Becoming CEO

Developing Soft Skills for Hard Problems w/ George Koperna

“If your leadership style doesn’t evolve, you won’t last long in the role.” George Koperna shares his journey from petroleum engineer to CEO of Advanced Resources International. He opens up about the challenges of leadership in a technical consulting firm, the importance of collaboration, and the unexpected shift from engineering to people management. Whether you're climbing the ranks or already at the top, George’s insights offer valuable lessons on growth, humility, and leading with purpose. Key takeaways * Leadership requires a shift from technical expertise to interpersonal agility. * Succession planning is essential - even when it feels premature. * Mentoring helps, but authentic leadership comes from knowing what works for you. Next step: Reflect on how your leadership style supports your team’s growth and your organization’s future. About George George J. Koperna Jr. is the CEO of Advanced Resources International, Inc.. He specializes in CO2 storage and enhanced recovery, and has led major projects across both public and private domains. George plays a key role in international standards development and chairs efforts within the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from West Virginia University. Uplevel Your Career * Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/. * Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/. About the Hosts Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC [https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/] and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences. MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.” MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela). Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd [https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/], is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors. Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).  Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.

How to Spot and Develop Future CEOs w/ Kate Grussing

“Ambition alone won’t get you to the top. It has to be matched with talent, experience, and resilience.” Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey sit down with Kate Grussing, CBE, founder of Sapphire Partners and a leading voice in executive search and leadership diversity. Kate shares her insights from decades of working with CEOs and boards, exploring what it really takes to rise to the top, the pitfalls that derail leaders, and the importance of resilience and adaptability. From ambition and communication to succession planning and diversity, this conversation provides practical wisdom for both seasoned executives and ambitious professionals preparing for leadership roles. Key takeaways * Effective leaders know when to step back, mentor successors, and avoid the trap of overconfidence. * Strong communication is essential, not just in speeches or media but in everyday interactions that build trust and credibility across the organization. * Diversity and inclusive leadership are not optional - they are essential for building strong, future-ready organizations. Next step: Reflect on your leadership journey and ask yourself: Are you building the skills, networks, and resilience needed to thrive at the top? About Kate Kate Grussing is the Founder and Managing Director of Sapphire Partners, a leading executive search firm she established in 2005 to champion greater diversity in senior leadership and board roles. With deep expertise in CEO, CFO, NED, and Chair searches, she is recognized as a thought leader in human capital, diversity, inclusion, and equality, and was awarded a CBE for services to business in 2022. Uplevel Your Career * Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/. * Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/. About the Hosts Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC [https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/] and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences. MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.” MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela). Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd [https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/], is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors. Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).  Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.

Executive Presence and the Art of Listening w/ Ken Tubman

“I need people around me who are going to tell me when I’m wrong and explain why. That’s the only way an organization stays healthy.” Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey sit down with Ken Tubman, Chairman of SAExploration and President of PPA Resources, to explore what truly defines effective leadership. Drawing on decades of experience in the energy sector and beyond, Ken shares candid stories about executive presence, the importance of listening, and the role of coaching in shaping leaders. His insights offer practical wisdom for both seasoned executives and ambitious professionals preparing for the top. Key takeaways * Great leaders balance confidence with humility and always make space for opposing views. * No one has every skill, so the smartest leaders build teams that complement their own strengths and weaknesses. * Asking the right questions often matters more than having the right answers. Next step: Reflect on your leadership style and ask yourself: are you truly listening to the people around you? About Ken Kenneth M. (Ken) Tubman is Chairman of the Board at SAExploration and President of PPA Resources, a strategic advisory for start-ups and established companies. He has held senior positions at multiple oil and gas companies, including ConocoPhillips, Marathon Oil and Veritas DGC. He is an active member of a number of professional societies and organizations, serving on multiple committees and boards. He earned a PhD in geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984 and a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Massachusetts in 1978. Uplevel Your Career * Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/. * Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/. About the Hosts Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC [https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/] and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences. MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.” MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela). Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd [https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/], is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors. Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).  Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.

Becoming and Staying CEO in a Changing World w/ Juliana Garaizar

"Purpose, not money, is what drives the best CEOs. It is what makes their vision stronger and their teams more committed." Juliana Garaizar, climate leader, venture capitalist, angel investor, and Kauffman Fellow, joins Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey to share what truly sets great CEOs apart. From building a powerful vision to navigating politics and scaling a business, Juliana offers practical lessons from working with more than 140 CEOs worldwide. Key takeaways * Vision and Purpose Drive Leadership – A bold, clear vision is essential for attracting top talent and inspiring commitment, especially in the early stages. * Two Distinct CEO Journeys – Young, first-time CEOs often learn on the job, while seasoned executives bring process expertise and industry insight; both paths require adaptability. * Self-Awareness and Team Building – The best CEOs know their limits, hire smarter people, and foster a culture that values diversity, trust, and collaboration. Next step: Reflect on your own leadership journey and identify one area where you can strengthen your vision, self-awareness, or team-building approach this week. About Juliana Juliana Garaizar is an experienced CEO with a proven history in venture capital and private equity. She is skilled in business planning, entrepreneurship, international business, venture capital, and strategic partnerships. A strong business development professional, she is a Kauffman Fellow and VC Include Fellow, focused on VC and diversity. Learn more at EnergyTech Nexus [https://www.energytechnexus.com/]. Uplevel Your Career * Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/. * Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/. About the Hosts Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC [https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/] and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences. MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.” MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela). Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd [https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/], is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors. Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).  Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.

Coaching Young Leaders: Risk, Resilience, and the CEO Mindset

"Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness and self-control. Only then can you lead others." Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey unpack how to coach young leaders toward the CEO role, focusing on risk judgment, emotional intelligence, and the balance between technical skill and people leadership. They clarify the difference between mentoring and coaching, show how co-mentoring accelerates growth, and emphasize strategic influencing and direction-setting as core CEO skills. Through global case examples and a sports lens, they show how resilience, long-term goals, and cultural context shape readiness for the C-suite. * Risk calibration: Young leaders often swing between too bold and too cautious. Purpose helps guide decisions, but leaders must learn to size risks, own outcomes, and avoid copying playbooks that ignore ethics and long-term impact. * Mentoring vs coaching: Mentoring is content-rich guidance from experience. Coaching is content-light and question-driven, building self-awareness, self-management, and clarity on vision, influence, and next steps. * Resilience and influence: Resilience grows through long-term goals, practice, and recovery after setbacks. As leaders rise, strategic influencing and emotional intelligence move center stage, supported by role models, cross-mentoring, and culture-savvy communication. Next step: Write your 12-month leadership vision in three sentences today and share it with one person who can mentor or coach you. For a bonus step, read the book Flourish by Martin Seligman [https://bookshop.org/p/books/flourish-a-visionary-new-understanding-of-happiness-and-well-being-martin-e-p-seligman/10584696?ean=9781439190760&next=t]. Uplevel Your Career * Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/. * Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/. About the Hosts Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC [https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/] and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences. MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.” MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela). Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd [https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/], is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors. Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).  Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.