In this series, dr. Zanna van der Aa interviews CEOs and CEO level experts who share the vision of creating Human Centric cultures through a focus on customers, employees and purpose.
The goal of this series is to inspire and strengthen Human Centric CEOs in their vision, support them in challenges they face and share insights that empower them to build human centricity deeper into their company's DNA.
Create a reflection rhythm - The leadership behaviors series | EPS #11
This is part 1 of our Leadership Behaviors Series, where we're diving deeper into some of the 21 behaviors from my new book on human-centric CX transformation: Once You See It. In this episode, Miranda and I talk about something that I think is really crucial for leaders: creating a reflection rhythm. And I know, I know, your calendar is probably back to back with meetings. Trust me, I get it. But here's the thing: do you want to lead transformation based on your calendar, or based on your va...
27 Nov 2025
The CEO’s Guide to Human-Centric Transformation – Once You See It | EPS #10
Most CEOs agree Customer Experience drives business results. But few know how to make it work beyond the buzzwords. In this episode, Dr. Zanna van der Aa shares the CEO án CX transformation lead perspective of her new book Once You See It — a practical guide for leaders who want to make human-centric transformation measurable, scalable, and real. You’ll learn: Why 4 out of 5 CX programs fail — and how CEOs can prevent itThe three-layered model to ignite, scale, and inspire transformationHow...
27 Nov 2025
AI and CX: Demystifying 5 Beliefs | EPS #9
AI is transforming business, but not always in the right direction. In CX, it’s easy to get lost in the hype. Tools that automate workflows are suddenly called “AI,” and efficiency becomes more important than experience. This episode demystifies the five biggest myths about AI in Customer Experience—and shows how leaders can use AI to enhance the human experience instead of replacing it. What you’ll learn: Why workflow automation ≠ AI—and why 90% of your business issues can be solved with t...
14 Aug 2025
Human Centricity Creates Growth: Doubling Business Through People First | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS #8
Curious how purpose and people-first values truly shape a CEO’s path? Andrea’s story might spark inspiration and if you’d like to explore what this could mean for your own leadership, my LinkedIn DMs are open. In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Avila (CEO de Randstad para Argentina, Chile y Uruguay), a leader whose journey from working in her family business at 13 years old to becoming a global CEO is a compelling example of how purpose, passion, and people-first values can transform bu...
14 Aug 2025
From Factory Lines to Creative Minds: Redesigning Work | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS #6
In this episode of the Human Centric CEO podcast, I sit down with Sid van Wijk from Miro to explore the future of work. We dive into the challenges of hybrid work, the "hybrid paradox" of flexibility vs. connection, and how experimentation can shape better workplaces. Sid shares practical tips like the "Rule of Two" for inclusive meetings and highlights the magic of human connection in a digital world. Discover how to navigate the evolving workplace and create environments where people truly...
14 Aug 2025
Embracing Imperfection: Why Vulnerable CEOs Build Stronger Organizations | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS #7
What happens when leaders embrace imperfection and humanity? This episode dives deep and if you’d like to explore how to build trust-based leadership in your organisation, just send me a DM on LinkedIn. In this episode, I welcome leadership expert Richard Stark (Egon Zehnder) for an in-depth conversation about the evolving dynamics of modern leadership. Together, we explore how trust, authenticity, and a more human-centric approach are transforming the way we lead. Key Takeaways: - The new...
14 Aug 2025
Financial Results Drive Human Centric Freedom | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS #4
What happens when leaders combine structure with meaning? This conversation shows what’s possible and if you want to explore how to translate these ideas into action, just drop me a DM on LinkedIn. Leadership is about more than strategies and metrics; it’s about balancing the head and the heart. In this podcast, Emre Gurkan (CEO Zain Iraq) and I explore the journey of blending creativity and discipline, structure and spirit, to create meaningful transformation in organizations. Discover how...
14 Aug 2025
Journey Centricity: Align Around Customer and Employee Goals | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS #5
Journey centricity is more than a CX hype. If you’re keen to make it a true driver of change in your own company, let's connect through sending me a DM on LinkedIn. In this episode of the Human Centric CEO podcast, we talk with Joana (Forrester) about the concept of journey centricity and how it helps organizations become more human-focused. Prefer to watch our video recording? Check the podcast on YouTube! We explore how to go beyond mapping customer journeys to aligning the entire organi...
14 Aug 2025
Leadership Eats Culture: How CEOs Shape Everything | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS #3
Meaningful leadership goes far beyond hitting targets. If you’re ready to weave purpose into your daily work, DM me on LinkedIn to dive deeper. What does it take to make a business thrive for the long term? Hint: It’s not just about profit. In this heart-to-heart conversation, Naiara Cantabrana and Zanna discuss how human-centric leadership can be a game changer. Naiara, who has spent two decades at Randstad, reflects on the lessons she’s learned about aligning business goals with the well-b...
13 Aug 2025
Balancing People and Profits in Numbers-Driven World | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS#2
Curious how a human-centric CEO really thinks and acts? Nawaf’s story might spark ideas for your own journey. If you’d like to explore what this could look like in your organisation, just drop me a DM on LinkedIn. In this first episode of the Human Centric CEO series of videopodcasts, host dr. Zanna van der Aa sits down with Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, to dive deep into the world of Customer Experience (CX) transformation and Human Centricity. Prefer the video version? Check ou...
13 Aug 2025
Connect Employees Directly to Purpose Through Customer Impact | Human Centric CEO Series | EPS#1
Join dr. Zanna van der Aa and Professor Dan Cable from London Business School as they explore the concept of human-centric leadership. Wondering how to make this tangible for you? Just send me a DM on LinkedIn. Prefer the video version? Check out on YouTube! For timestamps, see below In this insightful and energizing conversation, they discuss how CEOs can foster a culture of purpose and engagement within their organizations. The podcast delves into practical strategies for injecting purpo...
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