The Proteus Leader Show

Marie Holive sits down with David Shrier, Professor of Practice in AI and Innovation at Imperial College London, plus author of WELCOME TO AI and The Intelligence Capital Manifesto. We explore why the real opportunity with AI is not just automation, but redesigning work around true human-AI symbiosis. David explains the difference between replacement, augmentation, and symbiosis, why lasting advantage comes from building “Intelligence Capital” rather than simply deploying tools, and what leaders need to change in workflows, decision-making, and culture to make that shift real. Listen in for practical, actionable ideas you can use right away to strengthen AI fluency, rethink work design, and build more valuable collaboration between people and intelligent systems. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the podcast episode [01:42] AI as a collaborator rather than a tool [03:59] Understanding AI capabilities [06:54] What does  the intelligence capital economy mean for leaders? [14:15] Using AI as an  orchestrator [17:15]  Practical tools for building real human-AI collaboration [24:32] Podcast episode wrap-up Mentioned in the episode: 👉 Episode 89, 'Making AI Work for Us' 👉 Episode 115, 'From Experiments to Impact: Building Human-AI Collaboration with Todd McLees' 👉 The Intelligence Capital Manifesto For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Erika talks with Kursten Faller, co-author of The Hidden Project Drivers, about how to stop managing for compliance and start leading to build ownership. Visit Kursten's website Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast episode starts [01:59]  Stop managing for compliance and start leading for ownership [04:27]  Impact when employees and teams don't feel like owners [06:43]  What leaders can do to build greater ownership within teams [08:49] What it means to step outside the 'problem box' For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Marie Holive sits down with Mario Azar, Chairman and CEO of Black & Veatch, to explore what it takes to deliver critical infrastructure under pressure. Mario shares what’s different about leading a 100% employee-owned company and how ownership changes accountability, decision-making, and execution when timelines are tight. Together, they unpack the leadership implications of the data-center boom, the real-world trade-offs leaders must navigate, and practical ways to build an “owner’s mindset” that improves outcomes in any high-stakes environment. Listen in for clear, actionable leadership insights you can apply immediately, especially if you’re leading growth, complexity, or rapid delivery. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast episode starts [02:08] What is human critical infrastructure? [04:10] What does it mean to be 100% employee owned [07:02] What is driving the acceleration in data centers? [10:59] How is Black & Veatch dealing with the impact of AI [14:11] Speed vs resilience, how do you choose? [17:16] Practical tips for leading through growth [24:02] Podcast episode wrap up For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Erika talks with Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, Olympic Gold Medalist and newly named CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, about why safety on all levels - physical, emotional and psychological - is essential in modern organizations, and how to create a safe environment that supports the organization and its members to succeed. Timestamps: [00:00] Beginning of the podcast episode [02:03] Why is safety a necessary foundation for excellence? [04:53] Impact of lack of psychological safety [08:14] How can leaders create a psychological safe environment? [14:08] Podcast comes to an endFor more For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠. Source for psychological safety stats.

Marie Holive sits down with Karim Chaiblaine, CEO of Nesma Mobility in Saudi Arabia, to explore what true transformation requires from leaders in uncertain environments. Through the conversation, listeners will hear practical insights on making tough strategic choices, knowing when to build versus partner, scaling with intention, and staying flexible without losing clarity of purpose. Karim also draws on Professor David Teece's dynamic capabilities framework (UC Berkeley) and Professor Charles O'Reilly's Ambidextrous Organization framework (Stanford), to explore how successful organizations navigate change. It’s a thoughtful discussion on how leaders can navigate complexity, drive meaningful change, and make the kinds of decisions that create lasting impact.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to the podcast[02:45] When operating at scale how do you stay agile without creating chaos?[05:43] Common mistakes when launching or scaling new business ideas[10:18] How to pick the right business partner[12:13] When to partner versus when to build internally in your organization[15:41] How to know when to stop a business transformation[18:34] Practical tips leaders can implement today during transformation (especially large in organizations) For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠⁠⁠.

Erika Andersen shares the podcast with Jeff Mitchell, her partner at Proteus and Head of Proteus' Leadership Development Practice. They dive into the power of building real skills, why it's critical for leaders - and how it so often gets overlooked. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast episode starts [01:54]  Why skill building is crucial to leadership development [03:41] How to make skill building actionable [08:24] What happens when leadership doesn't support skill building [11:04]  What can leaders do today to ensure skills are developed to help them succeed? For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠⁠.

Marie Holive speaks with Marie Berthelon, Co-founder and CEO of Rouvenat, a historic French jewelry maison founded in 1852 and relaunched in 2022 to redefine luxury around modern, sustainable values. After more than 20 years in senior roles at Hermès, Cartier, De Beers, LVMH, and Richemont, Marie chose to leave major luxury groups to build a new kind of brand rooted in circularity and responsibility.Marie shares the story of Rouvenat’s “forgotten treasures” — giving new life to existing stones through “pierres anciennes, joaillerie nouvelle” and a #circularjewelry philosophy — and reflects on how the luxury industry is evolving on sustainability. She contrasts leading change within large, established houses with building a purpose-driven maison from the ground up, and speaks candidly about the risks and rewards of that choice. Timestamps: [00:00] Beginning of episode [02:29] Turning point to start Rouvenat [09:14] Origin story of Rouvenat [15:42] What is the jewelry industry is doing well in regards to sustainability (and how can it improve)? [20:04] What role will Rouvenat play in the #circularjewelry philosophy and shaping the future of the luxury industry? [23:28] Practical tips for leaders to be more sustainable For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube⁠.

The Human Side of Selling. Erika Andersen talks with Laird McLean, Proteus Partner, Head of Organizational Transformation and Sales Leader, about the human side of selling - what it means and why it's important, especially in today's increasingly complex and technologically sophisticated business environment. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast episode introduction [01:00] Importance of focusing on the human side of selling [03:25] Looking at businesses in a three dimension way [04:26] What happens when you don't focus on the human side of selling? [07:31] How can salespeople be more human centric? [10:51] Podcast episode wrap-up For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive speaks with Rosie Bichard, Non-Executive Director at UBS Asset Management, Audit Committee Chair, seasoned investor, and EMEA Co-Chair of WomenExecs on Boards — a global network of over 400 senior women prepared for board service at Harvard Business School. Marie and Rosie revisit their shared experience in the 2017 “Succeeding as a Corporate Director” program at Harvard Business School and trace how that classroom cohort evolved into a formal network in 2019 that now spans multiple countries. They discuss what women really need to access and thrive inboard roles, how WEoB is changing the pipeline for board-ready women, and how Rosie’s background in investment, ESG, and risk governance shapes her view of modern corporate boards. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast introduction [02:26] How WomenExecs on Boards was born [04:50] How has it grown to 400 plus members? [15:24]  What are the barriers to bringing in first time directors? [22:24] Company asset analogy for leaders [26:18] Podcast wrap up For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Erika Andersen talks with Alison Moore, CEO of Chief, about why supporting women's success in business is more important today than ever before - and how women are changing the definition of leadership in critical ways. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to podcast [01:45] Why do we need to support women [06:36]  How can organizations support women's success?[11:22] How can leaders support women be successful? [13:52] Podcast wrap-up For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive talks with Jason Beesley, CFO of Pattern (Nasdaq: PTRN) and former CFO of NBCUniversal International, about what it takes to be a transformational CFO in today’s fast-moving business world. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, from GE’s Corporate Audit Staff to global media, and now leading Pattern through its IPO, Jason shares lessons on scaling finance functions, building public-company discipline, crafting a compelling investor narrative, and sustaining momentum after going public. Marie and Jason reflect on their shared journey and dig into the real differences between leading finance in private versus public companies, the cultural shifts required to support growth, and how CFOs can partner with CEOs to build great companies, not just great numbers. Whether you're preparing to go public or simply looking to elevate your financial leadership, this episode is packed with insights for navigating complexity with clarity, credibility, and confidence. Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction to podcast [01:47] - Differences between private and public companies in a CFO role [06:44] - How to build financial discipline and scalability [11:16] - Definition of a finance business partner [12:59] - Journey taking Pattern public [17:11] - Effective communication best practices [20:32] - Scaling finance and preparing for growth tips [23:54] - Podcast wrap up For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Erika Andersen talks with Noel Massie, retired VP of US Delivery Operations for UPS, about his new book, 'Congrats! You've Been Promoted!' They discuss the most critical elements of success for new managers in any business. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to the podcast [01:28] Why new leaders need support [02:29] The coach-leader relationship [03:59] Intentional leadership and integrity [07:10] The Four-to-One Feedback Model [09:20] Terms and conditions of leadership [13:25] The BEST Principle [16:03] Podcast wrap up For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive talks with Todd McLees (HumanSkills.AI Co-Founder), creator of “AI Agility” and HBR contributor, about turning AI from a set of tools into a collaborative partner. We cover the human-skills stack for GenAI, team norms and ethical guardrails, and practical ways to move from one-off experiments to strategic impact, plus simple prompts you can use this week. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast Introduction [00:40] Exploring AI and Human Skills with Todd Cleese [01:41] From AI Anxiety to AI Agility [03:31] Understanding and Developing Human Agency [06:40] Critical Human Skills for Thriving with AI [08:47] Effective Prompt Design and Context Engineering [14:22] Ethical Boundaries and Collaboration Patterns with AI [20:02] Transforming Tactical Value to Strategic Value [25:23] Practical Tips for Leaders For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive talks with Kelsey Achenbach, Vice President of Pharmaceuticals at dsm-firmenich, about leading with strategy, science, and heart to drive innovation in healthcare. With a background spanning engineering, operations, and commercial leadership, Kelsey is at the forefront of transforming how the pharma industry operates — from optimizing product development pipelines to embedding purpose into every step of the value chain. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the podcast [01:58]  Why diverse experiences is important in leading pharmaceutical transformation [04:13] Importance of self awareness for leaders [04:51] Most important shifts during Kelsey's time at dsm-firmenich [06:23] Mistakes to avoid when going through change [10:46] Impact of AI in the healthcare industry [17:17] How to connect teams with a deeper sense of purpose [19:50] Practical tips for driving innovation and change in highly regulated industries For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie talks with Ian O’Connor, Professor at École Centrale de Lyon, about the true energy cost of AI and the breakthroughs that could change everything. As AI’s electricity use surges, Ian explains where the power really goes, why moving data is more expensive than doing the math, and how new hardware is helping bend the energy curve. They also explore what business and tech leaders can do today to make AI smarter, faster, and greener.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to the podcast[01:45] Why is AI energy hungry?[06:00] History of AI[11:18] Where does the energy really go?[15:10] How do we make AI more energy efficient?[26:55] Will Quantum replace AI?[28:44] Three simple steps to lower AI consumption For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive talks with Jean-Hugues Monier, retired Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, about weaving purpose and service into a life of leadership. From mentoring students and supporting transatlantic education through the Lafayette Fellowship, to helping restore cultural icons like Notre-Dame de Paris, Jean-Hugues has made giving back a core part of his journey, not a later chapter, but a constant thread. In this thoughtful conversation, Marie and Jean-Hugues reflect on how leaders at every stage can blend impact, legacy, and service in powerful and lasting ways. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome to the podcast [01:58] Importance of giving back [04:46] What is the Lafayette Fellowship? [10:05] How does Jean-Hugues give back? [15:45] Practical tips on giving back For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie talks with Therese Miclot, Director of Facilitation Excellence at Proteus International about her book: "The Facilitation Advantage", which breaks down the mindsets and skills leaders need to run high-impact meetings and shape meaningful conversations that actually move the business forward. Therese has spent more than 25 years helping leaders level up, not just by teaching them what to do, but by showing them how to show up. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the podcast [01:40] Why is facilitation an important topic? [05:44] Using emotional intelligence to pick up cues in the room [09:32] Common mistakes when facilitating [12:36] Importance of storytelling [18:14] Elevating people in the meeting [22:11] Overview of facilitation practical tips For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Erika talks with Zina Sutch and Patrick Malone about their new book, Little BIG Decisions: A Leader Imperative for Lasting Impact. They propose that some of leaders' critical choice points are the day-to-day decisions that affect their teams and clients most. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast introduction [00:34] Introducing Zina and Patrick [01:39] What are little big decisions? [03:18] Differences between little/little decisions and little/big decisions [05:15] What happens when we ignore the little big decisions [07:22] Importance of curiosity [08:06] Practical steps for making better decisions [11:42] Early warning signs that signal trouble for leaders For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie speaks to former headhunter and board readiness coach Jacquie O’Dea about demystifying that all-important first leap into the boardroom, sharing insider tips on what today’s boards really want, how to craft a stand-out value proposition, and the smartest ways to build the relationships that open boardroom doors. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the podcast [00:34] Introduction to Jacquie [01:44] What are boards looking for in new board members? [07:45] How do you know when you're ready to join a board? [17:24] Steps to build visibility and credibility with the right people [20:31] Reframe, network, self awareness and persistence [24:17] Practical tips for landing your next board role For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Erika talks with Nick Smallman, founder and CEO of Working Voices , about how to support employee engagement by focusing on what he calls "social wellbeing."Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to the podcast[00:33] Introduction to Nick Smallman[01:50] Why is employee engagement and wellbeing is important[04:25] How to avoid employee disengagement[06:45] Being intentional in a hybrid work environment[10:58] Common engagement killers at work[13:44] How can leaders improve workplaces? For more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.