CXO Conversations

CXO Conversations

In “Leading an Iconic Brand Through a Global Transformation,” former CFO of The Economist, shares how he helped guide the publication through its bold shift from weekly print to a digital-first and live events model. On this episode of CXO Conversations, David reflects on early digital adoption, the value of listening to clients, and how consultative selling reshaped the way advertisers and subscribers engaged with the brand. From launching Economist Espresso to hosting government roundtables across the globe, David’s story is a playbook for executives leading organizations through...

CXO Conversations

What does it take to go from West Point to the corner office? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Jack Blaha, CEO of Cendyn, opens up about his path from Army officer to five-time SaaS CEO and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous leadership development, and building a strong professional network, while sharing strategies for excelling in current roles and preparing for future opportunities. For aspiring and current leaders alike, Jack offers practical insights on team building, mentorship, and how presence and emotional...

CXO Conversations

In “West Point to CEO,” , CEO of Cendyn, shares his remarkable journey from Army veteran to seasoned executive leading multiple SaaS companies. On this episode of CXO Conversations, Jack reflects on how military-honed adaptability and leadership shaped his transition into the corporate world, from hospitality to social media marketing software. He discusses the impact of emotional intelligence on company culture, the value of mentorship, and the importance of building strong teams—including bringing trusted colleagues to ensure operational success. Jack’s story is a masterclass in...

CXO Conversations

What does it take to go from making cold calls to leading a hyperscale data center company powering the cloud? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Laura Ortman, CEO of COLOGIX, shares her journey through pivotal roles across tech, the lessons she carried into the C-suite, and why broad business experience is critical for informed leadership. She reflects on perseverance, mentorship, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, while emphasizing the importance of corporate culture, strong networks, and risk-taking. Laura’s story is a masterclass in resilience, relationship...

CXO Conversations

In “Leading with Impact: Laura Ortman’s Journey to CEO at COLOGIX,” shares how her career path—spanning Lockheed Martin, Jeppesen, VMware, and Hologic—prepared her to lead North America’s leading network-neutral interconnection and Hyperscale Edge data center company. On this episode of CXO Conversations, she discusses the unique challenges of scaling with private equity partners, her customer experience strategy of listening and rebuilding trust, and how her athletic background shaped her “Together We Win” leadership philosophy. From making cold calls to steering a tech...

CXO Conversations

From Army paratrooper to Chief Transformation Officer, Sean Odendahl’s career path is a masterclass in adaptability and leadership. In this episode of CXO Conversations, discover his lessons on mergers, building high-performing teams, and creating a culture of trust and feedback. For the full interview: https://ocns.co/sean-odendahl-partner-and-chief-transformation-officer/    #mentorship #executiveleadership #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #CXO  

CXO Conversations

Mentorship and direct feedback can make or break a career. , Chief Transformation Officer, joins CXO Conversations to discuss how candid conversations, military discipline, and legal expertise shaped his leadership style. A must-listen for executives and future leaders.  For the full interview: https://ocns.co/sean-odendahl-partner-and-chief-transformation-officer/   #mentorship #executiveleadership #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #CXO  

CXO Conversations

What makes a successful executive worth following? In this CXO Conversations episode, Rand Lewis—accomplished investor, co-founder of Delta-v Capital, and former McKinsey consultant—shares lessons from hiring and backing leaders across some of tech’s most recognized companies, including Zayo, Iterable, and Chegg. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Rand explains the traits he looks for in candidates, why decisiveness and followership matter, and how building authentic relationships is just as important as financial investment. A must-listen for founders, CEOs, and aspiring...

CXO Conversations

With over 24 years of experience in venture capital and private equity, has seen what separates good leaders from great ones. In this episode of CXO Conversations, the Managing Partner and co-founder of Delta-v Capital—whose investments include Zayo, Cloud Sherpa, LogRhythm, Iterable, and Chegg—shares why he invests not just capital, but real relationships. Rand also offers candid advice to current and emerging CEOs, explains how he evaluates executive talent, and reflects on lessons learned from his early career at McKinsey and Centennial Ventures before launching Delta-v. For the full...

CXO Conversations

From co-founding Techstars to authoring several books on startup leadership, Brad Feld has spent decades shaping the future of entrepreneurship. In this episode of CXO Conversations, Brad talks about the evolving role of boards, why supporting the CEO is a board’s most critical responsibility, and how diversity and culture drive long-term success. He also shares stories from the Colorado Trail and a personal life experience that continues to guide him daily—offering both wisdom and humility for founders, executives, and investors alike.   For the full 40 mins interview:  ...