Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global Founder & CEO Mar 13, 2022

Show notes

“When you take care of yourself, you are much more able to lead, to be more creative, more empathetic.”

Arianna Huffington is Founder & CEO of Thrive Global, a firm centered on health and wellness information. Arianna was also the Co-founder of The Huffington Post, the author of fifteen books, one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People,” and Forbes “Most Powerful Women,” among numerous other honors. In 2011, AOL acquired The Huffington Post for $315 million, where Arianna became President & Editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, which included The Huffington Post, AOL Music, Engadget, Patch Media, and StyleList — where she served until 2016. Arianna currently serves on numerous boards, including Uber, Onex, and Global Citizen. Arianna’s last two books, Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder and The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time were both instant international bestsellers.

At the 2021 P&G Alumni Network Global Conference, Arianna sat down with Debbie Majoras, P&G’s Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, for a candid conversation on “How To Thrive.” The two discussed our once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the way we work and live — the necessary mindshift that employee well-being drives peak performance - which builds sustainable standards of excellence.

Understanding Ukraine & Russia - with John Pepper & Qaisar Shareef Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

“In facing a crisis, you have to try to understand the reality as seen by different people. We've got to bring that to bear now, even as we're speaking.” -John Pepper

UPDATE 3/14/2022: Our original podcast discussion was recorded on 3/72022. Many things have changed since that moment, including a vocal response to erroneous statements we made on this show. Those incorrect statements have been removed, and we apologize for the impact they had - given the nature of this very sensitive subject to so many people around the world. Since then, we have had discussions with many of you, and we know those conversations remain ongoing. And for that we are grateful. You'll find an updated statement by John Pepper in the introduction to this episode.

ORIGINALLY RECORDED ON 3/7/2022: As the terrible situation continues to unfold in Ukraine, it is too easy to remain distant. But what is happening now is real, Ukraine is a sovereign nation of 44 million people, and with a rich and beautiful culture. At the same time we find ourselves on a precipice. In moments like this, hearing from our leaders can help us think through...and make sense of everything going on.

Two of those very leaders are past guests John Pepper, P&G’s former CEO, and Qaisar Shareef, P&G’s former head of Ukraine and Pakistan, who joined us for a discussion on Monday March 7, 2022. Both have extensive personal and professional experience in Ukraine and Russia, having also each authored numerous posts and books on related topics.

In this candid conversation, we hope to share a nuanced perspective - informed by their personal, professional, and political experiences in the region - to help us go beyond the news headlines for an honest, informed discussion of the situation we collectively face.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

John’s ‘Pepperspectives’ blog: pepperspectives.blogspot.com
Qaiser’s recent op-ed on Ukraine: blueearbooks.substack.com/p/memories-of-ukraine
Raman’s podcast chat with Ukrainian + Ukrainian American colleagues: modmypod.com/episodes/ep-135-we-are-all-ukrainians
P&G’s Official Statement: pg.com/blogs/pg-european-operations-update

Reflecting on 100 episodes, and lots more Learnings Mar 05, 2022

Show notes

“We really want to dive deep because no two people are going to answer the same,“ “These deeper conversations are what's going to be true years from now.”

100 Episodes later, Drew & Raman sit down for a chat about what they’ve learned from all their Learnings from Leaders, answer some of the questions they get most often about this P&G Alumni Podcast, share a little more under the hood, and tease what’s coming up for the next 100 episodes...

Seaphes Miller, Founder & CEO of Fusion Integrated Solutions Feb 27, 2022

Show notes

“You've got to suspend how you think about things to be successful. There is power in creating the story that will be told.”

Seaphes R. Miller is an accomplished entrepreneur - the Founder & CEO of Fusion Integrated Solutions - a design, engineering and technology firm he started in 2004 - focused on creating innovative solutions for the CPG and energy industries — recognized as a top minority-owned business enterprise. Prior to founding Fusion, Seaphes spent 20 years at P&G working across brand Management, Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain & Manufacturing. Seaphes is a Professional Engineer, having studied Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Northwestern University, and having received his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Seaphes is also on the board of Navāda Labs, and a supporter of STEM-based programs designed to create and fill the next generation of technologists in the US. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about challenging existing norms, building relationships, and the power in creating the story that will be told.

Sharon Hall, Walmart’s VP of Global Executive Recruiting Feb 20, 2022

Show notes

“People need to be treated equitably to move forward. As we normalize and equalize, we’re saying all people are the same. Well, guess what? They're not.”

Sharon Hall is Walmart’s VP of Global Executive Recruiting - where she's building a dynamic organization for a changing culture. Sharon previously spent 20+ years as a Partner at Spencer Stuart, a leader in executive search, board services and leadership consulting - where she founded the firms Diversity practice and were the first Black Woman to serve on the Board — she later managed the firm’s Atlanta office. Prior to her work in executive recruiting, Sharon spent a decade at Avon in roles of strategic planning for Asia all the way up to a general manager in Personal Care. Sharon was also a consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton, and got her start at P&G in Brand Marketing in the Paper Division. Sharon graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morris Brown College, and got her MBA from the University of Southern California. Sharon’s been recognized in Fortune Magazine, Dollars & Sense Magazine, Business to Business, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Black Enterprise. She lives in Atlanta, where she raised her two sons. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about challenging career assumptions - especially as a Black woman - and the many lessons learned along the way.

Marissa Solis, National Football League, SVP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing Feb 06, 2022

Show notes

“Stay humble, stay grateful. Your position or work isn’t what matters most. For me, it's my family and the opportunity to impact others and give back.”

Marissa Solis is the National Football League’s SVP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing. Prior to joining the NFL, Marissa led marketing for Frito Lay North America and was at PepsiCo for almost two decades. She won several preeminent marketing awards for her work on Cheetos, Doritos and Tostitos brands and in 2021, was recognized by Adweek as one of the Most Powerful Women in Sports for elevating the football watching occasion with the NFL and Frito Lay partnership. Marissa joined PepsiCo after a stint in public sector and political consulting at Deloitte and began her career in brand management at Procter & Gamble Latin America where she led marketing for brands like Ariel, Downy, and Pampers in Central America and the Caribbean. She is a graduate of Georgetown University with a B.S. in International Economics & the University of Texas at Austin, with an M.A. in Public Policy and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation and on the Board for The Melville Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of minority children in Dallas. Marisa has also found time to become a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do while raising her daughter, Gaby, together with her husband, Juan, in Texas. You’ll enjoy hearing this candid conversation about being grateful for all we have, embracing our unique perspectives, and not being afraid to speak up when in the public eye.

Christine Fisher, Possip Co-Founder & COO Jan 30, 2022

Show notes

"I needed to work on something that had social impact — a game changer for schools to hear from parents in a different way."

Christine Fisher is the Co-Founder and COO for Possip - an education technology start-up that helps schools better hear from parents. Christine spent 13 years at P&G working in Finance on some of the company’s biggest brands—including Tide, Charmin, and Bounty. But equally notable — Christine has been finding ways to be more actively involved in her community - during her time at, and beyond P&G. Christine first campaigned in 2017 for the Cincinnati Board of Education, and later in 2018 as a Candidate for the Ohio State Legislature - running for Ohio’s 27th House District. Christine is active in the education community as a Board member for Cincinnati Preschool Promise, the Beech Acres Parenting Center Board, and Cincinnati Public Schools Audit Committee. She attended a STEM-focused public school in Montreal, Canada, and earned her BA in Computer Engineering from Queen’s University. In 2020, the Cincinnati Business Courier named Christine one of the city’s “40 Under 40” in recognition of her contributions to both the business and education sectors, and she was recently recognized as a 2021 P&G Alumni Leader Under 40.

Nitin Gajria, Google’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Jan 23, 2022

Show notes

“In Africa there's a billion people about to get on the Internet. What kinds of opportunities will they create? How will they solve problems?”

Nitin Gajria is Google’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa- where he works to make the internet more helpful for Africa - leveraging technology as an enabler for amazing things. Google recently announced a $1B investment over the next 5 years in Africa. Having been at Google for 7 years, Nitin previously led YouTube’s business in India & South-East Asia, and led Google in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos. Prior to Google ,Nitin served as a regional marketing director for Mead Johnson Nutrition for Asia Pacific, and of course, got his start at Procter & Gamble - rising thru the ranks of brand management over 11 years across countries and categories- working on brands like Safeguard, Tide, Ariel, Vicks, Olay, SK-II, Pantene, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders, Wella, and more. Nitin is keenly interested in tech start-ups and is an angel investor himself - providing smart capital to startups in Southeast Asia. A husband and a father, Nitin hails from Mumbai, and has lived and worked in Sydney, Singapore and now Johannesburg. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about alway seeking what we have in common, amidst all difference and diversity we see in this world

Claire Elvers, Wayfair’s Head of Global Brand Management & Insights Jan 09, 2022

Show notes

“With innovation failure happens more often than not. Take lessons from those experiences - the connections you can draw into something more interesting.”

Claire Elvers is Wayfair’s Head of Global Brand Management & Insights - where she is building long-term brand equity across the globe - with consumers, partners, and employees. With 20+ years of experience in advertising, CPG, retail, e-commerce, and health & fitness industries, Claire has held senior innovation and marketing roles at Amazon, Starbucks, and Clorox. And of course, Claire got her start at P&G Beauty - working on delivery and innovation roles for the global relaunch of Pantene. Claire studied English and Economics at Northwestern University and got her MBA from the University of Michigan. You’ll enjoy this candid, empathetic conversation about bringing together your personal and professional aspirations.

Suzy Deering: Ford Motor Company CMO Jan 02, 2022

Show notes

“Get uncomfortable. Don't feel like you can’t keep creating new value in an environment of curiosity.”

Suzy Deering is Ford’s global Chief Marketing Officer - leading Ford’s North America marketing and driving strategy across the company’s global business units – to constantly enhance and release the huge customer and company value across Ford’s iconic brands. Suzy was previously global CMO of eBay, where she helped revive the company’s brand and drive sharply higher revenue. She also served as CEO of Moxie, a technology-led marketing agency, and spent many years in senior media and brand roles at Verizon and Home Depot. And she actually got her start at the Walt Disney Company, and studied Advertising at the University of Georgia. Suzy’s been recognized as an AdAge “40 Under 40” and as one of Business Insider’s “Top 50 Most Innovative CMOs.”

While Suzy may not be a P&G Alumni - she is a purpose driven leader. Suzy also happens to be a longtime friend of fellow P&G Alumni leader (and past podcast guest) Kirk Perry, now CEO of IRI Worldwide, who joins for the first of many “deep dives” - where past guests invite non-Alumni leaders to a candid conversation on their leadership journeys.

Which purpose driven leaders do YOU know and want to hear? Let us know at pgalumpod@gmail.com, and who knows, maybe you’ll hear them on our podcast soon!

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