In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, podcast host Ellie English interviews Robyn Agoston, the Global Head of transformational change at Novartis.
Robyn shares her remarkable career journey that spans over 20 years and across seven countries, from working in her family's restaurant in Canada to leading digital and people transformation initiatives at one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.
The conversation delves deeply into topics, such as authentic leadership, overcoming biases, managing career transitions, and the importance of emotional intelligence and learning agility.
The episode emphasises the necessity of a human-first and modern leadership mindset and explores how organisations can cultivate empathy, accountability, and long-term strategic thinking amidst the evolving landscape of work.
As Robyn prepares to close her current chapter at Novartis, she offers invaluable insights on managing transitions, combating scarcity mindsets, and why it's crucial to adopt an abundance mindset—both in business and in life.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to navigate change, foster resilience, and lead with humanity.
00:00 Welcome to Women Leadership Reframe
01:18 Introducing Robyn Agoston
01:57 Robyn's Career Journey
04:35 Navigating Career Transitions
07:50 Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning
15:03 Scarcity Mindset and Leadership
19:20 Human-Centric Leadership
25:28 Authenticity in Leadership
33:20 Addressing Inherent Bias in Leadership
34:38 Challenges of the Traditional Workweek
35:43 The Limitations of DEI Programs
36:54 Intersectionality and Bias Awareness
37:22 Cultural Awareness in Leadership
41:04 Experiencing Systemic Racism
42:47 Empathy and Understanding in Leadership
43:36 Early Career Lessons in Tolerance
46:05 Advocating for Mothers in the Workplace
50:21 Navigating Leadership Conversations with Grace
53:08 Redefining Effective Leadership
56:02 Conscious Capitalism and Leadership
59:34 Intentional Leadership and Organisational Change
01:06:29 The Importance of Learning Agility
01:07:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Biography:
Robyn Agoston is the Global Head of Transformational Change at Novartis, with over 20 years of experience driving strategic change across global organisations. As a seasoned organisational architect and transformational change expert, Robyn has a proven track record of leading complex digital and operational transformations that align people, technology, and the future of work.
Her career began in Canada, where she gained early leadership experience working in her family’s restaurant business. She holds an MA in Labour Studies and Human Resources from McMaster University and a BAH in Global Development and Religious Studies from Queen's University. Robyn’s passion for global impact led her to roles with the UNDP, ILO, and NGOs in India, Namibia, and Ghana, focusing on youth employment and migrant labor issues.
In London, Robyn excelled as a Management Consultant at KPMG, where she led the Change Capability Practice for the UK and earned her Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) qualification. Following a successful consulting career, she took a 14-month sabbatical, during which she travelled extensively, earned her Yoga Teacher Training certification, and authored a popular travel blog.
At Novartis, Robyn has been instrumental in advancing digital-first and AI-driven initiatives, developing bespoke products, and creating innovative operating models. She is also a certified Scrum Master and CTI-certified Co-Active Coach, committed to fostering human-centric leadership in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.
A Canadian, British, and Hungarian citizen, Robyn has lived and worked in seven countries,...
