Leaders with Francine Lacqua

Amanda Staveley: The UK Dealmaker Who Helped Transform Football

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Amanda Staveley has spent decades connecting Middle East investors with Britain's biggest dealmaking opportunities. On Leaders with Francine Lacqua, the PCP Capital Partners chief executive describes how she started out, the negotiations behind the Manchester City and Newcastle United deals and the historic rescue of Barclays during the financial crisis.

This interview was recorded before Bloomberg and others reported that a consortium that Amanda Staveley leads has agreed to buy a 25% stake in English club West Ham United for £150 million.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-01/amanda-staveley-agrees-west-ham-stake-teeing-up-clash-with-kretinsky?utm_source=website&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Amanda Staveley on Her 'Ballsy' Barclays Rescue Plan

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:37:15 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with PCP Capital Partners Chief Executive Amanda Staveley. Here's a preview of their conversation, where Staveley looks back on the audacious Barclays fundraising deal that established her as one of Britain's best-known dealmakers.

Check out the full interview when it drops on August 3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO Behind Honeywell's Reinvention for the AI Era

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000

On this week’s Leaders with Francine Lacqua, she speaks with Honeywell Technologies Chief Executive and Chair Vimal Kapur about his journey from entry-level engineer in India to leading one of the world’s biggest industrial companies. He explains why he chose to split Honeywell into three businesses, how he navigated pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management and why he believes artificial intelligence will reshape work by augmenting people — not replacing them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur on Breaking Up an Industrial Giant

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Honeywell Chief Executive Vimal Kapur. Here's a preview of their conversation, where Kapur explains why he made the bold decision to split up one of America's largest industrial companies, how AI and aerospace reshaped Honeywell's strategy, and why he saw an activist investor as an ally rather than an obstacle in transforming the business.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Rafael Nadal, Retirement Requires a Champion's Mindset

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Francine Lacqua speaks with tennis legend Rafael Nadal about the mindset that fueled his extraordinary career. They explore how resilience, unwavering determination and even self-doubt drove him to overcome repeated injuries and become one of tennis's greatest champions. Nadal also opens up about life after retirement, explaining why he still needs goals every day as he builds businesses, grows his academy, and explores what's next beyond the court.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Rafael Nadal on Resilience and the Power of Doubt

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. Here's a preview of their conversation, where he speaks about overcoming career-threatening injuries and why self-doubt has been one of his greatest motivators. Check out the full interview on Monday, July 6.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading Through Uncertainty: Mike Henry's Final Lessons as BHP CEO

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

As he prepares to step down after six years at the helm of BHP, Mike Henry joins Francine Lacqua to discuss the future of mining, the race for critical minerals and leadership lessons that shaped his tenure. Henry explains why copper has become one of the most strategic resources, how artificial intelligence and the energy transition are transforming demand and why BHP walked away from its pursuit of Anglo American.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: BHP CEO Mike Henry on Bold Deals, Discipline, and the Future of Mining

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with outgoing BHP Chief Executive Mike Henry. Here's a preview of their conversation, where Henry reflects on BHP's two unsuccessful bids for Anglo American, the importance of staying disciplined during high-stakes M&A negotiations, and why maintaining a long-term growth strategy matters more than chasing any single deal.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva on AI, Ukraine, Russia and the Next Global Shock

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has spent the past six years navigating some of the biggest challenges facing the global economy — from the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence.

In this episode of Leaders, Francine Lacqua sits down with Georgieva to discuss what it takes to lead an institution representing 191 countries, how the IMF approaches economic crises and why trust is essential when governments are asked to make difficult reforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Crisis Leadership and Public Trust

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Here's a preview of that conversation where Georgieva reflects on the difficult balance between economic reform and public trust, why protecting the most vulnerable is essential during crises, and how leaders can build a shared sense of sacrifice and responsibility in turbulent times.

Be sure to subscribe to catch the full episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç on Turning Around a ‘Burning Platform’

Mon, 25 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Rolls-Royce’s turnaround made Tufan Erginbilgiç one of the most closely watched CEOs in Europe. In this episode of Leaders, he tells Francine Lacqua how he used data, discipline and direct communication to change the trajectory of the company — and what other leaders can learn about strategy, culture and long-term growth.

Watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe4PRejZgr0PAxeoWOBGj6M7GXhXQmdn6

Check out more Leaders interviews:
http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua

Read more on management and work:
https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç on Transforming a British icon

Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he reflects on the responsibility of restoring one of Britain’s most important industrial brands, arguing that Rolls-Royce’s turnaround shows other UK companies the importance of fixing broken business models, rejecting mediocrity and empowering employees with a clear sense of purpose.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blackstone's Jon Gray on Building a $1.3 Trillion Wall Street Giant

Mon, 11 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What does it take to lead through a near-disaster and turn it into a $14 billion win? In this episode, Blackstone President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Gray shares lessons from the financial crisis, revealing why staying calm, backing the right businesses and building trust can make or break a leader. He also opens up about shaping culture, retaining top talent and leading with humanity—offering a rare inside look at how one of the world’s biggest investment firms navigates uncertainty.

Watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe4PRejZgr0PAxeoWOBGj6M7GXhXQmdn6

Read more on management and work:
https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Blackstone's Jon Gray on the Moment His Career Could Have Ended

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Jon Gray, president and chief operating officer of Blackstone Group. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he talks about leading Blackstone's leveraged buyout of Hilton Hotels, which after a difficult road became the most profitable private equity real estate deal ever.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Grede on the Kardashians and Why Work From Home Is ‘Career Suicide'

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Francine Lacqua sits down with Emma Grede—the power behind Good American and a founding partner of Skims—to unpack what it really takes to build a billion-dollar brand. Grede goes beyond the headlines, revealing the chaos behind her $1 million launch day and the mindset that helped her push through challenges. From "radical honesty" in leadership to bold views on work, ambition and success, she reveals the principles that have shaped her rise—and why she’s now stepping into the spotlight to help others do the same.

Check out more interviews:
http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua

Read more on management and work:
https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Skims Founding Partner Emma Grede on What It Takes to Grow from $10m to $100m

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:12:44 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Emma Grede, chief executive and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of loungewear and shapewear brand Skims. Here's a preview of that conversation where she shares the realities behind early success, why hiring adaptable, flexible thinkers matters more than rigid experience, and how the people you need evolve as a company grows.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shell Boss Wael Sawan on Tough Calls, Regret and Leading Through Uncertainty

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Shell Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan joins Francine Lacqua to discuss the oil major's controversial strategy around the energy transition, and fostering a culture that shifts from “all-knowing” to “all-learning.” He reflects on navigating volatility in the global energy system, emphasizing disciplined decision-making and focusing on what leaders can influence going forward. This interview was recorded on Dec. 11, 2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Shell CEO Wael Sawan on 'Peak Oil Demand'

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Wael Sawan, chief executive of oil giant Shell. Here's a preview of that conversation where he shares his outlook for global energy demand.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘I Was Ruthless About Killing Complexity’: HSBC CEO on Rewiring the Bank

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery joins Francine Lacqua to explain why he is “ruthless about killing complexity” as he pushes through an AI-fuelled overhaul of one of the world’s biggest banks. He reflects on leadership, integrity and cultural fluency, and shares how HSBC is adapting to geopolitical tensions, shifting trade routes and the rapid rise of generative AI.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview: Georges Elhedery on HSBC’s AI-Powered Reset

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Georges Elhedery, chief executive of banking giant HSBC. Here's a preview of that conversation where he talks about why the use of artificial intelligence at the bank is not optional.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melinda French Gates on Tech, Billionaire Wealth and Why She Worries About the Truth

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Having navigated some of life’s most defining transitions, Melinda French Gates reflects on the choices that set her path—from Microsoft executive to philanthropist and now founder of Pivotal. She shares how values-based leadership, resilience and the courage to embrace “the next day” have guided her through change, power and public scrutiny.

Watch this interview:
http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua

Read more from Bloomberg on management and work:
https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Leaders with Francine Lacqua

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:43:19 +0000

What makes a leader successful? Francine Lacqua interviews top CEOs and global industry leaders for candid lessons on leadership, management, and the future of work.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.