Becoming CEO

“If your leadership style doesn’t evolve, you won’t last long in the role.” George Koperna shares his journey from petroleum engineer to CEO of Advanced Resources International. He opens up about the challenges of leadership in a technical consulting firm, the importance of collaboration, and the unexpected shift from engineering to people management. Whether you're climbing the ranks or alrea...

“Ambition alone won’t get you to the top. It has to be matched with talent, experience, and resilience.” Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey sit down with Kate Grussing, CBE, founder of Sapphire Partners and a leading voice in executive search and leadership diversity. Kate shares her insights from decades of working with CEOs and boards, exploring what it really takes to rise to the top,...

“I need people around me who are going to tell me when I’m wrong and explain why. That’s the only way an organization stays healthy.” Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey sit down with Ken Tubman, Chairman of SAExploration and President of PPA Resources, to explore what truly defines effective leadership. Drawing on decades of experience in the energy sector and beyond, Ken shares candid st...

"Purpose, not money, is what drives the best CEOs. It is what makes their vision stronger and their teams more committed." Juliana Garaizar, climate leader, venture capitalist, angel investor, and Kauffman Fellow, joins Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey to share what truly sets great CEOs apart. From building a powerful vision to navigating politics and scaling a business, Juliana offers...

"Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness and self-control. Only then can you lead others." Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey unpack how to coach young leaders toward the CEO role, focusing on risk judgment, emotional intelligence, and the balance between technical skill and people leadership. They clarify the difference between mentoring and coaching, show how co-mentoring acce...

“An ambitious person is not always impatient—but impatience is often the result of clarity, energy, and drive.” In this episode, Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey explore the complexities of ambition - whether it's better to openly reveal or strategically disguise it on the path to becoming a CEO. They dive into how ambition is perceived differently across cultures, how it plays out...

"A CEO’s most valuable skill today isn’t just strategy – it’s adaptability and resilience.” In this episode of Becoming CEO, Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey explore how executives and aspiring CEOs can adapt and thrive in today’s ever-changing business landscape. They dive into the cultural shifts shaping leadership today, from the power of language and communication styles to the...

"Becoming a CEO isn’t just about skill - it’s about navigating the most complex political landscape in business." In the inaugural episode of Becoming CEO , Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey dive into the challenges of stepping into the CEO role. From fierce competition and corporate politics to navigating the fears of an outgoing CEO, they uncover the unseen battles that shape...