Leadership Spotlight

Leadership Spotlight: Lavonia Thomas, Chief Nursing Info. & Innovation, MD Anderson Cancer Center

In our latest Leadership Spotlight, we feature Dr. Lavonia Thomas DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPHIMS, Chief Nursing Informatics and Innovation Officer at MD Anderson Cancer Center, whose work sits at the powerful intersection of clinical excellence, data strategy, and transformative technology.

From advancing nursing informatics to driving system-wide innovation, Lavonia shares how equipping care teams with smarter tools leads to better patient outcomes — and why the future of healthcare depends on leaders willing to rethink what’s possible.

Leadership Spotlight: Daniel Yang, Vice President, AI & Emerging Technologies at Kaiser Permanente

In our latest Leadership Spotlight, we sit down with Daniel Yang, MD, Vice President, AI & Emerging Technologies at Kaiser Permanente, to explore how AI is transforming healthcare delivery.

From scaling innovation responsibly to integrating emerging technologies into patient care, Daniel shares insights on what it takes to lead at the forefront of AI in one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems.

Leadership Spotlight: Justina Nixon-Saintil, Chief Impact Officer, IBM

In this Newsweek's Leadership Spotlight video, Justina Nixon-Saintil, Chief Impact Officer at IBM, shares how organizations can align innovation, equity, and purpose to create lasting impact.

From workforce development to responsible technology, Justina discusses what it takes to lead with intention—and why impact must be embedded into business strategy, not treated as an afterthought.

Leadership Spotlight: Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer, Arcadia

In this Leadership Spotlight video, Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer at Arcadia, reflects on what leadership looks like when priorities compete and pressure is constant.

Aneesh shares how leaders can stay focused on their core goals, make intentional decisions, and lead with clarity—especially during periods of change and complexity.

Leadership Spotlight: Jessica (Altschul) Nigro, Vice President of External Affairs at Lucid Motors

In our latest Leadership Spotlight, Jessica (Altschul) Nigro, Vice President of External Affairs at Lucid Motors, shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the role of collaboration in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.

From navigating complex policy landscapes to building meaningful partnerships, Jessica discusses how external engagement plays a critical role in advancing clean technology and long-term impact — and why thoughtful leadership matters more than ever in a rapidly evolving industry.

Leadership Spotlight: Kyler Schmitz, Chief Revenue Officer at Electric Era

Newsweek is excited to feature Kyler Schmitz, Chief Revenue Officer at Electric Era, in this latest video conversation.

Kyler shares insights on the future of EV charging, the importance of reliable and accessible infrastructure, and how Electric Era is helping accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

As demand for EVs continues to grow, conversations like this highlight the critical role innovation, partnerships, and customer experience play in scaling clean transportation.

Leadership Spotlight: Tina Freese Decker, Board Chair of the American Hospital Association

We’re pleased to share an insightful conversation with Tina Freese Decker, Board Chair of the American Hospital Association, on the evolving landscape of health care leadership and the power of collaboration across systems to improve patient access and care delivery.

Tina brings a wealth of experience and perspective on advancing value-driven care, strengthening community health, and navigating the challenges and opportunities facing hospitals today.

Leadership Spotlight: Jigar Shah, Director of Energy Services at Electrify America

Newsweek is excited to feature Jigar Shah, Director of Energy Services at Electrify America.

Jigar shares thoughtful insights on the future of energy, the role of electrification in accelerating sustainability, and how innovation across infrastructure and policy is shaping what comes next.

As the energy transition continues to evolve, leaders like Jigar are helping drive real, scalable impact across the industry and the world.

Thomas Kormendi Discusses Surge in Demands for Low‑Carbon, Low‑Plastic Solutions

Elopak CEO Thomas Kormendi says the future of sustainable packaging is entering a period of rapid, opportunity‑rich change. Kormendi believes this momentum is good for the planet and will reshape the packaging industry.

Wärtsilä CEO Håkan Agnevall on Leadership: 'It is Not About You, it is About the Team'

Håkan Agnevall, President & CEO of Wärtsilä, shared how the company is helping build a more sustainable future—starting with the maritime industry. For him, it’s not just about cutting emissions; it’s about using smart technology and thoughtful services to support customers every step of the way. He emphasized that real progress begins with purpose: creating a culture where teams feel empowered and customers know they’re backed by innovation that truly makes a difference. “Why do we exist as a company? Enabling sustainable societies through the innovation and technology and services,” Agnevall stated. He also underscored that true leadership is rooted in elevating others, noting, “It is not about you, it is about the team.”

Daikin’s Dave Calabrese on How Innovation Is Powering a Sustainable Energy Future

Daikin’s Executive Vice President shares his vision for the future of clean energy — one that balances sustainability, comfort, and reliability. As demand on the power grid grows with electric vehicles and AI, he emphasizes the need for technologies that conserve energy, strengthen energy security, and make a positive impact on the environment. His advice to the next generation: lead with purpose and a desire to make meaningful change.

Authenticity, AI, and Clean Energy: PG&E’s Carla Peterman on Powering a Sustainable Future

Carla Peterman, EVP of Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at PG&E Corporation, highlighted how AI and sensor technology are transforming energy delivery—making it cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient.

Peterman urged individuals to see themselves as active participants in the energy system, reinforcing that sustainability is about people, planet, and prosperity: "What I have found in my own leadership that being an authentic leader really matters at this moment, because what we need to advance the energy system now is people, consumers making different choices. So be relatable, be you, there's a place for you in the system."

Brightcore Energy President Mike Richter on Energy, Urgency, and Doing the Right Thing

Brightcore Energy President Mike Richter stresses the urgency of transitioning to clean energy. He notes that while the resources exist, meaningful progress depends on leadership and timely action. “We have the tools, we have the technology, we have the will.”

‘Speak Up’: NFL VP Sarah Bishop on Imposter Syndrome and Empowering Women Leaders

After speaking at Newsweek’s Women’s Global Impact Forum, Sarah Bishop, VP of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL, sat down with us to share how mentorship and support networks helped her overcome imposter syndrome. Her advice to women in leadership: “Speak up and have your voice heard, because everything you say as an opinion is valuable and unique.”

SoulCycle CEO Evelyn Webster on Leading Without Apology

SoulCycle CEO Evelyn Webster shares why she no longer apologizes for being assertive. "You always have to be true to who you are," Webster told Newsweek. " I am very direct and quite forthright. I make no apology for it." Webster also gives advice on overcoming imposter syndrome: "Find those people who are going to help support you."

Webster was a panelist at Newsweek's Women's Global Impact event. To watch her and others in action, visit https://events.newsweek.com/womens-global-impact/videos-photos.

Elektra Health CEO Jannine Versi Emphasizes the Importance of Community for Success

Jannine Versi, co-founder and CEO of Elektra Health, advises women entering the industry to have a personal support network. "You really need to have a personal board...and it doesn't need to be formal, but that crew of people that you can text late at night because that's usually when you're really struggling with thorny issues and topics...".

Versi was a panelist at Newsweek's Women's Global Impact event. To watch her and others in action, visit https://events.newsweek.com/womens-global-impact/videos-photos.

Mercedes-Benz CMO Melody Lee In Driver’s Seat Championing Female Perspectives

As one of few female executives in the automotive industry, Melody Lee sees her role as both a privilege and a responsibility to ensure women’s perspectives inform how the brand connects with customers. “I take it as a healthy and positive challenge,” she told Newsweek. "My role is even more important and more critical in ensuring that females and that women are represented."

Lee was a panelist at Newsweek's Women's Global Impact event. To watch her and others in action, visit https://events.newsweek.com/womens-global-impact/videos-photos.

Dr. Stacey Rosen on Navigating Medicine's Gender Gaps: Have 'A Sense of Humor'

From early-career self-doubt to becoming a leader in cardiology, Dr. Stacey E. Rosen says having a sense of humor and giving others grace is the key to success in male-dominated fields. "Decide what your values are, where your line in the sand is, [and] what is worth fighting for," Rosen told Newsweek. Rosen, Executive Director of Katz Institute for Women's Health, Northwell, was a panelist at Newsweek's Women's Global Impact event. To watch her and others in action, visit