AND is the Future - Making Businesses Sustainable AND Profitable

Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo

AND is the Future, hosted by Ilham Kadri, the CEO of Syensqo, brings together great minds to explore how businesses can be both sustainable AND profitable through innovation and science.

The best leaders practice the power of AND. To us, this means embracing ideas and behaviors that others might perceive as opposite or in conflict.

Leaders who are daring AND caring.

Leaders who are guided by science AND deeply human.

Leaders who are strong AND show vulnerability.

Leaders who focus on profitability AND sustainability with equal importance.

The power of AND is about believing in and embracing both. In And is the Future, Ilham sits down with great thought leaders and inspirational minds across the globe to discuss some of the most important issues facing businesses today.

Find out how we can do well AND do good in business with former CEO of DSM Feike Sijbesma; Hear about what business leaders can learn from space travel with Helen Sharman, the first British person in space; Discover the connection between disruption AND sustainable leadership with former Dow CEO Andrew Liveris; Learn how the Sustainable Development Goals can lead to incredible business opportunities with Marga Hoek; Explore how science can be at the service of humanity with Nobel Prize winners Steven Chu and Ben Feringa; Listen to an episode on chemistry AND music with renowned scientist and pianist Nuno Maulide - and that’s just the beginning!

Have you ever thought about how chemistry can enable a sustainable future? Did you know there's a connection between art and science, or between sustainable growth and health? What can athletes teach us about sustainable business? AND is the future will open your minds to discover business from a wider perspective and to embrace the AND in your leadership journey.

Ilham Kadri is the perfect host to lead these conversations. Dr. Kadri, the CEO of Syensqo, is a Moroccan-French business leader, a world citizen, a scientist, and a humanist who is fully committed to making businesses sustainable AND profitable. Her career spans more than three decades over four continents and she has delivered purpose-led transformations leading to superior financial, sustainability and DEI performances. Beyond her leadership at Syensqo, she is Chair of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), President of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), Vice-Chair of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) and a permanent member of the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council (WEF). Follow Ilham Kadri on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilham-kadri

The podcast is inspired by Syensqo’s founder Ernest Solvay, who organized the Solvay physics and chemistry conferences, which brought together the world’s greatest minds such as Albert Einstein and Marie Curie to push the limits of science and innovation and solve the world’s biggest challenges.

AND is the Future is presented by Syensqo, a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that advance humanity. Launched in 2023, as a spinoff of Solvay, Syensqo is driving breakthroughs in batteries, green hydrogen, advanced lightweighting materials, biobased solutions, and more. It is also a leader in the chemical industry in addressing environmental challenges and promoting circularity. Find out more: https://www.syensqo.com/en/

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AND is the Future - Trailer

AND is the Future - Trailer

"AND is the Future" brings together great minds to address the opportunities and challenges of making businesses both sustainable AND profitable. Hosted by Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay.

Episodes

Chemistry AND Creativity with Nobel Prize winner Jean-Marie Lehn

Chemistry AND Creativity with Nobel Prize winner Jean-Marie Lehn

According to Nobel Prize laureate Jean-Marie Lehn, chemistry isn’t just part of the solution to humanity's biggest challenges: it is the solution! That’s because chemistry can create solutions that do not yet exist. Ilham and Professor Lehn have a fascinating conversation about chemistry and creativity, failure and serendipity in science, and how companies play a crucial role in bringing scientific solutions into the world.Professor Jean-Marie Lehn is a French chemist known for his groundbreaking synthesis of cryptands, which led to an entirely new field of supramolecular chemistry. In 1987 he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Donald Cram and Charles Pedersen for the “development and use of molecules with structure‐specific interactions of high selectivity”. He is a Professor at the University of Strasbourg Institute of Advanced Study and the Chair of Chemistry of Complex Systems. He is also the Director, Chemistry Laboratory of Molecular Interactions, at the Collège de France.Timestamps2:03 - Inspiration from school science teacher5:40 - Supramolecular chemistry7:29 - Chemistry: part of the solution12:03 - A creative science14:17 - Science, failure and serendipity17:38 - Companies play an important role23:40 - Diversity, equity and inclusion in science26:38 - Love of classical music - and the connection to science29:11 - Winning the Nobel Prize30:40 - Chemistry and architectureSyensqo is proud to partner with the Jean-Marie Lehn Foundation. Through this strategic collaboration, we are working together to achieve breakthroughs in the design of sustainable and ecological materials, and the synthesis of renewable and polyfunctional building blocks. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Curiosity AND Reaching for the Stars: Anousheh Ansari on becoming the first Iranian woman in space

Curiosity AND Reaching for the Stars: Anousheh Ansari on becoming the first Iranian woman in space

Imagine. Be the change. Inspire - these are the words that Anousheh Ansari had made into a badge for her spacesuit as she became the first Iranian woman to fly into space! They are also the principles that led her to become a successful, sustainable CEO. Anousheh and Ilham have a fascinating conversation about the importance of having big dreams and reaching for the stars, why we need more women in STEM, and what it takes to become a sustainable entrepreneur and leader, and much more. Timstamps1:29 - Childhood, love of stars and inspiration for going to space6:06 - The importance of education - leading to engineering degree9:45 - First Iranian Muslim woman to fly to space!14:46 - Why we need to democratize space travel20:13 - CEO of XPRIZE23:52 - Advice for entrepreneurs27:14 - The importance of having more women in STEM30:51 - Imagine, be the change, inspireAnousheh Ansari is an engineer, a highly successful entrepreneur, and the first Iranian and Muslim woman and the first private explorer to travel to space. She is the CEO of the XPRIZE, which aims to accelerate technological breakthroughs that will benefit humanity through the power of large scale public competitions. Ansari and her family sponsored XPRIZE’s first venture in 1994: the $10 million Ansari XPRIZE that ignited a new era for commercial spaceflight. She began serving on its Board of Directors and became CEO of XPRIZE in 2018, leading and scaling the foundation to its highest impact period in its history. To date, XPRIZE has launched 30 prizes offering over $500 million in prize purses, hosting over 35,000 innovators from around the world to participate in its competitions.She is a global presence in future-positive tech markets and a resonant voice for women within STEM, business, and the entrepreneurial industries. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Sport AND Sustainability with Formula E pilot Stoffel Vandoorne

Sport AND Sustainability with Formula E pilot Stoffel Vandoorne

So how does it feel to be part of one of the most sustainable sports? Great, according to Formula E champion, Stoffel Vandoorne! As he explains, Formula E, the driving competition for electric cars, is “really a championship that is on the rise, that is pushing sustainability, electrification and bringing that racing to the cities as well.” Stoffel gives an inspiring account of how he prepares physically and mentally for a race, what makes a Formula E car different to drive, what business leaders can learn from his champion mindset, the importance of dreaming big and never giving up, and much more! 1:16 - Upbringing and inspiration for racing3:34 - Preparing physically and mentally for a race7:30 - Formula E: One of the most sustainable sports!9:26 - The Formula E car - what’s different?12:12 - Career in racing: focus on the journey17:03 - What businesses can learn from racing20:18 - Favorite race track21:40 - Next big goal23:06 - Life outside of racingStoffel Vandoorne is a Belgian professional racing driver in Formula E, the championship for electric cars. Until July 2024 he was a pilot for the DS Penske team, which Syensqo is proud to sponsor. Vandoorne's racing career started at the age of six, competing in kart championships – and this led him all the way to becoming the champion of the 2015 GP2 Series and winning the 2021–22 Formula E World Championship.***This podcast was recorded in June 2024, when Stoffel was still with the DS Penske team. We wish him the best in his next adventure! For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Humanitarianism AND Health: Siddharth Chatterjee on Sustainable Development Goals and business

Humanitarianism AND Health: Siddharth Chatterjee on Sustainable Development Goals and business

According to Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, "the world needs to unite" to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, "and this is where the role of the private sector becomes absolutely mission critical." Ilham speaks with Siddharth about his incredible work with the United Nations to improve the lives of children, ensure equality for women and girls, promote health and well being, drive progress on all the SDGs….and how businesses can play a key role.. Siddharth has worked tirelessly with the United Nations to protect the most vulnerable. One of his greatest professional achievements was the demobilization of more than 3, 500 children from the conflicts in South Sudan. He is also a health and wellness enthusiast and shares some tips from his own routines! Timestamps1:35 - Childhood and inspiration for humanitarian causes6:10 - The Sustainable Development Goals: how are we doing?12:35 - SDG 13 and the climate agenda18:10 - Fighting for gender equality - SDG 522:01 - Demobilization of over 3,500 child soldiers in South Sudan29:52 - Focus on health and wellness37:34 - Love of literature For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Space Travel AND Self Belief with Helen Sharman, the first British person in space

Space Travel AND Self Belief with Helen Sharman, the first British person in space

It all started when Helen Sharman heard a radio advertisement that said they were looking for an astronaut, no experience required. She applied, beat out 13,000 applicants, and became the first British person to travel to space! Ilham speaks with Helen about her incredible journey from a young chemist to becoming an astronaut; how she had to believe not only in herself but also her team; her love of chemistry and science; and the discipline it took to make her dreams a reality.In May 1991, Helen traveled to the Mir Space Station and spent eight days orbiting the Earth. The mission, called Project Juno, was a cooperative arrangement and would enable the UK to send one of its people into space for the first time. During her time at the Mir space station, she conducted a variety of experiments including medical and agricultural tests, protein crystal growth and how new materials perform in the environment outside the space station. Since her return from space, Helen has been heavily involved in communicating science and its benefits.Timestamps01:40 - Upbringing and love of chemistry05:24 - Becoming an astronaut08:23 - Focus on the journey10:13 - Flying into space13:58 - Looking down at earth16:46 - Reliance on her team19:55 - Not being defined by gender24:46 - Sustainability in space31:03 - When will humans get to Mars?33:56 - Advice for next generation of scientists and explorers37:40 - What can businesses learn from space exploration40:40 - Interest in music43:17 - Love of nature For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Disruption AND Sustainability in Leadership with Former Dow CEO Andrew Liveris

Disruption AND Sustainability in Leadership with Former Dow CEO Andrew Liveris

According to Andrew Liveris, effective leaders can’t ignore the disruptive era we’re living in; they have got to embrace it. Ilham and Andrew have a fascinating conversation about disruption AND sustainable leadership, exploring the threat of short-termism, the need for inclusive capitalism, and the importance of purposeful leaders.Timestamps02:03 - Growing up in an ethnic family unit08:19 - Chemistry is part of the everyday12:42 - Explaining the mindset of the 5Ds19:00 - Recreating yourself as a leader25:49 - The epidemic of short-termism28:58 - The need for inclusive capitalism34:00 - The importance of human revolution40:11 - Hopes for future leaders For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Economics AND Sustainable Business with Bruno Van Pottelsberghe

Economics AND Sustainable Business with Bruno Van Pottelsberghe

When you educate students you can transform the world! Top economist and educator Bruno Van Pottelsberghe speaks with Ilham about the importance of a sustainable business education to inspire true sustainable leadership. They discuss the Solvay Business School’s Executive Masters in Sustainability, his advice for young leaders, how we can reimagine business, and much more! Timestamps01:58 - Upbringing and start of career04:53 - Solvay Business School and legacy of its founder Ernest Solvay08:36 - Top Business School projects11:58 - The Executive Masters in Sustainability17:10 - What does it mean to be a sustainable leader?24:16 - Advice for young leaders28:24 - Hobbies and interestsBruno Van Pottelsberghe is the Dean of the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. He is a Professor, a top Belgian economist, a Senior Fellow at the Bruegel think-tank in Brussels, AND an expert on how we can create businesses that are both sustainable and profitable. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Chemistry AND Curiosity: Professor Omar Yaghi on chemistry as a global solution

Chemistry AND Curiosity: Professor Omar Yaghi on chemistry as a global solution

In this episode, Ilham sits down with the winner of Syensqo's 2024 Ernest Solvay Prize, Omar Yaghi. Omar has used his passion for Science to change the course of the future with his discovery of reticular chemistry. His pioneering work is making a positive impact on our planet, purifying our water, air and fuel for generations to come. His research has inspired further development of new materials and sparked discoveries that can help solve major problems such as CO2 capture, hydrogen storage, water harvesting and gas purification. Omar shares Syensqo’s passion for exploration and innovation, always pushing the boundaries of science to advance humanity. He believes in the power of questions and curiosity over a focus on the end results, and this approach has led him to become the award-winning inspiration he is today. Timestamps02:21 - Becoming one of the most renowned scientists of today09:50 - Pioneering a new field of chemistry15: 40 - Applying groundbreaking science to real-world scenarios19:28 - Taking risks and embracing failure 22:44 - The power of peer recognition 24:15 - Looking toward the future 16:22 - Democratization of technology 30:02 - The importance of curiosity in STEM education For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Science AND Beauty: L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus on the business of beauty

Science AND Beauty: L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus on the business of beauty

The purpose of L’Oréal is to create beauty that moves the world. According to CEO, Nicolas Hieronimus, ‘to move’ can have two meanings: “One is to change things, such as using green sciences and reducing package as a way to move the world. But moving is also about emotion. Beauty is about emotions; it’s about bringing people self-confidence.” Ilham and Nicolas have a fascinating conversation about science AND beauty, discussing topics such as beauty and tech, how to be sustainable and profitable, and the importance of promoting diversity in the beauty industry.Nicolas Hieronimus has spent the majority of his career at L’Oréal, one of the world’s largest cosmetic companies. He started his career at the company as a Product Manager for the Garnier branch in 1987 and was named CEO of L’Oréal in 2021. Describing himself as a ‘beauty junkie’, Nicolas has reinforced L’Oréal’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, transparency, and cutting-edge technology, solidifying L’Oréal’s position as a beacon of innovation and ethical responsibility in the beauty industry.Timestamps01:30- Introduction to the beauty industry04:03 - Taking professional risks that pay off08:29 - Being a purpose-led company11:45 - Being sustainable AND profitable15:45 - Tech for beauty20:23 - The importance of psychological safety in the workplace23:46 - Introducing Warm Up Mondays25:05 - Promoting diversity in science and beauty30:39 - Favorite music and movies For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Music AND Chemistry: Nuno Maulide on what scientists & business leaders can learn from music

Music AND Chemistry: Nuno Maulide on what scientists & business leaders can learn from music

Did you know that there’s a strong connection between music and science? Ilham speaks with award winning chemist and pianist Nuno Maulide about the science behind the classical music of the greatest composers. He talks about the musical talent of brilliant scientists such as Albert Einstein and Max Planck, what scientists and business leaders can learn from music, and beautifully plays pieces by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Debussy. Listen and be inspired! Nuno Maulide is a professor and head of the Institute for Organic Chemistry at the University of Vienna. Nuno studied piano and chemistry in his hometown in Lisbon and then went on to earn his PhD at the University of Louvain in Belgium. He has studied at universities in Louvain-la-Neuve, Paris and at Stanford University, and started his independent work as a Group leader at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Carbon Research. He has received numerous prestigious awards in both chemistry and music throughout his career. Timestamps1:59 - Albert Einstein and Max Planck’s love for Bach and Mozart7:09 - Nuno plays Bach’s Jesus bleibet meine Freude10:38 - Introduction to music in primary school13:11 - Switch to focus on organic chemistry19:43 - Nuno plays excerpts from Mozart’s Sonata in G Major 1st Movement20:48 - Connection between science and music23:21 - Schubert and the connection to nature27:51 - Nuno plays Schubert’s Impromptu in G Flat Major33:00 - Chopin and the connection to water35:07 - Nuno plays Chopin’s Etude Opus 25 No. 137:23 - What can businesses learn from music?40:31 - Rachmaninoff and pattern recognition41:27 - Nuno plays Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G Sharp Major44:32 - Emotion vs rationality?46:02 - Nuno plays Debussy’s Clair de lune For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Art AND Sustainability: Claudy Jongstra on what businesses can take from art

Art AND Sustainability: Claudy Jongstra on what businesses can take from art

Have you ever wondered how the Dutch masters were able to use such vibrant colors? They come from plant-based dyes! Ilham sits down with internationally acclaimed artist Claudy Jongstra to discuss her incredible art, which is made from plant based dyes and wool that comes from a rare, indigenous breed of sheep raised on her farm in The Netherlands. They discuss her fascinating artistic process, the costumes she created for the Jedi in Star Wars, what businesses can learn from art and much more. Claudy’s work truly brings art AND sustainability together! Claudy Jongstra is a world renowned artist and designer known worldwide for her monumental artworks and architectural installations, whose organic surfaces and nuanced tones reflect her masterful innovations in the ancient technique of making wool felt. Her fabrics have been used by some of the most well known designers such as Christian Lacroix and Donna Karan, and they were even worn by the Jedi in Star Wars Episode 1. Her work has been included in collections at major museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and more.Timestamps1:50 - Upbringing in the Netherlands and early love for color, nature and art6:16 - Creating sustainable art from materials on a farm9:08 - Making beautiful plant-based dyes/colors15:14 - Creating the Jedi costumes for Star Wars17:53 - Art and circularity20:53 - What can businesses learn from art24:26 - Connecting art and education27:31 - Secret to success29:47 - Artist role models and favorite work of art For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Leadership AND Finding Your True North: Bill George on how to become an authentic leader

Leadership AND Finding Your True North: Bill George on how to become an authentic leader

According to leadership expert Bill George, “Your true north is the essence of who you are, and before you can go on an outer leadership journey, you have to go on an inner journey.” Ilham has a fascinating discussion with Bill about how you can find your True North, his new book on leadership, the shift from “I” to “we”, advice to emerging leaders and much more. Bill George is one of the most renowned experts on leadership. He's the former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, and currently an executive fellow at Harvard Business School. You may know Bill as the author of the groundbreaking book, True North, as well as many other books on leadership. He has just published this newest book called True North Emerging Leaders Edition, which he co-authored with the Millennial entrepreneur, Zach Clayton.Timestamps2:16 - Youth and early lessons in leadership5:10 - What is True North10:50 - About his new book: True North Emerging Leader Edition13: 09 - Becoming an authentic leader17:24 - Crucibles that test your leadership20:58 - Shift from I to We23:18 - True North and North Star - what’s the difference? 27:33 - Political issues - when to become involved30:36 - Giving back: the George Family Foundation32:52 - Advice to young leaders For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

The Sustainable Development Goals AND the Trillion Dollar Shift with Marga Hoek

The Sustainable Development Goals AND the Trillion Dollar Shift with Marga Hoek

According to sustainable leadership expert Marga Hoek, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in business can lead to incredible business opportunities - in fact it’s a $12 trillion business case! Ilham has a fascinating discussion with Marga about how business for good is good for business, the attributes that make a good sustainable CEO, the importance of mentoring and much more. Marga Hoek, one of the top leaders on sustainable business, is a three-time CEO and the author of a best selling book called The Trillion Dollar Shift, which highlights the incredible business opportunities for companies that work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals. Marga is considered one of the most influential thought leaders in the transition towards a more sustainable world.Timestamps1:22 - Upbringing and what ballet taught her about leadership7:00 - The $12 trillion dollar business case for implementing the SDGs12:16 - Business for good is good for business15:08 - What attributes make a sustainable CEO?19:35 - Tech for good25:32 - Great examples of businesses doing good31:33 - Lessons learned as CEO35:53 - The importance of mentoring40:54 - Motherhood and entrepreneurship For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

ESG AND Profitable Investing with CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management Nicolai Tangen

ESG AND Profitable Investing with CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management Nicolai Tangen

According CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management Nicolai Tangen, ESG and investing go hand in hand. Ilham sits down with Nicolai to discuss the importance of achieving the power of AND for investors, the journey of Norges Bank Investment Management under his leadership, his leadership lessons and advice for young leaders and investors, as well as his favorite books, paintings and more! Nicolai Tangen is the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). In that role he is responsible for managing the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, which owns approximately 1.4% of the world’s listed companies. On top of running one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, he is also a podcast host, a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and an art and cooking enthusiast. He holds masters degrees in Art History and Social Psychology. Timestamps1:25 - Upbringing in Kristiansand, Norway2:43 - Commitment to philanthropy5:16 - Journey of NBIM under his leadership9:12 - Sustainable AND profitable investing12:43 - Criteria NBIM investments14:08 - Importance of transparency15:41 - Podcast: In Good Company17:28 - Leadership lessons23:26 - Diversity, equity and inclusion26:16 - Favorite books27:34 - Favorite artists and paintings29:00 - Advice to young leaders31:29 - Favorite things to cook For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Chemistry AND Cooking: Christophe Lavelle on molecular gastronomy

Chemistry AND Cooking: Christophe Lavelle on molecular gastronomy

Chemistry is everywhere and cooking is no exception! In this podcast, Ilham joins Christophe Lavelle – one of the foremost experts on molecular gastronomy – in the kitchen to learn about the chemistry of cooking, molecular gastronomy, how cooking is both an art and a science, and even how to make caramel foam with bicarbonate of soda and liquid nitrogen! Christophe Lavelle is a biophysicist, an epigeneticist and one of the foremost experts on the chemistry of cooking, or molecular gastronomy. His research focuses on the regulation of gene expression and the biophysical properties of macromolecules… including the ones you eat! He is a researcher at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), co-founder of the Food 2.0 LAB and runs a lab at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. He also teaches in many universities and establishments throughout Paris including the famous Le Cordon Bleu.Timestamps2:43 - Why chemistry AND cooking?4:09 - What is molecular gastronomy?7:30 - Inspiration to start cooking and role models8:58 - Teaching10:13 - Demo: making caramel with bicarbonate of soda and liquid nitrogen22:14 - Favorite recipes and foods25:05 - Advice to young scientists and chefs26:46 - Love of music For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Sustainable AND Profitable Leadership with leadership expert Clarke Murphy

Sustainable AND Profitable Leadership with leadership expert Clarke Murphy

According to leadership expert Clarke Murphy, great leaders must be moonshotters, possess empathy and have a high LQ (not just IQ)! What does that mean? Clarke explains everything in his fascinating discussion with Ilham. They talk about what it takes to be a sustainable leader, his new book on the topic, advice for young leaders and so much more. Timestamps1:49 - Upbringing and interest in sustainable leadership5:50 - CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates11:25 - Leadership and humility13:37 - Book on Sustainable Leadership21:24 - The LQ versus the IQ or even EQ25:44 - 100 percenters versus moonshotters28:52 - Passing the dinner table test30:38 - Discovering the empathy gene33:02 - Advice for young leaders34:19 - Love of the ballet and the artsClarke Murphy, the former CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates is a leadership expert who advises the world's top companies on leadership strategies that fuel profitable growth and value for all stakeholders. He has also just published a bestselling book called Sustainable Leadership: Lessons of vision, courage, and grit from the CEOs who dare to build a better world, which is essentially a handbook on how to become a true, sustainable leader. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Sport AND Determination: Trenten Merrill on becoming one of the world’s top paralympic track and field athletes

Sport AND Determination: Trenten Merrill on becoming one of the world’s top paralympic track and field athletes

Trenten Merrill speaks with Ilham about his incredible journey to become one of the world’s top paralympic track and field athletes. After overcoming many challenges, he has gone on to break the American record for long jump, not just once but three times! In this episode, he explains his passion for sports, how he stays disciplined, his advice for business leaders and young athletes, and so much more. 1:20 - Upbringing and passion for sports3:03 - Accident that changed his life7:31 - First competition in Rio10:41 - What can businesses learn from athletes?12:18 - Passion for journaling15:51 - Focus on the journey not the destination18:05 - Career in modeling20:34 - Entrepreneurial side23:16 - Working with children with prosthetics27:04 - What’s next?28:17 - Hobbies outside of sports29:20 - Diversity, equity and inclusion in the world of sportTrenten Merrill is one of the world’s top paralympic track and field athletes. At the age of 14 Trenten and his best friend were struck by a car and Trenten’s foot had to be amputated, but that did not stop him from fulfilling his childhood dream of being a professional athlete. Trenten learned about Paralympics and set his eyes on competing at the Paralympic Games. In 2016 Trenten made his first Paralympic team and broke the American Record in Long Jump. He went on to break the record again in 2018 and 2021. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Sport AND Perseverance: with Ambra Sabatini, the fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world

Sport AND Perseverance: with Ambra Sabatini, the fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world

In this latest episode, Ambra Sabatini explains her incredible journey to become the fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world. She speaks to Ilham about her passion for sports, an accident that changed her life, her stunning victory at the 2020 Paralympic games, what business leaders can learn from athletes, her advice for young people and more! 2:13 - Upbringing and passion for sports3:38 - Accident that changed her life 5:17 - Victory at the 2020 Paralympic games8:33 - Toughest challenges10:51 - What companies can learn from athletes12:12 - Perfectly imperfect tattoo13:34 - Diversity, equity and inclusion in sport15:14 - Advice for young people16:22 - What’s next?17:55 - Interests outside of sport20:39 - Strong support of familyAmbra Sabatini is the fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world. When she was only 19 years old she broke the world record, running 100 meters in just 14.11 seconds at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. And this is after she had already broken the world record a few months before in the Grand Prix in Dubai. In Tokyo, she also led Italy to a historic clean sweep in the women's 100m as her Italian teammates also won silver and bronze medals. Ambra was born in Livorno Italy in 2002. On June 5th, 2019 she was involved in a car accident on her way to training and she had to undergo an amputation of her left leg above the knee…but she never gave up on her love for sport. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Sport AND Resilience with KG Montjane, one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players

Sport AND Resilience with KG Montjane, one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players

KG Montjane overcame many challenges to become one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players and the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon. Ilham and KG talk about her incredible journey including her introduction to wheelchair tennis at the age of 19, her desire to help others, the importance of inclusion in sport, business and life, her advice to young people and much more. What a fantastic story of determination and resilience! 3:01- Introduction to tennis6:48 - First black African woman to play at Wimbledon9:44 - Toughest challenges in tennis12:56 - Responsibility to help others14:31 - Challenges off the court16:36 - Diversity, equity and inclusion in the world of sport18:07 - Advice to young people19:35 - Starting the Multi Sports Development Foundation to help underprivileged kids21:24 - Importance of inclusion25:24 - Hobbies outside of tennisKG Montjane is one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players. In fact, she is number 1 in Africa and number 4 in the World! In 2018, she became the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon. She was born in Polokwane, Limpopo. Due to a congenital birth defect, she went through a single amputation below the knee at the age of 12. She began her tennis career when she was 19, after receiving the equipment necessary for her to play wheelchair tennis. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast

Strength, Courage AND Ambition: Women leaders at Solvay on their recipe for success

Strength, Courage AND Ambition: Women leaders at Solvay on their recipe for success

Ilham has a conversation with five incredible Solvay women – Daniela Manique, Bijal Mathkar, Natalia Baran, Seung-eun Lee, and Cheryl Staton – who will all be featured in a book soon to be published called Adèle and the Women of Solvay. They talk about the importance of saying yes to opportunities, their passion for education, achieving a good balance between work and their personal lives (including motherhood), their recipe for success and much more. Adèle and the Women of Solvay, which will be published later this month, is about the women whose contributions and achievements, largely unrecognized until now, have shaped Solvay throughout its history. But importantly, it’s also about the amazing women at Solvay today who are paving the way to make the company more inclusive, diverse and prosperous. The proceeds from book sales will go to girls' education in less privileged locations around the world.2:36 - Early childhood experiences and saying yes to opportunities13:56 - Passion for education30:57 - Work life balance / imbalance and becoming mothers48:53 - Personal questions from their individual stories59:45 - Recipe for success The women featured in this podcast are all top leaders at Solvay. Daniela Manique is the President of the Global Business Unit Coatis and Head of Latin America. Bijal Mathkar, is the Research & Innovation Director in Vadodara in India. Natalia Baran is a Production Manager/Chemical Engineer at our site in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands. Seung-eun Lee is the Director of the Research and Innovation Center in Seoul in Korea. Cheryl Staton is the Rewards Partner in Princeton, New Jersey, in the United States of America. For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast