How to build one culture across 100 companies and 40 countries

Sergio Lopez Ferrero, Global CEO of Omnicom Production, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast for an honest conversation about leading global transformation and what it really costs the person at the top. Sergio leads the global production portfolio for Omnicom Group, with over 20 years in the industry and more than 400 awards to his name, including 73 Cannes Lions.We talk about what it takes to transform businesses spanning 100 companies and 40 countries, why leaders are humans, not superheroes, the moment he realised he'd stopped doing the work he loved, and how he separates smart failure from negligence. If you lead through change, pressure, or uncertainty, this conversation is full of hard-won lessons from someone doing it at a global scale.What We Cover:00:00 Trailer00:54 Leading global transformation in a changing industry03:19 The pressure of being a CEO: leaders are human, not superheroes05:54 The leadership skills Sergio had to learn the hard way08:15 Why every leader must understand the financials first11:29 How to build one culture across 100 companies and 40 countries13:03 Making tough decisions when people resist change16:07 Separating who you are from the role you have to play21:40 Moving from hands-on creative work to leading the businesS29:14 Smart failure vs negligence: when it’s okay to fail32:30 How to navigate uncertainty as a leader35:13 Systems thinking and giving teams freedom within a framework45:16 Where courage has carried Sergio through his career48:05 Sergio’s three pieces of advice for future leaders50:22 The eight things every CEO must be willing to do52:03 Why you never fully switch off at the top53:43 Ego, money, and the career trap nobody talks about55:44 Building the team that covers your weaknesses58:02 The real rewards of being a CEOKey Leadership Insights:• Why transformation today means rebuilding the plane while flying i • Why understanding the money is the first job of any leader• How to set a vision simple enough to align 40 countries• Why separating smart failure from negligence changes how teams take risks• How “freedom within the framework” keeps creative people creative• Why the leader’s mood sets the temperature for the whole company• Why knowing yourself matters more than knowing the playbook🎧 Listen to the full episode for the best practical leadership coaching:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B0U13S37tjpy9ZYZJcZb4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-courageous-leaders-podcast/id1594924295All episodes: https://thecourageousleaderspodcast.buzzsprout.com/Connect with Sergio:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiolopezferrero/🚀 Ready to elevate your team and leadership? Book time for transformative coaching and training:Website: https://www.thechangecreators.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired – subscribe, leave a comment, and help us build a community of courageous leaders.→ Want honest leadership insights in your inbox?👉 Sign up to the newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54#Leadership #BusinessTransformation #CEO #CreativeIndustry #CourageousLeaders👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54