Redefiners was created to spotlight leaders who are reshaping industries, challenging norms, and redefining what it means to lead in a constantly evolving world. The core idea driving the podcast is simple yet powerful: elevate conversations that move beyond traditional leadership narratives to explore the bold decisions, unexpected pivots, and personal philosophies that define today’s most influential change-makers.
Our objective for this season was to grow Redefiners into a flagship platform for global leadership insights; one that reflects Russell Reynolds Associates’ commitment to improving the way the world led.
We set out to:
At its heart, Redefiners seeks to inspire listeners to lead with curiosity, courage, and purpose, and to recognize that leadership today demands reinvention, humility, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Bringing Redefiners to life requires a thoughtful blend of editorial vision, production discipline, and audience-focused strategy. From day one, our goal was to elevate every step of the process from guest selection to marketing execution, so the podcast could truly serve as a signature expression of RRA’s expertise.
Plan of Action & Execution
We began by conceptualizing the show’s creative direction, collaborating closely with RRA’s leadership to identify guests whose stories exemplify reinvention: CEOs navigating transformation, public sector leaders tackling global challenges, and trailblazers in arts and culture redefining impact.
Production was anchored in meticulous preparation. Every episode involves deep research, refined scripting of host prompts, and pre-interviews to ensure conversations are rich, focused, and revealing. During recording, we optimize for clarity, energy, and narrative movement, coaching transitions, shaping story arcs, and guiding interviews toward compelling takeaways.
This year, we expanded our production approach by introducing in-person recording sessions alongside our longstanding remote setup. This shift allowed us to capture conversations with a new level of immediacy, chemistry, and emotional nuance. Being physically present with our guests enhanced the natural flow of dialogue and created space for more spontaneous, intimate moments. Combining in-person and remote recordings has strengthened the show’s versatility and enabled us to deliver episodes that feel richer, more dynamic, and more connected to the listener.
Marketing & Distribution
To maximize reach, we implemented a coordinated marketing strategy: designing custom episode assets, creating tailored social copy, and developing highlight clips for LinkedIn and YouTube where RRA has an engaged leadership audience, as well as our dedicated Redefiners/Leadership Lounge Instagram account. We optimized SEO across platforms, built cross-promotion with partners, and engaged guests’ networks to broaden listenership. Additionally, we work with agency partners to employ a targeted paid marketing strategy specific to the podcasting landscape that has allowed us to increase our listenership exponentially season after season.
Challenges & Differentiators
One of our biggest challenges was balancing high-profile guest availability with production timelines. Through careful planning and agile coordination, we have maintained a consistent release cadence without compromising quality.
What makes Redefiners unique is its depth and humanity. The show doesn’t just celebrate leadership, it interrogates it. Each episode blends candid personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and forward-looking insights, showcasing the human side of leaders who are shaping the future. This combination of premium production, editorial rigor, and meaningful storytelling sets Redefiners apart in a crowded podcast landscape.
Redefiners successfully achieved—and in many cases exceeded—our objectives for the season. The show strengthened RRA’s positioning as a global authority on leadership and attracted a growing audience of senior executives, board members, and emerging leaders who rely on the podcast for insight, inspiration, and perspective.
We delivered a consistent slate of high-caliber episodes featuring influential guests from across industries and geographies, each offering unique and actionable leadership lessons.
The podcast’s impact is reflected in the way clients and contacts reference episodes in conversations with RRA advisors—often citing specific guests or takeaways that resonated with their own leadership challenges. This demonstrates how Redefiners is not only reaching but also meaningfully influencing our target audience.
Marketing efforts expanded the show’s reach significantly, driving steady growth across downloads, followers, and engagement on LinkedIn and other digital channels. Episodes were amplified through guest networks, leading to broader visibility and increased credibility in leadership communities.
Notably, Redefiners ranked #2 on Apple Podcasts’ charts for Careers Podcasts in the United States as well as #4 in Italy and #5 in Belgium in the same category.
Most importantly, Redefiners reinforced RRA’s brand promise: improving the way the world is led through exceptional leadership. The podcast has become a trusted platform for exploring the complexities of modern leadership and has strengthened the connection between RRA and its global audience. By elevating production quality, sharpening the editorial approach, and deepening the show’s strategic alignment with RRA’s mission, we consider this season a clear success.
