CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Jeff O’Neill, Group Leader at CEO Global Network - Unlocking the Special in People
In this episode of The CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Jeff O’Neill - a seasoned executive and Group Leader at CEO Global Network - to unpack what it really takes to lead at the highest level.
Jeff shares hard-won insights from his time leading iconic brands like High Liner Foods, McCain, Pepsi, and Quaker Oats. From his philosophy on “unlocking the special in people” to navigating uncertainty, building clarity, and developing A-player talent, Jeff offers a candid look at the habits that separate good CEOs from great ones.
If you’re leading through complexity, growing a team, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself as a leader - this episode is packed with lessons you can apply right away.
00:00 – Introduction
John Wilson: Jeff, I can’t thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network Podcast today. I’ve been really looking forward to this conversation. Before we dive in, I want to give everyone a quick snapshot of your incredible background — President of High Liner Foods, senior roles at McCain, Pepsi, and Quaker Oats, and now Group Leader and Mentor with CEO Global Network.
Jeff O’Neill: Thanks, John. Great to be here.
01:10 – Unlocking the Special in People
John Wilson: I’ve often heard you talk about “unlocking the special in people.” What does that really mean for CEOs at the top of their game?
Jeff O’Neill: I believe people — not just strategy — unlock the special in any situation. For CEOs, their top responsibility is to bring out the best in their teams, and that starts with consistent, meaningful one-on-one conversations. It’s about staying connected to what really matters and never letting the daily grind get in the way of nurturing your people.
02:37 – What Separates Good CEOs from Great Ones
John Wilson: From your perspective, what separates a good CEO from a truly great one?
Jeff O’Neill: Good CEOs unlock the special in others — great CEOs also unlock the special in themselves. They show vulnerability, seek mentorship, and welcome opposing views. They know that strengths overplayed can become weaknesses. Great leaders are constantly growing, learning, and holding themselves to the same standards they set for their teams.
03:49 – Creating Clarity in Uncertain Times
John Wilson: Many leaders wait for clarity. You push them to create it. How can a CEO actually do that during uncertain times?
Jeff O’Neill: Uncertainty tests leadership. Waiting for all the answers paralyzes teams. Great leaders push through ambiguity — they create clarity by taking action, engaging their teams, and moving forward even when everything isn’t perfect. Don’t wait for clarity. Lead toward it.
05:20 – The Biggest Blind Spot for CEOs
John Wilson: What’s the biggest blind spot you see CEOs facing right now?
Jeff O’Neill: Many are waiting for the world to get easier — for tariffs to drop, for the economy to stabilize. But that’s a trap. Great leaders don’t wait for circumstances to improve; they get better at leading through them.
06:02 – The Power of Peer Groups
John Wilson: How do peer groups like CEO Global Network change the trajectory of a leader’s decision-making?
Jeff O’Neill: Leadership can be lonely. Peer groups offer a safe place for CEOs to share challenges, exchange insights, and gain clarity. You grow through connection, not isolation. Having a network of experienced leaders accelerates learning and decision-making exponentially.
07:33 – Lessons Learned the Slow Way
John Wilson: Looking back on your career, what was the hardest leadership lesson you had to learn the slow way?
Jeff O’Neill: I didn’t focus on A-player development soon enough — both in my teams and in myself. I let mediocrity creep in. I believed in unlocking others’ potential but failed to do it for myself early on. If I’d had a peer group or mentor to help me see my blind spots, I would’ve learned that lesson much faster.
09:13 – Closing Thoughts
John Wilson: Having that mentor or peer group is critical. Jeff, we’re grateful to have you as part of the CEO Global Network. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience today.
Jeff O’Neill: Thanks, John. I appreciate it.
