Executive Decisions with Steve Sedgwick
From Casablanca to the C-suite: Finding Your Third Exit — with Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri
23 Dec 2025
In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo. Raised in a humble home in Casablanca without running water or electricity, Ilham shares how her grandmother’s belief in education as a “third exit” out of poverty shaped her life.From public schools in Morocco to earning a Ph.D. in macromolecular physical chemistry, her journey is a testament to curiosity and courage. Ilham reflects on pivotal career decisions—from leaving academia for industry to working for global giants like Shell, Dow, and Solvay. She opens up about the toughest choices, including balancing motherhood with leadership and spearheading the historic split of a 160-year-old company. The discussion also explores why embracing discomfort fuels transformation and why leaders must know when to step aside. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE
01 Jan 1970
El Partidazo de COPE
13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana