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In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Etienne van Eck, who served as a close protection officer to Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy.
Drawing on firsthand experience during one of the most consequential periods in modern leadership, Etienne reflects on judgment under pressure, the discipline of restraint when power is absolute, and how fragile public trust truly is when every decision is visible.
The conversation connects Mandela’s example to the realities leaders face today: moral complexity, heightened scrutiny, and the responsibility that comes with leadership in uncertain times.
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In the latest episode of Firing On All Syllables, Christelle Gedeon (Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, Canopy Growth Corporation) joins Gary Kalaci to discuss her journey from the lab to the boardroom—and how multilingual roots, global dealmaking, and cross-functional leadership shaped her approach to legal and regulatory strategy.
Christelle shares insights on advising governments, managing cross-border M&A across 14+ jurisdictions, navigating policy vs. enforcement regulators, and the growing role of A.I. in modern legal teams.
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In this engaging conversation, Miyo Yamashita shares her unique background, career journey, and the impactful work she leads at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
She discusses the advancements in cancer research, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced in the non-profit sector.
Miyo emphasizes the need for resilience, team buy-in, and offers valuable advice for business leaders. The discussion concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Miyo's personal insights and philosophies.
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In this conversation with Alexa Translations CEO Gary Kalaci, Cheryl Manuel shares her journey from a small town in Ontario to a prominent leadership role at Deloitte.
She discusses the importance of mentorship, embracing discomfort, and the evolving landscape of leadership in a technology-driven world.
Cheryl emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership, effective team building, and understanding clients on a personal level. The conversation also touches on time management strategies and the role of technology in enhancing human connections.
