Executive vitality

Mind, body & leadership

This is your moment to pause, reset, and refocus. We’ll kick things off over lunch with a keynote from performance expert Stefano Maldifassi, who’ll share insights on unlocking energy and resilience at the highest level. Then, it’s into an afternoon of purposeful wellbeing—from yoga beneath the Sardinian sky to rejuvenation in the world-renowned Thalasso Spa circuit. It’s more than downtime—it’s a reminder that great leadership starts with clarity, energy, and space to think.

The HotTopics Regatta

The ultimate team experience

Get ready for one of the most exhilarating experiences of The Studio. You’ll board your boat, learn the ropes with a quick sailing masterclass, and then set off on a friendly C-suite regatta along Sardinia’s breathtaking coastline. With time to swim, connect, and soak it all in, this is more than a sailing trip—it’s a chance to challenge your thinking, strengthen relationships, and create unforgettable memories on the open water.

Tues 24th June
Wed 25th June
Thurs 26th June

12:00 → 18:00

Arrivals and check-in

Forte Village

Welcome to Forte Village. Transfers, check-in, and time to unwind as our global community arrives and settles into the stunning Sardinian surroundings ahead of The Studio kickoff.

18:00 → 19:00

EU Advisory Board cocktail reception

Tiki Beach

An exclusive invite for our EU Advisory Board members. Join us at Tiki Beach, a Polynesian-inspired hideaway, for a relaxed pre-dinner reception—serving world-class cocktails in thanks for your continued support and contributions to the community.

19:00 → 21:00

The Studio launch BBQ

Beachfront

Join us on the beach for a relaxed welcome BBQ to kick off The Studio Sardinia. Connect with peers, soak up the setting, and get ready for an incredible few days ahead.

08:00 → 09:00

Breakfast

FORTE VILLAGE

Enjoy the resort’s buffet breakfast at your leisure before the day begins.

09.15 → 09:45

From Fortune 500 to FinTech scale-up: C-suite leadership lessons on adaptability and growth

KEYNOTE

Sky Suite

At The Studio Sardinia, Felipe Peñacoba Martinez, CIO and board member at Revolut Bank UAB, shares leadership lessons from a 30-year career that has spanned traditional banking giants and fintech scale-ups.

During this opening keynote, Felipe reflects on his leadership journey from Accenture and Santander to Finastra and Revolut, the importance of accountability and adaptability in fast-growing businesses, and the need for team unity, efficiency, speed and customer centricity to drive frictionless growth.

Felipe Penacoba Martinez

CIO - Revolut

09.45 → 10:15

Building for tomorrow: The evolution of leadership at the intersection of AI, IQ and EQ

PANEL

Sky Suite

As AI starts to reshape organisations and entire industries, the leaders of tomorrow will be those who are able to skilfully balance cognitive (IQ), emotional (EQ) and social (SQ) intelligence. From navigating automation’s impact on workforces to fostering adaptability in AI-driven organisations, our panellists will discuss leadership attributes, balancing technical expertise with ‘soft’ skills and human-led decision making, and winning hearts and minds to build high-performance teams.

Ashwin Ballal

CIO - Freshworks

Mark Bramwell

CDIO and Director of Strategic Digital Partnerships - Saïd Business SchoolUniversity of Oxford

Mauli Tikkiwal

CIO - CWS Hygiene

Richard Corbridge

CIO - Segro

Doug Drinkwater

HotTopics

10:15 → 10:30

Networking break

Sky Suite

10:30 → 11:00

Energy + grit = longevity: How to sustain peak performance in leadership

ASK-ME-ANYTHING

Sky Suite

Is relentless work the only path to success, or can sustained performance come from a more balanced approach? This discussion explores the idea that peak leadership is about managing energy, focus, and productivity for long-term impact. Can leaders afford to keep pushing without burning out, or is there a smarter way to lead?

Tia Cheang

CDAO - Gallagher

Peter Stojanovic

HotTopics

11:00 → 11:30

The big debate: The technology executive will never be CEO

PANEL

Sky Suite

How can leaders make sound, strategic decisions when clarity is compromised? This session challenges the conventional approach to decision-making, arguing that resilience and mental sharpness are key to navigating complex challenges. Can executives afford to overlook the importance of mental clarity, or will their lack of focus derail growth and profita

11:30 → 11:45

Networking break

Sky Suite

11:45 → 12:15

TechGirl stories: Perservance, and empowering tomorrow's talent

C-suite stories

Sky Suite

In this panel , senior technology leaders from across different industries share the pivotal moments that shaped their careers and the lessons they learned on the way up.

Through a series of raw, personal mini-stories, we’ll spotlight the human side of technology that often goes untold: the setbacks, the near-misses, the unexpected breakthroughs, and the mentors who changed everything.

Together, we’ll reflect on what still needs to change to create a more inclusive future — and close with a challenge: one bold commitment each leader will make to support the next generation of TechGirls.

Joanna Pamphilis

SVP, CIO, Global Head of Investments and Securities Digital Products - UniCredit

Joanna Drake

CTO - THG Ingenuity

Anna Verdian

CDO - Axelrod

Avril Chester

CTO - Royal Pharmaceutical Society

12:15 → 13:15

Breaking through fatigue and inertia for impactful change

Networking roundtables

Sky Suite

In an engaging roundtable format, you'll have the chance to voice your perspective and hear fresh insights from fellow leaders in cross-industry conversations.

13:15 → 13:30

Studio day one close

Sky Suite

Final thoughts and questions as we wrap up day one of The Studio, ahead of the afternoon’s C-suite experiences.

13:30 → 13:45

Refresh for C-suite experience

Take some time to change, recharge, and get ready for the afternoon’s c-suite experiences.

13:45 → 18:00

The HotTopics Regatta

Sailing experience

Meet at Hotel Castello reception

An unforgettable C-suite experience on the water. After a short sailing masterclass, set sail with Safari Sardinia towards Tuerredda’s crystal-clear waters. Enjoy time to swim, unwind, and connect with peers over a light onboard lunch. Then sail back to Forte Village, refreshed and recharged.

18:00 → 19:30

Refresh for evening

forte village

Take some time to change, recharge, and get ready for the evening

19:30 → 22:00

Dinner at your leisure

forte village

A relaxed evening with an area reserved for HotTopics guests. No fixed format—arrive when it suits you and enjoy dinner at your own pace.

08:00 → 09:00

Breakfast

forte village

Enjoy the resort’s buffet breakfast at your leisure before the day begins.

09:00 → 09:15

Welcome back to The Studio

welcome

Sky Suite

Get ready for another powerful day of connection, insight and inspiration for the C-suite.

09:15 → 09:45

The AI, API, LLM, RPA language lexicon: How to really communicate with the board

KEYNOTE

Sky Suite

As emerging technologies dominate strategic conversations, the language used to describe them often creates more confusion than clarity—especially at board level. This session cuts through the jargon to explore how tech leaders can communicate complex innovations in ways that align with business priorities, risk appetite, and long-term value creation.

We'll hear from executives who have successfully reframed technical discussions for non-technical audiences, turning buzzwords into business cases and fostering genuine engagement with the board. Because in today’s climate, clarity isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a competitive advantage.

Ashwin Ballal

CIO - Freshworks

Doug Drinkwater

HotTopics

09:45 → 10:15

The Big Debate: Tech's democratisation diminishes the influence and impact of IT

panel

Sky Suite

As technology democratises, are IT, data and digital leaders being quietly relegated to the back office—while business units run with the tools, insights and platforms once under their control? In the rush to empower the enterprise, have we accidentally disempowered the very teams who built its digital foundations?

This debate pulls no punches. We’ll challenge whether democratisation is a smokescreen for loss of strategic influence—and ask if today’s tech leaders are adapting fast enough to stay relevant. Because if everyone owns digital, does anyone lead it?

Doug Drinkwater

HotTopics

Peter Stojanovic

HotTopics

10:15 → 10:30

Networking break

Sky Suite

10:30 → 11:00

Who are the leaders of tomorrow? Inspiring the next generation

panel

Sky Suite

At a time when the pace of technological, societal and cultural change is accelerating, leadership is being redefined. In this forward-looking session, we gather today’s C-suite to explore their role in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders—those who will inherit the challenges and opportunities of our evolving world.

We’ll examine how inclusive leadership, mentorship, and values-driven decision-making can help shape a more diverse, purpose-led pipeline of future leaders.

Esther Hinch

Cyber Director - BDO LLP

Gaynor Rich

CISO - Capita

Joanna Drake

CTO - THG Ingenuity

Niresh Rajah

Chief Data & AI Officer - DLA Piper

Peter Stojanovic

HotTopics

11:00 → 11:30

C-suite stories

PANEL

Sky Suite

Hear from real leaders as they share honest, candid stories of transformation—what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next.

Mark Bramwell

CDIO and Director of Strategic Digital Partnerships - Saïd Business SchoolUniversity of Oxford

Tia Cheang

CDAO - Gallagher

11:30 → 11:45

Networking break

Sky Suite

11:45 → 12:15

The resilient leader’s playbook

FIRESIDE

Sky Suite

When crisis strikes, is your leadership focused or reactive? This session dives into how resilient leaders handle stress and uncertainty. Do you have the fortitude to guide your organisation through disruptions with calm and precision, or will pressure push your decision-making into chaos?

Paul Coby

CIO - Persimmon Homes

Doug Drinkwater

HotTopics

12:15 → 13:15

Networking roundtables

Sky Suite

In an engaging roundtable format, you'll have the chance to voice your perspective and hear fresh insights from fellow leaders in cross-industry conversations.

13:15 → 13:30

Studio day two close

Networking roundtables

Sky Suite

Final thoughts and questions as we wrap up day two of The Studio, ahead of the afternoon’s C-suite experiences.

13:30 → 14:30

Lunch & Executive vitality keynote

networking

The Belvedere

Join us on the terrace at Belvedere for a gourmet lunch experience, followed by an energising keynote from Stefano Maldifassi—renowned biomechanical engineer and elite performance expert. This session kick-starts our afternoon of Executive Vitality, exploring how science, movement and mindset can elevate leadership.

Stefano Maldifassi

Internationally renowned expert in sport and applied research

14:30 → 15:00

Refresh for C-suite experience

FORTE VILLAGE

Take some time to change, recharge, and get ready for the afternoon’s executive vitality

15:00 → 18:30

Executive vitality: Mind, body, and connection

experience

Thalasso Spa

An afternoon dedicated to recharging and reconnecting. Join us for a revitalising yoga session, followed by access to the world-renowned Thalasso Spa circuit. Rejuvenate, reflect, and connect with peers through purposeful experiences designed to support mindful leadership.

18:30 → 19:30

Refresh for evening

forte village

Take some time to change, recharge, and get ready for the evening

19:30 → 22:00

The Studio closing dinner at La Casa del Custode

networking

La Casa del Custode

An unforgettable evening under the stars to celebrate The Studio Sardinia. Set against the backdrop of Sardinia’s natural beauty, this exceptional dining experience brings together captivating performances, local culture, and a heartfelt thank you to our guests and partners.

CIO | CISO | CDO - Digital | CDO - Data

Nashville Advisory Board Meetup

Virtual

27 May 2025

Apply now

CMO

Marketing Advisory Board Meetup

Virtual

29 May 2025

Apply now

CIO | CDO - Digital | CDO - Data | CX Leaders

BoxWorks 2025 Content + AI

180 Studios, London

4 Jun 2025

Apply now

CIO | CISO

Navigating transformation in turbulence

London

5 Jun 2025

Apply now

TechGirl Advisory Board Meetup

Virtual

11 Jun 2025

Apply now

CDO - Data | CIO | CISO | CX Leaders | CDO - Digital

Virtual wine tasting: The art of experience

Virtual

17 Jun 2025

Apply now

CIO | CISO | CFO

Financial Services Leaders Summit!

London Stock Exchange

19 Jun 2025

Apply now

CIO | CISO | CDO - Data | CDO - Digital