Executiveland

Elizabeth Freedman
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The Unwritten Playbook of the C-Suite Executiveland is the podcast for senior leaders, aspiring executives, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to lead and succeed at the top. Hosted by executive coach and trusted advisor Elizabeth Freedman — founder of E•Suite Leader and longtime advisor to Fortune 100 companies — this show takes you behind the scenes of 20+ years working with C-Suite executives and their teams. Each month, you’ll get real-world insights from the coaching room: what works, what backfires, and the subtle traps even experienced leaders fall into. You’ll hear directly from executives about the do’s, don’ts, and day-to-day realities of leading at the highest level — the kind of stuff no one puts in a leadership book. Whether you're an executive now or working closely with one, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies to earn trust, build credibility, and make a bigger impact —Because no one hands you a map to Executiveland — but this is the next best thing.Website: https://esuiteleader.com

Episodes

  1. 16 HR AGO

    Howard Ungerleider: Why Strong C-Suite Leaders Must Be Willing to Challenge

    Howard Ungerleider, former CFO and President of Dow, joins Elizabeth Freedman on this week’s episode to explore the unwritten playbook of the C-suite. With decades of experience inside one of the world’s largest companies, Howard shares the mindset shifts, leadership habits, and executive presence required to succeed in the C-suite. They unpack the challenges new executives face, why enterprise thinking is non-negotiable and how skills like influence, humility, and listening are often more valuable than formal authority.  You’ll explore:  Advice for navigating the boardroom and building trust with stakeholdersThe emotions toll of the C-suite and how to manage the pressure How to compartmentalize stress and stay grounded in your “why”How to use the “bite, snack, meal” approach when you want to be heardThis conversation offers a candid look at the real work of executive leadership. For more insights and tools to lead at the highest level, visit Elizabeth’s website! • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    42 min

  2. 23 OCT

    The Hidden Rules of Talking To Executives

    In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman returns with a new chapter of the unwritten C-suite playbook: “Do I Really Have to Spell It Out?” Drawing from years of coaching senior leaders, she unpacks why clarity in communication is one of the most overlooked drivers of performance, and why even seasoned executives fall into common traps. Elizabeth explores how decoding, vague messaging, and a lack of ownership can derail strategy and credibility. Through practical examples, she shows how to shift from hinting to directness, and how clear, confident communication can accelerate results, build trust, and amplify a leader’s impact. You’ll explore: • Why leaders often assume their message is clearer than it is • The hidden impact of vague feedback and indirect messaging • How confidence shapes clarity in high-stakes conversations • Practical tools to sharpen communication and ensure understanding To sharpen your message and lead with more impact, visit Elizabeth’s website and subscribe so you never miss a new chapter of the playbook! E-Suite Impact: 8-Week Executive Intensive Program.  Learn more and register here: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-intro Book Mentioned: This American Woman by Zarna Garg • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    22 min

  3. 16 OCT

    On the Right Side of History: Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar on Democratizing AI

    Join host Elizabeth Freedman for a candid conversation with Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant, as he shares a behind-the-scenes view of what it truly takes to lead a global enterprise of over 350,000 employees. Ravi talks about the duality of leading in the present while staying relevant for the future, the concept of "strategic patience," and how influence is what truly drives transformation at scale. Ravi reflects on the underestimated value of roles that build influence, the importance of psychological safety in driving AI adoption, and how today’s leaders must be interdisciplinary, adaptable and ready to unlearn. You’ll explore:  What being a CEO actually entails Why “strategic patience” is critical in high speed markets The underrated power of sphere of influenceWhy the next CEO should own the future, not the pastThis conversation is about learning to navigate complexity, build trust at scale and stay grounded in purpose. Thanks for listening to Executiveland, until next time visit Elizabeth’s website! Ravi Kumar’s Links: https://www.cognizant.com/us/en https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/about-cognizant/corporate-governance/leadership-team/ravi-kumar-s| https://time.com/collections/time100-ai-2025/7305789/ravi-kumar-s/ • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    46 min

  4. 16 OCT

    What Nobody Ever Told You About C-Suite Leadership

    In this episode of Executiveland, host Elizabeth Freedman introduces the first chapter of the unwritten C-suite playbook titled, ‘I Thought This Was My Decision’. Drawing on two decades of advising senior leaders, she explores the surprising reality many executives face when they realize their authority is more limited than expected. Elizabeth breaks down why empowerment at the executive level looks different, why clarity around decision rights is essential, and how leaders can avoid turning blurred lines into self-doubt. She also offers practical strategies to build trust, expand influence, and exercise discernment in choosing which decisions to own. You’ll explore: • Why new executives often feel less empowered than anticipated • The blurred lines of decision-making in the C-suite • How to avoid letting comparison undermine confidence • Building trust and credibility over time If you enjoyed the first episode of Executiveland, stay tuned for what’s ahead and subscribe so you never miss an episode! You can also visit Elizabeth’s website to explore all kinds of free resources! E-Suite Impact: 8-Week Executive Intensive Program.  Learn more and register here: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-intro • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    14 min

  5. 17 SEPT

    Welcome to Executiveland: The Unwritten Playbook of the C-Suite

    In this welcome episode of Executiveland, host Elizabeth Freedman introduces the podcast and what listeners can expect. With over two decades of experience coaching and advising C-suite executives, she shares how this show will uncover the unwritten playbook of the C-suite, blending real-world insights, practical strategies, and candid conversations with top leaders. Listeners will gain the tools, perspective, and confidence needed to lead and influence at the highest levels. • Free C-Suite Readiness Assessment • Website: https://esuiteleader.com/ • Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethfreedman/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfreedman • Twitter X: @‌esuiteleader

    3 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

The Unwritten Playbook of the C-Suite Executiveland is the podcast for senior leaders, aspiring executives, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to lead and succeed at the top. Hosted by executive coach and trusted advisor Elizabeth Freedman — founder of E•Suite Leader and longtime advisor to Fortune 100 companies — this show takes you behind the scenes of 20+ years working with C-Suite executives and their teams. Each month, you’ll get real-world insights from the coaching room: what works, what backfires, and the subtle traps even experienced leaders fall into. You’ll hear directly from executives about the do’s, don’ts, and day-to-day realities of leading at the highest level — the kind of stuff no one puts in a leadership book. Whether you're an executive now or working closely with one, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies to earn trust, build credibility, and make a bigger impact —Because no one hands you a map to Executiveland — but this is the next best thing.Website: https://esuiteleader.com

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Freedman
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Executiveland
  • Show Website
    Executiveland

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