Understanding Ukraine & Russia - with John Pepper & Qaisar Shareef

“In facing a crisis, you have to try to understand the reality as seen by different people. We've got to bring that to bear now, even as we're speaking.” -John Pepper UPDATE 3/14/2022: Our original podcast discussion was recorded on 3/72022. Many things have changed since that moment, including a vocal response to erroneous statements we made on this show. Those incorrect statements have been removed, and we apologize for the impact they had - given the nature of this very sensitive subject to so many people around the world. Since then, we have had discussions with many of you, and we know those conversations remain ongoing. And for that we are grateful. You'll find an updated statement by John Pepper in the introduction to this episode.  ORIGINALLY RECORDED ON 3/7/2022: As the terrible situation continues to unfold in Ukraine, it is too easy to remain distant. But what is happening now is real, Ukraine is a sovereign nation of 44 million people, and with a rich and beautiful culture. At the same time we find ourselves on a precipice. In moments like this, hearing from our leaders can help us think through...and make sense of everything going on.  Two of those very leaders are past guests John Pepper, P&G’s former CEO, and Qaisar Shareef, P&G’s former head of Ukraine and Pakistan, who joined us for a discussion on Monday March 7, 2022. Both have extensive personal and professional experience in Ukraine and Russia, having also each authored numerous posts and books on related topics. In this candid conversation, we hope to share a nuanced perspective - informed by their personal, professional, and political experiences in the region - to help us go beyond the news headlines for an honest, informed discussion of the situation we collectively face. HOW YOU CAN HELP SupportUkraineNow.org novaukraine.org razomforukraine.org wck.org (World Central Kitchen) globalgiving.org ADDITIONAL RESOURCES John’s  ‘Pepperspectives’ blog: pepperspectives.blogspot.com Qaiser’s recent op-ed on Ukraine: blueearbooks.substack.com/p/memories-of-ukraine Raman’s podcast chat with Ukrainian + Ukrainian American colleagues: modmypod.com/episodes/ep-135-we-are-all-ukrainians P&G’s Official Statement: pg.com/blogs/pg-european-operations-update