In part one of this two-part episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy sits down with Jan Zijderveld, a rare breed of truly global executive who built an extraordinary career spanning eight countries across three continents. From brand manager in New Zealand to President of Unilever Europe — a $14 billion business across 34 countries — Jan shares the leadership lessons, hard-won instincts, and pattern recognition that only come from decades of doing difficult things in unfamiliar places.
Jan opens up about his high-stakes turnaround of Avon Products, why the CEO success rate hovers around 27%, and how the right “click” between talent, work, and role is the real driver of extraordinary outcomes.
His advice is simple but profound: start with the end in mind, take risks, get your flying hours, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How Jan Zijderveld built a truly global career across eight countries and three continents
- The nearly 30-year Unilever journey that took him from brand manager to President of Europe
- Leading a high-stakes turnaround at Avon Products and navigating its acquisition by Natura
- Why only 27% of top-tier CEO talent actually succeeds — and what’s really behind the gap
- Sandy’s “click” framework and how it connects talent, work, and role as the real driver of success
- The case for pattern recognition and flying hours over raw talent alone
- Why starting with the end in mind — and surrounding yourself with inspiring people — is Jan’s blueprint for a life well lived
Connect with Sandy Ogg:
Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/
X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent
Instagram: @SandyOnTalent
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