How We Saved a Dying Business | Grit in the Boardroom
- May 6, 2026
- 53:21
- Full Episode
How do you save a business on the brink? Former Havas Global CEO Chris Hirst reveals the unglamorous truth about leading a dramatic 3-year turnaround.
Most leaders talk about "culture" as a soft skill. Chris Hirst proves it's the hardest lever you have. In this episode, we break down how to move from a failing business to "Agency of the Year" through radical clarity and grit.
What You’ll Learn
The "Leadership Industrial Complex" and why it's failing you.
Why the most dangerous people on your team are the ones who smile and nod.
Navigating the tension between long-term vision and investor pressure.
Chapters 00:00 - The myth of the heroic leader 04:15 - Why most business communication fails 12:30 - How to identify "passive-aggressive" senior teams 22:45 - Building belief when the results aren't there yet
About the Guest
Chris Hirst is an award-winning author, leadership coach, and former global CEO of Havas Creative.
About the host
Erika Eliasson-Norris is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Beyond Governance and Governance Assessor to the United Kingdom’s Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.
Beyond Governance provides on-demand company secretarial support, governance advisory, and governance training to boards, Company Secretaries, and General Counsel. Beyond Governance help organisations strengthen governance, manage risk, and support critical projects without the need for permanent hires. Learn more here: https://beyondgovernance.com
Brief Summary
Chris Hurst discusses leadership, culture, and resilience in crisis management as a former CEO of Havs Creative.
Key points
- Transforming Leadership. Chris Hurst discusses the essence of leadership and the importance of culture.
- The Turning Point. Chris shares a pivotal moment in his career that shaped his leadership style.
- Breaking the Mold. Hurst explains his radical approach to transforming a failing business.
- The Reality of Culture. Culture is not just a soft concept; it's a tangible force that shapes behavior.
- Leaders Shape Culture. Every leader has the power to influence and change the culture of their team.
- The Loneliness of Leadership. Making tough decisions, especially about people, can be a lonely experience for CEOs.
Episode highlights
- Transforming LeadershipChris Hurst discusses the essence of leadership and the importance of culture.“Culture literally is you.”0:20May 6, 2026
- The Turning PointChris shares a pivotal moment in his career that shaped his leadership style.“I felt like I had nothing to lose.”4:35May 6, 2026
- Breaking the MoldHurst explains his radical approach to transforming a failing business.“We’re going to smash down department boundaries.”15:30May 6, 2026
- The Reality of CultureCulture is not just a soft concept; it's a tangible force that shapes behavior.“Culture isn’t a soft squishy thing. It’s a hard physical thing.”19:37May 6, 2026
- Leaders Shape CultureEvery leader has the power to influence and change the culture of their team.“Culture literally is you and you can change the culture almost immediately.”21:00May 6, 2026
- The Loneliness of LeadershipMaking tough decisions, especially about people, can be a lonely experience for CEOs.“It’s lonely because ultimately you’re conscious that it’s particularly if it’s a senior person.”32:16May 6, 2026
- Control in LeadershipEffective leadership is about understanding what you can control and focusing on it.“Leadership really is about taking control.”34:31May 6, 2026
- Navigating Leadership ChallengesGreat leadership is akin to navigating a sailing ship through changing tides.“Great leadership is the difference between a sailing ship and a cork.”35:39May 6, 2026
