The CodeBreaker Mindset™

BD Wong shares his journey from a childhood filled with performance to becoming a Tony Award-winning actor. He discusses the evolution of his passion for acting, the challenges of breaking into Hollywood, and the importance of mastering the art of auditioning. Wong emphasizes the significance of resilience, mentorship, and building relationships in the industry, while also addressing the unwritten rules of success in acting. BD Won...

Mindy Grossman shares her remarkable journey through leadership roles at various iconic brands, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking, self-awareness, and building authentic relationships. She discusses the written and unwritten rules of being a CEO, the significance of resilience in transformation, and the necessity of curiosity in leadership. Mindy also highlights her experiences with notable leaders and the strategies she em...

Ndidi Nwuneli shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to the United States and back, highlighting her extensive experience in social entrepreneurship and international development. She discusses her philosophy of 'dying empty,' the importance of mentorship, and the rules of social innovation. Ndidi emphasizes the need for mission-driven leaders, the significance of building relationships, and the challenges of navigating cultural...

In this conversation, Michelle Peluso, CEO of Revlon, shares her journey from consulting to becoming a four-time CEO, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, leadership philosophy, and the intersection of technology and consumer needs. She discusses her approach to navigating board relationships, making industry pivots, and modernizing iconic brands like Revlon. Michelle highlights the significance of combining data with serendipi...

In this episode of The CodeBreaker Mindset™, host Chitra Nawbatt speaks with Yannick Colaco, co-founder of FanCode and former head of NBA India. They discuss Yannick's journey in the sports industry, the growth of sports fandom in India, and the challenges and opportunities in building a sports streaming platform. Yannick shares insights on the importance of relationships, data-driven decision-making, and the mindset required for e...

In this conversation, Professor David Thomas shares his remarkable journey from a young boy inspired by The Civil Rights Movement to becoming the President of Morehouse College. He discusses the importance of understanding the rules of academia, the significance of leadership, and the strategies for successful fundraising. Professor Thomas reflects on his career pivots, the role of serendipity and intuition, and offers valuable ins...

In this conversation, Jon Korngold, Blackstone's Global Head of Blackstone Growth, shares insights from his extensive career in investment, discussing his journey from Goldman Sachs to Blackstone, the nuances of growth equity versus private equity, and the importance of leadership, pattern recognition, and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. He emphasizes the role of serendipity and intuition in investment decisions and outlin...

In this conversation, Steve Kraus, a Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, shares his journey from aspiring journalist to successful venture capitalist. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his mother, who was a pioneering CEO, and how his early experiences shaped his career. Steve elaborates on the unique approach of Bessemer, the importance of insights and communication in venture capital, and the rules of inves...

In this conversation, Ken Ohashi, CEO of Brooks Brothers, shares his career journey from Accenture to leading one of America's oldest apparel brands. He discusses the importance of recognizing one's strengths, the pivotal moments in his career, and the challenges he faced during the turnaround of Brooks Brothers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohashi emphasizes the significance of leadership, communication, and cultural change in nav...

In this conversation, Dr. Kameron Matthews, Chief Health Officer of Cityblock Health, discusses the innovative approach of Cityblock Health in providing integrated healthcare services to marginalized communities. She shares her journey from government roles to leading a healthcare startup, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making, the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare landscape, and the role of artific...

In this conversation, Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer of Arcadia, discusses the unique position of Arcadia in the healthcare data landscape, the importance of stakeholder alignment, and the challenges and opportunities in value-based care. He shares insights from his journey in healthcare technology, the role of AI in improving patient outcomes, and the significance of serendipity in business success. The discussion emphasize...

In this episode of the The CodeBreaker Mindset™, host Chitra Nawbatt interviews Tracy Harris, a board member at Bally's and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, discussing her transition from CFO to board member, the unwritten rules of effective board membership, navigating business risks, the impact of AI, and the importance of cultivating a growth mindset. Tracy emphasizes the need for preparation, understanding dynamic risks, and l...

In this episode of The CodeBreaker Mindset™, host Chitra Nawbatt speaks with Forest Harper, President and CEO of Inroads, about the organization's mission to empower talented students from diverse backgrounds. They discuss the unique approach of Inroads, Forest's personal journey from the military to corporate leadership, and the challenges faced by nonprofits in diversifying revenue streams. The conversation also touches on the im...

In this episode of The CodeBreaker Mindset™, host Chitra Nawbatt speaks with Bruce Chin, the recently retired President and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. They discuss the intricacies of the petrochemical industry, Bruce's extensive career, the importance of relationships and excellence in leadership, and the role of innovation and AI in driving business success. Bruce shares insights on navigating challenges, the signif...

In this conversation, Ashley Etienne shares her journey from a young girl questioning societal disparities to becoming a prominent figure in political communications. She discusses the importance of understanding motivations in communication, the challenges of navigating a factless society, and the impact of AI on information dissemination. Etienne emphasizes the need for honesty in communication and the erosion of trust in media, ...

In this conversation, Navin Chadha, Managing Partner at Mayfield Fund, shares his journey from being a tech entrepreneur to a leading venture capitalist. He discusses the importance of investing in people, the strategies of the Mayfield Fund, and the impact of AI on investing. Navin emphasizes the significance of intuition, serendipity, and the ability to pivot in both business and life. He also outlines the essential ingredients f...

In this episode of The CodeBreaker Mindset™, host Chitra Nawbatt interviews Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman of JLL, discussing his extensive career journey, the unique culture at JLL, and the importance of relationships in business. They explore market dynamics, the impact of technology and AI on real estate, and the unwritten rules that guide success. Herman shares insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of serendipity, an...

Vanessa Broadhurst, Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at Johnson & Johnson, shares her extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, discussing the unique position of Johnson & Johnson in the healthcare landscape, her personal journey through various roles, and the importance of innovation and leadership. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning, the role of outliers in business, and the...

Dr. Astro Teller, Co-founder and Captain of X, shares his journey from getting a PhD in artificial intelligence to founding multiple companies, including X, The Moonshot Factory (a division of Alphabet). He discusses the importance of creativity and exploration in computer science and the influence of his family background. Astro also talks about the challenges he faced in learning the rules of being a CEO and the importance of bei...