Master Move Podcast Episodes | Executive Insights & Leadership

Jenna Fisher

Jenna Fisher is a leading voice in executive search and the head of the Global CFO Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. In this episode, she draws on insights from completing over 500 senior financial officer and board searches to offer a practical roadmap for executives aspiring to the C-suite. She talks about what boards are really looking for, why CFOs often become CEOs, and how to build the right narrative around your career. Jenna also shares key lessons from her book To the Top, including how to position yourself for succession, communicate your leadership potential, and align with the right opportunities at the right time. Whether you’re a rising finance leader or any executive planning a strategic career move, this conversation is a blueprint for owning your journey to the top.

Ajay Prakash

Ajay Prakash is the co-founder and CEO of Rinse, a company redefining laundry and dry cleaning through a managed marketplace model built on trust, technology, and consistency. In this conversation, Ajay shares his decade-long journey building Rinse from an idea into a multi-city operation with W2-employed valets, a growing brick-and-mortar presence, and a clear vision for national scale. We explore the lessons learned from scaling a service business, the intentionality behind hiring and culture, and why Ajay believes in playing the long game in both business and in life.

Hannah Gordon

Hannah Gordon spent over two decades breaking barriers in the NFL, culminating in her role as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of the San Francisco 49ers. In this episode, she shares lessons from a remarkable career built on purpose, perseverance, and integrity — and why she made the bold decision to pause at the peak of her success to focus on family. We explore her strategic leadership style, her views on inclusive hiring and cultural alignment, and her book SZN of Change, a practical journal for leading with joy and authenticity.

Dr. John Hillen

John Hillen is a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, CEO, decorated Army officer, and professor of leadership and strategy. In this episode, John shares insights from his latest book, The Strategy Dialogues: A Primer on Business Strategy and Strategic Management, offering practical tools for executives navigating complexity. We discuss how dialogue sharpens strategic thinking, why leaders must build a shared vocabulary around strategy, and what separates effective decision-makers from reactive ones. A must-listen for current and aspiring C-level leaders.

Sherri Coale

Sherri Coale is a Hall of Fame basketball coach, educator, author, and speaker known for her profound ability to lead with heart and humanity. As head coach of the University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball team for 25 years, she built a powerhouse program rooted in connection, trust, and high standards. The program experienced incredible success during this time, including 19 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back Final Fours. She’s the author of Rooted to Rise and The Compost Files, two lyrical works on leadership, life, and becoming.

Tracey Newell

Tracey Newell is a seasoned tech executive, board leader, and fierce advocate for women in leadership. As the former President of Informatica and a board member for several public companies, she brings deep experience in scaling organizations and leading high-performance teams. In this episode, Tracey shares practical insights from her new book, Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite & Beyond, including how to cultivate executive presence, take strategic risks, and build the mindset required to lead at the highest level.
Whether you’re climbing toward the C-suite or mentoring the next generation of leaders, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Ron Tite

In this episode, Ron Tite—author of The Purpose of Purpose and founder of Church+State—shares why purpose only matters when it drives results. We explore how leaders can cut through noise with clarity, why values must be baked into operations (not just brand decks), and what business can learn from stand-up comedy. Ron’s insight is sharp, funny, and deeply practical for executives looking to lead with authenticity in a skeptical world.

Arlyn Davich

Arlyn Davich is a dynamic entrepreneur known for building bold, customer-centric brands. In this episode of Master Move, she walks us through her journey—from launching PayPerks and pioneering Walmart’s first omnichannel D2C brand, Allswell, to her current role as CEO of Free Rein Coffee Company. Arlyn shares invaluable insights on reinvention, strategic leadership, and creating brands that truly resonate. Her conversation offers actionable lessons for aspiring C-suite leaders who are ready to drive transformation in today’s competitive landscape.

Podcast episode artwork featuring Rob Chesnut, former Chief Ethics Officer at Airbnb, discussing ethical leadership, corporate integrity, and business success on The Master Move Podcast.

Rob Chestnut

In this episode of Master Move, Rob Chestnut, former Chief Ethics Officer at Airbnb, dives into the vital role of integrity in leadership and business success. From his distinguished career as a federal prosecutor to leading legal and ethics teams at companies like eBay and Airbnb, Rob shares actionable insights on fostering trust with stakeholders and embedding purpose-driven values into organizational culture. Tune in to discover why integrity is the cornerstone of sustainable leadership and how companies can align their mission with long-term success.

John Hennessy

In this episode, John Hennessy, former Stanford president and current chairman of Alphabet Inc., shares transformative leadership insights rooted in his pioneering career. From shaping the tech landscape with innovations like RISC architecture to championing empathy and humility in leadership, Hennessy offers invaluable lessons for aspiring executives. Discover his perspective on fostering innovation, building resilient cultures, and navigating the complex challenges of modern leadership.

Bill Barnett

Bill Barnett, former head of McKinsey & Co.’s strategy practice and author of The Strategic Career, delves into the essential principles of applying business strategy to personal career development. Drawing on his extensive experience, Barnett emphasizes the importance of identifying a personal value proposition, leveraging networking as a primary tool for job searches, and crafting a long-term career roadmap while remaining adaptable to life’s uncertainties. This insightful episode offers actionable advice for professionals aspiring to reach the C-suite by aligning their strengths, values, and ambitions with a strategic approach to career growth.

Ashley Goodall

Ashley Goodall, former Chief Learning Officer at Deloitte and SVP at Cisco, joins the podcast to discuss his thought-provoking book, The Problem with Change. Ashley challenges the conventional wisdom that constant disruption drives innovation, emphasizing instead the power of stability and long-term value creation in organizations. He explores the essential role of teams, the pitfalls of learned helplessness, and how leaders can foster environments where people consistently deliver their best work. This episode is a must-listen for executives seeking to balance human needs with organizational goals.

Podcast episode artwork featuring Frederik Pferdt, former Chief Innovation Strategist at Google, discussing innovation on The Master Move Podcast.

Dr. Frederik Pferdt

Dr. Frederik Pferdt, Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist and founder of its Innovation Lab, explores how to cultivate a “future-ready” mindset in both life and leadership. Drawing from his book What’s Next is Now, he shares actionable strategies for embracing curiosity, radical optimism, and perpetual experimentation to create impactful change. Learn how small, intentional steps can lead to transformative outcomes and why fostering a culture of innovation begins with mindset shifts.

Maisie Ganzler

Maisie Ganzler, former Chief Strategy and Brand Officer at Bon Appétit Management Company, shares her insights on integrating sustainability into business strategy. Drawing from her decades-long career, Maisie discusses actionable steps for embedding values into operations, avoiding pitfalls like greenwashing, and fostering cultural buy-in across organizations. This episode highlights how responsible business practices can drive innovation, build trust, and create lasting impact.

Rob Klenner

Rob Klenner, president of GreenFire Energy and former director of Geothermal Innovation at Baker Hughes, delves into the transformative potential of geothermal energy as a renewable resource. In this episode, Klenner shares insights on innovation in the energy sector, the challenges of leading a startup, and the critical role of company culture in driving success. Discover how his team is pioneering sustainable energy solutions through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships.

Stacey Cunningham

Stacey Cunningham, former president of the New York Stock Exchange and trailblazer as the first woman to hold the role, shares her journey of innovation and leadership in transforming the NYSE. From navigating technological advancements to fostering an inclusive culture, Stacey offers insights into driving change, balancing human and technological capital, and the evolving dynamics of public and private markets. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to thrive amidst change and inspire their teams to success.

Chris Cassidy

Chris Cassidy, CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum, shares lessons from his extraordinary career as a Navy SEAL, NASA astronaut, and now nonprofit leader. From mastering teamwork and preparation to leading with humility, Cassidy highlights the universal value of resilience, mentorship, and strategic leadership in navigating high-stakes missions. This episode offers unique insights into applying lessons from military and space exploration to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Brad Thomas

Brad Thomas, former CHRO at five major corporations, shares his deep insights on building high-performing organizations and fostering a culture of trust and accountability. Drawing from decades of leadership experience at companies like GE, PepsiCo, and New York Life, Brad discusses the critical role of talent acquisition, strategic leadership, and elevating organizational culture to drive business success. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for cultivating impactful leadership and aligning teams around a shared vision.

Oscar Munoz

Oscar Munoz, former chairman and CEO of United Airlines, shares his transformative leadership journey in this engaging episode. From navigating cultural and operational challenges at United to fostering trust among employees through transparency and authenticity, Oscar provides actionable insights into managing crises and creating impactful legacies. His experiences, including a heart transplant during his tenure, highlight the resilience and humanity required for effective leadership. Dive in to learn how building trust and empowering teams can drive organizational success and personal fulfillment.

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