executiveland
the podcast
EXECUTIVELAND: The Unwritten Playbook of the C-Suite takes you behind the closed doors of executive leadership. Hosted by executive coach Elizabeth Freedman, each episode reveals the lessons leaders rarely share openly — and the practical strategies you need to thrive when the stakes are highest.
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EPISODE 1
EPISODE 3
EPISODE 2
episode guide
NEXT EPISODE
episode 1
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
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
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
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
What Nobody Ever Told You About C-Suite Leadership
episode 2
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.
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:
This conversation is about learning to navigate complexity, build trust at scale and stay grounded in purpose.
Listen here:
You’ll explore:
- What being a CEO actually entails
- Why “strategic patience” is critical in high speed markets
- The underrated power of sphere of influence
- Why the next CEO should own the future, not the past
This conversation is about learning to navigate complexity, build trust at scale and stay grounded in purpose.
Listen here:
ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY: COGNIZANT CEO RAVI KUMAR ON DEMOCRATIZING AI
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episode 3
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.
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.
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!
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!