In this captivating episode, Andy Lopata sits down with the remarkable Marianne Abib-Pech. A dynamic leader, Marianne transitioned from a highly successful corporate Finance career—culminating as CFO of Shell Aviation at just 34—to launching an M&A advisory practice for frontier markets in 2014. In 2022, she co-founded Transitions First, an international industrial venture fund dedicated to scalable start-ups rebuilding net-zero-compliant supply chains. Recognised for her leadership and visionary thinking, Marianne is driven by a belief that value creation stems from thinking differently, communicating authentically, and driving transformation.

In this discussion, Marianne shares the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and unique mindset that propelled her forward. Andy and Marianne consider her extraordinary journey, exploring the nuances of cultural navigation (both national and functional), the power of curiosity, the art of strategic risk-taking, and the often-overlooked strength in asking for help. Marianne also provides fascinating insights into the “multidimensionality” of leadership, blending creative and structured thinking, and the critical role of neuroscience in understanding human connection and trust.

What we discussed:

1. The “Unconventional” Path to Rapid Executive Ascent: Ever wonder how someone becomes a Global CFO of a major corporation by their mid-thirties? This episode reveals the mindset and strategic moves that defy traditional career ladders.

2. Luck: Is it Just Chance, or Something You Create? Examine a powerful, ancient definition of luck that challenges common perceptions and uncovers how you might be missing opportunities to “engineer” your own fortunate breaks.

3. Beyond Borders: The Hidden “Cultures” You Need to Navigate: Discover how mastering not just national but also functional and organisational cultural differences can unlock unparalleled connection and influence in any environment.

4. The Surprising Power of Your Brain’s Chemistry in Leadership: What if building trust and achieving results was less about strategy and more about triggering the right neurochemicals? Explore the cutting-edge intersection of neuroscience and effective leadership.

5. Risk-Taking & Asking for Help: Are Your Fears Holding You Back? Learn why embracing bold risks and humbly seeking assistance are not signs of weakness, but rather crucial accelerators for Growth that most leaders overlook.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Marianne Abib-Pech: Website |LinkedIn |

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

Book: “The Financial Times Guide to Leadership” (Second Edition)

Book: “The Artist’s Way” By Julia Cameron

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Andy Lopata Author, Podcast Host and Speaker on Professional Relationships Strategy

Andy Lopata is a specialist speaker on professional relationships, mentoring, networking, and social media strategy. He is a firm believer that professional relationships underpin our success in business, our roles, and our careers. The right relationships with the right people can lead to new business opportunities, investment, collaborative working, innovation, and career progress. We just need to be comfortable approaching those relationships strategically, without making people feel ‘networked’ by us.

Andy has worked in the field of networking and professional relationships for 25 years, working with global giants such as Paypal, GSK, AstraZeneca, Wella, HSBC, Wembley Stadium, the BBC, and the Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE, among many others during that time. He has also worked with leading universities including NYU, Duke University, and Oxford University’s Said Business School.

A regular blogger for Psychology Today, Andy has been quoted in The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, and The Guardian, as well as many other national and regional newspapers and magazines worldwide. He has written or co-authored six books on networking and professional relationships, with his sixth book, "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," being published in Spring 2024. He is also the host of The Connected Leadership Podcast and has interviewed globally recognized names in business, academia, sports, and entertainment for the show.

Andy has been inducted into the PSAE Hall of Fame – the Professional Speaking Association Award of Excellence, which was held by only 21 other speakers at the time it was presented. He is a Fellow and a former President of the Fellows’ Community of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA), a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), and a Member of the Association of Business Mentors and the Meetings Industry Association.