The CEO Diary with Fexingo · 2026-08-19 · 9 min
Ken Chenault led American Express through 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis, but his toughest test came in 2009 when the company faced an existential threat. This episode of The CEO Diary drills into one decision: cutting the dividend and raising $500 million from Warren Buffett. We explore how Chenault used candor, transparency, and a personal touch to preserve the brand's trust premium - and why that move still shapes how leaders handle reputation crises today. Luna and Lucas break down the numbers, the psychology, and the leadership lesson that goes beyond finance. If you've ever wondered how a CEO turns a survival moment into a defining one, this episode is for you. #KenChenault #AmericanExpress #CEOLeadership #CrisisManagement #TrustInBusiness #FinancialCrisis2009 #WarrenBuffett #DividendCut #BrandReputation #LeadershipLessons #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #ExecutiveDecisions #CorporateCulture #TurnaroundStory #CEOStory #BusinessStrategy #Leadership Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
Other episodes covering the same guests and topics, from across The B2B Podcast Index.
Prepare, Don’t Predict: Eloiza Domingo on Crisis Playbooks That WorkAspire to Inspire Podcast · on Crisis leadership83 / 100
Creating Products with Curiosity, Humility, and PlayHBR IdeaCast · on Ken Chenault80 / 100
364 Why Good Crisis Leadership Can Kill Your Team's Productivity, Cause Burnout and Overwhelm (and the Communication Skills to Fix it)Leadership Without Losing Your Soul · on Crisis leadership54 / 100
Leading with Empathy During LayoffsLeading Under Pressure · on Crisis leadership38 / 100
How Senior Leaders Recover From a Public FailureExecutive Careers with Fexingo · on Crisis leadership
The $240M startup trying to fix trade in the Strait of Hormuzwith Loulou · on Crisis leadership
How the CEO of Seven-Eleven Japan Rethought Convenience54 / 100How Patagonia Proved Purpose Pays DividendsHow Satya Nadella Changed Microsofts Culture FirstHow the CEO of a Family Firm Kept It Private Through a Century of ChangeHow the CEO of Nvidia Sped Up the Chip Race