Share
The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast
Benevity’s CEO on transitioning from a CFO role and the importance of mental health
In this episode of the Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast, Heidrick & Struggles’ Sean McLean speaks to Kelly Schmitt, the CEO of Benevity, a Calgary-based leading global provider of corporate purpose software. Schmitt discusses the importance of mental well-being and shares how she role models maintaining her own health and wellness to make sure her colleagues feel comfortable doing the same. Schmitt, who was a three-time CFO before accepting the CEO role at Benevity, also talks about making the transition and shares some advice for finance leaders who aspire for the top job. Finally, she offers her take on the future of work and shares how she and her chief people officer work together to promote DE&I within Benevity and navigate the changing expectations of employees.
More episodes
View all episodes
Resilient leadership in a PE-backed environment: A conversation with Dino Koutrouki, chief executive officer of Pelsis
27:07|Dino Koutrouki shares key principles to drive growth in small private equity-backed companies.Leading in crisis: A conversation with Mark Garrett, co-founder of Glenstone Capital Partners and independent board member
29:24|Mark Garrett shares how times of crisis are changing the role of the board, how boards should approach CEO succession, and what qualities make the best executive leadership.Building resilience in a disrupted world: A conversation with Alison Martin, CEO Life, Health, and Bank Distribution at Zurich Insurance Group
22:12|Alison Martin shares how employee wellbeing, AI adoption, and having a system of measurement for organizational wellbeing support a resilient workforce.Driving organizational transformation in family-owned businesses: A conversation with Björn Lahm, CFO of Harting Technology Group
19:03|Björn Lahm shares how he maintains culture and aligns goals with values within a family-owned business.How to drive agile AI adoption: A conversation with Michael Lefenfeld, president and CEO of Hexion
11:34|Michael Lefenfeld shares how organizations can build AI-enabled workforces and strengthen leadership through consistent processes.Accelerating growth with culture: A conversation with Dr. Kaleen Love, chief people and culture officer at Philip Morris International US
15:25|Kaleen Love shares how clear values, behavioral expectations, and a united mission build a culture that attracts resilient leaders and accelerates talent growth.How culture drives performance and transforms leadership: A Conversation with Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy North America
34:45|Allan Swan shares how understanding the value of culture allow leaders to drive performance and innovation and make strategic transformations.The generics mindset: A conversation with Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz
28:41|Richard Saynor reflects on what it takes for leaders to combine accountability, clear decision-making, and the humility to change course.Culture as a strategic advantage in times of change: A conversation with Ken Campbell, CEO of Play Group
20:00|Ken Campbell shares how a strong culture and fast adaptation keep people motivated through clarity, focus, and a challenger mindset.