The Impact Exchange

What if strategy isn’t the problem, execution is? In this episode, Kevin Ertell, former Nike and Tower Records executive, and author of ‘The Strategy Trap’ exposes a critical leadership blind spot: great ideas don’t fail on paper. They fail in delivery. In conversation with John Frehse, Kevin outlines how leaders turn intent into impact. And his message is simple; strategies don’t collapse, they s...

What if the real threat to growth right now isn’t the market — but the response to it? Matt Sgrignari, Ankura Performance Improvement expert, unpacks how organizations can drive sustainable revenue in today’s turbulent financial climate. From private equity backed roll‑ups to underperforming assets, Matt explains why ‘growth at all costs’ no longer works, how leaders can effectively align marketin...

In a market where private equity is searching for its next growth engine, where does real value actually come from? The answer may surprise you. In this episode, Jesse Lehman, a retail expert with deep experience across retail, supply chain and operational transformation unpacks where value is really being created today and why it's often hiding in plain sight. From pet grooming and dental pr...

If your leadership team can’t reach consensus, innovation stalls. Disagreement isn’t the enemy—but unresolved conflict is. In this episode, Holly McClung, Senior Managing Director, The Leader Behind the Leaders, challenges a common leadership failure: mistaking strong opinions for progress. Consensus, she argues, isn’t about harmony or compromise. It’s the enabler that allows teams to move beyond...

What if culture and performance weren’t shaped by whether leaders say 'thank you,' but how they do it?   In this episode, Tom Schurman, founder of Clarity Amplified, joins John Frehse to explore the power of thank you and why authentic employee recognition is a critical leadership discipline.   Drawing on real‑world experience in high‑turnover environments, Tom challenges why generic pra...

The Supreme Court just proved Kate Kalutkiewicz right. Tariffs are a defining trade story of this administration — and then, after we stopped recording, the Supreme Court struck them down. That timing makes this episode of The Impact Exchange even more essential listening. In this conversation, Kate Kalutkiewicz, Trade Practice leader at McLarty Associates, explains why tariffs were never a short‑...

Why does diplomacy matter—especially now? In this episode, John Frehse speaks with Ambassador Lee Feinstein, President of McLarty Associates and a seasoned diplomat whose career spans the Pentagon, the State Department, and the U.S. Embassy, in a conversation “On Diplomacy.” Together, they explore the philosophy and real‑world value of diplomacy across government, business, and personal life—highl...

Think control drives success? Think again. Most leaders believe control equals results—but what if that belief is holding you back? In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, to explore why the most successful leaders today aren’t the ones who “do more” or “know it all.” You’ll learn: Why surrendering the illusion of control unlocks...

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Dana Stefanczyk from Ankura Office of the CFO to unravel strategic insights into bill paying for enterprises. Discover how timing and prioritization can lead to impactful financial management. Whether you're a business leader or a financial expert, this episode offers fresh perspectives on leveraging vendor terms to enhance cash flow.  Tune in today...

As some businesses prioritize AI investment over graduate programs and hiring, a crucial question emerges: where will the next generation of leaders come from? In this timely episode, host John Frehse sits down with recent graduate and Ankura colleague Cady Finley to unpack the essential role of human connections and advanced skills in career growth. They discuss college lessons, the power of real...

Tracey Abbott, a seasoned Private Equity Operating Partner and Keynote Speaker, joins John Frehse to explore the vital role of intuition, risk-taking, and AI in today's business landscape. Drawing from her extensive background in private equity, board advisory, and coaching CEOs, Tracey delves into the power of curiosity and the significance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks to enha...

Dive into the world of global trade with John Frehse as he’s joined by trade expert Kate Kalutkiewicz! Kate unpacks the complexities of trade policies and tariffs that are reshaping industries worldwide. From her experiences in the Trump White House Administration to leading trade policy at Amazon, Kate brings unparalleled insights into how these changes affect businesses globally.  Discover why t...

Why do technology projects often miss the mark? Join John Frehse in this episode as he chats with Mirinda Lowe. Mirinda emphasizes the importance of treating technology implementations as business transformations to ensure success. Key elements for a successful technology rollout include: • A compelling reason for the initiative • Clearly defined roles • A strategic roll-out plan that considers or...

Dive into this fascinating discussion on the art of discourse with John Frehse and Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist for the New York Times.  In a world of increased polarization, Bret educates us on the discourse of civil society and explores the architecture of argument and the cultural forces shaping our conversations today. 

In the first episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Ankura colleague and change management expert Kevin Cowherd to discuss why change is so important to an organization, why so many of us fail to change and what leaders can do to facilitate effective change. Listen now to hear more on what leaders can do to successfully lead their organizations through change and transformation...