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The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast
Integrating AI into industrial companies: A conversation with Arun Narayanan, former chief data officer at Anglo American
In this episode of The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast, Heidrick & Struggles’ Sam Burman speaks to Arun Narayanan, the former chief data officer at Anglo American, about the significance of getting culture right when it comes to driving a digital transformation. Narayanan shares how he came to be the chief data officer of mining company Anglo American and when AI became part of the role, providing some practical examples of how he applied both data and AI to solve problems within the company, navigating the path of buy, build, and partner. Finally, Narayanan offers advice to leaders who are currently wrestling with their approach to both digital transformation and AI and shares his view on the implications that come with these developments and how leaders can adapt for the future.
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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.
Tradition and transformation: A conversation with Riitta Savonlahti, executive vice president of human resources, UPM
20:51|Riitta Savonlahti outlines a practical playbook for aligning culture with long-term strategy through trust, clear accountability, matrix leadership.