Advertise on podcast: CXO Conversations

In "Focus on Impact, Not Money," Todd Siegler shares candid lessons from a career spanning nearly every C-suite role—CFO, COO, CAO, CDO, General Counsel, and eventually CEO of his own company. A Princeton and Tulane Law graduate, Todd reflects on the differences in executive roles across organizations, the dynamics of C-suite interactions, and how managing direct reports effectively builds trust and results. His message is clear: the best leaders aim to create impact, not just chase titles or compensation. For aspiring executives, his story is both an insider's view of the C-suite and a roadmap for building meaningful leadership. For the full interview: https://ocns.co/coo-cfo-todd-siegler-focus-on-impact-not-money/ #leadership #executiveinsights #careergrowth #Cleveleadership #CXO  

In "Being a Blue Collar LGBTQ Executive," Jamey Seely, Chief Legal Officer at Gates at time of recording and now General Counsel for Crusoe, shares her journey to the C-suite and what it means to lead authentically in traditionally blue-collar industries like energy, manufacturing, and nuclear. Named one of Denver Business Journal's Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business, Jamey reflects on her career path, the two common legal career tracks, and why inclusivity, resilience, and curiosity have shaped her leadership. She also discusses the importance of mentorship, board interactions, and building trust across global organizations—reminding us that diversity is not just policy, but lived experience at the executive level.   For the full interview:  https://ocns.co/evp-gc-jamey-seely-being-a-blue-collar-lgbtq-executive/ #leadership #LGBTQleadership #executiveinsights #authenticity #CXO  

In "Pros & Cons of Long Tenure at Same Company," Michelle shares how she built an HR organization from scratch and the lessons she learned across leadership roles at ASAP Software, Dell, GiveForward, and CompPsych. A graduate of Indiana University and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, Michelle reflects on the advantages and challenges of staying with one company for 16 years, the importance of aligning HR with business needs, and why self-advocacy, curiosity, and developing others are essential for long-term success. Her perspective offers valuable guidance for HR leaders and executives navigating career growth and organizational change. For the full interview:  https://ocns.co/cpo-michelle-anastasi-pros-cons-of-long-tenure-at-same-company/ #leadership #CPO #humanresources #careergrowth #CXO  

In "CEO Bill Wosilius, Why and How to Prepare for CEO Chair," Bill Wosilius, who was CEO of NexusTek at the time of recording, shares candid insights on declaring your career goals, assessing situations with clarity, and making the tough executive calls that define leadership. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Bill served eight years before moving into executive roles at InFlow, Sungard, Healthgrades, CoreSite, and Optiv, ultimately preparing him for the CEO role. He emphasizes why the best job is the one you have right now, how every experience builds toward the moment of leadership, and why trust, competence, and humility are essential when building strong executive teams.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/ceo-bill-wosilius-why-and-how-to-prepare-for-ceo-chair/ #leadership #CEOjourney #executiveinsights #careergrowth #CXO

What does it take to get noticed by both venture capitalists and C-suite recruiters? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Steve Joanis—CEO of PlanetIQ and veteran of more than $200M in venture fundraising—shares how his career path from Army combat aviator to consultant, investor, and CEO shaped his leadership style. Drawing on decades of experience scaling startups and serving on 20+ boards, Steve highlights why relationships matter more than résumés, how to present yourself authentically to investors, and the strategic decisions that define a CEO's success. His advice is invaluable for executives and entrepreneurs navigating the path to the top.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/ceo-steve-joanis-getting-noticed-for-c-level-by-vcs/ #leadership #executiveinsights #venturecapital #CEOjourney #CXO

In "CEO Steve Joanis, Getting Noticed for C-Level & by VCs," Steve Joanis, the CEO of PlanetIQ (at time of recording, now a PE Managing Director), shares lessons from 25+ years in management consulting, venture capital, and executive leadership. A West Point graduate, decorated Army aviator, and Wharton MBA, Steve has served as CFO, President, board member, and investor across more than 20 companies with multiple successful exits. In this episode of CXO Conversations, he explains how to stand out to venture capitalists, what personality traits the most successful C-suite candidates share, and how military leadership shaped his approach to business. For aspiring executives, his insights provide a clear roadmap to attracting investors and advancing to the CEO role.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/ceo-steve-joanis-getting-noticed-for-c-level-by-vcs/ #leadership #executiveinsights #venturecapital #CEOjourney #CXO  

What does it take to build a high-performing sales organization from scratch? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Carlos Perez, CRO of Simuwatt, shares lessons from leading revenue teams at startups, global enterprises, and everything in between. He talks about the changing nature of sales leadership, the importance of aligning marketing and sales under a unified revenue vision, and why adaptability is critical in a post-COVID world. From closing his first $25M outsourcing deal to scaling SaaS organizations, Carlos offers actionable advice for leaders building sales orgs designed to last.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/cro-carlos-perez-building-a-sales-org-from-scratch/ #leadership #salesstrategy #CRO #revenuegrowth #CXO  

In "CRO Carlos Perez, Building a Sales Org from Scratch," Carlos shares how he's grown revenue organizations across startups and billion-dollar companies alike. From his early consulting days to CRO roles at Wowza and now Concept3D, Carlos reflects on the evolving role of the Chief Revenue Officer, aligning sales, marketing, and customer success to accelerate growth. He also discusses how sales has changed post-COVID, why trust and creativity matter more than ever, and how to build scalable sales teams from the ground up. For executives and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with insights on driving sustainable revenue growth in today's marketplace.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/cro-carlos-perez-building-a-sales-org-from-scratch/ #leadership #salesstrategy #CRO #revenuegrowth #CXO

What does it take to know when to step aside and hire the right CEO? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Heather Callender-Potters—global investor, co-founder of PharmaJet, and experienced board member—discusses the lessons she's learned from founding companies, navigating leadership transitions, and serving on boards. From her international upbringing to launching one of the first private equity funds in Eastern Europe, Heather's journey offers a unique perspective on resilience, cultural awareness, and executive selection. Her advice for aspiring leaders and board members emphasizes humility, preparation, and the importance of aligning values with organizational needs.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/heather-callenderpotters-founder-and-board-member/   #leadership #executiveinsights #boardleadership #careergrowth #CXO  

In "Heather Callender-Potters, Founder and Board Member. Hiring a CEO and Board Member Perspectives," Heather shares lessons from a remarkable career that began in Poland just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, bringing access to capital during a time of historic transformation. Now co-founder of PharmaJet and a seasoned board member, Heather reflects on the challenges of handing over leadership to a CEO, the importance of cultural fit versus just résumé credentials, and why resilience and trust are critical in executive roles. She also offers candid advice for first-time board members on adding value, building confidence, and contributing authentically without ego. For the full interview: https://ocns.co/heather-callenderpotters-founder-and-board-member/   #leadership #executiveinsights #boardleadership #careergrowth #CXO    

What does it mean to lead with authenticity in the C-suite? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Doug Gattuso talks about the importance of leaving ego at the door and focusing on creating value for people and organizations. He shares lessons from building teams, returning to companies multiple times, and leading international initiatives across Europe, Mexico, and India. Doug offers candid advice for those aspiring to executive leadership: don't chase titles—invest in learning, seize opportunities, and always contribute to the bigger picture.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/c-suite-perspective-in-leading-with-authenticity/   #leadership #executiveinsights #careergrowth #authenticity #CXO  

In "C-Suite Perspective in Leading with Authenticity," Doug Gattuso shares why true leadership is about focusing on opportunities and outcomes—not titles or ego. A veteran of the Naval Academy and Marine Corps, Doug reflects on a career spanning executive roles including President and Chief Customer Officer. He explains why burning bridges is never wise, the lessons gained from international work experiences in Prague and India, and how patience, teamwork, and humility shape long-term success. Doug's story is a reminder that authentic leadership and continuous contribution create lasting impact in any organization.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/c-suite-perspective-in-leading-with-authenticity/   #leadership #executiveinsights #careergrowth #authenticity #CXO  

What does it take to admit a prestigious path isn't for you—and have the courage to pivot? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Casey Woo, CFO of Landing.com, discusses his journey from West Point to Harvard, from Wall Street hedge funds to executive leadership roles at startups like WeWork and Zozi. Casey shares how he found fulfillment in finance by building teams, driving strategy, and embracing the operational challenges of scaling businesses. Along the way, he offers candid advice on following passion over prestige, understanding the differences between CFO and COO roles, and preparing for a career in the C-suite.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/making-the-hardest-call-admitting-its-not-for-you/   #leadership #CFO #careergrowth #executiveinsights #CXO  

In "Making the Hardest Call – Admitting it's Not for You," Casey Woo,  former CFO forLanding.com, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career journey—from starting at West Point and pivoting to Harvard, to walking away from Wall Street to pursue his passion for building and leading companies. With CFO and COO roles at firms including WeWork and Zozi, Casey reflects on following your own path instead of others' expectations, the lessons he's learned on his way to the C-suite, and why choosing finance allowed him to combine strategy with impact. His story is a powerful reminder that the hardest calls often lead to the most fulfilling careers.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/making-the-hardest-call-admitting-its-not-for-you/   #leadership #CFO #careergrowth #executiveinsights #CXO

What does it take to plan a career all the way to the CEO chair? In this episode of CXO Conversations, John Oechsle discusses the strategic decisions that helped him rise from technology leadership at J&J and IHS to CEO of Derive Systems. He reflects on how international assignments shaped his leadership style, why embracing "crackpot projects" at Kellogg's accelerated his growth, and the importance of taking roles for the right reasons—not just for compensation. For aspiring executives, John's story is a roadmap on career planning, resilience, and the values that define strong leadership.   For the full interview: https://ocns.co/career-planning-and-strategic-decisions-to-become-ceo/    #leadership #careerplanning #executiveinsights #CEOjourney #CXO