Economic turmoil is creating a complicated picture for ambitious executives. Managers in the UK are more than twice as likely to be made redundant this year as they were in 2007, but at the same time salaries are rising and demand for skilled staff is high.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks to Paul Field, managing director of "The Wiggles" about how they tailor to a child's mindset.
Economic turmoil is creating a complicated picture for ambitious executives. Managers in the UK are more than twice as likely to be made redundant this year as they were in 2007, but at the same time salaries are rising and demand for skilled staff is high.
This is not just child's play, it's big business. "The Wiggles" are a hit among the toddler set. But that wasn't always their intended audience. The group initially tried their hands at rock -- under a different name -- in their native Australia.
In print advertisements, which comes first -- the word or the image?
The Wiggles have been officially wiggling for 17 years now, entertaining children with music, television, videos and films that have become modern classics.
1. I owe my success to... my father and mother. My mother instilled a love of music and had all of her seven children taught a musical instrument. My father put family first but worked very, very hard.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks to Paul Field, managing director of "The Wiggles" about how they tailor to a child's mindset.
"How do you protect the work you publish from piracy, especially when so much digital content is available for download on your own site?"
"How does Naxos' online ubiquity contribute directly to bringing in more business?
CNN's Andrew Stevens speaks to Paul Field, managing director of Australian children's phenomenon the Wiggles.
Those looking for a bit of harmony in their romantic lives need look no further than the web, according to eHarmony CEO Greg Waldorf. Just one of countless online dating services, e-Harmony is very clear in its ultimate goal for its users: marriage.
Edward Dolman is Christie's first chief executive officer to have been a specialist, who understands the pressure and the nature of valuing art. Part of his mission is attracting other highly motivated specialists into their business.
eHarmony is clear in its ultimate goal for its users: marriage. CNN's Maggie Lake talks with eHarmony's CEO.
Greg Waldorf never imagined he would be running an Internet dating service. As a young boy it was technology that fascinated him. So much so that Waldorf started a software consulting company before he even began high school. He clearly had drive and a head for business, but matchmaking? It is not as far off as it may sound.
Despite concerns about a global slowdown, business for Ed Dolman is better than ever.
Due to recent expansion, we are in the process of a recruitment drive. But how do we ensure that we cast our nets as widely as possible to attract talent?
How do you balance ethical issues when designing seductive advertising campaigns for potentially hazardous products such as alcohol or tobacco?
Christie's is the world's leading art business with global auction sales in 2007 that totalled $6.3 billion, marking the highest total in company and in art auction history.
CNN's Andrew Stevens speaks with Christie's International CEO Edward Dolman in this edition of "The Boardroom."
CNN's Benjamin Todd speaks with Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn in this edition of "The Boardroom."
"Which is more important -- the customer being king or the employees being highly motivated (keeping in mind reduction of operating expenses and being competitive)?" - Ronald Mahondo, I&M Bank, Kenya
In a country that demands excellence on the sporting field, John O'Neill has achieved the equivalent, off it.
Our organization has a high proportion of older staff, many of whom are nearing retirement. How can we attract younger managers to achieve a wider age range across the workforce in the future?
"Do successful businesses follow the market surveys and offer what the customers want, or do they innovate and show their current and prospective clients what's best for them? How do you balance?" - Ronald Mahondo, I&M Bank, Kenya
Not many businessmen can claim the superstar status of Carlos Ghosn. But then not many businessmen are at the helm of not one, but two of the world's biggest car makers.
Rugby Union formally began in Australia with the formation of the first clubs, the oldest of which is the Sydney University Club, formed in 1864. By 1874 there were enough clubs to form a Sydney Metropolitan competition, and in that year the Southern Rugby Union was established.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks with Australian sports executive John O'Neill in this edition of 'The Boardroom.'
Ghosn's turnaround of Japan's Nissan Motor, a company at the time of Ghosn's appointment, was roughly $20 billion in debt.
Carlos Ghosn gives his outlook for the future of the automotive industry and gives concrete advice for future business leaders.
Carlos Ghosn tells CNN about how he develops his workers and searches for talent.
Joseph P. Lashinsky wants to move you to a new home at the click of a button. He's the CEO of ZipRealty, an online house-hunting service with annual sales of more than 100 million dollars. The company maintains an online database of homes for sale in more than 30 metropolitan areas for both buyers and sellers. And while you'll hear plenty about how tough the U.S. housing market is right now, Lashinsky is optimistic.
"How do you raise funds to fulfil a project that you are 100 percent sure of making very good returns -- without financial backup or security? After being short-changed, how do you source an honest partner, either locally or internationally?" - Samuel Kiiru Mugambi, Nairobi
ZipRealty is a full-service residential real estate brokerage firm which uses the Internet, proprietary technology and employee real estate agents to provide home buyers and sellers with value-added online service.
Joseph P. Lashinsky is the present chief executive officer and president of ZipRealty, having served on the Board of Directors since June 2007. He previously held the positions of Executive Vice President of Product Strategy and Development, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, and Vice President of Sales.
CEO of ZipRealty, Joseph Patrick Lashinsky, has his work cut out for him. At the helm just one year, he is trying to grow the online realty company during one of the worst housing downturns in decades.
CNN's Maggie Lake talks with Joseph Lashinsky, CEO of ZipRealty, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
How do you create something that people want to spend more time with, and also want their groups of friends or social community to spend more time with?
Marius Kloppers is a man on a mission. Last October, at the age of 45, he became CEO of one of the world's biggest companies, mining giant BHP Billiton. Less than two months later, he launched what would be one of the biggest corporate takeovers in history -- an estimated 150 billion dollar megabid for rival Rio Tinto. The Boardroom's Andrew Stevens met the soft-spoken South African at BHP's global headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.
CNN's Andrew Stevens sits down with Marius Kloppers, CEO of BHP Billiton, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
In the current business climate, retaining talent is one of our key objectives. What things should we be focusing on in terms of organizational benefits?
As a global company, BHP Billiton is one of the industry leaders in major commodity businesses including aluminum, energy coal and metallurgical coal, copper, manganese, iron ore, uranium, nickel, silver and titanium minerals, with substantial interests in oil, gas, liquefied natural gas and diamonds.
Marius Kloppers was born in South Africa on August 26, 1962.
Jocelyn Chng's parents set up the business in the 1970s. Fast forward to the early '90s... And at the age of 21 -- with the business faltering, and her father passing away -- Jocelyn took control. She talks to The Boardoom's Andrew Stevens.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks with Jocelyn Chng, managing director of Sin Hwa Dee, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
Jocelyn Chng talks to CNN's Andrew Stevens about her impact since taking over the family business.
Sin Hwa Dee began operations in the 1970s as a cottage industry in the former soya sauce-producing enclave of Kim Chuan Road, in the Paya Lebar area of Singapore.
As part of an effort to share the best practices of modern business among organizations across the globe, CNN is talking to some of the world's top executives.
In terms of our long-term business planning, what sorts of trends can we expect to see in the workforce over the next 10 years?
Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
As chairman and CEO of DuPont since 1999, Charles (Chad) Holliday is the 18th executive to lead the company in the past two centuries since it was founded.
Charles Holliday may not have known what he was getting himself into when he joined DuPont in the summer of 1970 as a mere intern. Little did he know that only a few decades later, he'd be in charge of the world's second-largest chemical company, boasting some 60,000 employees.
CNN's Maggie Lake sits down with Charles Holliday Jr., CEO of DuPont, in this edition of 'The Boardroom.'
Ron Sim is an entrepreneur at heart. As a child, he sold noodles on the streets of Singapore for pocket money. In the early 1980s he set up a trading company selling household goods and appliances. Over time, that evolved into Osim, which today generates most of its 380 million dollar annual revenues from high-end massage chairs, as well as a host of other healthy-lifestyle products. The Boardroom's Andrew Stevens caught up with Ron Sim at his Singapore headquarters.
Ron Sim tells CNN about his early days of selling noodles in the street to make some pocket money.
Ron Sim Chye Hock is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Osim International Ltd.
Best known for its luxury massage chairs, Osim opened its first commercial outlet in the Philippines in February 2003.
If your drug company is on its death-bed, this is the man you want as your corporate doctor. He's Fred Hassan, the CEO of drug giant Schering-Plough. In the past 25 years, he has turned around his fair share of ailing pharmaceutical firms, including the recovery and subsequent 56 billion dollar sale of Pharmacia. He's so renowned within his industry that they coined a phrase for his brand of management: "The Fred Factor." Hassan tells The Boardroom's Maggie Lake how he is able to assess, diagnose and cure.
Fred Hassan is chairman of the board and CEO of Schering-Plough Corporation.
Based in New Jersey, USA, Schering-Plough is a pharmaceutical company that employs some 55,000 people, operating in more than 140 countries worldwide. Conducting research in the areas of cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, immunology and infectious disease, oncology, respiratory diseases and women's health, its best-selling products are Vytorin, Zetia, Remicade and Nasonex.
"How do live concerts, radio broadcasts and pre-recorded music complement each other in the successful marketing of classical music?
CNN's Maggie Lake gets advice from Fred Hassan, CEO of Schering-Plough, in ''The Boardroom.''
Operating from its corporate headquarters in New York City's Rockefeller Center, Sirius Satellite Radio broadcasts over 130 digital-quality channels, including 69 channels of commercial-free music, plus exclusive channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data to more than 7.1 million subscribers.
There is often a lot of confusion around Corporate Responsibility and what organizations need to do to account for their actions. What are the key facets of a good Corporate Responsibility policy and how exactly will it benefit the business?
He's a media maverick. A man who has been shaking the establishment for much of his career. Mel Karmazin began his professional life in radio in New York City, and over the next 40 years built a coast-to-coast business, ran the CBS network, and more recently became a driving force in one of America's newest media ventures, satellite radio.
CNN's Andrew Stevens gets advice from Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio, in ''The Boardroom.''
JWT is the largest advertising agency in the United States and the fourth-biggest in the world. With clients ranging from spirit-makers to sports equipment manufacturers, it has stayed cutting-edge in this fiercely competitive, creative and rapidly changing industry. CNN's Todd Benjamin caught up with CEO Bob Jeffrey and began by asking him about the future of advertising.
"What is a viable business model for distributing music independently via the Internet?"
Klaus Heymann may not know how to read music or play a musical instrument, but he has been attending classical concerts with his parents since he was 9 years old. Today he is best known as a successful entrepreneur, who is a classical music amateur.
JWT was originally founded by William James Carlton in 1864, renamed after James Walter Thompson in 1877, and finally relaunched as JWT in 2005.
CNN's Todd Benjamin talks with Bob Jeffrey, Worldwide CEO of JWT, in ''The Boardroom''
From piano concertos to violin masterpieces, Klaus Heymann knows his classical music -- and the classical music business.
CNN's Maggie Lake sits down with James Koch, CEO of Boston Beer Company, in this week's edition of 'The Boardroom.'
Searing summer temperatures, melting polar ice-caps and extreme weather have all been attributed to climate change.
Head N.V. is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of premium sports equipment. It is a technology-driven company, with the motto "Superior performance through superior technology."
Johan Eliasch has served as Chairman of the Management Board of Head N.V. and Group Chief Executive Officer since September 1995.
CNN's Todd Benjamin talks with Johan Eliasch, Chairman of the HEAD group, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
Budget classical music label Naxos is named after the Greek island, home to the legend of Ariadne on which Richard Strauss based his opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" in 1912.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks with Klaus Heymann, founder of Naxos, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
Mo Ibrahim is a man who believes in Africa; and the continent has been good to him.
CNN's Todd Benjamin talks with Mo Ibrahim, founder of Celtel, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
"In the last few years, there has been considerable media attention around the potential dangers to a business, such as flooding or the breakdown of IT systems. How do I make sure that our business continuity is robust and fit for purpose?"
Mohamed Ibrahim is the founder of Celtel, one of Africa's leading mobile telephone companies, with networks in 15 countries on the continent.
The company began life in 1989 as MSI Cellular Investments, a telecommunications consultancy company based and operating in Africa. It was founded by Dr Mo Ibrahim.
CNN's Maggie Lake talks with Craig Barrett, Chairman of Intel, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
Dr. Craig Barrett joined Intel as a technology manager in 1974, and was with the company during most of its major developments.
The company was founded in 1968 by Bob Noyce and Gordon Moore, two of the original brains behind one of the major players in early computer chip development, Fairchild Semiconductors.
"We have a long-hours culture in our organization but I often feel that the extra time managers are putting in is not generating better results. How do we address this issue to make sure that, where individuals do work excessive hours, input equals output?"
They don't come much more Australian than Telstra. The former state-owned monopoly which literally linked Australians together, across a harsh and unforgiving continent.
Soloman Trujillo was made CEO of Telstra in July, 2005 and has been leading an end-to-end transformation of the company, continuing to develop the company as a media communications organization.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks with Sol Trujillo, CEO of Telstra, in this edition of ''The Boardroom.''
Telstra is Australia's leading telecommunications and information services company, with customers throughout the country.
Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin tells CNN's Andrew Stevens the secrets of success.
Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin discusses the controversy surrounding his career.
CNN's Benjamin Todd talks with Nancy McKinstry, CEO of Wolters Kluwer in this edition of "The Boardroom."
They've been in the banking business for more than 200 years, Pictet and Company came to prominence when Europe was booming, specializing in personalized, discrete banking services.
CNN's Andrew Stevens talks with Ivan Pictet of Pictet and Cie in this edition of "The Boardroom."