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.
LISTEN + SUBSCRIBE TO EXECUTIVELAND
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
NEXT EPISODE
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!
The hidden rules of talking to executives
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episode 4
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:
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 stakeholders
- The 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 heard
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:
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 stakeholders
- The 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 heard
Howard Ungerleider: Why Strong C-Suite Leaders Must Be Willing to Challenge
PREVIOUS EPISODE
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episode 5
In this solo episode, Elizabeth Freedman breaks down a surprising pattern she sees in even the most capable senior leaders - a mismatch in terms of the value they may be giving and getting back.
Using the “give and get” equation, Elizabeth shares how healthy, high-performing leaders and organizations strike a healthy balance between what they give and what they get.
The problem is when the Give and Get Equation gets out of balance, and it happens more than you might think.
In this podcast episode, you’ll learn:
Using the “give and get” equation, Elizabeth shares how healthy, high-performing leaders and organizations strike a healthy balance between what they give and what they get.
The problem is when the Give and Get Equation gets out of balance, and it happens more than you might think.
In this podcast episode, you’ll learn:
- Why so many leaders struggle to give and get value equally
- How overgiving value can keep others underperforming
- Why overgiving value doesn’t guarantee visibility or recognition
- Ways to rebalance the equation and lead with more impact
In this solo episode, Elizabeth Freedman breaks down a surprising pattern she sees in even the most capable senior leaders - a mismatch in terms of the value they may be giving and getting back.
Using the “give and get” equation, Elizabeth shares how healthy, high-performing leaders and organizations strike a healthy balance between what they give and what they get.
The problem is when the Give and Get Equation gets out of balance, and it happens more than you might think.
In this podcast episode, you’ll learn:
Using the “give and get” equation, Elizabeth shares how healthy, high-performing leaders and organizations strike a healthy balance between what they give and what they get.
The problem is when the Give and Get Equation gets out of balance, and it happens more than you might think.
In this podcast episode, you’ll learn:
- Why so many leaders struggle to give and get value equally
- How overgiving value can keep others underperforming
- Why overgiving value doesn’t guarantee visibility or recognition
- Ways to rebalance the equation and lead with more impact
The Hidden Trap of Overgiving
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episode 6
“You need to deliver the message I need to hear - not just what you want to say.” David Roberts, CEO of Verra Mobility, joins Elizabeth Freedman on Executiveland to discuss leadership in the C-suite and the unwritten playbook for executives. He’s been the CEO of public, private, and PE-backed companies and offers insights on how executives best navigate each of these environments. You’ll also hear David share the realities of leading as CEO, why nobody gives you a pat on the back, and the role of coaching in executive leadership.
You’ll explore:
You’ll explore:
- Why you get two minutes to share your message
- The need to stop storytelling and co-create instead
- How to bring focus and accountability to leading teams
“You need to deliver the message I need to hear - not just what you want to say.” David Roberts, CEO of Verra Mobility, joins Elizabeth Freedman on Executiveland to discuss leadership in the C-suite and the unwritten playbook for executives. He’s been the CEO of public, private, and PE-backed companies and offers insights on how executives best navigate each of these environments. You’ll also hear David share the realities of leading as CEO, why nobody gives you a pat on the back, and the role of coaching in executive leadership.
You’ll explore:
You’ll explore:
- Why you get two minutes to share your message
- The need to stop storytelling and co-create instead
- How to bring focus and accountability to leading teams
Leading Without Excuses: How CEO David Roberts Drives Focus and Accountability at Verra Mobility
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episode 7
In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman returns with Part 2 of the “Give and Get” Equation. While overgetting can be strategic in moments of transition or investment, it becomes a problem when leaders stop seeing value as a constant exchange. Elizabeth explains how it quietly erodes trust and brand, and why leaders need to check their assumptions about what they’re contributing. She also walks through subtle, but telling signs of overgetting, like passivity in meetings, lack of team development, or operating with exceptions during company-wide changes.
You’ll explore:
This is a candid look at how to strengthen your brand by making sure you’re giving as much as you get.
You’ll explore:
- Subtle signals your contribution may not match the value you’re receiving
- How language like “should” signals entitlement to others
- The importance of going first when you want more opportunity, trust, or respect
- A three-part check-in to realign your executive brand
This is a candid look at how to strengthen your brand by making sure you’re giving as much as you get.
In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman returns with Part 2 of the “Give and Get” Equation. While overgetting can be strategic in moments of transition or investment, it becomes a problem when leaders stop seeing value as a constant exchange. Elizabeth explains how it quietly erodes trust and brand, and why leaders need to check their assumptions about what they’re contributing. She also walks through subtle, but telling signs of overgetting, like passivity in meetings, lack of team development, or operating with exceptions during company-wide changes.
You’ll explore:
You’ll explore:
- Subtle signals your contribution may not match the value you’re receiving
- How language like “should” signals entitlement to others
- The importance of going first when you want more opportunity, trust, or respect
- A three-part check-in to realign your executive brand
What Hurts Your Executive Brand
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In this special episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman steps out of her usual role as interviewer and into the guest seat. She’s joined by her business coach, Melisa Liberman, for a candid conversation about what it has really taken to grow E-Suite Leader and build a firm that supports senior executives at the highest levels.
Together, they explore:
Together, they explore:
- The mindset shifts required to accelerate growth and performance
- The strategic decisions behind her growth model and solutions for executives
- The personal leadership lessons she’s had to learn along the way
- What it takes to build a business rooted in both performance and impact
PREVIOUS EPISODE
NEXT EPISODE
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 8: ENCORE EPISODE
episode 9
In this special episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman steps out of her usual role as interviewer and into the guest seat. She’s joined by her business coach, Melisa Liberman, for a candid conversation about what it has really taken to grow E-Suite Leader and build a firm that supports senior executives at the highest levels.
Together, they explore:
Together, they explore:
- The mindset shifts required to accelerate growth and performance
- The strategic decisions behind her growth model and solutions for executives
- The personal leadership lessons she’s had to learn along the way
- What it takes to build a business rooted in both performance and impact
Former Chief Sustainability Officer of Dow, Mary Draves joins Elizabeth Freedman to reflect on her journey to the top of a Fortune 100 company and the learning curve that came with it. Mary shares what no one tells you about stepping into a top job, why she felt temporarily lost despite being a high performer, and how coaching helped her course-correct. She opens up about running for Congress after retiring from corporate life, building resilience in the public eye, and what she learned about leadership in both boardrooms and political campaigns. This episode is a clear look at the emotional weight of executive roles and the clarity that comes from overcoming challenges.
You’ll explore:
You’ll explore:
- The steep, and silent, learning curve of the C-suite
- Why feedback often surprises even experienced leaders
- The executive cost of over-preparing and overpleasing
- How to make better, faster decisions, without losing your edge
- What leaders can learn about purpose and clarity from political campaigns
MARY DRAVES: Former Dow CSO and Congressional Candidate -
Leading with Humanity
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episode 10
In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman shares a framework for leaders who want to make 2026 an impactful year for their business. She introduces “The Matters Model,” a simple tool drawn from years of coaching senior leaders, and explains how the most effective executives align their work to what matters most at the enterprise level. Elizabeth breaks down why even high-performing leaders can miss the mark on impact and what to do instead.
Together you’ll explore:
Together you’ll explore:
- Why great work isn’t always viewed as high-impact work
- The hidden executive cost of “excellence in isolation”
- How to spot the difference between elevator and balcony thinking
- What erodes trust at the top and how to fix it
- A practical model to focus work and conversations around what matters most
In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman shares a framework for leaders who want to make 2026 an impactful year for their business. She introduces “The Matters Model,” a simple tool drawn from years of coaching senior leaders, and explains how the most effective executives align their work to what matters most at the enterprise level. Elizabeth breaks down why even high-performing leaders can miss the mark on impact and what to do instead.
Together you’ll explore:
Together you’ll explore:
- Why great work isn’t always viewed as high-impact work
- The hidden executive cost of “excellence in isolation”
- How to spot the difference between elevator and balcony thinking
- What erodes trust at the top and how to fix it
- A practical model to focus work and conversations around what matters most