The idea for The Proteus Leader Show originally created by Erika Andersen was born from a deep desire to give a voice to leaders who are shaping the world of today and tomorrow. We live in a constantly evolving world, where the ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire is more valuable than ever. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change, and business transformation are continuously redefining the role of leaders. Now more than ever, they must demonstrate agility, boldness, and emotional intelligence to succeed.

The podcast is designed as a platform for sharing, where leaders from diverse backgrounds offer their experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice.

The pitch?
"A podcast designed for today’s and tomorrow’s leaders who want to understand and anticipate major changes in the world of work. Through authentic and inspiring conversations, we explore what makes leadership effective and human, while addressing contemporary challenges – transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, governance, and climate change – with those shaping the future."

Each guest has provided a unique perspective on leadership and corporate transformation. Some have emphasised intuition in decision-making, others the importance of continuous learning or the courage to embrace change. Some have shared their strategies for integrating AI into governance, while others have explained how they manage cyber risks or adapt to evolving ESG regulations.

I look for leaders with a strong story, an ability to inspire, and a willingness to share. They may be CEOs, board members, founders of innovative companies, experts in their field but also entrepreneurs, artists and athletes. Because leadership is not confined to the corporate world. This diversity of perspectives is what makes the conversations so enriching.

Five key elements stand out:

1. A clear vision – They know where they are going and why.

2. Deep respect for their teams – They understand that success relies on collective momentum. They know how to express gratitude.

3. The ability to adapt and learn – Challenges are seen as opportunities for growth.

4. Enlightened governance – Performance is no longer just about financial results but also includes social and environmental impact.

5. A leadership style focused on resilience and innovation – They don’t fear change; they embrace it.

Absolutely! Failures are growth accelerators. They force us to reconsider our assumptions, adjust our course, and often emerge stronger. In my conversations with executives, I’ve noticed that those who openly discuss their failures are also the most inspiring. The best leaders are those who view their mistakes as learning opportunities. In the boards where I serve, we often have frank discussions about past decisions—what worked and what could have been better anticipated.

One of the most significant lessons of my career was during my tenure as CFO at NBCUniversal. I underestimated the importance of securing stakeholder buy-in for a transformation project.

Lesson?
In any transformation—whether digital, organisational, or environmental—success depends on the engagement of teams and stakeholders, including boards. Today, whether as a corporate director, COO or an executive coach, I focus on guiding leaders and teams through this collaborative process.

The AI captured the key points, but my career is more than just a sequence of positions—it is a continuous journey of transformation, driven by curiosity and a desire to make an impact, with a strong commitment to corporate governance.

My version?
"Marie Holive is an independent board director for publicly listed and private companies in the US, the UK and Canada, the COO of Proteus International, and an executive coach. She chairs 3 audit and risk committees, and advises CEOs and boards on key strategic issues such as transformation, AI, cybersecurity, and ESG. A former executive at Comcast NBCUniversal and General Electric, she now applies her expertise to corporate governance and leadership in a rapidly changing world.""

After years of leading businesses, I wanted to take a step back and contribute a broader strategic vision. Becoming an independent board director for publicly listed companies has allowed me to help shape corporate governance and guide organisations through complex environments.

At Proteus International, I found a mission that resonates deeply with my values: helping leaders and organisations transform themselves so they can achieve their vision. I wanted to dedicate more time to people, experience sharing, and shaping the world of tomorrow.

As Chief Operating Officer and Coaching Practice Director, I have a dual role:

• Driving Proteus’ strategy and internal operations to ensure we deliver impactful work for our clients.

• Working directly with executives and boards to help them develop their leadership skills, prepare their organisations for future challenges, and build agile and responsible governance.

Expectations have shifted dramatically. Businesses and boards are facing multiple transformations—technological, societal, and environmental—that require unprecedented agility.

The most significant areas of transformation:

• AI and data governance – How can companies leverage AI while remaining compliant and ethical?

• Cybersecurity and risk management – The rise in cyber threats has made this a strategic priority.

• Hybrid and inclusive leadership – Managing and motivating teams remotely in an increasingly diverse world is now essential.

• ESG as a competitive advantage – Companies that take sustainability seriously will have a strong competitive edge.

To conclude, here’s a quick-fire questionnaire:

Three adjectives to describe yourself as a student at Centrale Lyon? Curious, joyful, sporty

A classmate you spent a lot of time with? Guillaume Vindevogel.

Your favourite subject at Centrale Lyon? Industrial Engineering.

The subject you liked the least? Chemistry.

What career did you envision during your studies at ECL? Industrial management engineer.

What would your student self think about your career today? "Wow, I had imagined a great career, but this has exceeded my expectations!"

One piece of advice for today’s Centrale Lyon students? "Aim high, think big! Opportunities are limitless, provided you dare to seize them and believe in yourself."