How leading through discomfort prepared Philips CEO Roy Jakobs for his toughest calls

Roy Jakobs reflects on the early experiences that shaped his leadership—from post‑war lessons in forgiveness to the resilience built through childhood asthma. In "Executive Decisions with Steve Sedgwick," the Philips CEO explains why compassion must sit alongside hard, practical choices—and how those moments of discomfort prepared him to lead the company through its latest evolution.