Founder's Mentality: The CEO Sessions
Bain & Company
Bain & Company
What does it take to lead - and live - when the world won’t sit still? Hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen, Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership development podcast that goes beyond the boardroom. Each episode features a conversation with a prominent CEO—from the likes of Audible, Walmart, and AWS—who reflects on the lessons that reshaped their business and their personal growth. But you won’t just hear from business leaders. Jimmy brings in artists, musicians, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers who explore the same lessons through a completely different lens. These conversations surface aha moments from some of the world’s most influential leaders and thinkers. Intensely curious and open to new experiences and perspectives, they seek inspiration in unexpected places as they constantly reinvent their businesses and themselves. In turn, you’ll walk away with a fresh take on how we all grow as individuals, what we are capable of building, and the legacy we leave behind. So, whether you’re a CEO, a rising executive, or simply passionate about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you—one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. James is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, James started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
5d ago
Big companies are built to deliver, but in a world where technology shifts daily and customer needs change overnight, delivery alone isn’t enough. Business building has to become part of the culture. In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Tanuja Randery, Managing Director of Amazon Web Services in EMEA, to explore how AWS scales without becoming a bureaucracy. From codifying leadership principles to democratizing challenges, Tanuja shares how AWS sustains speed and empowers a rare but vital community she calls “scalers” - the people who turn bold ideas into repeatable models. We’re also joined by Erika Sorow, Partner and CMO at Bain and former President of Sweaty Betty, who reveals how improv comedy became a crash course in collaboration, creativity, and scaling ideas. Together, these stories show why business building isn’t a distraction from delivery, it’s the growth engine. And why the real art of scaling comes from creating cultures where curiosity, experimentation, and even mistakes fuel speed and innovation. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Four Ways CEOs Can Spur Innovation amid Turbulence - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/four-ways-ceos-can-spur-innovation-amid-turbulence/) How to Identify Great Scalers - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/how-to-identify-great-scalers-fm-blog/) Scaling Businesses as a Team - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/scaling-businesses-as-a-team-fm-blog/) The Best Practices of Great Scalers - Blog (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-best-practices-of-great-scalers-fm-blog/) How to Preserve the Essence of Founder-Driven Companies - Video ( https://www.bain.com/insights/how-to-preserve-the-essence-of-founder-driven-companies-video/ ) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Tanuja Randery LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanuja-randery) Erika Serow Profile (https://www.bain.com/our-team/erika-serow/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
Dec 2
How do you grow a bold idea into a global agribusiness leader… and then reimagine it all over again? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and CEO of Olam, to discuss how repeatable models can deliver both discipline and discovery. From sourcing cashews in Nigeria to building a business that now spans 60 countries, Sunny reflects on how differentiation, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace discomfort shaped Olam’s growth, and his own evolution as a leader. We’re also joined by Tabu Osusa, legendary Kenyan producer, cultural archivist, and co-founder of Singing Wells. Tabu shares how field recordings across East Africa shifted from chaotic, costly expeditions into a streamlined process that ultimately gave musicians more space to shine. Together, these stories show that repeatable models aren’t just about efficiency. They create the freedom to listen, to innovate, and to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or hit the link for additional CEO Insights. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Repeatable Models and the Mafia Retirement Home – Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/repeatable-models-mafia-retirement-home-james-allen-3adke/) The Great Repeatable Business Model – Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-great-repeatable-business-model-hbr/) The Strategic Principles of Repeatability – Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/the-strategic-principles-of-repeatability) Three Things Your Company Can Learn from a Bottle of Water – Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/three-things-your-company-can-learn-from-a-bottle-of-water) From Founder-Led Origins to a Decentralized Business Model – Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/from-founder-led-origins-to-a-decentralized-business-model-video/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Sunny Verghese LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-verghese/) Tabu Osusa Profile LinkedIn (https://www.singingwells.org/who-we-are/tabu-osusa/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
Nov 18
What does it take to ‘refound’ a company that you started, this time in the public spotlight? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Nirav Tolia, Co-Founder and CEO of Nextdoor, to explore the art of reorientating a company without losing momentum. From balancing the pressure of quarterly results with the need to reignite innovation, to radically shifting his own leadership style, Nirav shares the hard choices, personal lessons, and community-first mindset guiding Nextdoor’s next phase. We’re also joined by Herman Spruit, CEO of 361 by FINCA and Advisory Partner at Bain & Company, who offers a practical lens on the difference between “delivery” and “development” meetings, and why confusing the two can stall progress. Together, these conversations reveal how leaders can honor the past while building for the future, why execution and innovation must coexist, and how the right mindset in the room can unlock creativity, culture, and growth. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Deliver or Develop? Why CEOs Must Master Both - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/deliver-develop-why-ceos-must-master-both-james-allen-wiuse) Why the Systems That Helped You Grow Might Now Be Holding You Back - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-systems-helped-you-grow-might-now-holding-back-james-allen-3bvce/) How to Breathe New Life into Strategy (https://www.bain.com/insights/how-to-breathe-new-life-into-strategy/) Leon: What If God Made Fast Food? - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/leon-founders-mentality-video/) Leading With Energy Through Turbulent Times - Video (https://www.bain.com/insights/leading-with-energy-through-turbulent-times-video/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Nirav Tolia LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/niravtolia/) Herman Spruit LinkedIn (https://www.abubillamusic.com/the-team) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
Nov 3
What happens when a founder’s vision doesn’t just spark a company, but reshapes an entire industry? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Don Katz, founder of Audible, to explore how a writer-turned-entrepreneur built a global brand that redefined the spoken word. From his early influences such as Ralph Ellison and his career at Rolling Stone, to commercializing the first digital audio player, Don shares how artistic passion and relentless innovation fuelled Audible’s rise. He reflects on the challenges of scale, managing complexity, protecting culture, and how his “People Principles” launched a thousand conversations. We’re also joined by Elliot Wenman, Managing Director of Abubilla Music, who offers a window into the recording studio - where rituals, conflict, and clarity can turn chaos into creativity. Together, these conversations reveal why great leaders keep their eyes on the “why,” how cultural missions outlast financial targets, and why caring - with grit and vision - can be the ultimate act of leadership. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: What Audible and a Studebaker Have in Common - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-audible-studebaker-have-common-james-allen-knfxe/) Light the Candle – Bring Light Not Heat into Meetings - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/light-candle-bring-heat-meetings-james-allen-xb0we/) Audible's People Principles (https://www.audible.in/about/people-principles) How to Stop People Who Bog Things Down with Bureaucracy - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/stop-people-who-bog-things-down-with-bureaucracy-hbr) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Don Katz Profile (https://www.donald-katz.com/bio) Elliot Wenman Profile (https://www.abubillamusic.com/the-team) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
Oct 21
What turns a routine into a ritual that actually changes how people work? In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Christina Zhu, President and CEO of Walmart China, to explore how she builds focus and resilience while leading through one of the fastest-changing retail landscapes in the world. From creating “joyful routines” that empower frontline associates, to translating customer centricity into strategy, Christina shares how purpose, simplicity, and trust can both delight customers and transform teams. We’re also joined by Kavita Chaudhary of Jaipur Rugs, who offers a striking example of reconnecting business to its frontline artisans - where a monkey with a gun woven into a carpet became a symbol of dignity and creative freedom. Together, these conversations reveal why great leaders eliminate complexity rather than manage it, how rituals make values real, and why frontline obsession may be the ultimate competitive advantage. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or our CEO Insights hub: https://www.bain.com/founders-mentality/ https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/ceo-agenda Learn More: Joyful Routines - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/joyful-routines-james-allen-ocawe/) Lifting the Veil - Why Showing the People Behind the Product Matters - Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lifting-veil-why-showing-people-behind-product-matters-james-allen-cfize/) When Weavers Disagree - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/when-weavers-disagree-fm-blog/) Recovering the Voices of the Customer and the Front Line - Article (https://www.bain.com/insights/recovering-the-voices-of-the-customer-and-the-front-line-forbes/) Bain & Company LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/) Bain & Company X (https://x.com/BainandCompany) Jimmy Allen LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-3442b/) Christina Zhu LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-zhu-382432/) Jaipur Rugs Website (https://www.jaipurrugs.com/it/en/) About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
Oct 7
Pizza may seem simple, but leading one of the world’s most iconic brands is anything but. In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Aaron Powell, Global CEO of Pizza Hut, to explore how he’s helping the company rediscover its magic in over 20,000 restaurants across 110 countries. From falling back in love with the product to celebrating the heroes of the frontline, Aaron shares how moments of joy, pride, and even a wedding anniversary dinner reveal what truly sets a business apart. We’re also joined by Archie Henderson, the comedian-musician behind the cult character Jazz Emu , who offers a surprising perspective on the power of “committing to the bit” and designing for fanatics, not the average fan. Together, these conversations offer insights into avoiding the commoditization trap, driving a relentless product focus, and why reconnecting with your people may be the ultimate competitive advantage. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or hit the link for additional CEO Insights. Escape The Commoditization Trap – Fall Back In Love With Your Product - Blog Pizza Hut: How CEO Aaron Powell leads with the Founder’s Mentality - Video Bain & Company LinkedIn Bain & Company X Jimmy Allen LinkedIn Aaron Powell Profile Archie Henderson ‘Jazz Emu’ Website About Founders Mentality Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is a leadership podcast hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs, from Audible to Walmart to AWS, as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Together, they share the lessons that shaped their growth, the “aha” moments that redefined their work, and the surprising ways reinvention happens at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale.
Sep 19
What does it take to lead - and live - when the world won’t sit still? Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions , hosted by executive advisor and bestselling author Jimmy Allen, goes beyond the boardroom to uncover lessons in leadership and growth. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs - from Audible, Walmart, AWS, and more - as well as artists, comedians, and other unconventional thinkers. Through curiosity and vulnerability, these leaders reveal the insights that shaped their businesses and personal journeys. Whether you're a CEO, an emerging executive, or simply passionate about leadership, influence, and business at scale, this podcast will challenge and inspire you, one story at a time. About the Host: Jimmy Allen is an Advisory Partner at Bain & Company with over 35 years’ experience advising leading organizations. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books on growth and leadership and the host and founder of Bain’s Global CEO Community Forum. Jimmy is a regular speaker at global business events, including the World Economic Forum, and serves on the Botswana Economic Advisory Council. Outside of consulting, Jimmy started his own record label (Abubilla Music) in 2008 and supports Singing Wells, a project dedicated to preserving Kenyan village music. Bain & Company: Founder’s Mentality: The CEO Sessions is brought to you by Bain & Company, a global consultancy trusted by the world’s most influential business leaders. With decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and leadership development, Bain’s executive insights offer what it takes to lead at scale. Join the Conversation: To learn more check out the Founders Mentality website or hit the link for additional CEO Insights. Bain & Company LinkedIn Bain & Company X Jimmy Allen LinkedIn
