CXO Conversations

CXO Conversations

What does it take to know when to step aside and hire the right CEO? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Heather Callender-Potters—global investor, co-founder of PharmaJet, and experienced board member—discusses the lessons she’s learned from founding companies, navigating leadership transitions, and serving on boards. From her international upbringing to launching one of the first private equity funds in Eastern Europe, Heather’s journey offers a unique perspective on resilience, cultural awareness, and executive selection. Her advice for aspiring leaders and board members...

CXO Conversations

In “Heather Callender-Potters, Founder and Board Member. Hiring a CEO and Board Member Perspectives,” shares lessons from a remarkable career that began in Poland just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, bringing access to capital during a time of historic transformation. Now co-founder of PharmaJet and a seasoned board member, Heather reflects on the challenges of handing over leadership to a CEO, the importance of cultural fit versus just résumé credentials, and why resilience and trust are critical in executive roles. She also offers candid advice for first-time board members on...

CXO Conversations

What does it mean to lead with authenticity in the C-suite? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Doug Gattuso talks about the importance of leaving ego at the door and focusing on creating value for people and organizations. He shares lessons from building teams, returning to companies multiple times, and leading international initiatives across Europe, Mexico, and India. Doug offers candid advice for those aspiring to executive leadership: don’t chase titles—invest in learning, seize opportunities, and always contribute to the bigger picture.   For the full interview:...

CXO Conversations

In “C-Suite Perspective in Leading with Authenticity,” shares why true leadership is about focusing on opportunities and outcomes—not titles or ego. A veteran of the Naval Academy and Marine Corps, Doug reflects on a career spanning executive roles including President and Chief Customer Officer. He explains why burning bridges is never wise, the lessons gained from international work experiences in Prague and India, and how patience, teamwork, and humility shape long-term success. Doug’s story is a reminder that authentic leadership and continuous contribution create lasting impact in...

CXO Conversations

What does it take to admit a prestigious path isn’t for you—and have the courage to pivot? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Casey Woo, CFO of Landing.com, discusses his journey from West Point to Harvard, from Wall Street hedge funds to executive leadership roles at startups like WeWork and Zozi. Casey shares how he found fulfillment in finance by building teams, driving strategy, and embracing the operational challenges of scaling businesses. Along the way, he offers candid advice on following passion over prestige, understanding the differences between CFO and COO roles, and...

CXO Conversations

In “Making the Hardest Call – Admitting it’s Not for You,” ,  former CFO forLanding.com, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career journey—from starting at West Point and pivoting to Harvard, to walking away from Wall Street to pursue his passion for building and leading companies. With CFO and COO roles at firms including WeWork and Zozi, Casey reflects on following your own path instead of others’ expectations, the lessons he’s learned on his way to the C-suite, and why choosing finance allowed him to combine strategy with impact. His story is a powerful reminder...

CXO Conversations

What does it take to plan a career all the way to the CEO chair? In this episode of CXO Conversations, John Oechsle discusses the strategic decisions that helped him rise from technology leadership at J&J and IHS to CEO of Derive Systems. He reflects on how international assignments shaped his leadership style, why embracing “crackpot projects” at Kellogg’s accelerated his growth, and the importance of taking roles for the right reasons—not just for compensation. For aspiring executives, John’s story is a roadmap on career planning, resilience, and the values that define strong...

CXO Conversations

In “Career Planning and Strategic Decisions to Become CEO,” was CEO of Derive Systems and now Bolt On Technology, shares how purposeful choices shaped his path from CIO roles at Johnson & Johnson and IHS to leading multiple organizations, including Swiftpage and now Derive. John explains how he set a goal early to become a CEO, took on challenging assignments others avoided, and leveraged international experiences across Europe, Latin America, and Asia to expand his leadership perspective. He also offers candid insights on why money is the wrong reason to pursue the C-suite and why...

CXO Conversations

What does it take to transition from the battlefield to the boardroom? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Craig Cummings—Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Moonshots Capital—discusses the lessons he’s carried from 17 years of military service into the world of startups and venture capital. He shares practical advice on creating a career-defining elevator pitch, supporting veteran entrepreneurs, and building strong networks that accelerate growth. From deploying with Special Operations to scaling tech startups and investing in extraordinary leaders, Craig’s...

CXO Conversations

In “Building Your Career Transition Elevator Pitch,” shares how his journey from Army Intelligence Officer in Afghanistan to General Partner at Moonshots Capital shaped his approach to leadership, entrepreneurship, and investing. A Bronze Star recipient and West Point graduate with a Ph.D. from Columbia, Craig explains how veterans can craft an elevator pitch that opens doors, the importance of building strong entrepreneurship communities like Austin’s, and why investing in talented veteran founders is a mission for him. His story is a powerful reminder that clarity, curiosity, and...