The Proteus Leader Show

Marie Holive talks with Todd McLees (HumanSkills.AI Co-Founder), creator of “AI Agility” and HBR contributor, about turning AI from a set of tools into a collaborative partner. We cover the human-skills stack for GenAI, team norms and ethical guardrails, and practical ways to move from one-off experiments to strategic impact, plus simple prompts you can use this week.Timestamps:[00:00] Podcast Introduction[00:40] Exploring AI and Human Skills with Todd Cleese[01:41] From AI Anxiety to AI Agility[03:31] Understanding and Developing Human Agency[06:40] Critical Human Skills for Thriving with AI[08:47] Effective Prompt Design and Context Engineering[14:22] Ethical Boundaries and Collaboration Patterns with AI[20:02] Transforming Tactical Value to Strategic Value[25:23] Practical Tips for LeadersFor more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive talks with Kelsey Achenbach, Vice President of Pharmaceuticals at dsm-firmenich, about leading with strategy, science, and heart to drive innovation in healthcare. With a background spanning engineering, operations, and commercial leadership, Kelsey is at the forefront of transforming how the pharma industry operates — from optimizing product development pipelines to embedding purpose into every step of the value chain.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to the podcast[01:58]  Why diverse experiences is important in leading pharmaceutical transformation[04:13] Importance of self awareness for leaders[04:51] Most important shifts during Kelsey's time at dsm-firmenich[06:23] Mistakes to avoid when going through change[10:46] Impact of AI in the healthcare industry[17:17] How to connect teams with a deeper sense of purpose[19:50] Practical tips for driving innovation and change in highly regulated industriesFor more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie talks with Ian O’Connor, Professor at École Centrale de Lyon, about the true energy cost of AI and the breakthroughs that could change everything. As AI’s electricity use surges, Ian explains where the power really goes, why moving data is more expensive than doing the math, and how new hardware is helping bend the energy curve. They also explore what business and tech leaders can do today to make AI smarter, faster, and greener.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to the podcast[01:45] Why is AI energy hungry?[06:00] History of AI[11:18] Where does the energy really go?[15:10] How do we make AI more energy efficient?[26:55] Will Quantum replace AI?[28:44] Three simple steps to lower AI consumptionFor more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie Holive talks with Jean-Hugues Monier, retired Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, about weaving purpose and service into a life of leadership. From mentoring students and supporting transatlantic education through the Lafayette Fellowship, to helping restore cultural icons like Notre-Dame de Paris, Jean-Hugues has made giving back a core part of his journey, not a later chapter, but a constant thread. In this thoughtful conversation, Marie and Jean-Hugues reflect on how leaders at every stage can blend impact, legacy, and service in powerful and lasting ways.Timestamps:[00:00] Welcome to the podcast[01:58] Importance of giving back[04:46] What is the Lafayette Fellowship?[10:05] How does Jean-Hugues give back?[15:45] Practical tips on giving backFor more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.

Marie talks with Therese Miclot, Director of Facilitation Excellence at Proteus International about her book: "The Facilitation Advantage", which breaks down the mindsets and skills leaders need to run high-impact meetings and shape meaningful conversations that actually move the business forward. Therese has spent more than 25 years helping leaders level up, not just by teaching them what to do, but by showing them how to show up.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to the podcast[01:40] Why is facilitation an important topic?[05:44] Using emotional intelligence to pick up cues in the room[09:32] Common mistakes when facilitating[12:36] Importance of storytelling[18:14] Elevating people in the meeting[22:11] Overview of facilitation practical tipsFor more Proteus, subscribe to our newsletter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube.