Learning to Lead: How GXN and Executive Education Shape the Industry’s Future

What does it take to lead in a transforming industry?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Georgina Lack, award-winning consultant and lecturer at the University of Bath, and Michael Freter, founder of the global GXN Network and former CEO of PSI. Together, they unveil the GXN Executive Development Programme—a bold initiative designed to empower future leaders through executive education, value-based sales, and international collaboration.

We explore:

• Why “unlearning” is a critical leadership skill

• What mindsets and capabilities tomorrow’s leaders need

• How global networks can drive meaningful transformation

A powerful conversation at the intersection of learning, leadership, and the future of our industry.

Joel Strömberg is Partner and Deputy CEO of the Swedish corporate fashion brand Berkeley. While usually leading operations from Gothenburg, he’s currently on a business trip in New York – right in the heart of one of the world’s most influential fashion and branding capitals. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we explore the global transformation of corporate fashion, the cultural dynamics behind branded apparel, and why what we wear at work says more about our brand than ever before.

Set in the heart of the Belgian woods at La Hulpe – during the inaugural International Leadership Summit hosted by PPAI and EAC – a new era of conversation has begun: the very first episode of the podcast Branded Wor(l)ds – A Transatlantic Dialogue is now available!

Hosted by Steven Baumgaertner (cyber-Wear) and Jeff Solomon (U.S. brand strategist), the episode features none other than Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI. Together, they explore how purpose, innovation, and sustainability are reshaping brands across both sides of the Atlantic—and what this means for the future of the promotional products industry.

Key topics of the episode include:

• What does the future of global brand communication look like?

• How can brands stay culturally authentic across markets?

• Can sustainability become a true driver of innovation?

• And: Why transatlantic collaboration is the key to what comes next.

  This debut episode is more than just a podcast—it’s the launch of a new dialogue platform for decision-makers, thought leaders, and changemakers in our industry.