In this Leadership Spark Podcast episode, Sylvain welcomes back Harvard professor Ranjay Gulati to discuss his new book, Courage: How to Be Bold. They explore the difference between risk and uncertainty, and how courage means acting purposefully despite fear. Ranjay shares multiple stories of everyday and extraordinary courage, from disaster response to personal challenges. The episode highlights that courage is a learnable skill, essential for leaders and individuals navigating today’s unpredictable world, and is deeply connected to purpose and human connection.

Show notes:

• Book: "Courage: How to be bold” by Ranjay Gulati
• HBR Article: “Now is the time for courage” by Ranjay Gulati
• Book: “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker
• Book: “Radical uncertainty” by John Kay and Mervyn King

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Roch Parayre, founder and CEO of Strategique. Drawing on his global experience in executive education and consulting, Roch discusses scenario planning, innovation, and strategic leadership. He explains how scenario planning helps organizations prepare for multiple possible futures, emphasizing adaptability over prediction. The conversation explores the challenges of adopting this mindset, the role of AI, and the importance of resilience, curiosity, and sensemaking in leadership. Roch shares practical examples and insights on how leaders can navigate uncertainty and drive effective, agile strategies in today’s fast-paced environment.

Show notes:

• Roch Parayre LinkedIn profile
• Book: "Lean Start-up“ from Eric Ries
• Book: "Essence of Decision" by Graham Allison and Philip Zelikow
• Article “Strategic thinking is like a golf swing” by Roch Parayre
• PESTEL framework

sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Peter Salzer, an accomplished CEO, chairman, and private equity partner. Peter shares insights from his 30-year leadership journey across multiple industries, discussing his shift from corporate roles to private equity with a focus on operational value creation. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, inclusive leadership, and “relaxed resilience.” Peter recounts navigating crises, fostering communication during organizational challenges, and adapting to technological disruption like AI. The conversation offers practical advice on career development, people management, and building sustainable, high-performing organizations through hands-on leadership.

Show notes:

• Peter Salzer LinkedIn profile
• Book: "The Big Short"
• Book: "The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition”
• Book: “Why nations fail”
• Thomas Malone at the MIT

sylvainnewton.com/podcast