Leaders with Francine Lacqua

What does it take to lead through a near-disaster and turn it into a $14 billion win? In this episode, Blackstone President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Gray shares lessons from the financial crisis, revealing why staying calm, backing the right businesses and building trust can make or break a leader. He also opens up about shaping culture, retaining top talent and leading with humanity—offering a rare inside look at how one of the world’s biggest investment firms navigates uncertainty.

Watch the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe4PRejZgr0PAxeoWOBGj6M7GXhXQmdn6

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https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work
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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Jon Gray, president and chief operating officer of Blackstone Group. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he talks about leading Blackstone's leveraged buyout of Hilton Hotels, which after a difficult road became the most profitable private equity real estate deal ever.
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Francine Lacqua sits down with Emma Grede—the power behind Good American and a founding partner of Skims—to unpack what it really takes to build a billion-dollar brand. Grede goes beyond the headlines, revealing the chaos behind her $1 million launch day and the mindset that helped her push through challenges. From "radical honesty" in leadership to bold views on work, ambition and success, she reveals the principles that have shaped her rise—and why she’s now stepping into the spotlight to help others do the same.

Check out more interviews:
http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua

Read more on management and work:
https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Emma Grede, chief executive and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of loungewear and shapewear brand Skims. Here's a preview of that conversation where she shares the realities behind early success, why hiring adaptable, flexible thinkers matters more than rigid experience, and how the people you need evolve as a company grows.
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Shell Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan joins Francine Lacqua to discuss the oil major's controversial strategy around the energy transition, and fostering a culture that shifts from “all-knowing” to “all-learning.” He reflects on navigating volatility in the global energy system, emphasizing disciplined decision-making and focusing on what leaders can influence going forward. This interview was recorded on Dec. 11, 2025
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.