In 2025, the role of a CEO has evolved faster than ever. Every week, I dedicate time to strengthening my own leadership—both as a CEO and as a coach to CEOs—by listening to and studying the world’s most impactful thinkers.

The five conversations below stood out this year because they shifted the way I lead, think, and build teams. I’m sharing them here along with the key lessons I believe every CEO should take away:

The Knowledge Project Podcast – Alan Mulally on “Principles of Successful Teamwork”

Why this matters to CEOs in 2026:

Alan Mulally delivers a masterclass on alignment, transparency, and execution, three areas under immense pressure this year as organizations respond to uncertainty, technology shifts, and rapid scaling demands.

What you’ll learn:

• How to create a culture of truth-telling without fear.
• A weekly operating rhythm that eliminates surprises and builds trust.
• The mindset required to unify a senior leadership team around “one plan.”

CEO Application:

Introduce Mulally’s Red–Yellow–Green weekly business review with your executive team to surface misalignment quickly and drive consistent accountability.

Watch: YouTube – “Principles of Successful Teamwork” by Alan Mulally

The Diary of a CEO Podcast – Brené Brown on “We’re in a Spiritual Crisis”

Why this matters to CEOs in 2026:

Burnout, disconnection, and an identity shift in the workplace have converged into what Brené Brown calls a “spiritual crisis.” CEOs today must lead not just organizations, but humans in transition.

What you’ll learn:

• The real roots of disengagement and emotional fatigue.
• Why courage and vulnerability are now non-negotiable CEO capabilities.
• How leaders can create cultures where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

CEO Application:

Start your next leadership meeting by asking: “What’s one emotional truth we’re avoiding that we must face as a team.

A Bit of Optimism Podcast – “The Man Who Proved Me Right” with CEO Bob Chapman

Why this matters to CEOs in 2026:

Bob Chapman challenges the idea that people are “resources” and argues that leaders are stewards of human lives. In a year defined by AI acceleration and uncertainty, this is a powerful recalibration.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Truly Human Leadership is a competitive advantage.
• How to build organizations where people feel cared for and perform better.
• What it looks like when a CEO treats employees like family, not headcount.

CEO Application:

Ask managers to identify one behavior this month that communicates care—not compensation—to their teams.

Watch: YouTube – Simon Sinek with Bob Chapman

Inside the Strategy Room Podcast – “Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian: Lessons from the Captain’s Seat”

Why this matters to CEOs in 2026:

Ed Bastian shares honest reflections on leading through crisis, rebuilding trust, and making tough calls. His humility and clarity offer a refreshing model for CEOs facing complex market pressures.

What you’ll learn:

• Why admitting “I don’t know” is a powerful leadership move.
• How to cultivate loyalty through transparency and consistency.
• What it takes to sustain operational excellence at scale.

CEO Application:

Experiment with Bastian’s practice of communicating early—even before you have all the answers—to build deeper trust with employees and customers.

Listen: McKinsey – Inside the Strategy Room, Episode 273

Owen Eastwood Video – “How to Build a High-Performance Culture”

Why this matters to CEOs in 2026:

Culture remains the single strongest predictor of performance—and Eastwood offers one of the clearest, most human frameworks for building a team identity that fuels excellence.

What you’ll learn:

• The concept of Whakapapa and why teams perform better when connected to a shared story.
• How belonging and clarity drive high performance.
• Practical rituals for reinforcing culture daily, not annually.

CEO Application:

Rewrite your team’s narrative: Why do we exist? Who do we serve? How do we honour those who came before us?

Watch: YouTube – Owen Eastwood on High-Performance Culture

My Closing Insight for 2025

These conversations reminded me that even the most seasoned CEOs must remain students. 

What are your biggest leadership lesson from 2025?

The future belongs to CEOs who stay curious, stay human, and stay connected to meaning.

What’s Impacted You This Year?

I’d love to hear from you: Which podcast, book, video, article or conversation has shaped your leadership in 2025?