Gervase Warner - Failures Forged a Leader | Corie Sheppard Podcast

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In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, former Massy Group CEO Gervase Warner reflects on the setbacks, risks, and defining decisions that shaped his journey from a struggling secondary school student to Harvard Business School, McKinsey partner, and one of the Caribbean’s most influential business leaders.

Warner shares the lesser-known stories behind his path — academic rejection, early professional failures, and the unexpected gap-year experience that strengthened his leadership foundation. He explains why he left a prestigious global consulting career to return to the Caribbean, and how he helped transform Neal & Massy into Massy through culture change, strategic divestment, and purpose-driven leadership.

The episode explores:

Competing — and succeeding — in elite global institutions

Building and leading at McKinsey

Returning home to lead during a complex corporate transition

Rebranding and reorganising a Caribbean conglomerate

Conscious capitalism and why focusing on people can drive stronger performance

Navigating public controversy and leadership under scrutiny

The role of self-awareness, discipline, and personal growth in executive leadership

Race, identity, and responsibility in regional leadership

This is a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the reality behind corporate leadership at the highest level.

A story about failure, growth, and the courage to evolve.

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