Leaders with Francine Lacqua

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

What makes a leader successful? Learn from people at the top. Join Bloomberg Television award-winning anchor and editor-at-large Francine Lacqua as she speaks with CEOs and other industry leaders to discover what drives them, their definition of success and how they are shaping their companies amid a fast-changing world. Publishes every other Monday.

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15 recent

June 15, 20263 min

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

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.

June 8, 202625 min

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

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.

June 1, 20262 min

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

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.

May 25, 202624 min

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

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/leaderswithlacquaRead more on management and work: https://www.bloomberg.com/management-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 18, 20262 min

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

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.

May 11, 202624 min

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

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=PLe4PRejZgr0PAxeoWOBGj6M7GXhXQmdn6Read more on management and work: https://www.bloomberg.com/management-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 4, 20263 min

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

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.

April 27, 202625 min

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

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/leaderswithlacquaRead more on management and work: https://www.bloomberg.com/management-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 20, 20263 min

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

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.

April 13, 202624 min

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

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, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.