Amanda sits down with Gustavo Alba, Global Managing Partner of the Private Capital Practice at Heidrick & Struggles, to explore how AI, private equity, and accelerating disruption are changing what it takes to be an exceptional leader. Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, business builder, talent adviser, and executive recruiter, Gustavo shares why the ability to learn, adapt, and orchestrate people and technology may matter more than technical expertise alone.
Together, they explore the growing importance of emotional intelligence, curiosity, and judgment in an AI-driven world, and why companies may need to rethink how they identify and select leaders. They also discuss the complexities of founder succession, the challenge of knowing when a company needs a new kind of leadership, and how to preserve a founder’s vision while preparing an organization for its next chapter.