Season 5, Episode 18. Leading with Courage with Louisa Loren
In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Louisa Loran, former Google executive and author of Leadership Anatomy in Motion. With an impressive career spanning Diageo, Maersk, and Google, Louisa has redefined what it means to lead across industries—from building billion-dollar supply chains to transforming legacy business models.
Louisa reveals how curiosity, courage, and emotional intelligence fuel lasting transformation. She shares stories of stepping into roles before she felt “ready,” challenging corporate norms, and helping leaders unlearn habits that limit potential. Whether you’re navigating rapid change or seeking to inspire courage in your team, this episode will help you unlock your own leadership evolution.
[00:00 – 04:00] Louisa’s Journey Across Industries
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From Diageo to Maersk to Google—how curiosity guided her bold career transitions.
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Lessons from moving between consumer goods, logistics, and tech.
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Understanding brand legacy and the courage to step into unfamiliar worlds.
[04:01 – 08:00] The Power of Curiosity and Self-Belief
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Why curiosity is a leader’s greatest asset.
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Louisa’s seventh-grade dream of joining LVMH—and how it came true.
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Taking chances on roles you’re “not qualified” for and learning through action.
[08:01 – 11:00] Courage in Leadership Transformation
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Writing Maersk’s transformational strategy amid major restructuring.
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Why success isn’t just about having the right answers but addressing hidden fears.
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How courage and curiosity unlock organizational change.
[11:01 – 13:00] The Art of Asking Better Questions
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How to ask questions that invite reflection instead of resistance.
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Building emotional intelligence and influence through curiosity.
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Positioning ideas for buy-in and collaboration at the executive level.
[13:01 – 16:00] Lessons from Google: A New Way of Thinking
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Shifting from hierarchical strategy to platform-based innovation.
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Learning to hold back as a leader and empower teams through exploration.
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Merging traditional business discipline with digital-era agility.
[16:01 – 21:00] The Four Pillars of Future Leadership
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Visioning – Envisioning ambitious futures beyond current limits.
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Expanding – Leveraging collective intelligence to grow faster.
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Steering – Prioritizing and staffing for the future.
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Embodying – Becoming the leader your future organization needs.
[21:01 – 23:00] Transforming from the Inside Out
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Why every transformation must start with the leader themselves.
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How fear and comfort can silently limit organizational growth.
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Encouraging leaders to unlearn and relearn continuously.
[23:01 – 24:00] Closing Reflections
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Louisa’s call to unlock “lost potential” within organizations.
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How to continue the conversation and bring courage into your own leadership journey.
Quotes
“Curiosity is the driver that unlocks both courage and innovation.” – Louisa Loran
“It’s not about having the right answers—it’s about understanding what’s holding people back from acting on them.” – Louisa Loran
“Any business led by someone unwilling to start the transformation within themselves is wasting its greatest resource.” – Louisa Loran
Connect with Louisa Loran
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Website: louisaloran.com
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LinkedIn: Louisa Loran
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Book: Leadership Anatomy in Motion
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