Gervase Warner - Failures Forged a Leader | Corie Sheppard Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this candid and wide-ranging conversation, former Massy Group CEO Gervase Warner reflects on the setbacks, risks, and defining decisions that shaped his journey from a struggling secondary school student to Harvard Business School, McKinsey partner, and one of the Caribbean’s most influential business leaders.Warner shares the lesser-known stories behind his path — academic rejection, early professional failures, and the unexpected gap-year experience that strengthened his leadership foundation. He explains why he left a prestigious global consulting career to return to the Caribbean, and how he helped transform Neal & Massy into Massy through culture change, strategic divestment, and purpose-driven leadership.The episode explores:Competing — and succeeding — in elite global institutionsBuilding and leading at McKinseyReturning home to lead during a complex corporate transitionRebranding and reorganising a Caribbean conglomerateConscious capitalism and why focusing on people can drive stronger performanceNavigating public controversy and leadership under scrutinyThe role of self-awareness, discipline, and personal growth in executive leadershipRace, identity, and responsibility in regional leadershipThis is a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the reality behind corporate leadership at the highest level.A story about failure, growth, and the courage to evolve.