What does it take to steer a fast-growing startup through turbulent markets, shifting investor demands, and rapid technological change? In this debut episode of In The Lead Podcast, host Anna J. Breimer Bharati sits down with Michele Ferrario, Co-Founder and CEO of StashAway, to unpack the realities of modern leadership.

From navigating the unprecedented challenges of the 2022 market crash to making tough calls on hiring, growth, and profitability, Michele reveals the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his leadership approach. He shares candid insights on how to keep teams aligned during uncertainty, why empowering people matters more than ever, and how leaders can embrace AI without losing sight of the human side of business.

This is not a polished success story, it’s a practical look at resilience, decision making, and the kind of leadership needed to thrive in today’s world of disruption.

In This Episode

(00:00) Welcome to the first episode of In The Lead Podcast

(02:20) Lessons from navigating the 2022 downturn

(05:30) Balancing growth with tough cost-cutting decisions

(07:45) How boardroom and investor expectations shifted overnight

(12:00) The art of providing direction without rigidity

(16:30) Decision-making when the facts aren’t clear

(22:00) Empowerment in action: context, space, and coaching

(29:30) Feedback cultures and avoiding leadership overload

(36:00) Embracing AI and building a future-ready team

(44:30) The customer-first lens for adopting new technology

Our Guest: Michele Ferrario

Michele Ferrario is the Co-Founder and CEO of StashAway, a digital wealth management platform launched in 2016. Under his leadership, StashAway has expanded across Asia, helping individuals and families build wealth through diversified, long-term investment strategies. With nearly a decade of experience leading a startup through cycles of rapid growth and market challenges, Michele brings a grounded perspective on leadership, resilience, and innovation.

Your Host: Anna J. Breimer Bharati

Anna J. Breimer Bharati is the founder of Tomorrow College, created to reimagine leadership development for a world in constant change. With more than 15 years of experience advising senior leaders at global organizations, Anna has witnessed firsthand the shift in what it takes to lead effectively. Her mission: to help trailblazers of today become the better leaders of tomorrow by fostering empowerment, adaptability, and self-awareness.

The world is changing faster than ever. In The Lead Podcast brings you unfiltered conversations with leaders navigating disruption, so you can learn, adapt, and lead with impact.

Follow Tomorrow College for more insights on leadership and transformation:

📷 Instagram: @tomorrowcollege

💼 LinkedIn: Tomorrow College

🌐 Website: www.tomorrow.college

What does it take to lead global brands across continents while staying grounded in purpose, people, and impact? In this episode of In The Lead Podcast, host Anna J. Breimer Bharati sits down with Séverine Vauleon to explore her 25 plus year leadership journey at Unilever, from France to Australia and Singapore, and the lessons that shaped how she leads in complex, fast-changing environments.

From building culturally relevant brands to driving “good growth” that balances performance with responsibility, Séverine shares the pivotal moments behind her leadership approach. She offers candid insights on navigating internal transformation, creating psychological safety, and leading with empathy and authenticity. They also unpack how leaders can respond to AI disruption with curiosity and clarity, and why a growth mindset is essential for staying resilient in the evolving landscape of modern leadership.

In This Episode

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(00:20) Severine's Leadership Journey

(01:29) Building Global Brands with Purpose

(06:11) Embracing AI and Market Disruptions

(08:07) Navigating Leadership Challenges

(14:01) Fostering a Growth Mindset

(21:07) Balancing Data and Intuition

(24:05) Taking Bold Bets in Leadership

(25:01) Launching a Bold Campaign in the Philippines

(25:48) Facing Backlash in India

(27:08) Crisis Management and Strategy

(29:36) Positive Outcomes and Continued Campaigns

(29:52) Fostering Bold Risk-Taking

(31:39) Supporting Others

(39:10) Empowering Teams Through Challenges

(48:24) Leadership Evolution and Future Goals

Our Guest: Séverine Vauleon

Séverine Vauleon is the Chief Brand Architect at Pure Butter Brands and a former Global Brand Vice President for LUX at Unilever. With more than 25 years of global FMCG experience, she has led transformational brand growth across major consumer categories, building purpose-driven brands through strategic positioning, innovation, and culturally relevant storytelling.

Your Host: Anna J. Breimer Bharati

Anna J. Breimer Bharati is the founder of Tomorrow College, created to build a new kind of leadership for a changing world. With over 15 years of experience working alongside senior leaders at global organizations, Anna helps executives develop themselves while empowering others. Having witnessed the paradigm shift in how organizations and leaders must evolve, she is passionate about equipping today’s trailblazers to become the better leaders of tomorrow.

Powerful conversations with leaders navigating disruption, transformation, and the realities of modern leadership. Tune in, get inspired, and step confidently into your own leadership journey.

Follow Tomorrow College for more insights on leadership and transformation:

📷 Instagram: @tomorrowcollege

💼 LinkedIn: Tomorrow College

🌐 Website: