Podcast Description
Paul McRae opens up about his transformation from decades in corporate leadership to finding purpose and balance as an independent executive. From leading record-breaking sales teams at ServiceNow to launching a healthcare services practice across the Americas, Paul shares his lessons on leadership, mindset, and adapting to change. He reflects on how the CTOx Accelerator helped him reframe success, rediscover passion, and redefine what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. Plus, in the AI Hot Seat, ChatGPT challenges him with a timely question on remote work and the future of leadership.
About the Guest
Paul McRae is a seasoned sales and technology executive who has led large-scale enterprise transformations across the healthcare and IT industries. Formerly SVP at ServiceNow, he launched the company’s first healthcare services delivery practice across the Americas. With more than two decades of leadership experience at firms like VMware, AWS, and AT&T, Paul now helps organizations achieve impactful results through purpose-driven strategy and people-first leadership.
Connect with Paul
• Websites: https://www.transformativehlth.io/ | https://www.paulmcraehealth.org/
• X: @PaulMcRaeHealth
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/PaulMcRaeHealth
Episode Breakdown
Part 1 – From Corporate Success to Personal Transformation
• 0:00 – Opening reflection from Paul: could I ever go back?
• 0:21 – Welcome to Inside CTOx with host Donna
• 1:08 – Guest introduction: Paul McRae
• 1:29 – The moment that led Paul to join CTOx
• 1:47 – Leaving corporate life and rediscovering purpose
• 3:45 – The challenge of rewiring decades of experience
• 4:49 – Facing the “mid-program wall” and adapting mindset
• 7:30 – Managing mental focus and self-direction as a solopreneur
• 8:31 – “Burn the boats”: full commitment to a new path
• 10:03 – Surprises in personal and professional growth
Part 2 – Leadership, Mindset & The Future of Work (AI Hot Seat)
• 10:27 – Learning to speak about value, impact, and outcomes
• 12:31 – Building meaningful relationships through the CTOx community
• 14:52 – Overcoming ego, embracing collaboration, and learning from peers
• 16:27 – Advice to carry forward: always lead with purpose and clarity
• 17:32 – Redefining success: freedom, impact, and family balance
• 19:12 – Looking ahead: travel, growth, and life on his own terms
• 19:28 – AI Hot Seat: Surprise Question from ChatGPT
• 21:05 – The 4-day workweek question: how leaders can embrace flexibility
• 22:58 – Leading across generations and work styles
• 25:41 – The power of servant leadership and “what matters to you”
• 27:09 – Creating connection, motivation, and purpose in teams
• 27:24 – Closing reflections and final thoughts
