Marlon Hernandez is Director of Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage Company where he’s leading the creation and expansion of the company’s new non-alcoholic beverages division, a part of the company’s revitalization plan launched in 2019. Marlon has spent 6 years rising through the innovation ranks of Molson Coors, and another 10 years in the spirits industry working in innovation for companies like Corby Spirit & Wine, and Pernod Ricard.

With a new year comes a desire to get better—so we wanted to share a powerful conversation on tackling imposter syndrome AND the power of coaching. Research shows that 70% of people experience imposter feelings at some point in their careers. Recently, this important topic was discussed by several P&G Alumni Coaches: Carol Yang, Heidi Piper, Carol Fusek, and Ilhiana Rojas—all accomplished executives with global career experiences AND certified coaches from the P&G Alumni Women’s Leadership Forum.

As 2022 comes to a close, we compiled some of the year’s learnings…from leaders. So sit back with your beverage of choice and enjoy. And give us a gift—leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—hearing from YOU, our fellow Alumni, makes a big difference for our team as we reflect on the year. THANK YOU for the continued support of our podcast and our amazing guests…

• Suzy Deering: Ford Motor Company CMO
• Claire Elvers, Wayfair’s Head of Global Brand Management & Insights
• Matthew McConaughey, Academy Award-winning actor and producer
• Nitin Gajria, Google’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa
• Christine Fisher, Possip Co-Founder & COO
• Marissa Solis, National Football League (NFL) SVP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing
• Tristan Walker, Walker & Co, CEO & Co-Founder
• Sharon Hall, Walmart’s VP of Global Executive Recruiting
• Seaphes Miller, Founder & CEO of Fusion Integrated Solutions
• Andrew Tarvin & Raman Sehgal reflecting on 100+ episodes
• John Pepper & Qaisar Shareef on Understanding Ukraine & Russia
• Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global Founder & CEO
• Raj Rao, IBM’s GM for Blockchain Ventures
• Malcolm Gladwell, Author & Journalist
• Dian Alyan: GiveLight Foundation Founder & CEO
• Kevin Hochman, Kentucky Fried Chicken, President, Yum! Brands
• Ikdeep Singh, Mars Petcare President, North America
• Qaisar Shareef, P&G’s former head of Pakistan & Ukraine
• P&G Alumni Comedians: Greg Warren, Josh Sneed, Rajiv Satyal, Andrew Tarvin
• Mahzarin Banaji, Harvard Psychologist & ‘Blindspot’ Author
• Mike Shangkuan, Lingoda CEO
• Gary Vaynerchuk (VaynerX) & Bracken Darrell (Logitech): Masters of Digital Disruption
• Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati Mayor
• Kevin Shapiro, Coty SVP of US Marketing
• Julie Eddleman, DoubleVerify’s Global Chief Commercial Officer
• Jay Sethi: Diageo Beer Company CMO & SVP of Diageo Convenience
• Shelly McNamara: P&G’s Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer
• Guy Raz, NPR Producer & Journalist
• Jakub Kocinski, Digital Safety & Trust (P&G, Google, TikTok, Meta)
• Poliana Sousa, Latin America’s Coca-Cola™ Lead
• Vivek Sunder: Cuemath CEO
• Katie Couric, TV Journalist, Producer, & Author
• K Patrick Davis: Blue Buffalo VP & General Manager
• Ana Maria Henao, PepsiCo’s VP of Global Marketing Excellence 
• TEDx Talks with P&G Alums: Drew, Ida, & Rajiv
• John Pepper & Ursula Burns’ (Xerox former CEO) on Race & Understanding
• Tom Asacker, P&G Trainer & Author 
• David Youn, Master Lock, President
• Alonya Tkachenko, Nommi CEO & Co-founder
• Paul Polman, Unilever xCEO on “Net Positive”
• Kyle Schlegel, Weber’s VP Americas Marketing & DTC
• Judy Okten: The Power of Disconnecting
• Edward Norton – Actor, Director, Activist, Entrepreneur (from P&G’s “More Than Soap” Podcast)
• Jim Lafferty, Fine Hygienic Holding, CEO
• JOHN SMALE – John Pepper & David Taylor’s reflections on John Smale
• Chip Bergh, Levi’s CEO: Advocacy, Activism & John Smale
• Bob McDonald & Bob Gill’s reflections on John Smale
• Janet Reid & Gordon Brunner’s reflections on John Smale
• A.G. Lafley & Charlotte Otto’s reflections on John Smale
• Oya Canbas, Bayer Global Brand Director
• Vahe Ayvazian, Abbott Divisional Vice President of Marketing & Core Diagnostics
• Sudha Ranganathan, LinkedIn’s Director of Product Marketing
• David Taylor, P&G’s Former CEO & Chairman

Heard something you missed? Be sure to go back and check out each guest’s full episode.
Got a suggestion for a future episode? Send a note to pgalums@gmail.com—we’d love to hear from you! Thanks for your continued support of our Learnings from Leaders podcast!

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David Taylor served as P&G’s Chairman & CEO from 2015 to 2022—having worked at P&G for more than 40 years. Throughout his career, David held leadership roles within both operations and marketing, managing P&G manufacturing sites, and eventually leading various consumer brands across North America, Europe, and Asia. David reinvigorated P&G’s growth during his tenure, returning it to sustainable, balanced growth and value creation by simplifying the company’s management structure and empowering business leaders to drive operational excellence in their specific areas of responsibility. David also led the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving both worker safety and supply chain resiliency. It goes without saying that David is among one of the great modern CEOs of P&G, steering the company through a trying time, and demonstrating the purpose, values, and principles that continue to make P&G not just the sustaining, successful business we know it to be, but also a culture of some of the best people in the business. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation covering not just the highlights of David’s storied career, but the reflections on his learnings along the way.

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Sudha Ranganathan is LinkedIn’s Director of Product Marketing in the Talent Solutions business—helping employers worldwide hire and develop strong talent in the new world of work. Sudha’s advocacy of consumer-centric marketing comes from a career spanning consumer insights and product marketing. Prior to LinkedIn, Sudha worked at Paypal as Senior Manager, Strategic Customer Insight, as well as at Affinova as VP of Strategic Account Development. Sudha got her start at P&G in Consumer Insights where she spent 7+ years working across Asian markets. Sudha earned her MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Mumbai. Sudha has a track record for developing high-performing, psychologically safe teams. As a trained CTI (Co-active Training Institute) coach, Sudha has a passion for unlocking the highest potential within individuals and teams. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about the importance of emotional intelligence for modern leaders.

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Oya Canbas is Global Brand Director and I&D Lead for Bayer Consumer Health—leading Bayer’s biggest nutritional brand, Elevit, globally—which has a purpose of giving every baby best start in life. She is also the global lead in Inclusion and Diversity. In her 8 years in Bayer Consumer Health, Oya held two GM roles in UK and Ireland, as well as in Turkey. Prior to Bayer, she established her career at Gillette and then in Procter and Gamble for 18 years in leadership roles across Turkey, the UK and Russia on brands like Pampers, Ariel, Fairy, Always, Head & Shoulders, Gillette and Oral-B. Born in South Africa, raised in Turkey, and now living in the UK, Oya is a passionate leader, brand builder, and a proud mother of two children. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about being a passionate learner, developing high-performing teams, and bringing out the best in people.

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Vahe Ayvazian is Abbott’s Divisional Vice President of Marketing & Core Diagnostics. Having served at Abbott for 8+ years, Vahe’s work is focused on delivering measurably better healthcare performance through innovation to the healthcare ecosystem. Vahe got his start at P&G, spending twelve years in marketing and category management roles, from Prilosec OTC to Pantene—where in haircare he helped turn around a decade of brand decline through simpler innovation and retailer understanding. Vahe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and International Business at Indiana University, and has received executive certifications from the CMO program and Big Data from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business. A proud husband and father of two, Vahe is also on the board of a local school district educational foundation in the Chicago suburbs. Always curious, Vahe has honed his passion for building teams and organizational culture for sustainable growth. Through his early years in sports that greatly shaped his team player attitude, to the mentors at P&G that believed in him and demonstrated the importance of listening and being curious, Vahe pays it forward on the global teams he now leads through leadership, learning, and mentorship.

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A.G. Lafley and Charlotte Otto return to our podcast — as two P&G Alumni whose career was directly and influenced by John Smale and his unique style of leadership. A.G. Lafley served P&G’s CEO & Chairman twice, from 2000-2009 and 2013-2015. Charlotte served as P&G’s Global External Relations Officer for thirteen years—the company’s first female corporate officer. Both have a lot to share about the purpose-inspired, caring, yet demanding and principled leader that was John Smale. 

This episode is the last of our series featuring reflections from leaders on John Smale, P&G’s former Chairman & CEO, who led P&G from 1981-1990, and served as General Motors’ Chairman  from 1992-1995. These conversions are in honor of the new book “Here Forever: The Timeless Impact of John Smale on Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and the Purpose and Practice of Business” by Rob Garver, available now. While John Smale passed away in 2011—he is arguably one the most influential leaders of the modern era, growing P&G more than six-fold in his tenure. And yet Smale is largely unknown to many leaders guiding American and global businesses today. John’s leadership in developing a vision for corporate purpose was decades ahead of its time. This was a book years in the making by not just the author, but many of some of the biggest leaders in business. “Here Forever” is a compelling and insightful read we’d highly recommend, and will make a great holiday gift for the admired, or aspiring leaders in your life. Pick up a copy wherever you get your favorite books!

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Janet Reid and Gordon Brunner are two P&G Alumni who had the privilege of coming up at the company during John Smale’s rise to leadership at P&G. Janet Reid is Founder, CEO, and Managing Partner of BRBS World, and spent 10 years as an early Brand Manager at P&G from 1980-1990. Gordon Brunner, a familiar guest on this podcast, was P&G’s former Chief Technical Officer, one of the company’s most renowned R&D executives, and the first R&D’er to sit on the company’s Board. Both have a lot to share about the purpose-driven, caring, demanding, and principled leader that was John Smale.

Throughout this month, we’ll be hearing reflections from leaders on John Smale, P&G’s former Chairman & CEO, who led P&G from 1981-1990, and served as General Motors’ Chairman  from 1992-1995. These conversions are in honor of the new book “Here Forever: The Timeless Impact of John Smale on Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and the Purpose and Practice of Business” by Rob Garver, available now.

While John Smale passed away in 2011, he was arguably one the most influential leaders of the modern era, growing P&G more than six-fold during his tenure. And yet, Smale is largely unknown to many leaders guiding American and global businesses today. John’s leadership in developing a vision for corporate purpose was decades ahead of its time. This was a book years in the making by not just the author, but many of Pick up a copy wherever you get your favorite books.

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Bob McDonald & Bob Gill are two P&G Alumni who share many things in common, least of which is their first name. The first is no stranger to this podcast — Bob McDonald, who served as P&G’s former CEO from 2009-2013, and was the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2014-2017. And our second guest is another well known Alum to many P&G Executives — Bob GIll – who served at P&G for 28 years in many senior leadership positions – from 1974 to 2002, where he had more than a few interactions with John Smale. Both of this episode’s Bobs – McDonald and Gill — have a lot to share about the purpose-inspired, caring, yet demanding and principled leader that was John Smale.

For this month’s podcasts, we’ll be hearing reflections from leaders on John Smale, P&G’s former Chairman & CEO, who led P&G from 1981-1990, and served as General Motors’ Chairman  from 1992-1995. These conversions are in honor o f the new book “Here Forever: The Timeless Impact of John Smale on Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and the Purpose and Practice of Business” (by Rob Garver), available now. While John Smale passed away in 2011 – he is arguably one the most influential leaders of the modern era, growing P&G more than six-fold in his tenure. And yet, Smale is largely unknown to many leaders guiding American and global businesses today. John’s leadership in developing a vision for corporate purpose was decades ahead of its time. This was a book years in the making by not just the author, but many of some of the biggest leaders in business. “Here Forever” is a compelling and insightful read we’d highly recommend, and will make a great holiday gift for the admired, or aspiring leaders in your life. Pick up a copy wherever you get your favorite books

• Johnsmalehereforever.com
• goodreads.com/book/show/62350265-here-forever
• amazon.com/Here-Forever-Timeless-Practice-Business/dp/1667864068
• /bookshop.org/p/books/here-forever-the-timeless-impact-of-john-smale-on-procter-gamble-general-motors-and-the-purpose-and-practice-of-business/18846027?ean=9781667863818

Chip Bergh is President & CEO of Levi Strauss & Company—and a returning podcast guest (2020). Chip spent 28 years at P&G in leadership roles from Folgers to Swiffer, from Asia to Gillette and Old Spice. He got his start in the US Army as a paratrooper, rising to the rank of Captain. 

Chip came back on the pod to talk about something he’s passionate about: the evolving role of the CEO—going beyond the P&L to advocacy and activism. Chip learned the idea of “the Responsible CEO” from P&G’s former CEO John Smale (1981-1990), arguably one of the most influential leaders of the modern era. Chip shares his thoughts from the new book about John Smale “Here Forever: The Timeless Impact of John Smale on Procter & Gamble, General Motors and the Purpose and Practice of Business.” Chip also discusses the issues he and Levi’s are active in: voter registration, women’s rights, ending gun violence and climate change. While many of us have strong beliefs on these topics, the goal of this discussion was not to push an agenda, but rather to focus on the nonpartisan business reasons for taking a stand on certain issues. Chip shares stories of not just his own style of values-driven leadership, but also how he’s continued, through humility and humor, Levi’s tradition of social activism.

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Jack McFadden – Community Service

Jack McFadden has been recognized for the Community Service award based on the impact of his contributions to Wilton, CT and its surrounding communities for more than 40 years.  It started with a very personal experience.  In 1980, Jack’s daughter Melissa was born with Downs Syndrome; two days after her birth Jack joined STAR, Lighting the way.  STAR’s mission is to provide opportunities for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Jack’s leadership with STAR started with Melissa but his hands-on advocacy for people with disabilities is evident to this day.  He has served as President of STAR twice and STAR Residential once.  As President of STAR Residential he was the driving force behind the merger of the two entities to magnify their impact and benefit from the resources, scale, and leadership.  The result was one of the most prominent and most highly praised organizations serving the handicapped in Connecticut, including 700 families just in the Wilton area and a $9MM budget.  For STAR’s 50th anniversary he brainstormed the “Galaxy of Stars” – 50 street art stars for local towns.  The annual “Galaxy of Stars” gala has generated more than $3.5MM.  

The list goes on. His work with the Wilton Interfaith Action Committee has included the largest single-day volunteer event in New England.  Typically, 750 volunteers package 150,000-160,000 meals.  In 2001 Jack established the Melissa McFadden Memorial Scholarship for Wilton High School seniors who demonstrate compassion and support for people with special needs.  While many individuals contribute financially to local organizations, Jack gives his most valuable resources – his time, his creativity, and his talents.  For all these reasons we recognize Jack McFadden.

Greg Allgood – John E. Pepper Humanitarian

There are few things more basic to life than water and in a world where so many people are deprived of this basic necessity, Greg Allgood brings new meaning to humanitarian.

Dr. Greg Allgood is vice president of water for World Vision. In this role, Allgood leads the establishment of alliances with corporations, foundations, and individuals to enable World Vision to bring access to clean water to millions more people around the world.    Prior to joining World Vision in 2013, Allgood was the founder and director of the Procter & Gamble Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program and a Senior Fellow in Sustainability. Dr. Allgood was with P&G for 26 years and led its efforts to provide safe drinking water in the developing world, oversaw P&G’s global emergency response efforts, and helped manage P&G’s partnerships with the Clinton Global Initiative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, USAID, and other nonprofit organizations.    He has a doctoral degree in toxicology from North Carolina State University and a Master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, where he did research in water quality.

During the last 20 years, more than two billion people have been reached with clean water. World Vision has been a part of this effort as the number one non-governmental provider of clean water, reaching one person with clean water every 10 seconds. Yet the search for clean water is robbing women and girls of their futures. Women and children in the developing world walk a combined 200 million miles a day to find clean water. Delivering clean water can transform entire communities. For his work in bringing this life-saving essential to the people of the world, the Alumni Network recognizes Dr. Greg Allgood.

Ilhiana Rojas – Diversity & Inclusion

Ilhiana has been a trailblazer in empowering and supporting the advancement of Hispanic women in leadership to reduce the gender and wage gap.  She is a certified expert in DEI best practices and has coached and trained hundreds of women, especially women of color, to help them grow their career and elevate their voices.    She published the book “Extraordinary Latinas” to build the visibility of 10 Latinas, helping them open many doors. And she recently co-launched a new organization called United Latinas to amplify and connect Latinas and allies.  Additionally, her philanthropic efforts include creating a yearly spotlight campaign during Women’s month and Hispanic Heritage month to highlight the accomplishments of rising Latinas. She is an Executive Board member for the Association of Latino Professionals for America where she is responsible for defining and overseeing the program curriculum for the professional development of the organization’s members across all levels (from entry-level to C-Suite) throughout the year. She also supports partner organizations to create more inclusive cultures through different learning and networking opportunities. Signature programs she has developed and overseen to drive equal opportunity for Latinos in the workplace include a Coaching & Mentoring program, a Leadership program, and the much sought out Latina Summit. Further, she is a past Board member and current Board Advisor to the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to support the growth of Latino small businesses.  

Ilhiana’s passion and commitment to elevate unheard voices and build inclusive leaders and cultures is palpable. Her work has helped numerous Hispanic leaders build their self-confidence and visibility to create more inclusive and psychologically safe cultures.

Navin Gupta – Early Achievement

Navin Gupta is currently Vice President of Marketing at Henry Schein, heading up the US Commercial team. Navin has over 15 years of marketing and general management experience and has held senior positions at Procter & Gamble, Guthy|Renker, and Danaher. Navin has founded and sold multiple companies since leaving P&G. In 2021 Navin sold his bootstrapped Amazon brand called Turmaquik to Suma Brands. In 2022 Navin sold his VC backed digital health company called PeerWell to Bardavon Health. Navin is an active startup mentor and has helped more than 20 entrepreneurs. Additionally, he is on the board of the non-profit Team Smile, the University of Illinois dental school and is the corporate sponsor for an employee resource group focused on Asian employees. Navin’s work includes launching the Head & Shoulders partnership with the NFL featuring Troy Polamalu – rated by ACNielsen as the best branded integration in league history.

Today, Navin has a visible senior role at a Fortune 250 company, runs an ecommerce CPG business in his spare time, and is active with his family and community.

Paul Trokhan – Innovation

Paul has been the leading technologist and inventor behind the unique technology that has created the consumer superiority advantage for three major P&G brands –Bounty, Charmin, and Puffs.  Paul conceptualized proprietary designs to produce unique paper characteristics.  The breakthrough technology was entirely new to the world and required overcoming major obstacles and delivering major inventions.    Market testing of the new technology began in the mid-1980’s.  There were major setbacks in the start-up, and challenges were so severe that the project was almost terminated –TWICE – but Paul and his team eventually handled every obstacle.  As a result of his team’s work, Bounty doubled its share to 40% and gained market leadership during the 1990 decade.  Since then, the disposable towel market has grown 10 times more than the population growth.  Paul’s work supported P&G receiving the US Medal of Technology in 1995 – an award usually going to an individual researcher. This was the first ever recognition of any company, let alone a consumer goods company.  

Paul has been recognized as a charter member of the P&G Victor Mills Society in 1992 – a first ever recognition of individual achievement within P&G and P&G Research & Development. He has received the gold medal from P&G CEO Ed Artzt.  Although many of the early basic patents expired in 2005, competition has yet to close the gap in performance due to the tremendous technical difficulty, and ongoing technical improvements and patents that Paul and his team achieved. This is an innovation achievement which clearly deserves the recognition of the P&G Alumni Innovation Award.

Esi Eggleston Bracey – John G. Smale General Management

Esi Eggleston Bracey is a transformational business executive with over 28 years of experience in general management, brand building, and marketing leadership. She has a track record of success in creating, accelerating, and turning around business results across branded product categories, sectors, and geographies through marketing and operational excellence.

Each day Esi Eggleston Bracey pushes for her organizations to be better than the day before – to dig deeper and think differently versus established principles.  During her tenure at P&G she led Global Cosmetics to the highest rate in growth in the prior 10 years.   After the acquisition of Global Cosmetics to Coty, her people appreciated Esi’s candor in highlighting the challenges that female leaders face as an “only” at the top, navigating the double bind – motherhood and life as a black woman.  It was clear that whatever company was going to have the honor of her time would need to understand she would only be able to lead if the organization was ready for her to do it her way.  And as she’s navigated her journey to Unilever, it is clear she’s done just that, leading incredible growth in equity and sales for their NA Beauty and Personal Care Business. Most recently Esi received the She Runs it 2020 Woman of the Year award, acknowledged for her contributions to women’s advancement in leadership showcasing achievement in what personal and professional realignment looks like, and reinventing what General Management looks like for men and women alike. 

Jim Stengel – McElroy

Jim is the former Global Marketing Officer of $76B Procter & Gamble, where he oversaw an $8B advertising budget and had organizational responsibility for nearly 7,000 people. Highly regarded, his leadership was recognized in 2008 when P&G was honored as the 2008 Cannes International Advertising Festival Advertiser of the Year for the first time in company history.

Jim is best known for reinvigorating P&G’s marketing culture. In his seven years as Global Marketing Officer, he personally led the transformation that has firmly established P&G as one of the most admired brand-building companies in the world by serving the consumer.  P&G sales doubled during Jim’s tenure.

Prior to his promotion to P&G’s top advertising and marketing position in 2001, Jim had P&L responsibility for the company’s European baby care business. Previously, Jim held positions of increasing responsibility in P&G’s developing markets, Cosmetic, and Food businesses. Before joining P&G in 1983, he spent four years at Time Incorporated in the Time-Life Books division.

One of Jim’s focus areas is to “give back” by inspiring younger people who will be the next generation of business professionals.  In 2009, he was appointed Adjunct Professor of Marketing at the UCLA Anderson School of Management where he taught for four years. In 2017, Jim was appointed Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor within the Northwestern Kellogg Markets & Customers Initiative.  Since 2011, Jim has served as Dean of the Young Marketers Academy at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. In 2013, he pioneered the CMO Accelerator program at the Cannes Lions Festival and continues to serve as Dean.

For this month’s podcasts, we’ll be hearing reflections from leaders on John Smale, P&G’s former Chairman & CEO, who led P&G from 1981-1990, and served as General Motors’ Chairman  from 1992-1995. These conversions are in honor o f the new book “Here Forever: The Timeless Impact of John Smale on Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and the Purpose and Practice of Business” (by Rob Garver), available now. 

While John Smale passed away in 2011 – he is arguably one the most influential leaders of the modern era, growing P&G more than six-fold in his tenure. And yet, Smale is largely unknown to many leaders guiding American and global businesses today. John’s leadership in developing a vision for corporate purpose was decades ahead of its time. This was a book years in the making by not just the author, but many of some of the biggest leaders in business.

John Pepper and David Taylor — two of P&G’s former Chairmen & CEO – sat down with Dorion Positano on P&G’s More Than Soap podcast (GetMoreThanSoap.com). Both David Taylor and John Pepper have a lot to share about the purpose-inspired, caring, yet demanding and principled leader that was John Smale. 

“Here Forever” is a compelling and insightful read we’d highly recommend, and will make a great holiday gift for the admired, or aspiring leaders in your life. Pick up a copy wherever you get your favorite books

• Johnsmalehereforever.com
• goodreads.com/book/show/62350265-here-forever
• amazon.com/Here-Forever-Timeless-Practice-Business/dp/1667864068
• /bookshop.org/p/books/here-forever-the-timeless-impact-of-john-smale-on-procter-gamble-general-motors-and-the-purpose-and-practice-of-business/18846027?ean=9781667863818

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James Michael Lafferty is a returning guest to the podcast — rejoining us for an open and honest conversation about making mistakes, and owning up to them. Jim is the CEO of Fine Hygienic Holding – a leading CPG company across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and USA – as well as an accomplished writer, coach, and athlete. Jim is an internationally-tenured leader whose career spans 3 decades and 5 continents. Jim served as CEO of British American Tobacco in the Philippines and Coca-Cola in Nigeria. He led a distinguished 24-year career at P&G, leading the company in both the Philippines and Poland, rising through the ranks in senior roles across Western Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. Beyond being a dedicated husband and father of 5, Jim is also an accomplished coach and athlete – serving as a Coach of the Philippines Olympic Athletics team at the 2016 Rio Games, having run 30+ marathons, and was the 2017 Philippines National Champion in Powerlifting. Jim’s consulted with numerous Fortune 500 companies, and his many talks and lessons have inspired brand managers around the world. He currently lives in the United Arab Emirates. In a world of projections, you’ll appreciate Jim’s vulnerabile, candid conversation.

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Edward Norton is an actor, filmmaker, and activist. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards for his work in Primal Fear, American History X, and Birdman and has starred in several other acclaimed films including Fight Club, The Illusionist, and Moonrise Kingdom. Edward is also a UN Ambassador for Biodiversity, a successful investor (Uber, CrowdRise, and Kensho — acquired by SAP for $550 million), and deeply involved in wilderness conservation. In 2015, Edward co-founded EDO with PhD economist, poet, and entrepreneur Daniel Nadler. EDO is a leading TV outcomes company that works with top brands, networks, and hollywood studios — from AT&T and Disney, to Univision, and of course P&G — using cutting edge data science to predictively power the success of marketing, research, and creative professionals. In a candid conversation ranging from David Bowie to data science, you’ll enjoy hearing about stretching your limits beyond what’s expected of you — across many paths of creativity, business, and entrepreneurship. If you’re ever driven to do something more than your day job, or what the world expects of you – AND you happen to be a bit of a nerd about marketing and tech – this is the podcast episode for you.

But Edward Norton is not exactly a P&G Alumni, so what’s the deal? Alongside our partners at P&G, we’re thrilled to share another episode of P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast – available exclusively each week to P&G Employees at GetMoreThanSoap.com. On “More Than Soap,” P&G shares weekly conversations with Inspiring guests, unique perspectives, and unconventional ideas. “More Than Soap” is P&G’s official internal podcast – available  to all 100,000 P&G employees worldwide, and hosted by Dorion Positano, P&G’s Director of New Business and Content Innovation. Interested in learning more about P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast, or P&G Studios, can reach out directly to Dorion on LinkedIn. GetMoreThanSoap.com

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This week we’re sharing a talk on “The Power of Disconnecting in the Digital Era” by P&G Alumni Judy Okten – given at P&G Alumni Global Conference Madrid in 2019. It’s a topic that’s becoming more relevant as we become more and more connected every day.  Judy Okten is the Co-Founder & CEO of Burgeon Labs, a science-based learning company. that empowers healthcare practitioners and innovators to develop the most effective solutions to preventative and personalized medicine through data science. Judy  is also the Co-founder of Vitality Food Lab where she launched BonJu, the first fresh green smoothie brand in Switzerland to make it easier for busy people to eat healthy. And of course Judy spent a large part of her career at P&G – leading marketing teams in Geneva and Toronto across haircare and homecare brands. She also spent 4 years in brand management at KAO Brands in Canada, and 2 years as a business analyst at CIBC.

The message of finding more space to create – not just consume – is of particular relevance, now more than ever.

Every 2 years the P&G Alumni Network convenes top thought leaders from the Alumni Community and beyond. The next one will be in Washington DC in 2023, so make sure you’re signed up for updates on pgalums.com and all of the P&G Alumni Network’s social channels so you’re the first to know.

Got a recommendation for a future speaker or guest? Be sure to send us a note – pgalumpod@gmail.com. 

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Kyle Schlegel, is Weber Inc’s VP of Americas Marketing and Direct-to-Consumer, where he helps bring to life the most innovative, legendary grills in the world.  Prior to Weber, Kyle spent three years at Louisville Slugger before its acquisition by Wilson Sporting Goods, leading all marketing strategy and execution across the Wilson Racquet Sports portfolio—the #1 iconic name in tennis.

Kyle spent thirteen years at P&G in brand management on brands like Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Aussie, and Wella, and is also the recipient of the CMO Club’s Rising Star Award and AdAge’s 40 Under 40. Kyle now lives just outside of Chicago with his wife, daughter, and pub. While sports plays a different role in life today, Schlegel still fits it in wherever he can among other priorities in life, such as friends, family, faith and serving others.

You’ll enjoy this candid, vulnerable, and insightful conversation about Kyle’s journey from Kentucky farmboy to Chicago professional.

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Paul Polman, one of our most prominent and vocal P&G Alumni, also happens to be the former CEO of Unilever. In this talk from 2021 P&G Alumni Global Conference Paul talks about a book he co-authored called “Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take.” Declared one of the “standout CEOs of the past decade” by The Financial Times, Paul is a leading proponent that business should be a force for good. The Economist declared Paul “An advocate of sustainable capitalism who explains how it’s done.”

Paul Polman is the co-founder of IMAGINE, where he is mobilizing businesses to tackle climate change and global inequality. Paul also served as the CEO of Unilever from 2009-2018, where he created—and proved—a long-term approach to global problems can also drive business performance. Prior to Unilever, he was Nestle’s CFO & Head of Americas. And of course, Paul got his start at P&G, where he spent 27 years rising through the ranks ultimately leading Europe for P&G. Paul continues to be active on the world stage, bridging the private/public sectors. Alongside the UN Secretary General, he helped develop the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Paul is chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, The B Team, Saïd Business School and Vice-Chair of the UN Global Compact.

You’ll enjoy this very frank, compelling, and action-oriented talk about what we can all be doing as business and community leaders to face the challenges we have in front of us, and to be a force for good.

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Alyona Tkachenko is the CEO and cofounder of Nommi, a mobile WiFi hotspot that provides LTE data in over 100 countries. She also serves as the VP of Global Markets at Sergek Development. Prior to founding Nommi, Alyona was the head of marketing for Love to Code, a coding school for children in Kazakhstan. Alyona started her career at Procter & Gamble, working in CMK for sales and eCommerce.

Alyona is a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 for Consumer Technology and also a P&G Alumni Network’s Leader Under 40. She continues to focus on improving the quality of Computer Science education and digital literacy of Kazakhstani school children through the NGO StudyCS. Alyona graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Kazakh State University. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about doing what feels right in the moment, and owning those decisions for success.

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David Youn is President of Master Lock, the 100-year-old American company that is the leader in manufacturing & sales of locks, safes, and commercial security equipment. David started as a management consultant but learned that he enjoyed running businesses more than analyzing them. At the helm of Master Lock, David has delivered all time records in sales & profit, and throughout his career has maintained a focus on people through mentorship and teaching.

David worked with P&G for nearly 10 years, working with top brands such as Cascade, Dawn Dish Care, Pampers, and Crest/Oral-B Oral Care. He helped execute the largest total brand re-stage in Cascade history and was awarded the Global Home Care President’s Award in 2008.  

David’s journey from entrepreneurship to corporate, and from living in the US to an expat in Korea working for Samsung, is a testament to his motto of living boldly and constantly evolving. His diverse range of hobbies – whether it be flying planes, playing music, or instructing dance classes – further illustrates this point. You’ll enjoy this great conversation about how our upbringings affect our work and life choices, taking a non-traditional career path by moving around and living boldly, and the importance of finding commonalities amongst each other – no matter the situation.

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Tom Asacker is a longstanding strategist, speaker, and trainer — well known to many P&G executives. Tom is a writer, former GE executive, past owner of a high precision electronics firm and Founder & CEO of a medical device company. Tom holds medical patents and product design awards – and is recognized by Inc Magazine, MIT, and YE’s “Birthing of Giants” entrepreneurial executive leadership program. The author of several critically acclaimed books, including “The Business of Belief.” Tom’s a painter, magician, philosopher and screenwriter. 

But while Tom IS known to many P&G’ers – he’s not exactly a P&G Alumni, so what’s the deal? Alongside our partners at P&G, we’re thrilled to share another episode of P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast – available exclusively each week to P&G Employees at GetMoreThanSoap.com. On “More Than Soap,” P&G shares weekly conversations with Inspiring guests, unique perspectives, and unconventional ideas. “More Than Soap” is P&G’s official internal podcast – available  to all 100,000 P&G employees worldwide, and hosted by Dorion Positano, P&G’s Director of New Business and Content Innovation. Interested in learning more about P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast, or P&G Studios, can reach out directly to Dorion on LinkedIn. GetMoreThanSoap.com

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John Pepper, P&G’s former CEO, and Ursula Burns, Xerox’s former CEO, sit down for a candid conversation on race, understanding and our discourse with each other. This is a conversation the two longtime friends have been having for years – alongside many of us. While John needs no introduction to many, Ursula’s impressive career is worth sharing:

Ursula M. Burns is the Retired Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation and VEON Limited — and among the first Black women to become CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Ursula is also a founding partner of Integrum Holdings, Non-Executive Chairman of Teneo Holdings LLC, and the Executive Chairman of Plum Acquisition Corp. At Xerox, Ursula served from 2009-2017, having joined as a summer intern in 1980, after which she rose through the ranks across corporate services, manufacturing and product development.

From 2009-2016, President Barack Obama appointed Ursula to lead the White House national program on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Ursula also led the President’s Export Council from 2010 – 2016.

Originally recorded on February 25, 2022, this is an important conversation we hope will make many think and feel more deeply. While each of our guests are part of some great organizations who support the sharing of our views, these are the views of our guests alone. Got ideas for future deep dive topics with past and future guests? Reach out to pgalumpod@gmail.com.

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TED talks are “Ideas Worth Spreading” – short talks and presentations that have lit up the internet since 2006. But did you know a number of Alums have shared TEDx talks at official events with their communities?
We’re featuring THREE such TEDx talks from co-hosts Andrew Tarvin, Ida Abdalkhani, and Rajiv Satyal — all of which have amassed more than a few views online and share one important theme in common (a coincidence, we promise!). We guarantee you’ll enjoy these talks, and hopefully learn a little something along the way. And if you’re a P&G Alumni with a TEDx talk – shoot us a note at pgalumpod@gmail.com – maybe we’ll feature your TEDx talk on a future P&G Alumni Podcast!

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Watch the TEDx Talks:

• Andrew Tarvin: “The Skill of Humor” – TEDxTAMU (June 2017)
• Ida Abdalkhani: “Happier in 5 Minutes” – TEDxOhioStateUniversity (March 2015)
• Rajiv Satyal: “Today’s Jester: The Comedian” TEDxUCincinnati (June 2016)

Hoy más que nunca los esquemas de beneficios se han tenido que adaptar de acuerdo a las necesidades de los empleados. Invertir en prácticas de bienestar es clave para mantener una operación rentable en las organizaciones. Las compañías enfrentan el reto de mantener una población trabajadora saludable y ofrecer beneficios variados y flexibles para los distintos grupos poblacionales.

Find out how being part of the wonderful extended P&G family can help you navigate these pressures.

Meet the P&G Alumni Coaches. Experienced business leaders and Certified Coaches who are giving back by supporting their fellow alumni to reach their full potential. They can help you get your sense of overwhelm under control.
Your first session is FREE – exclusively just for P&G Alumni.

“This fantastic opportunity came just in time for me, trust was there already as we have it in our (P&G) DNA … my Coach’s variety of life and work experience and intellectual curiosity let me get my results very quickly.”

** Program Proudly Sponsored by the P&G Alumni Women’s Leadership Forum**

There’s still time for the P&G Fund for Gender Equality to match your gift to the P&G Alumni Foundation!

Your $500 becomes $1,000 with the match!
This will provide two honeybee hives and access to markets so rural families raise their income.

-Los cortes en suministro y problemas de servicio se han exacerbado en los últimos 24 meses. De acuerdo con los expertos, esta situación puede continuar por los próximos 6 o 12 meses.

-En el corto plazo, Gartner recomienda prepararse para pagar más. El costo de embarcar un contenedor de China a

Seeking clarity on your career / life goals or want to elevate your leadership impact?

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¡Conéctate en esta conversación con el Director de Compras en México!

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2021 Global Conference: Fireside Chat: An Inclusive World with Katie Couric and Marc Pritchard

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ES Recorded Webinar: Tiyale Hayes, Sr VP Brand Strategy & Marketing, BET

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P&G Alumni Network 2021 Annual Report

Escucha a:
– Enrique Márquez–Director Corporativo de Operaciones de Softys México
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“How to be Board Ready” – A Virtual Panel Discussion by WLF

“How to be Board Ready” – A Virtual Panel Discussion by WLF

The REAL ROI of Business Development – and why it’s important

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Important P&G Alumni Survey and iPad Giveaway

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Escucha a Roberto Cánovas CEO para Garra Esports Corp.

2021 Global Conference: China at Its Best

P&G Alumni Foundation Raffle Winners!

Continuing our history of supporting athletes and their families!

Last chance to sign up for this Thursday’s (10th) keynote with P&G’s EMEA president, Loic Tassel.

P&G Alumni Foundation 2021 Grant Recipients