Why Ego Is the New Enterprise Risk with Deborah Borg, EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer, IFF.

Episode notes

In this episode of Executiveland, Elizabeth Freedman speaks to Deborah Borg, EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer at IFF. Deborah shares her insights on navigating the C-Suite, balancing leadership roles, and the power of clear communication. They dive into the evolving role of HR, how to influence the C-Suite as an HR executive, and the tension between business needs and people-first leadership. You’ll explore: The challenges and rewards of being the sole HR voice in the C-Suite, and how to keep employee interests front and center. The importance of speaking up early and confidently, even on topics outside your functional expertise, plus why curiosity is at a premium for today's senior leaders. Why collaboration (not ego) is key to executive leadership, along with managing change, handling fatigue, and being explicit about what to stop doing. The strategic value of HR leaders on corporate boards and how to break into board roles. Balancing digital tools with human connection, including how AI assistants can free up HR for high-impact moments. This episode is packed with practical advice on leadership, navigating HR in the C-Suite, and fostering a culture of change.