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The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast
Core leadership competencies needed in today's business landscape: A conversation with Mitja Schulz, CEO of Debrunner Koenig
In this interview, Mitja Schulz, the newly appointed CEO of Debrunner Koenig, a Swiss wholesale company specializing in reinforcements, steel and metals, metal services, and technical products, describes his leadership style and shares the core leadership competencies he believes are essential for steering his organization through today's dynamic business landscape that places increasing demands on CEOs. He also discusses how he thinks about developing leaders who excel in collaboration, staying agile, and being goal oriented; strategies he has implemented to develop these competencies within his leadership teams; and some common challenges that arise when building high‑performing teams. Looking into the future, he also shares how he thinks digital tools and AI will shape the future of leadership development, and how he is preparing his teams and wider workforce to adapt to these changes.
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How AI is reshaping legal services: A conversation with Julien Tanguy, CEO of Lefebvre Group
29:59|Julien Tanguy, CEO of a leading European provider of legal and tax services, shares how AI is driving cultural change, redefining leadership roles, and accelerating innovation through trusted data, talent, and technology.
Building long-term resilience in consumer markets: A conversation with Aku Vikström, CEO of Orkla Foods Europe
25:24|Aku Vikström, CEO of a pan-Nordic branded food supplier, shares how leaders can build long-term success and resilience in consumer markets during times of macroeconomic disruption.

Communications as a key driver to growth: A conversation with Silvio Tavares, president and CEO of VantageScore
26:51|Silvio Tavares discusses leveraging accountability, AI, and clear company values to drive performance and innovation.
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.