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Founder's Mentality: The CEO Sessions

Bain & Company

Before a strategy becomes a success story, it's a judgement call.

Now in its second season, Founder's Mentality: The CEO Sessions gets inside the decisions that defined some of the world's greatest leaders - a bet the market couldn't yet see, a crisis that put the organisation's purpose to the test, and the courage to keep showing up even when you don't have the answer.

How do you stay close to the frontline as the organisation scales?
What does AI mean for the thing you have spent years building?
How do you transform the company without breaking what makes it great?

Hosted by Jimmy Allen, Advisory Partner at Bain & Company, bestselling author and leader of Bain's Global CEO Forum, each episode is a candid, in-depth conversation with leaders from Mars, The Economist Group, Khan Academy, and more.

Each episode is built around one real story, one defining moment, and the lessons that come from living through it. Dense with insight and designed for leaders who listen with a pen in hand, the series explores the outer game of markets, technology and growth, and the inner game of energy, humility and courage, and what it takes to master both.

The question this season isn't just what the CEO should do.
It's who does the CEO need to become?

Join the Conversation:
https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/
https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda

Links:
Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/)
Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany)
Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/)

About the Host:
Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music.

Bain & Company:
Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.

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S2 · E5
August 18 · 33 min
Sal Khan, Khan Academy: Why He Chose to Disrupt Himself With AI
How will AI impact the business I have spent years building? When Sal Khan, CEO and founder of Khan Academy, was confronted with this question in 2023 he didn’t wait for someone to answer, he learned quickly and built the outcome he wanted. The result was a personalized learning model that enhanced education for 200 million users across the world. Join host Jimmy Allen of Bain & Company and Sal as they discuss how to embrace the discomfort of navigating disruption, the importance of relearning how to learn, and how CEOs can use AI to strengthen their competitive positions. Sal also reveals the promise he made to his team - if they’re creating AI that can automate their roles they won’t be replaced, they will be promoted. How can leaders find new ways to drive productivity amid the uncertainty surrounding AI? This is a conversation about turning disruption into new opportunities, how curiosity can help us navigate the unknown, and how leaders can leverage AI to set their businesses apart. https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:22 The astonishing ability of emerging AI 03:21 Experimenting with an early AI model 04:14 Turning fears into features 04:56 Sal’s quick decision to adopt AI 05:46 The concerns of AI in education 07:04 Sal’s symbiosis with AI developers 07:57 Why Khan Academy had to understand AI 08:32 How Sal seized the opportunity of disruptive technologies 09:22 Getting the team on board through confronting risks 10:05 Preparing to launch 10:34 The need for a responsible actor becomes clear 11:56 How Sal built his tiger team 13:17 How Sal’s mentality helps embrace AI uncertainty 15:23 Learning how to learn again 16:11 Helping people learn in the right ways with AI 18:05 How AI facilitates a deeper education 19:08 The choice: to thrive with AI, or to be replaced by AI 19:55 Three key things about learning with AI 20:36 Sal’s promise 20:55 A CEO’s guide to using AI 24:03 The fundamental question answered by Sal’s journey 25:28 What is personalized mastery education 28:21 How AI facilitates Khan Academy's personalized learning model 28:50 Gaining the conviction to adopt AI 29:54 When conviction turns into validation 30:37 What we can learn from Sal’s journey LINKS A Scorecard on our 3 AI Journeys - Jimmy Allen - Blog [https://tinyurl.com/AIJourneyScorecard] Bain & Company LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/] Bain & Company X [https://x.com/BainandCompany] Jimmy Allen LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/] Sal Khan LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanacademy/] About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label [Abubilla Music] in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music.
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S2 · E4
August 4 · 30 min
Daniel Servitje, Grupo Bimbo: The Enemy of Growth Is Distance
What does it take to expand worldwide without losing sight of the things that matter most? Daniel Servitje is the executive chairman of Grupo Bimbo, an organization that rose from a small bakery to become one of the largest food corporations in the world. Since taking over in 1997, Daniel has overseen 900% growth and expansion into multiple international markets. Yesterday, he was on a bread truck. Join host Jimmy Allen of Bain & Company and Daniel as they discuss how robust cultures are developed in the field, the long-term value of choosing patience over urgency, and how to navigate building new systems whilst ensuring existing ones continue to function. Daniel shares a vital tip for any CEO looking to develop their own business - never let growth separate you from the people that matter. Who really shapes the culture of a successful company? How can a field mentality help leaders grow their businesses? This is a conversation about the importance of a long-term perspective, knowing how to build a strong culture from the field, and the role of a leader in driving successful growth. https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:32 An inspiring visit to the bakery 02:46 Listening to voices across the company 04:01 What Daniel learned from the annual conference 05:10 Big ideas come from examining the small things 06:27 Building a culture that starts from the field 07:22 What it takes to develop internationally 08:04 How Grupo Bimbo went international successfully 09:35 Developing a global culture 11:33 Culture is built by actions, not by words 12:46 With growth comes opportunity, but also complexity 14:10 Why leaders need to break processes and take risks 16:54 Don’t get trapped by old systems 18:37 How to transform a company whilst running it 19:47 The importance of long term thinking 20:54 Sometimes slower is better 21:52 Balancing the systems paradox 22:38 Daniel's leading mentality 23:36 Getting energy from curiosity 25:30 Finding the right people to diffuse your energy 26:44 Why the source of your energy really matters 27:44 Daniel's recipe for successful growth LINKS A Case for Complexity - Jimmy Allen - Blog [https://tinyurl.com/thepowerofrenewal] Bain & Company LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/] Bain & Company X [https://x.com/BainandCompany] Jimmy Allen LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/] Daniel Servitje LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielservitje/] About the Host Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label [Abubilla Music] in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S2 · E3
July 21 · 28 min
Jacqueline Novogratz, Acumen: Start Before You're Ready
What are the costs of not daring to make a change? Jacqueline Novogratz is the Founder & CEO of Acumen, an organisation that invests patient capital in enterprises working to reduce poverty around the world. In 2021, she took a $250 million risk when she set out to provide electricity to 75 million people in regions of sub-Saharan Africa that had a 45% electrification rate or below. It paid off. Join host Jimmy Allen of Bain & Company and Jacqueline as they discuss what we can learn from creative risk taking, how to balance socioeconomic tensions without compromising the mission, and how transforming our mentality from “what if?” to “what if I don’t?” can open the door for positive change. Jacqueline and Jimmy emphasise the value of asking ‘why’ when navigating complexity as a leader. How can we ensure that we not only remember our ‘why’, but also that it is worth remembering in the first place? This is a conversation about embracing complexity, the power of asking ‘why’, and daring to take risks in the pursuit of positive change. https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:21 The billion dollar plan 02:45 Why Acumen started in the hardest location 03:58 Securing the first funding - a $10 million bet on Jacqueline 05:51 Starting and letting the work teach them 08:37 Getting smarter through creative risk taking 11:56 How Jacqueline balances her vision with specificity 12:30 Using deep listening as a tool to understand complexity 15:33 Closing allows Acumen to reflect on their ‘why’ 16:37 Embracing complexity is what sets Acumen apart 18:30 What does it take to master complexity? 19:03 How rephrasing the question reminds us ‘why’ 19:36 What is Acumen’s ‘why’ 20:34 The importance of having the right ‘why’ 22:11 How Jacqueline approaches complexity 23:07 Embracing tension, rejecting compromise 24:40 Advice for ambitious young leaders 26:19 Jacqueline’s message LINKS A Case for Complexity - Jimmy Allen - Blog [https://tinyurl.com/acaseforcomplexity] Bain & Company LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/] Bain & Company X [https://x.com/BainandCompany] Jimmy Allen LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/] Jacqueline Novogratz LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-novogratz/] About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label [Abubilla Music] in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music.
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S2 · E2
July 7 · 25 min
Kevin Lobo, Stryker: The $1.6B Bet That Changed an Industry
What does it take to back a decision that may take years to prove itself? Soon after becoming CEO of Stryker, Kevin Lobo backed a $1.6 billion acquisition of Mako, a loss-making robotics company many customers, investors and industry experts believed was unnecessary. The deal would reshape both orthopedic surgery and Stryker’s growth trajectory. Join host Jimmy Allen of Bain & Company as Kevin explains why he saw asymmetric upside in robotic-assisted surgery, how he sustained his conviction through disappointing early results, and how one bold bet became the foundation for a repeatable acquisition model spanning more than 60 deals. Kevin and Jimmy also explore the tension between autonomy and scale. How do you capture the advantages of size without inviting bureaucracy? What should remain decentralized, and where can shared capabilities create a real edge? This is a conversation about repeatable growth, the cost of complexity, and the CEO’s role in helping leaders think like founders. https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ LINKS Ask for Help - Jimmy Allen - Blog [https://shorturl.at/qvzxe] Bain & Company LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/] Bain & Company X [https://x.com/BainandCompany] Jimmy Allen LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/] Kevin Lobo LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinalobo/] (00:00) - Introduction (01:35) - The potential in robotics that no else saw (02:27) - Taking the $1.6 billion proposal to the board (03:28) - Why Stryker had to act immediately (05:48) - The hard part begins after the board says yes (06:36) - Telling Wall Street about the slow first quarter (08:05) - Leading through the time lag (08:32) - Winning over employees and building M&A credibility (09:37) - Cold-calling Larry Culp, former CEO of Danaher, for advice (10:18) - Turning mistakes into an integration playbook (11:16) - Discovering the "Stryker way” (13:09) - Are you the right parent for the company you acquire? (15:12) - Building a repeatable acquisition machine (17:09) - The outer game and inner game of growth (18:14) - Preserving autonomy across 22 business units (20:21) - Good complexity versus bad complexity (21:00) - What is the CEO's job in a decentralized company? (22:52) - Creating a team of entrepreneurs (24:18) - The real meaning of conviction About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label [Abubilla Music] in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S2 · E1
June 30 · 1 min
Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions - Season 2 - Coming Soon!
Before a strategy becomes a success story, it's a judgement call. For 35 years, Jimmy Allen has been in the room with the world's most consequential CEOs, and this season, he's bringing you inside those conversations. Twelve leaders. Twelve moments that tested everything they thought they knew about leading. And one question that keeps coming back: it's not just what the CEO should do. It's who the CEO needs to become. Founder's Mentality: The CEO Sessions, Season Two. Launches July 7th. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Links: Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E11
April 28 · 23 min
Embrace the New Rules of Scaling
As this season of Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions comes to a close, we take a step back to ask the question that has driven every conversation: how do you lead and grow in an era of turbulence? In this season finale, host Jimmy Allen revisits the season’s most powerful insights from the leaders of global brands and high-growth innovators, uncovering the new rules of scaling. You’ll hear from founders and CEOs who have mastered the balance between the outer game of strategy and the inner game of leadership, and how they sustain their energy in a role that never stops demanding more. From Pizza Hut’s Aaron Powell reigniting pride in the product, to Walmart China’s Christina Zhu turning routines into joy, to Mercado Libre’s Marcos Galperin on culture, competition, and resilience, this episode gathers lessons from leaders who refuse to let complexity kill growth. Alongside them, voices like Don Katz, Sunny Verghese, Tanuja Randery, Stuart Gent, David Haines, and Pedro Arnt reveal how simplicity, focus, and relevance can turn turbulence into momentum. Whether you’ve followed every episode or you’re just joining for the highlights, this is your crash course in the season’s biggest ideas and a blueprint for leading at scale, grounded in clarity, powered by purpose, and built to weather even the fiercest storms. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: The Changing Nature of Strategy: Reflections on Thirty Years - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-changing-nature-of-strategy-reflections-on-thirty-years-fm-blog/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E10
February 24 · 40 min
Compete, Evolve, Compete Again: Marcos Galperin, Executive Chairman & Founder, Mercado Libre
What does it really take to stay relevant when the world refuses to stand still? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Marcos Galperin, Founder and Executive Chairman of Mercado Libre, and Chris Zook, Advisory Partner at Bain & Company and co-author of Profit from the Core and The Founder’s Mentality, to explore what it really takes to keep growing when the rules of strategy are being rewritten. From a garage in Buenos Aires to a $100B powerhouse, Marcos shares how Mercado Libre became Latin America’s e-commerce titan, outpacing global rivals and thriving through calm and storm alike. He opens up about the personal sacrifices behind building at scale, what it means to lead at 24/7 intensity, and how competition, culture, and constant reinvention have kept Meli’s spirit alive. Chris brings decades of deep research into what separates companies that sustain profitable growth from those that stall, revealing why most failures don’t come from markets, but from losing touch with the core that made them great. He shows how rediscovering an insurgent mission, a frontline obsession, and an owner’s mindset can reignite growth from the inside out. Together, they unpack the brutal truth of sustainable success: that strategy alone won’t save you. It takes energy, resilience, and an ability to deliver and develop at once, optimizing today while inventing tomorrow. This conversation is a masterclass in balancing the outer game of performance with the inner game of purpose, and a reminder that the best CEOs don’t just manage complexity. They master it. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Escaladores - Podcast Series (https://podcasts.apple.com/ar/podcast/escaladores/id1692216304) The Founder's Mentality Defined (https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/about/) Profit from the Core - Book (https://www.bain.com/insights/books/profit-from-the-core/) Founder's Mentality® and the paths to sustainable growth - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/what-is-founders-mentality-video/) Get Your Mojo Back with the Founder's Mentality® - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/get-your-mojo-back-with-the-founders-mentality-video/) Barriers and Pathways to Sustainable Growth: Harnessing the Power of the Founder's Mentality - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/founders-mentality-barriers-and-pathways-to-sustainable-growth/) Reigniting Growth - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/strategies-for-corporate-growth/) The Lost Engines of Growth - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-lost-engines-of-growth-fm-blog/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) David Haines LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-haines) Iona Gaskell LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iona-gaskell/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E9
February 10 · 38 min
Stay Relevant, Spark Energy: Pedro Arnt, CEO dLocal
How can a hyperscaler grow at lightning speed without losing its soul? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Pedro Arnt, CEO of dLocal and former CFO of Mercado Libre, to explore how to scale at pace while keeping culture, relevance, and energy intact. From building one of Latin America’s most successful e-commerce and fintech giants to steering a new generation of high-growth businesses, Pedro shares what it means to stay adaptable, focus on impact, and reinvent yourself as a leader. We’re also joined by Ann Wright, founder of The Wright Approach and a long-time coach to global CEOs, who helps leaders navigate their career crossroads. Ann reveals why self-awareness is a strategic skill, how to protect your time and energy, and what it really means to do only what only you can do. Together, these conversations uncover how the best leaders balance humility with conviction and build organizations that stay curious, grounded, and relentlessly relevant. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Introducing: The Net Promoter System® - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/introducing-the-net-promoter-system-loyalty-insights/) The Customer Confidential Podcast on NPS - Podcast Series (https://www.netpromotersystem.com/podcast/) Closing the Talent Gap: Seven Tips from Dubai - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/closing-the-talent-gap-seven-tips-from-dubai-fm-blog/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Pedro Arnt LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-arnt-5a7a69/) Anne Wright LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wright-93587b14) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E8
January 27 · 32 min
Shift to Vertical: David Haines, Group CEO, Flora Food Group
What does it take to stay connected to your customers when scale and complexity threaten to pull you away? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with David Haines, Group CEO of Flora Food Group, to explore how leaders can keep their focus vertical - anchored in the customer and the frontline, while running global organizations. From his early days at Mars and Vodafone to leading GROHE and Flora, David shares stories of how listening, curiosity, and relevance shaped his approach to leadership. He shows why great strategy starts on the shop floor, how moments of truth can differentiate a brand, and why humility and honesty are the CEO’s most underrated tools. We’re also joined by Iona Gaskell, Head of Artist Voice at Abubilla Music, who brings a creative perspective on building authenticity and resonance. Together, they unpack how purpose, simplicity, and connection fuel lasting growth, and share the secret tools for staying truly vertical: humanity, transparency, and care. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Micro-battles and the Journey to Scale Insurgency - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/micro-battles-and-the-journey-to-scale-insurgency/) An Introduction to Micro-battles - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/james-allen-an-introduction-to-micro-battles-video/) On Building Communities - LinkedIn Post (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jamesallen-_as-part-of-the-%F0%9D%90%85%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%AE%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%AC-%F0%9D%90%8C%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AD-activity-7346480364657270785-SI3r/) Flora Food Group Manifesto: Financial and ESG Summary 2023; Page 12-13) (https://www.florafoodgroup.com/-/media/project/upfield/corporate/upfield-corporate/supplier-centre/esg-centre-pdfs/esg-reports/current-years/financial-and-esg-summary-2023.pdf?rev=95bbb9295c0f4c1bb89fd58bc2b73b4e) Flora Food Group Manifesto: Financial and ESG Summary 2022; Page 22-23 (https://www.florafoodgroup.com/-/media/project/upfield/corporate/upfield%20corporate/supplier%20centre/pdfs/upfield_annualsummary_esg_2022-1.pdf) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) David Haines LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-haines) Iona Gaskell LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iona-gaskell/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E7
January 13 · 35 min
Simplify: Stuart Gent, Partner, Bain Capital
How on earth can we simplify when business complexity feels inevitable? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Stuart Gent, Partner and Co-Head of Europe Private Equity at Bain Capital, to explore how leaders can strip away noise, refocus their teams, and rediscover what truly drives performance. From defining the heart of a business to knowing which problems only the CEO can solve, Stuart shares practical lessons on clarity, focus, and “flow” - the energy that fuels great organizations. We’re also joined by David Fleck, Founder and Managing Partner at Freeflow Ventures, who brings a startup investor’s lens to the conversation. Together, they unpack how to balance creativity with execution, when to say no in order to grow, and how to build resilience in teams facing constant change. These insights reveal why the best leaders fall back in love with process, not bureaucracy, and how intentional simplicity can turn pressure into momentum and restore flow across an organization. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Simplify to Fuel Growth - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/simplify-to-fuel-growth-fm-blog/) Killing Complexity Before Complexity Kills Growth - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/killing-complexity-before-complexity-kills-growth/) Overcoming Complexity and the Energy Vampires - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/overcoming-complexity-and-the-energy-vampires-fm-blog/) Steve Jobs - Get Much Simpler, Be Really Clear - Sept. 23, 1997 - Video (https://youtu.be/jMSa9sSZpF8?si=Ul8iPmL8Zh1_RZ8C) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Stuart Gent Profile (https://www.baincapital.com/people/stuart-gent) David Fleck LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfleck) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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Dec 23, 2025 · 13 min
What CEOs Bring Home: A Holiday Special
As the year winds down, Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions takes a festive turn. In this special holiday bonus episode, host Jimmy reflects on the season’s conversations with global leaders, each sharing a lesson they bring home to their families. This episode gathers a wreath of insights about resilience, curiosity, and gratitude. You’ll hear from CEOs who’ve learned to sweat the details, embrace hard choices, love the ride, and simply say “thank you.” Whether you’re listening on the way home for the holidays or by the fire with friends, it’s a reminder that the best leadership lessons often start at home, and that bringing energy, empathy, and optimism to all we do might just be the greatest gift of all. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Hard-Earned Lessons from CEOs - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/hard-earned-lessons-from-ceos-interactive/) Five Keys to Navigating Organizations Through Turbulence - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/five-keys-to-navigating-organizations-through-turbulence-video/) Maintaining Relevance Amid Uncertainty - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/maintaining-relevance-amid-uncertainty-video/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E6
Dec 16, 2025 · 34 min
Rediscover The Art of Business Building: Tanuja Randery, Managing Director EMEA, Amazon Web Services
Big companies are built to deliver, but in a world where technology shifts daily and customer needs change overnight, delivery alone isn’t enough. Business building has to become part of the culture. In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Tanuja Randery, Managing Director of Amazon Web Services in EMEA, to explore how AWS scales without becoming a bureaucracy. From codifying leadership principles to democratizing challenges, Tanuja shares how AWS sustains speed and empowers a rare but vital community she calls “scalers” - the people who turn bold ideas into repeatable models. We’re also joined by Erika Serow, Partner and CMO at Bain and former President of Sweaty Betty, who reveals how improv comedy became a crash course in collaboration, creativity, and scaling ideas. Together, these stories show why business building isn’t a distraction from delivery, it’s the growth engine. And why the real art of scaling comes from creating cultures where curiosity, experimentation, and even mistakes fuel speed and innovation. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Four Ways CEOs Can Spur Innovation amid Turbulence - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/four-ways-ceos-can-spur-innovation-amid-turbulence/) How to Identify Great Scalers - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/how-to-identify-great-scalers-fm-blog/) Scaling Businesses as a Team - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/scaling-businesses-as-a-team-fm-blog/) The Best Practices of Great Scalers - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-best-practices-of-great-scalers-fm-blog/) How to Preserve the Essence of Founder-Driven Companies - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/how-to-preserve-the-essence-of-founder-driven-companies-video/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Tanuja Randery LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanuja-randery) Erika Serow Profile (https://www.bain.com/our-team/erika-serow/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E5
Dec 2, 2025 · 35 min
Pursue Repeatable Models: Sunny Verghese, CEO & Co-Founder, Olam
How do you grow a bold idea into a global agribusiness leader… and then reimagine it all over again? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and CEO of Olam, to discuss how repeatable models can deliver both discipline and discovery. From sourcing cashews in Nigeria to building a business that now spans 60 countries, Sunny reflects on how differentiation, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace discomfort shaped Olam’s growth, and his own evolution as a leader. We’re also joined by Tabu Osusa, legendary Kenyan producer, cultural archivist, and co-founder of Singing Wells. Tabu shares how field recordings across East Africa shifted from chaotic, costly expeditions into a streamlined process that ultimately gave musicians more space to shine. Together, these stories show that repeatable models aren’t just about efficiency. They create the freedom to listen, to innovate, and to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or hit the link for additional CEO Insights. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Repeatable Models and the Mafia Retirement Home – Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/repeatable-models-mafia-retirement-home-james-allen-3adke/) The Great Repeatable Business Model – Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-great-repeatable-business-model-hbr/) The Strategic Principles of Repeatability – Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-strategic-principles-of-repeatability) Three Things Your Company Can Learn from a Bottle of Water – Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/three-things-your-company-can-learn-from-a-bottle-of-water) From Founder-Led Origins to a Decentralized Business Model – Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/from-founder-led-origins-to-a-decentralized-business-model-video/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Sunny Verghese LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-verghese/) Tabu Osusa Profile LinkedIn (https://www.singingwells.org/who-we-are/tabu-osusa/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E4
Nov 18, 2025 · 32 min
From Sapling to Forest, Master Deliver and Develop: Nirav Tolia, CEO & Co-Founder, Nextdoor
What does it take to ‘refound’ a company that you started, this time in the public spotlight? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Nirav Tolia, Co-Founder and CEO of Nextdoor, to explore the art of reorientating a company without losing momentum. From balancing the pressure of quarterly results with the need to reignite innovation, to radically shifting his own leadership style, Nirav shares the hard choices, personal lessons, and community-first mindset guiding Nextdoor’s next phase. We’re also joined by Herman Spruit, CEO of 361 by FINCA and Advisory Partner at Bain & Company, who offers a practical lens on the difference between “delivery” and “development” meetings, and why confusing the two can stall progress. Together, these conversations reveal how leaders can honor the past while building for the future, why execution and innovation must coexist, and how the right mindset in the room can unlock creativity, culture, and growth. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Deliver or Develop? Why CEOs Must Master Both - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/deliver-develop-why-ceos-must-master-both-james-allen-wiuse) Why the Systems That Helped You Grow Might Now Be Holding You Back - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-systems-helped-you-grow-might-now-holding-back-james-allen-3bvce/) How to Breathe New Life into Strategy (https://www.bain.com/insights/how-to-breathe-new-life-into-strategy/) Leon: What If God Made Fast Food? - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/leon-founders-mentality-video/) Leading With Energy Through Turbulent Times - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/leading-with-energy-through-turbulent-times-video/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Nirav Tolia LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/niravtolia/) Herman Spruit LinkedIn (https://www.abubillamusic.com/the-team) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E3
Nov 3, 2025 · 34 min
Manage Complexity By Returning to the Why: Don Katz, Audible
What happens when a founder’s vision doesn’t just spark a company, but reshapes an entire industry? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Don Katz, founder of Audible, to explore how a writer-turned-entrepreneur built a global brand that redefined the spoken word. From his early influences such as Ralph Ellison and his career at Rolling Stone, to commercializing the first digital audio player, Don shares how artistic passion and relentless innovation fuelled Audible’s rise. He reflects on the challenges of scale, managing complexity, protecting culture, and how his “People Principles” launched a thousand conversations. We’re also joined by Elliot Wenman, Managing Director of Abubilla Music, who offers a window into the recording studio - where rituals, conflict, and clarity can turn chaos into creativity. Together, these conversations reveal why great leaders keep their eyes on the “why,” how cultural missions outlast financial targets, and why caring - with grit and vision - can be the ultimate act of leadership. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: What Audible and a Studebaker Have in Common - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-audible-studebaker-have-common-james-allen-knfxe/) Light the Candle – Bring Light Not Heat into Meetings - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/light-candle-bring-heat-meetings-james-allen-xb0we/) Audible's People Principles (https://www.audible.in/about/people-principles) How to Stop People Who Bog Things Down with Bureaucracy - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/stop-people-who-bog-things-down-with-bureaucracy-hbr) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Don Katz Profile (https://www.donald-katz.com/bio) Elliot Wenman Profile (https://www.abubillamusic.com/the-team) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E2
Oct 21, 2025 · 33 min
Create Joyful Routines: Christina Zhu, CEO & President, Walmart China
What turns a routine into a ritual that actually changes how people work? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Christina Zhu, President and CEO of Walmart China, to explore how she builds focus and resilience while leading through one of the fastest-changing retail landscapes in the world. From creating “joyful routines” that empower frontline associates, to translating customer centricity into strategy, Christina shares how purpose, simplicity, and trust can both delight customers and transform teams. We’re also joined by Kavita Chaudhary of Jaipur Rugs, who offers a striking example of reconnecting business to its frontline artisans - where a monkey with a gun woven into a carpet became a symbol of dignity and creative freedom. Together, these conversations reveal why great leaders eliminate complexity rather than manage it, how rituals make values real, and why frontline obsession may be the ultimate competitive advantage. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Joyful Routines - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/joyful-routines-james-allen-ocawe/) Lifting the Veil - Why Showing the People Behind the Product Matters - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lifting-veil-why-showing-people-behind-product-matters-james-allen-cfize/) When Weavers Disagree - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/when-weavers-disagree-fm-blog/) Recovering the Voices of the Customer and the Front Line - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/recovering-the-voices-of-the-customer-and-the-front-line-forbes/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Christina Zhu LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-zhu-382432/) Jaipur Rugs Website (https://www.jaipurrugs.com/it/en/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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S1 · E1
Oct 7, 2025 · 25 min
Fall Back in Love With Your Product: Aaron Powell, CEO, Pizza Hut
Pizza may seem simple, but leading one of the world’s most iconic brands is anything but. In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Aaron Powell, Global CEO of Pizza Hut, to explore how he’s helping the company rediscover its magic in over 20,000 restaurants across 110 countries. From falling back in love with the product to celebrating the heroes of the frontline, Aaron shares how moments of joy, pride, and even a wedding anniversary dinner reveal what truly sets a business apart. We’re also joined by Archie Henderson, the comedian-musician behind the cult character Jazz Emu, who offers a surprising perspective on the power of “committing to the bit” and designing for fanatics, not the average fan. Together, these conversations offer insights into avoiding the commoditization trap, driving a relentless product focus, and why reconnecting with your people may be the ultimate competitive advantage. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or hit the link for additional CEO Insights. Escape The Commoditization Trap – Fall Back In Love With Your Product - Blog Pizza Hut: How CEO Aaron Powell leads with the Founder’s Mentality - Video Bain & Company LinkedIn Bain & Company X Jimmy Allen LinkedIn Aaron Powell Profile Archie Henderson ‘Jazz Emu’ Website About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
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Sep 19, 2025 · 1 min
Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions - Coming Soon!
What does it take to lead - and live - when the world won’t sit still? Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions, hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen, goes beyond the boardroom to uncover lessons in leadership and growth. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs - from Audible, Walmart, AWS, and more - as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Through curiosity and vulnerability, these leaders reveal the insights that shaped their businesses and personal journeys. Whether you're a CEO, an emerging executive, or simply passionate about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or hit the link for additional CEO Insights. Bain & Company LinkedIn Bain & Company X Jimmy Allen LinkedIn
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