From Boardrooms to Bookstores: Inside the Launch of Marianne Abib-Pech’s New Leadership Guide
Amidst the historic elegance of London’s Home House, the future of leadership was the guest of honor. Leaders from the worlds of tech and finance met to celebrate Marianne Abib-Pech’s newly minted second edition of The Financial Times Guide to Leadership. In a world of ‘constant change,’ this isn’t just a book launch—it’s a survival guide for the modern C-suite.
What does leadership look like in an age of artificial intelligence, global uncertainty, and constant change? That was the million-dollar question at the event, where a powerhouse mix of finance, tech, and investment heavyweights gathered. Marianne Abib-Pech’s new book is a timely roadmap for building trust in an untrusting world.
The evening kicked off with a flourish as Sumitra Karthikeyan, J.P. Morgan Chase’s Global Head of CIB Strategy, set the stage. What followed was a captivating deep dive between author Marianne Abib-Pech and media maestro Alan Stevens. They tackled the big stuff: how curiosity and trust are the real “secret sauce” in an AI-driven world. The room was buzzing during the Q&A, and the energy was so infectious that the wine and conversation flowed well into the night. It turns out, when you’re redefining the future of leadership, nobody’s in a hurry to leave.
Reflecting on the London launch, Marianne Abib-Pech said: “It was a real pleasure to see so many leaders, seasoned or emerging, corporate or entrepreneurial, attending the London book launch. It is testimony to the depth of the book and its relevance in today’s world. Leadership is a state of mind with a purpose: to shape a different society.” The Financial Times Guide to Leadership (2nd edition, 2026), explores how to build trust and results in a volatile, uncertain, chaotic and ambiguous world.
With a resume that includes navigating the complexities of global finance as the CFO of Shell Aviation, Marianne Abib-Pech is the ultimate authority on what it takes to lead at the highest level. Her transition from corporate titan to leadership mentor is nothing short of inspiring, and we were lucky enough to catch up with her to discuss her latest insights. Today, Marianne is the Co-Founder of Transitions First, an industrial deep-tech venture fund backing the next generation of industrial leaders passionate about sustainability.
We couldn’t wait to speak with Marianne to discuss her career journey and the wisdom packed into her new book. Luckily, she carved out some time for us to sit down and dive deep into what it truly means to be a powerhouse in today’s business world.
Coffee or tea?
“Hot water these days…
“It used to be strong coffee, no sugar — preferably accompanied by an intelligent conversation. Some habits evolve. The love for meaningful dialogue does not.”
Where did you go to University?
“I studied Business and Finance at EM Strasbourg in France, followed by a Master in Business Organisation at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
“Later, I completed an executive programme at Harvard Business School, a Creative Writing programme at Oxford, and even began studies at the London School of Journalism (I didn’t graduate — curiosity sometimes runs faster than credentials!).
“Numbers gave me structure. Words gave me nuance. Observation tied everything together… three lenses, one professional.”
Describe your current job in one sentence?
“I nurture leaders and back founders who are building the industrial champions of tomorrow.”
Describe your book in one sentence:
“A practical guide unlocking the leader within. Taking you on a journey from yourself to the world. Equipping you with key leadership accelerators: Neurosciences, Crisis communication and Artificial intelligence. With the ambition to fast track your impact in a world that no longer reward titles but trust.”
What inspired the book?
“Years of observing leadership in many forms – corporate, entrepreneurial, political -and realising that leadership isn’t a personality trait. It’s a discipline. A practice. And it can be codified and learned (on a fertile soil!).”
What is the biggest lesson learnt so far in your career?
“Credibility compounds, trust accelerates.
“You can be brilliant, but if people don’t trust you, you will never achieve anything.”
What is the biggest accomplishment so far in your career?
“Reinventing myself more than once- from corporate CFO to entrepreneur, investor and author while strengthening rather than diluting my sense of purpose.”
Can you describe a day in your shoes?
“Early meditation, reading and writing. Strategic thinking and calls with founders. Gym or long walk.
“Reviewing investment memos. Speaking with team or future portfolio companies. Building networks of peers and investors. Dinner with my husband or friends.
“And somewhere in between, I deliberately leave space for creativity – the latest must-see exhibition, curiosity – reading or researching new areas of interest, and serendipity – the occasional unexpected encounter.”
Best leadership advice?
“Observe, adjust, execute. Actions speak louder than words.”
Best work advice?
“Say what you will do. Do what you said. Repeat.”
What does leadership look like in an age of artificial intelligence?
“More human, not less. AI amplifies information. Leaders must amplify judgment. Discernment, ethics and emotional intelligence are becoming strategic advantages.”
What are your thoughts on AI in the workplace?
“Please read the 2nd edition of the FT Guide to Leadership- Chapter Twelve!
“AI is a powerful accelerator of business. It is also a great enhancer of yourself. But it cannot replace accountability, integrity and decision making. It is and extraordinary tool. And it should remain a tool.”
How do you think AI is reshaping today’s workplace?
“It is a fantastic productivity tool -or could be.
“It also exposes shallow thinking or lack of creativity. The leaders who will thrive will combine technological fluency with emotional depth and exceptional strategic thinking.”
In a world dominated by social media, how do you keep up with work relationships in a genuine way?
“I am not a big user of social media. I value and prioritize IRL interaction, substance over volume.
“Conversations more than texts. A call instead of a comment. A lunch, coffee or dinner instead of a “like.””
How do you build trust with clients and colleagues/employees?
“Competence. Authenticity. Consistency
“Trust is built when people see the real you, respect the real you and know what to expect from you – especially under pressure.”
When attending a networking event, how do you make a lasting impression?
“By asking an unconventional question and listening to the answer!
“I do not “work” the room. I largely prefer one meaningful conversation to twenty superficial ones. I always, always, always follow up.”
What’s next in your career?
“Shaping society and scaling impact – through speaking, investing and writing. I want to re-shape how industrial entrepreneurs are financed and supported, so we can build a more resilient and successful economic era.”