Advertise on podcast: Spotlight On Podcast

In this episode, Nicholas Barton sits down with Roy Perticucci, former CEO of Allegro and a veteran of large-scale transformation across Europe’s leading digital and retail businesses. Here, Roy offers a practical view of what defines an effective Chief Transformation Officer today. He discusses the importance of analytical rigour, disciplined execution, and credibility with CEOs and boards, where execution remains the defining factor in successful transformation. The discussion reflects on how private equity’s focus has shifted from deal execution to operational value creation, and what this means for leaders responsible for delivering measurable change.

In this episode of Spotlight On's Women in Leadership series, Olivia Stainton speaks with Waynn Wu, Chief Strategy Officer at Philip Morris International, about the self-awareness and discipline required to lead through change. Here, Waynn reflects on her early life, the impact of traditional expectations, and how resisting conformity shaped her ambition. She discusses a defining moment in her career that prompted her to reassess what success should look like and led to her framework of knowing yourself, being yourself, and learning to value yourself. The conversation explores how to protect balance in high-pressure roles, why compassion must be practised deliberately, and how leaders can create space for experimentation and learning. Waynn also highlights the importance of collective leadership, male allyship, and long-term relationships in supporting people through different stages of their careers.

In this episode of Spotlight On's Women in Leadership series, Jane Harley sits down with Sharon Rice-Oxley, Partner and Co-Founder at Q5. Sharon discusses the growth of organisational health through leaders telling a clear story, listening deeply, and building a culture where people bring their whole selves to work. Along the way, we discuss hiring, allyship, cross-cultural leadership, and leading through a pandemic while protecting jobs and employee well-being.

In this episode of Women in Leadership, Olivia Stainton sits down with Hanne Andresen, Chief Strategy Officer at Costa Coffee, to learn how she turns long-term ambition into daily action through clarity and consistency. Drawing on her global experience, Hanne details her three-pillar strategy: defining where to win, translating choices into simple action plans, and building a culture that looks ahead without removing the wheel. We hear why consistency beats reinvention, how to decide what to stop as much as what to start, and why your unique perspective as a woman in strategy is a superpower. Expect practical guidance on grounded leadership, career ownership, and psychological safety. 

In this episode of Spotlight On, Nicholas Barton, Founder of The Barton Partnership, sits down with Kate Gibson, who shares her journey from strategy consulting to becoming a pioneering sustainability leader, revealing how corporate approaches to ESG are evolving from siloed initiatives to integrated business strategy. For business leaders navigating this landscape, Kate offers practical advice: understand your material risks, develop plans that acknowledge climate realities, and use current regulatory pauses to get ahead rather than relax efforts. Kate's insights are especially relevant for strategy professionals looking to drive meaningful transformation in their organisations.

James Hadley, Senior Partner at Bain & Company and current UK Managing Partner, shares insights from his nearly 30-year career on how corporate strategy functions are evolving to meet today's business challenges.  Whether you are a corporate strategist, consultant, or executive navigating strategic decisions, this conversation offers invaluable perspective on how the practice of strategy is evolving, and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly complex business landscape.

In this episode of Spotlight On, TBP's Founder, Nicholas Barton, sits down with Carl Evander, OC&C's Global Head of Private Equity, who offers an insider's view off the back of a trip to Superreturn Berlin. Carl discusses how private equity is navigating today's tough economic climate, including rising interest rates and tech disruption. Carl visits PE at a turning point, moving from a boom to a cautious period. Despite this, Carl also notes that long-term PE returns still beat public markets. He notes that firms must transform businesses, not just buy and hold, driving the rise of value creation teams and investment in sectors like energy transition and AI data centers. He also provides a nuanced take on AI: great for productivity, but not a replacement for human judgment. Join this insightful conversation on PE's evolution in uncertain times.

In this episode of Spotlight On, we sit down with Bridget Walsh, EY's Global Head of Private Equity (PE), who takes us through PE's remarkable journey, drawing on her vast experience leading PE professionals across 45 countries. Bridget reveals insights about the current state of private equity, highlighting that 78% of firms are holding assets beyond their typical investment horizons, creating what she describes as "a pent-up wall of exits" awaiting the reopening of IPO markets. We talk about the heightened focus on strategic exit preparation, with firms increasingly investing in data readiness, management team preparation, and clear exit roadmaps. The conversation explores technological disruption, particularly Generative AI. Bridget presents a thought-provoking hypothesis on private equity's technology adoption, also talking about regional investment and vividly depicts the increasingly interconnected global capital ecosystem. Certainly not one to miss!

In this episode of Spotlight On, Nicholas Barton, Founder of The Barton Partnership, is joined by Hugh MacArthur, Chairman of Bain & Company's Global Private Equity Practice.  We dive into the evolution of private equity from its humble beginnings to a trillion-dollar powerhouse, with Hugh's 30-year career at Bain providing unparalleled insights. Hugh also touches upon the surprising shift in value creation, moving from multiple expansions to operational excellence, and the rise of the Chief Transformation Officer. We also discuss how generative AI revolutionises deal sourcing, portfolio analysis, and internal operations. Plus, Hugh forecasts the future of private equity: consolidation, new wealth products, and even daily asset valuations. Tune in to understand how firms can craft winning talent, investment, and capital strategies in this rapidly changing landscape.

On this episode of Spotlight On, Elaine Bermudez sits down with Ari Labell, an independent consultant and strategic advisor to the consumer goods industry and former President of North America for Hain Celestial. Ari shares valuable insights from his illustrious career, revealing the essence of building authentic brands that resonate with consumers.  We also discuss how forward-thinking brands can balance purpose and profitability,  strategies for enhancing supply chain resilience, and  how AI could revolutionise data usage in FMCG. 

In this episode of Spotlight On we are joined by Marco Van Kalleveen, CEO at DKV Mobility, who shares his transformative journey from consulting to leading DKV Mobility, offering insights into the dynamics between private equity investors and operational teams. Marco discusses the importance of purposeful leadership, M&A strategies, and the role of digitalisation and AI in driving business success while emphasising stakeholder engagement for sustainable growth. • Marco's career path and motivations from McKinsey to CEO   • The significance of building strong relationships with private equity investors   • Evolution of operating teams within the private equity landscape   • Insights for transitioning from consulting to operational roles   • The role of purpose-driven leadership in organisational success   • Strategic approaches to M&A and integration practices   • The impact of digital transformation and AI on business growth   • Aligning individual contributions with company objectives for enhanced engagement

In this episode of Spotlight On, Nicholas Barton sits down with Luke Jensen, Executive Chairman at Hana Group. Luke shares his extensive career journey, from banking to leading transformative roles in the global food industry and retail, including as CEO of Ocado Solutions and Group Director of Strategy at Sainsbury's. Here, Luke reflects on his experiences driving innovation, particularly in grocery retail and technology, and the challenges of moving from strategy to operational leadership. Luke shares insights into the future of retail, highlighting the increasing role of AI, customer data, and personalised promotions in shaping the industry.

In this episode, Nicholas Barton sits down with Suvir Varma, Advisory Partner to Bain's Global Private Equity Business, to explore the evolving landscape of Private Equity in the Asia-Pacific region. Here, Suvir shares insights on how AI is shaping private equity strategies, from deal sourcing to portfolio management. He highlights the increasing focus on sustainable investments, particularly in energy transition, and the emerging opportunities amidst China's economic slowdown.  The conversation covers Japan's rise as a critical player in the PE market and the strategic importance of value creation in today's fragmented environment. Looking ahead, Suvir offers his optimistic view on what lies ahead for APAC private equity in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of Spotlight On, Alex Dyke sits down with Mike Essex, Senior Partner at Wipro, to discuss how effective leadership can thrive in the face of complex, global digital transformation challenges and the fast-evolving dynamics of today’s workforce. Mike shares his experience leading digital transformation programs across global teams, emphasising adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience as essential qualities for modern leaders. He discusses the challenges of managing multi-generational and hybrid workforces, and the importance of balancing well-being with high performance. The episode highlights Wipro’s AI-driven leadership development initiatives, showcasing how personalised upskilling and strategic talent investment foster innovation, enhance retention, and position leaders for long-term success. https://www.wipro.com/

In this episode of Spotlight On, Josh White, Co-Founder & CEO of Cano Water discusses his mission to combat plastic pollution. Inspired by a trip to Thailand, Josh and his friends created a sustainable water brand using aluminium cans. The discussion explores the rewards of building a business with a strong environmental focus and how Cano Water has sold over 40 million cans while staying true to its values. Josh highlights the importance of team building, mentorship, and setting boundaries in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, along with the resilience needed to navigate a competitive market.  Here, Josh shares the transformative impact of setting boundaries and believing in your vision, and we hear how Cano Water navigates the complexities of balancing profit with purpose.