Executiveland

"Everything becomes easier when it's not about you." with networking expert Keith Bailey

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with communication and networking expert Keith Bailey, co-founder of Articulated Intelligence. They explore why strategic relationships are one of the most overlooked leadership assets and why relationship capital deserves the same attention as financial, operational, and human capital. Keith shares why networking isn’t about collecting contacts, but about investing in relationships that create long-term opportunities. Key themes you’ll hear: How to identify the five strategic relationships that can have the biggest impact on your career Practical ways to build authentic connections at events and strengthen your existing professional network Why intentional communication is a critical leadership skill, and how to avoid “unintentional audience abuse” How a simple 90-day relationship plan can expand your influence and unlock new opportunities Share this episode with a leader who could use a reminder that networking isn't about collecting contacts, it's about building relationships that actually matter For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Mentioned in episode: Networking Practice Labs: articulated-intelligence.com/practice-lab The Go-Giver: amazon.com/Go-Giver-Expanded-Little-Powerful-Business/ The Art of Impossible: amazon.com/Art-Impossible-Peak-Performance-Primer To learn more about Keith Bailey, articulated-intelligence.com/team • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Encore: The Hidden Trap of Overgiving

Enjoy this encore release of an early season episode! Give it another listen and take a few notes! In this solo episode, Elizabeth Freedman breaks down a surprising pattern she sees in even the most capable senior leaders - a mismatch in terms of the value they may be giving and getting back. Using the “give and get” equation, Elizabeth shares how healthy, high-performing leaders and organizations strike a healthy balance between what they give and what they get. The problem is when the Give and Get Equation gets out of balance, and it happens more than you might think. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn: Why so many leaders struggle to give and get value equally How overgiving value can keep others underperforming Why overgiving value doesn’t guarantee visibility or recognition Ways to rebalance the equation and lead with more impact Stay tuned for a follow-up episode on the opposite trap: when leaders get more value than they give and how it affects trust, culture, and your leadership brand. You can also visit Elizabeth’s website to explore all kinds of free resources! Episode Mentioned: The Hidden Rules of Talking To Executives • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Every Leadership Team Has a Thinking Problem

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman explores a hidden leadership blind spot: the assumptions and beliefs that shape how leaders approach problems. Drawing on executive coaching, life coaching, and real-world examples, she explains why the quality of your thinking directly determines the quality of your results. She introduces “Part X,” a term from Dr. Phil Stutz for the part of us that resists growth, and shows how this resistance shows up inside teams and organizations through beliefs that feel like facts. Key takeaways: Why every leadership team has a thinking problem, and how assumptions quietly limit performance How changing the way you think about a strategy can be more powerful than changing the strategy itself How thoughts create feelings, feelings drive actions, and actions create results, based on Brooke Castillo’s Model How enterprise intelligence helps senior leaders separate facts from interpretations and unlock new possibilities Share this episode with a senior leader who could use a fresh way to think about their toughest problem. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Why “Why Should Anyone Care?” Is The Most Important Question, with Chief Marketing Officer Roanne Neuwirth

On this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Roanne Neuwirth, former Global Chief Marketing Officer for BTS. They explore the evolving role of marketing in the C-Suite and how executives can drive credibility in an AI-driven world. Key takeaways: How CMOs balance functional expertise, people leadership, and executive team membership Why strategic marketing is critical for differentiation, relevance, and value creation, especially in the age of AI Methods for guiding internal teams to prioritize, partner effectively, and champion business strategy The growing importance of executive visibility on platforms such as LinkedIn to strengthen personal and company brands Lessons from Roanne on building trust, strong client relationships, and impactful storytelling in consulting and professional services Share this episode with marketing and executive leaders seeking to amplify their influence, drive growth, and elevate their team’s impact. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 2 - On the Right Side of History: Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar on Democratizing AI • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Encore: When Bad Teams Happen to Great Leaders: Why Smart Executive Teams Underperform

Enjoy this encore release of an early season episode, that is just as valuable to listen to for a second time! Strong leadership teams do not happen by accident. In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman focuses on why even smart, experienced senior leaders can find themselves on teams that underperform, and what it actually takes to build teams that deliver real enterprise value. With teams under extraordinary pressure in 2026, Elizabeth explains why old meeting habits, misaligned agendas, and unclear accountability are quietly eroding performance, engagement, and results.From rethinking team meetings as engines for decision making, to replacing low value updates with real dialogue, to designing agendas that create space for strategic thinking, this episode offers clear guidance for leaders who want better outcomes without adding more complexity. You’ll learn: Why leadership teams struggle even when individual leaders are strong How meeting design directly shapes team performance and accountability What separates productive dialogue from time wasting discussion How to prepare teams for decisions that actually stick after the meeting ends Why enterprise value, not activity, is the real measure of team effectiveness This episode offers a clear, grounded approach to improving performance where it matters most, while within a team or leading one yourself. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your team, increase impact across the organization, and create a leadership environment that supports both results and careers. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Thinking About Leaving Corporate for Consulting? What Senior Leaders Need to Know First, with Coach Melisa Liberman

On this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Melisa Liberman, founder and CEO of Melisa Liberman Coaching. They explore how corporate leaders can successfully transition into independent consulting. You’ll hear: How to navigate the identity shift from corporate executive to business owner and rebuild confidence independent of past titles Why starting simple with “foot in the door” consulting offers helps you land clients quickly and refine your business model How to leverage past experience without feeling like you’re starting from scratch and recognize patterns of success Practical approaches to pipeline growth, lead generation, and client acquisition Emerging consulting opportunities, including AI strategy and diagnostics, and how to identify high-value solutions your clients need Making the leap into independent consulting starts with a decision, not a perfect plan. This episode gives you the roadmap. Share it with a colleague who’s ready to make the leap. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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"Our job is to do great things" - Maia Josebachvili, Chief Revenue Officer of AI at Stripe

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman talks with Maia Josebachvili, Chief Revenue Officer for AI at Stripe, about what it really takes to lead at the frontier. Maia shares why authority is never handed to you and why the best leaders surround themselves with people who know more than they do. You’ll learn: Why leadership is about creating followership, not giving orders from a boardroom How to approach a role you have never done before by building the right network and team The "pin check" culture from skydiving and what it teaches us about defaulting to trust in high stakes situations Why getting to ground truth means talking to customers directly, not just reviewing data How a simple one page framework creates clarity in complex moments Maia also opens up about an early career mistake when she tried to act like what she thought a CMO should be, and why being yourself works better than fitting a mold. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Why Executives Lose Confidence in Leaders

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman explains why even highly capable leaders can lose the confidence of senior executives, not because they lack talent, but because trust is built on whether senior leaders believe you can consistently deliver meaningful outcomes. Key takeaways from this episode: Why executive confidence is built on outcomes, not effort, activity, or being busy The hidden ways unclear communication creates doubt and erodes trust at senior levels How leaders unintentionally lose credibility when they are not fully bought into the outcome themselves, even if they publicly align Why understanding what you are truly being paid to deliver changes how executives experience your leadership She also shares three practical questions leaders should ask themselves: what outcomes are you actually paid to produce, how do executives currently experience you, and are you fully bought in or privately broadcasting doubt? Strengthening trust starts here. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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From ‘You’ll Never Make It’ to the C-Suite: Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP & Chief People & Culture Officer, The Atlanta Braves

On Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP and Chief People and Culture Officer for the Atlanta Braves, to talk about resilience, self-worth, and intentional leadership. DeRetta shares how she pushed past doubt, defined her value, and stayed committed to her vision through career pivots, personal adversity, and earning her doctorate. Key themes you'll hear: How to tune out "ugly noise" and stay committed to your goals, even when others doubt you Why thinking like a "free agent" can transform how you define and communicate your value The importance of asking the right questions before stepping into new roles, and the cost of not asking How to take inventory of your life and career to make aligned decisions in different seasons The role of vision journals, mentorship, and belief in building a long-term, purpose-driven career DeRetta also shares insights from her book Courage of Voice, along with stories of the mentors and life experiences that shaped her leadership style, her commitment to empowering women, and her belief that success is available to anyone willing to stay the course. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who could use the reminder that their goals are still within reach. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Purchase Dr. DeRetta Rhodes book here: amazon.com/Courage-Voice-Empowering-Women-Professional/dp/1961863014 To learn more about Dr. DeRetta Rhodes: mlb.com/braves/team/front-office/deretta-rhodes Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 16 - Robert Clarkson, Former CRO Americas at Stripe: Why Empathy and Co-Creation Win • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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“Every Time You Walk in the Room, You’re Being Evaluated” –Ricky Hopson, Catalent Group President and Chief of Staff

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman talks with Ricky Hopson, Group President, Clinical and Specialty Services at Catalent and Chief of Staff. With over 25 years at Catalent, Ricky has navigated roles across finance, operations, and executive leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing. You'll learn: How Ricky's finance background shaped his leadership across multiple functions Why expertise in both finance and operations drives success How to build cross-functional teams and plan for succession at every level How to create positive client relationships, even during high-pressure negotiations What makes a great CFO and how leadership roles are evolving today Share this episode with a senior leader who's balancing multi-functional responsibilities. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Why Ego Is the New Enterprise Risk with Deborah Borg, EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer, IFF.

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman speaks to Deborah Borg, EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer at IFF. Deborah shares her insights on navigating the C-Suite, balancing leadership roles, and the power of clear communication. They dive into the evolving role of HR, how to influence the C-Suite as an HR executive, and the tension between business needs and people-first leadership. You’ll explore: The challenges and rewards of being the sole HR voice in the C-Suite, and how to keep employee interests front and center. The importance of speaking up early and confidently, even on topics outside your functional expertise, plus why curiosity is at a premium for today's senior leaders. Why collaboration (not ego) is key to executive leadership, along with managing change, handling fatigue, and being explicit about what to stop doing. The strategic value of HR leaders on corporate boards and how to break into board roles. Balancing digital tools with human connection, including how AI assistants can free up HR for high-impact moments. This episode is packed with practical advice on leadership, navigating HR in the C-Suite, and fostering a culture of change. Share it with a fellow leader who might need these insights. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! To learn more about Deborah Borg, www.iff.com/experts/debora-borg • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Plot Twist: Your Executive Role Just Changed

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman uses the analogy of landing in Paris after expecting a perfect trip to reveal why executive leadership feels so different today. The job changes while you are in it, leaving even seasoned leaders caught off guard. Leaders now face shifting macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical pressures, and AI driven disruption. Traditional preparation from business schools and past roles no longer applies. Key takeaways from this episode: Why unpredictability is the new normal and how to stop reacting and start anticipating How to build anticipatory muscles to adjust in real time, not just run scenarios The shift from pushing teams to mobilizing them quickly with clarity and confidence Elizabeth offers practical advice on operating in uncertainty and delivering value even in turbulent times. Tune in to reflect on your leadership approach and gain actionable insights. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 22 - When Smart Executives Can't Get People to Follow • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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“The Gap No One Prepares You For: Executive to C-Suite” - Dr. Mitch Stevison, CEO, Frontgrade Technologies | U.S. Army Veteran

On this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Dr. Mitch Stevenson, President and CEO of Frontgrade Technologies, to explore what it really takes to lead through constant change. Drawing from his military background, Mitch shares why transformation is no longer a long term initiative, it is happening in real time. He offers a grounded perspective on navigating uncertainty, managing change fatigue, and building organizations that can adapt quickly without a clear playbook, all while staying anchored in strong leadership principles. Key themes include: Why the best laid plans rarely survive first contact, and how effective leaders adapt in real time How military leadership shaped Mitch’s approach to contingency based leadership and managing risk and opportunity The role of authenticity and self awareness when leading without a clear roadmap Practical ways to address change fatigue while still moving the organization forward The value of empowering external change agents and investing in continuous improvement to drive lasting change This episode is a reminder that if you're navigating change in your organization or stepping into a leadership role without a clear roadmap, you'll find a practical and honest perspective to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! To learn more about Dr. Mitch Stevenson, www.frontgrade.com/people/mitch-stevison. • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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The 3 Types of Negative Executive Energy

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman explores the subtle forms of negative executive energy that quietly undermine trust and performance. She breaks down how even high-performing leaders can unintentionally shift into self-protective behaviors that hold them back. From proving your worth to perfecting every detail, these tendencies often come from a good place. This conversation offers a grounded look at how to recognize these patterns and shift back to a more intentional, results-driven way of leading. You’ll explore: How these three types of negative executive energy show up under pressure Why trying to prove your value at senior levels can actually weaken your credibility How over-managing perception or staying overly polished can come across as inauthentic and limit your influence The hidden cost of perfectionism on team performance, decision-making speed, and long-term scalability You'll learn practical ways to spot your default pattern and make small, immediate shifts in how you show up. From saying less in moments of proving energy to sharing work before it feels perfect, these adjustments can quickly change how others experience your leadership and the impact you create. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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"You Don’t Grow Into Being a Good CEO by Pretending to Be Someone You’re Not" with Kevin Campbell, CEO, Capgemini Insights & Data GBL | CEO, Syniti

On this episode of Executiveland, Kevin Campbell, CEO of Insights and Data at Capgemini and former CEO of Syniti, joins Elizabeth Freedman to share the unspoken realities of stepping into the top job. Drawing on decades of experience leading global data and transformation businesses, Kevin offers a candid look at how senior executives balance instinct, influence, and accountability while navigating boards, acquisitions, and an AI-driven landscape. You’ll explore: Why strong opinions in the C-suite should spark productive debate, not silence it How to influence a CEO by pairing data with context, judgment, and market perspective What it takes to build aligned, mission-driven executive teams that perform under pressure The leadership lesson behind “taste the soup” and staying close to the business Why curiosity is becoming a defining competitive advantage for leaders navigating AI and transformation Tune in for straight talk on boardroom dynamics, executive communication, and leading through change with clarity and conviction. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! To learn more about Kevin Campell, visit his linkedin. • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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How to Deliver Bad News to Your CEO (Without Losing Credibility)

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman tackles a high-stakes challenge for senior leaders: rebuilding lost credibility in the C-Suite. She shares actionable strategies for navigating this, focusing specifically on how to deliver bad news to your CEO without escalating the damage. Key takeaways include: How to leverage clear and concise communication when things go wrong, taking ownership and pivoting from excuses to actionable solutions Why "under-reacting" to tough feedback or unrealistic requests helps preserve trust and avoid escalating tension The reason the "Trust Me" trap fails, and how to earn confidence through demonstrated competence and consistent action instead Why strong judgment is critical and understanding what truly matters to the executive team and making decisions accordingly If you're ready to learn how to regain trust and communicate more effectively at the executive level, tune in to this episode! For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

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Neal Sheorey, CFO of Albemarle Corp: Finance Leadership, Fast Decisions, and Leading Through Change

CFO Neal Sheorey joins Elizabeth Freedman to share what it really takes to step into the C suite when there is no playbook to follow. As a first time CFO at Albemarle, a global specialty chemicals company and one of the world’s largest lithium producers, Neal reflects on his three year journey navigating change and making the role his own. Neal offers an honest look at how senior leaders actually learn on the job, why the C suite playbook is unwritten by design, and what it means to lead with confidence when the environment shifts quickly. From managing a major balance sheet pivot within his first 100 days, to building trust with a board as a new executive, this conversation highlights the mindset, judgment, and resilience required at the top. Key themes you’ll explore: How first-time C-Suite executives develop their own style and trust their instincts in the role What it takes to earn trust quickly as a new, external leader in a a high pressure environment Lessons from leading through thinking quickly, rapid change, and market shifts How CFOs can influence decisions through clarity, data, and strong relationships This episode offers a grounded, real world look at what actually matters in the first years at the top. Tune in to hear how Neal Sheorey built confidence, credibility, and momentum in one of the most demanding seats in the organization and what his journey reveals about leadership in uncertain environments. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! To learn more about Neal Sheorey, visit www.albemarle.com. • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

When Smart Executives Can't Get People to Follow

Followership is often framed as something your direct reports give to you. In this solo episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman challenges that view, reframing followership as a core skill for senior leaders. At the highest levels, impact depends not just on leading well, but on creating conditions that make others willing to commit time and energy to your agenda. Drawing from an excerpt from her E-Suite Impact course, Elizabeth explains why willingness is a choice, why your value must be obvious, and how outdated value playbooks quietly erode influence. You'll learn: How to assess where you have real commitment across stakeholders The difference between making the puzzle clear and making it worth solving How the S-curve reveals when to reinvent yourself Why outdated value strategies weaken your impact and what to do instead Tune in to rethink how you build commitment at every level. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

How to Build Executive Presence and Influence with CEOs with TV News Anchor, CEO, Board Member Suzanne Bates

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman reconnects with her former CEO and mentor, Suzanne Bates. Suzanne, founder of Bates Communications, shares her journey of selling her company to BTS and reflects on the leadership transitions that shaped her career. Together, they explore the difference between managing and truly leading, offering a masterclass in the soft skills that drive hard results. Whether you're stepping into the C-suite or redefining your current role, this conversation provides a roadmap for evolving as a leader. Key takeaways: What it really takes to build teams that weather challenges and drive organizational success The power of pairing confidence with humility and vision with practical wisdom Why reinventing your career starts with navigating major transitions, from scaling a company to selling one How true presence is less about how you speak and more about how you inspire and mobilize teams Tune in for candid advice from a veteran CEO coach on the habits that separate good executives from great ones. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 11 - Advising the C-Suite: What Really Happens When You Coach CEOs • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

'Here’s Why That Won’t Work’: The Language That Undermines Executive Trust

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman explores two subtle leadership styles that quietly undermine trust at the senior executive level. She unpacks patterns that often come from a place of integrity and commitment, yet can stall followership and enterprise impact: the Debate Gladiator and the Deflector. Drawing on real executive coaching insights, Elizabeth explains why some senior leaders win arguments but lose influence, and why others unintentionally weaken credibility by avoiding ownership of tough decisions. This episode challenges aspiring C-suite leaders to rethink how they show up when stakes are high and trade-offs are real. You’ll learn: The “Debate Gladiator” trap, why fighting every battle signals limited enterprise thinking The critical shift from “no, here’s why it won’t work” to “if it could work, what would that look like?” The Deflector pattern, how sidestepping ownership erodes trust and accountability At the highest levels, leaders are paid to build the whole puzzle, not just defend their piece of it. This offers a clear lens into the internal mindset shift required to move from strong functional leader to trusted enterprise executive. For more tools, insights, and strategies to lead with clarity and credibility, visit Elizabeth’s website, take the C-Suite Readiness Assessment, and subscribe to Executiveland on so you never miss a new chapter of the unwritten playbook! Past Episode Mentioned: Ep 10 - The Executive Impact Formula: Master Effortless Executive Influence • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader