018: Designing a Life You Love: Ayse Birsel on Creativity, Courage, and Intentional Choices
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
Release Date: 08/07/2025
037: The Art of the Turnaround: How Jan Zijderveld Transformed Unilever Europe and Saved Avon Products - Part 2
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
Jan Zijderveld has run businesses on five continents, fixing broken ones, growing strong ones, and inheriting everything in between. In Part 2 of this conversation, he picks up where the strategic playbook left off: leading leaders across Southeast Asia and Europe, then walking away from 30 years at Unilever to take the top job at a company most people had written off. That company was Avon. Share price at $2, $2 billion in debt, 6 million sales reps cycling in and out the door every year. Zijderveld rebuilt it around four levers: brand, earnings, digital, and simplification, and sold it three...
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036: The Art of the Turnaround: How Jan Zijderveld Transformed Unilever Europe and Saved Avon Products - Part 1
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
In part one of this two-part episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy sits down with Jan Zijderveld, a rare breed of truly global executive who built an extraordinary career spanning eight countries across three continents. From brand manager in New Zealand to President of Unilever Europe — a $14 billion business across 34 countries — Jan shares the leadership lessons, hard-won instincts, and pattern recognition that only come from decades of doing difficult things in unfamiliar places. Jan opens up about his high-stakes turnaround of Avon Products, why the CEO success rate hovers around 27%, and...
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035: Humility, Curiosity & the Click: What Makes a Great CEO with Shlomo Yanai
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
What does it take to lead at the highest levels — in war, in business, and beyond? In this episode, Sandy sits down with Shlomo Yanai, a man who has done exactly that. From commanding forces in the Yom Kippur War to transforming Teva Pharmaceuticals into an $18 billion global powerhouse, Shlomo's journey is unlike anything you've heard before. Born to Holocaust survivors, Shlomo brings a rare depth of perspective on resilience, leadership, and reinvention. The conversation explores what it truly means to "click" in a role — and why humility and curiosity may be the most underrated...
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034: REPLAY: Crafting Collegiate Coaching Success and Building Future MLB Stars with Tracy Smith
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
What if you could transform a personal setback into an extraordinary career in collegiate sports? Tracy Smith, the head baseball coach at the University of Michigan, did just that. From his modest beginnings in Kentland, Indiana, to climbing the ranks in university baseball coaching, Tracy's story is one of resilience and strategic thinking. Listen as he shares how a life-changing car accident redirected his path, allowing him to channel his energy into coaching and developing Major League talents like Kyle Schwarber. This episode is your chance to glean insights from a seasoned coach who has...
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033: From Chariots of Fire to the House of Lords: Lord David Puttnam on Leadership, Purpose, and Creative Excellence
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
In this episode, Sandy sits down with Lord David Puttnam—Academy Award–winning producer of Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields, and The Mission—to explore what it truly takes to build a life of meaning, impact, and excellence. From being born during the Blitz to reshaping British film, education policy, and environmental legislation, Lord Puttnam reveals the through-line that connects his remarkable journey: self-awareness, purpose, and the drive to “amaze” rather than simply perform. Together, they discuss resilience, creative leadership, commercial discipline in the arts, and the...
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032: Why Power, Not Just Strength, Is the Future of Human Performance with Sam Miller
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
In this episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy sits down with Sam Miller, founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of Proteus Motion, to explore what it really takes to turn a powerful idea into a meaningful, world-changing business. Sam shares his journey from growing up around a half-finished invention in his basement to building a company that is redefining how human strength and power are measured across sports, health, and longevity. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, grit, and the long road from concept to market, including why power is emerging as one of the most important...
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031: What Elite Athletes Teach Us About Long-Term Performance with Matt LaPorta
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
In this episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy is joined by Matt LaPorta — former Major League Baseball player, Olympic bronze medalist, and partner at True Up Capital Advisors — for a candid conversation on what it takes to sustain high performance through success, setbacks, and major career transitions. Together, they explore the difference between confidence and arrogance, why talent alone isn’t enough, and how discipline and self-awareness drive long-term fulfillment. Matt shares lessons from his journey through elite athletics, career-ending injuries, and his transition into business and...
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030: REPLAY: From DJ to McKinsey: Chris Gagnon's Journey of Leadership, Mentorship, and Transformation
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
Join us for an engaging conversation with the dynamic Chris Gagnon, CEO of CURVE Test Centers, a Senior Partner at CEO.works, and ex McKinsey alum, who brings a treasure trove of insights and experiences to our latest episode. From his formative years at Dartmouth to his leadership roles in McKinsey and later in private equity, Chris's career journey has been anything but conventional. Explore the unique blend of digital and traditional approaches he has harnessed to drive transformation in businesses. Chris's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of mentorship. Throughout his...
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029: Why Transformations Fail: Jim Hirshorn on Talent, Work, and Role Fit
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
In this episode, Sandy sits down with longtime friend, the Co-Founder and Chairman of Onyx Canyon Partners, Jim Hirshorn for a wide-ranging conversation about careers, leadership, and what actually drives long-term success. Jim shares his journey from a quiet, analytically minded childhood through engineering, consulting, private equity, and executive operating roles, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how leaders are truly formed over time. Together, Sandy and Jim explore why so many talented executives fail despite strong credentials and how success depends on the interaction between...
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028: Impossible Roles, Real Results: Leadership Lessons from Mike Zafirovski
Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization
In this episode, Sandy sits down with Mike Zafirovski, founder and chairman of The Zaf Group (TZG), to explore a remarkable leadership journey that spans continents, industries, and decades. From growing up in communist Yugoslavia to leading some of the world’s most complex global businesses, Mike reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy and personal mission. Together, Sandy and Mike discuss what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels, why great leaders sometimes land in impossible roles, and how fulfillment comes from aligning work, values, and service. This...
info_outlineJoin Sandy for a captivating discussion with Ayse Birsel, an internationally acclaimed designer whose story weaves a narrative of creativity and courage. From her childhood explorations of the ancient city of Ephesus to her groundbreaking career in industrial design, Ayse's journey is a testament to the power of imagination and bold decision-making. Her tale begins with a simple teacup and leads to collaborations with major companies and contributions to prestigious museums, all while defying family expectations.
We explore the pivotal role of the Fulbright Scholarship in Ayse's story, a journey that took her from Turkey to the creative halls of the Pratt Institute in New York. It's here where her ideas flourished, setting the stage for a career that beautifully intertwines with her roles as an author and coach. Through the lens of design, Ayse shares insights on problem-solving and how historical understanding fuels innovation and personal growth. Her concept of "Design the Life You Love" offers a fresh perspective on life planning, where constraints become catalysts for creativity.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Ayse Birsel's journey from Turkey to global design acclaim
- The pivotal role of a Fulbright Scholarship in Ayse's career
- Ayse's innovative "Design the Life You Love" framework
- Aligning personal values with professional endeavors
- Navigating career misalignments and achieving the 'click'
- Emphasizing intentional choices for personal and professional happiness
Resources from this Episode
Website: birselplusseck.com and aysebirsel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designthelifeyoulove/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysebirsel/
Books:
Design the Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Meaningful Future, Tenspeed Press, Penguin Random House - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Life-Love-Step-Step/dp/1607748819/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9VQUDNPHC3AD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TldIs2BIGBXkhCWNLXXHA8uR7rZldz3Do3Er8epSo7p27UTSPuOesnaNDB-4KCJQXFcXJufqazbF0z9uMt2B27yzhhJaheyW0eqYc4mVs1hrq9ygi7w8RBROhG-pNYGB3Gax4e191HLQWpfQjPJ-NHj-YHFKfz4qwNWQ4ZDs2AA8Ix5oYxdNuXqwD--OCeAs4xXGluOpce8rek2dXG_zFIqIgciQH59PitO8XA-lGJA.pOAbrGC047KoBPW_cohQZQSqZrKk6FCquceCXvMXLzs&dib_tag=se&keywords=design+the+life+you+love&qid=1715936925&sprefix=design+the+life+,aps,235&sr=8-1
Design the Long Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Love, Purpose, Well-Being, and Friendship, Running Press, Hachette - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Long-Life-Step-Step/dp/0762481153/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TX6VN8WOKP24&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eZ8La3yIEugqaOMa-pPux08Se_FA4QnHwOPbNKtxeJqPQVOykZqjmZCzW8IwFzkfhrGPxMf_IbK_ErJu9dLB1FoAwuqaXCwXHdZmxQYLf8bbyl91ANZ5DlpQMOpjoosgLohus-XOLyrwGi6MxqWoROnC11fz0_T6A2hY1MbOyviL8-4c9HaJkkczTZoHuhx-KtRBT7V9aWgfRsy_sgYH_sAJ9OXbcnerQOvROkkliw.em08NvEa2H6eol1CRwUqUzzpdZynbElT-cBhqMtrtio&dib_tag=se&keywords=design+the+long+life+you+love&qid=1715936964&sprefix=design+the+long+life+you+love,aps,264&sr=8-1
Connect with Sandy Ogg:
Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/
X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent
Instagram: @SandyOnTalent
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Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.