Who is Who
Andrea Petrone is a renowned human performance advisor and top one percent executive coach trusted by global CEOs. Known as The CEO Whisperer, he helps leaders strengthen judgment, elevate presence, and transform their leadership identity. He is also a keynote speaker, podcast host, and upcoming Wiley author.
When the Quiet Moments Become the Turning Point
Every leader encounters a moment when progress slows, clarity fades, and the pressure to perform intensifies. For Andrea Petrone, these moments became the foundation of his life’s work. After decades of leading teams across three continents, he realized that the most transformative breakthroughs rarely happen in crowded rooms. They happen in quiet, honest spaces where leaders confront who they are, what they want, and what must evolve for them to rise.
This understanding would shape his journey from global executive to one of the most trusted advisors to CEOs worldwide.
Early Foundations: A Global Path Toward Human Performance
Andrea’s career began long before he entered the coaching world. For over twenty years, he held senior roles including CEO, Managing Director, and EVP across oil, energy, construction, and consulting. Leading complex operations in six countries gave him a firsthand view of the demands placed on decision-makers at the top.
Colleagues frequently noted his calm presence and ability to navigate pressure with clarity. “Andrea has an impressive capability of leading people with vision and empathy,” shared Maurizio Cesetti, reflecting on their work together in the energy sector.
These early years taught Andrea that leadership success is not rooted only in strategy. It is powered by mindset, identity, and the courage to face discomfort with intention.
The Ascent: Becoming a Trusted Advisor to CEOs
Today, Andrea is widely recognized as The CEO Whisperer and a top one percent executive coach. His advisory work reaches CEOs and senior leaders from global organizations including Shell, PwC, Unilever, ENI, Snam, Goldman Sachs, and many more.
Executives consistently praise Andrea for his ability to create clarity during periods of uncertainty. “He helped me uncover strengths I didn’t even know I had,” shared Giorgia Arnaboldi, Global SVP at Shell Energy. “His coaching gave me renewed confidence and shifted how I lead.”
Leaders come to him seeking direction, presence, and the ability to perform at their highest level. They leave with strengthened judgment, deeper self-awareness, and a more compelling leadership identity.
A Core Philosophy: Mindset Is the Multiplier
Andrea’s approach centers on one belief: performance follows mindset. His work helps leaders confront internal barriers, realign their identity, and strengthen their ability to lead through complexity.
His widely read reflections on leadership often emphasize this principle. In one of his most viral posts, he wrote:
“Mental strength isn’t about fearlessness.
It is about small choices repeated with intention until they become who you are.”
His coaching blends psychology, strategic judgment, and behavioral science. CEOs trust him because he goes beyond motivation. He brings structure, evidence, and lived experience.
Clients often describe his approach as both direct and compassionate. “He listens deeply and asks the questions that shift everything,” shared Indra Gutiérrez. “One session with Andrea gave me clarity I had been searching for for years.”
Organization-Level Impact: Where Strategy Meets Humanity
Andrea’s influence extends far beyond individual coaching. He has led and facilitated major transformation initiatives in digital innovation, culture change, strategic planning, and leadership realignment.
At Unilever, his work on agility received outstanding feedback for its practical and engaging design. At PwC, his masterclasses reshaped how scale-up founders approached international expansion. At several high-growth companies, his strategic facilitation helped teams refine priorities and strengthen alignment.
“Andrea helped us think more strategically and develop priorities that changed the trajectory of our work,” shared CEO Haytham Kaddoura.
“His frameworks are practical, his facilitation exceptional, and his impact long-lasting.”
This pattern continues across industries. Whether he is guiding an executive team through a cultural reset or supporting a founder preparing for expansion, Andrea’s influence creates clarity where complexity once dominated.
The World Class Leaders Show: Sharing Wisdom at Scale
Andrea is the founder and host of The World Class Leaders Show, a top-ranked global podcast featuring some of the world’s most influential thinkers and executives. His conversations explore the deeper layers of leadership: identity, purpose, transformation, and the hidden pressures that shape decisions at the top.
His weekly World Class Leaders Newsletter attracts a growing global audience of executives seeking practical insights and authentic guidance.
And in 2026, his expertise will take book form. Andrea signed a global publishing deal with Wiley for his upcoming title, “The Defining Chapter.”
At its core is a topic many CEOs quietly struggle with: the identity gap at the top.
“Most CEOs rise through performance, but few stop to define who they are as leaders.”
The book explores how leaders can realign identity, presence, and impact as they enter new stages of their careers.
A Coaching Style Defined by Humanity and Precision
Across hundreds of testimonials, certain themes repeat:
He listens.
He clarifies.
He challenges with empathy.
He inspires confidence.
Clients speak of breakthroughs not achieved through pressure, but through thoughtful guidance.
Simone Ruzario captured this well:
“Andrea asked the questions that brought me back to the real issue. I left every session with direction and confidence.”
Others highlight his ability to build frameworks and mindset models that become lifelong tools.
“His coaching helped me think more rationally, make better decisions, and manage communication with intent,” shared Jole Bertone, Chief Legal Officer.
No matter the industry, Andrea’s style blends precision with warmth, strategy with humanity, and challenge with genuine care.
Vision for the Future: Elevating Leadership Through Identity
Andrea’s mission is clear: help leaders transform not just how they perform, but who they become.
As he continues to coach CEOs, publish new insights, and deliver keynotes around the world, his work remains grounded in one conviction:
“Leadership is not defined by the role you hold.
It is defined by the identity you choose to grow into.”
His journey reflects a deep commitment to helping leaders reclaim clarity, strengthen judgment, and rise into the next chapter of their leadership story.
Editorial Note
Andrea Petrone’s story is more than the evolution of a global executive. It is the story of a leader who transformed his own journey and now dedicates his work to helping others unlock a version of themselves they have not yet met. His approach blends humility, insight, and a profound understanding of the human side of leadership, making him one of the most trusted voices in the field today.
