the future feels foggy, how to make decisions, keep teams motivated, and turn challenges into opportunities. No jargon, no fluff, just honest conversations to help you navigate the unknown with confidence.
Hit play and join us for insights that matter when certainty isn’t an option.
Retail Leadership Through Uncertainty: AI, Boards & Strategy
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Jane explores the future of leadership with Chania Stempowski, Managing Director of Odgers South Africa and leader of the firm's Retail & Consumer Practice.
Together they discuss how retail leaders can navigate uncertainty, the impact of AI on leadership, what boards often misunderstand about digital transformation, and the capabilities that will define successful leaders over the next five years.
Key topics include:
Leadership in uncertain markets
AI and the future of retail leadership
Digital transformation and organisational change
Board effectiveness and succession planning
Building resilient organisations
Leadership capability for the future
Retail industry trends and disruption
Executive search insights from South Africa and global markets
Key Quote: "AI won't replace retail leaders, but retail leaders who don't use AI will likely be replaced by those who do."
Subscribe for more conversations with global business leaders, board members and executive search experts exploring leadership, succession, talent and transformation.
#Leadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership) #AI (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai) #RetailLeadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/retailleadership) #ExecutiveSearch (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/executivesearch) #Boards (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/boards) #DigitalTransformation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitaltransformation) #FutureOfWork (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futureofwork) #LeadershipDevelopment (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadershipdevelopment) #SuccessionPlanning (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/successionplanning) #retailindustry (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/retailindustry)
Frequently Asked Questions
What leadership skills will be most important in the age of AI?
How can boards prepare for continued uncertainty?
Will AI replace retail leaders?
What does successful digital transformation require?
How can organisations become more resilient during disruption?
11 Sept 2026
How Sports Leaders Navigate Uncertainty, Investment & Innovation
How will sports leadership evolve in an era of uncertainty, institutional investment, technological disruption and changing fan expectations?
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Odgers Chief Operating Officer Kate Burns speaks with Euan Frizzell, Partner and Head of International Sports Practice at Odgers, about the future of leadership in sport, executive search, succession planning, fan engagement, AI and the growing influence of private capital across the sports industry.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience advising sports organisations, governing bodies, investors and global brands, Euan shares insights into what distinguishes today's most effective leaders and why adaptability is becoming the defining leadership capability in sport.
In this episode:
The future of sports leadership
How institutional investment is reshaping sport
Commercial growth versus performance on the pitch
The power and economics of fan engagement
Why adaptability matters more than ever
Emerging sports, esports and new audiences
AI's impact on executive search and talent assessment
Succession planning and future-ready leadership teams
The role of governance, advisory boards and non-executive directors
How sports organisations attract talent from outside the industry
Key questions answered in this interview
What will redefine sports leadership over the next decade?
What are the biggest blind spots facing sports leaders today?
Why is fan engagement becoming increasingly valuable?
How is investment changing the leadership demands on sports organisations?
What leadership skills matter most in uncertain times?
How is AI changing executive search and talent assessment?
What does successful leadership in sport look like today?
How should boards prepare for continued uncertainty?
About the Guest
Euan Frizzell is a Partner at Odgers and leads the firm's international sports practice outside the United States. He advises sports organisations, governing bodies, investors and global brands on executive search, leadership strategy, succession planning and organisational transformation.
About Leading Through Uncertainty
Leading Through Uncertainty is Odgers' leadership interview series exploring how senior leaders navigate complexity, transformation and opportunity across industries and markets worldwide.
3 Sept 2026
How Great Leaders Navigate Uncertainty
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Chris Hamilton sits down with investor, board adviser and former global CEO Subhanu Saxena to explore what effective leadership looks like in an era defined by disruption, complexity and constant change.
Drawing on a career that spans engineering, consulting, banking, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and healthcare investing, Subhanu Saxena shares practical lessons on navigating uncertainty, leading business turnarounds, building resilient organisations and developing future leaders.
During the conversation, they discuss:
Why leaders should stop trying to predict the future and focus on adaptability
Lessons from leading a major business turnaround at PepsiCo
What investors look for in leadership teams today
How to identify organisational inflection points before problems escalate
The role of boards in developing leadership talent
Why diversity of thought matters when navigating uncertainty
The leadership capabilities organisations need for the next decade
Building cultures where people can thrive as themselves
The importance of purpose, authenticity and self-awareness in leadership
A standout insight from the conversation:
"If things go well and everyone thinks the same, that's fine. But when you hit a problem, you want someone to come up with a contrarian view."
Whether you're a CEO, board member, investor or aspiring leader, this discussion offers valuable perspectives on leading people, navigating change and creating organisations that can succeed in uncertain environments.
25 Aug 2026
How AI, Alternatives and Private Credit Are Transforming Asset Management | Kevin McKeon
How will artificial intelligence reshape asset management? Is private credit facing a correction? And what does the future of leadership look like in an increasingly uncertain investment landscape?
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Anne Murphy is joined by Kevin McKeon, Head of Odgers' US Financial Services Practice, to explore the forces reshaping asset management today.
Drawing on his experience advising leading investment firms across asset management, alternatives and wealth management, Kevin shares insights on:
The rapid growth of alternative investments
Retail investor demand and product innovation
The future of private credit
AI's impact on fundraising and investment research
How compensation models are changing
Leadership and board priorities amid technological disruption
Talent implications for asset managers
What successful firms will look like over the next decade
Whether you are an asset management executive, board director, investor, private markets professional or financial services leader, this conversation offers practical insights into navigating uncertainty while preparing for long-term growth.
31 Jul 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Karen Chiew and Paul Clayson
In the APAC debut episode of Odgers’ Leading Through Uncertainty podcast, Karen Chiew and Paul Clayson explore how technology leadership is evolving amid disruption, AI acceleration, and market uncertainty.
Together, they discuss whether today’s technology leaders need to be technical experts, commercial translators, continual learners, or experimenters willing to test, adapt and lead through ambiguity.
The conversation covers:
Why technical expertise alone is no longer enough
The leadership traits proving most valuable in uncertain times
How AI is reshaping executive talent and organisational priorities
The changing role of CIOs, CTOs and digital leaders
Why curiosity, adaptability and experimentation are becoming leadership imperatives
2 Jul 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Liz Stewart and Luís Sitima, Leadership Advisory Practice
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Liz Stewart sits down with Luís Sitima, Global co-Head of the Leadership Advisory Practice at Odgers and Managing Partner of Odgers Portugal, to explore how leadership is evolving in response to ongoing disruption, shifting organisational priorities and the accelerating pace of change.
From digital transformation to the future of work, culture and performance, this conversation offers practical insights for CEOs, C-suite leaders and senior decision-makers navigating complexity across global organisations.
30 Jun 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with David Cates and Robert Quinn
In this episode of our Leading Through Uncertainty series, Rob Quinn, Head of the Global Mining Practice at Odgers, sits down with David Cates, President & CEO of Denison Mines, to discuss leading through volatility in the mining sector.
David shares how Denison is advancing Canada's first in situ recovery (ISR) uranium project, why innovation often comes from constraint, and how clarity of purpose helps organizations stay focused amid changing markets. The conversation also explores building teams driven by impact, balancing long-term growth with near-term execution, and why disciplined leadership is essential for sustained success in an uncertain world.
Listen now to gain insights into the leadership principles shaping the future of mining.
29 Jun 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Jules McKeen, Head of Global Media & Entertainment Practice
How is AI reshaping the media industry? Is the creator economy disrupting traditional media? And what skills do leaders need to stay competitive?
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Kate Burns (COO, Odgers) is joined by Jules McKeen, Head of Global Media & Entertainment, to explore the biggest shifts in media, content, and leadership.
From AI and content monetisation to the rise of creators and platform convergence, this conversation breaks down what’s really changing — and what leaders should do next.
Key topics covered:
AI’s impact on content creation, jobs, and creativity
The rise of the creator economy and its impact on traditional media
How media companies monetise content, IP, and audiences
Why hiring for curiosity and adaptability is critical
The convergence of media, technology, and platforms
The future of podcasts, video, and digital content
Key questions answered:
How is AI changing the media industry?
Is the creator economy disrupting traditional media?
What skills do modern media leaders need?
How are companies monetising content today?
Are podcasts still growing, or evolving into video?
How should leaders navigate uncertainty and change?
8 Jun 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Áine Hurley, Head of People & Culture Practice
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Kate Burns sits down with Áine Hurley, Head of People & Culture Practice at Odgers, to explore how the role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) is evolving – from HR leadership to a critical driver of business strategy, culture, and performance. From AI transformation to hybrid working, leadership purpose and organisational culture, this conversation offers practical insights for CPOs, CHROs, CEOs and senior leaders navigating change across global organisations.
Key topics covered:
How the Chief People Officer role has changed
The growing influence of HR at board level
AI’s impact on people strategy and capability
Culture, performance and organisational transformation
The future of work, hybrid teams and leadership challenges
This discussion draws on experience across FTSE companies and international organisations, with valuable insights for business leaders in the UK and globally.
Key questions answered in this video:
What does a Chief People Officer do?
How is the CPO role evolving in 2025?
What impact does AI have on HR and leadership?
What makes a successful Chief People Officer?
Who owns culture in an organisation?
What challenges do HR leaders face today?
2 Jun 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Eric Beaudan and Joanna Kraft, Leadership Advisory Practice
Global instability, rapid technological change, and major demographic shifts are reshaping what organizations need from their leaders.
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Eric Beaudan, Global Co-Head and Head of Business Development for the North American Leadership Advisory Practice, and Joanna Kraft, Partner and Head of North America's Leadership Advisory Practice, explore the leadership capabilities that will matter most in the years ahead.
They discuss:
• How organizations are rethinking leadership development and the innovative practices gaining traction
• Why succession planning is accelerating as generational turnover reshapes the workforce
• How leaders can build trust and engagement in an AI-enabled workplace
• Why leadership effectiveness increasingly depends on strengthening collaboration across teams and organizational ecosystems
Listen now to learn how organizations can develop adaptive leaders, build connected teams, and navigate uncertainty with confidence in an era of constant change.
21 May 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Sarah Lowndes-Jones and Derek Wilkinson, Global Co-Heads of Public Impact Practice
Public impact leaders are facing growing uncertainty driven by changing public expectations, governance demands, funding pressures, and rapid technological change.
In this episode of Leading Through Uncertainty, Sarah Lowndes-Jones and Derek Wilkinson discuss how leaders across government, nonprofits, and global development are adapting to constant disruption.
They explore:
• Why mission remains a critical anchor
• How boards are rethinking risk and leadership
• Why conviction, transparency, and resilience matter more than ever
Listen now to hear how today’s leaders are navigating uncertainty while continuing to deliver impact.
6 May 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Alex Hamilton‑Baily, Head of Legal & Professional Services Practice
Kate Burns is joined by Alex Hamilton‑Baily, Partner and Head of Legal & Professional Services at Odgers, to explore how the CLO role has evolved from technical legal adviser to enterprise‑wide strategic leader.
16 Apr 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Emanuel Pfister, Global Head of Automotive Practice
As part of our Leading Through Uncertainty series, Clare Glackin, Head of our Industrial Practice in Europe, Middle East and Africa, joined Emanuel Pfister, Head of Automotive Practice and Managing Partner in Germany and Switzerland, to explore the global automotive industry’s perfect storm and the criticality of adaption for future survival.
20 Mar 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Anne Murphy, Global Head of Financial Services Practice
Anne Murphy, Managing Partner and Head of our Global Financial Services Practice joins Odgers Chief Operating Officer Kate Burns to discuss how leaders are navigating uncertainty in the financial sector.
13 Feb 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Clare Glackin, Head of Odgers' Industrial Practice for EMEA
Clare Glackin, Partner and Head of our Industrial Practice for EMEA, joins Odgers' COO Kate Burns to discuss Leading Through Uncertainty, and how the industrial sector, the world's supply chain, is responding to the current global climate.
26 Jan 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty with Mike Drew, Global Head of Odgers' Technology Practice
Mike Drew, Partner and Global Head of our Technology Practice, joins Odgers' COO Kate Burns to discuss Leading Through Uncertainty, our focus for Board and C-Suite leaders where we explore what leadership looks like in today's geopolitical uncertainty, who is doing it well and what leaders need to succeed.
21 Nov 2025
Leading Through Uncertainty with Mark Freebairn, Head of CFO, Board, Chair & NED Practices
Mark Freebairn, Partner and Head of CFO, Board, Chair and NED Practices, sits down with Odgers' COO Kate Burns to discuss Leading Through Uncertainty, our focus for Board and C-Suite leaders where we explore what leadership looks like in today's geopolitical uncertainty, who is doing it well and what leaders need to succeed.
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