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Phil Jansen — former CEO of BT and current Chair of WPP — joins Sir Andrew Strauss and Dr Pete Lindsay to explore the mindset, moments, and lessons that shaped one of Britain’s most respected business leaders.
From his early days at Procter & Gamble to leading global companies through transformation and pressure, Phil’s story reveals how leadership evolves — and how perspective keeps it grounded.
In this conversation, Phil shares the turning points that defined his career — the mentors who shaped him, the challenges that tested him, and the mindset that’s guided every big call.
You’ll learn:
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Why Procter & Gamble taught him to lead with focus and integrity — and how those lessons stayed for life
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How competition inside teams can be healthy — if led with purpose
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Why ambition must be collective, not individual — and how to build belief around big goals
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How personal loss and family grounding reshaped his approach to leadership and success
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Why his mentor’s advice to “smell the flowers” became a mantra for balance and perspective
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How leading BT through transformation required calm under pressure, courage in decision-making, and belief in long-term purpose
Phil’s story is one of energy, ambition, and reflection — reminding us that leadership isn’t just about driving performance. It’s about clarity, courage, and connection — in work and in life.
About Phil Jansen. Phil Jansen is one of the UK’s most experienced business leaders, with senior leadership roles across BT, Worldpay, and WPP. Known for his clarity under pressure and commitment to people, Phil has led companies through transformation, crisis, and growth — building cultures that balance ambition with humanity.
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