Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract

Learning and Development (L&D) teams are at a crossroads. Too many still operate as order takers, delivering training on request without questioning whether it’s the right solution. Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor," believes this outdated mindset limits impact and credibility. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Keating explains how L&D must evolve from transactional function to strategic business partner. He shares: 1) Why L&D professionals must stop taking orders and start diagnosing real business challenges 2) How the IDAD Model—Intake, Discovery, Analysis, and Decision—helps reframe training requests 3) Why empathy, active listening, and design thinking are the missing pieces in L&D’s strategy Keating outlines practical steps to move beyond outdated approaches and drive real business value. Watch now to learn how L&D professionals can build credibility, drive impact, and become true trusted learning advisors. More about Keith Keating: https://www.thetrustedlearningadvisor.com/ More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com/

The workforce is aging, but many leaders are still acting as if nothing has changed. On this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, CEO and author Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, a global expert on gender, generational shifts, and longevity, unpacks what organizations must do to stay ahead. She explains why age diversity is a leadership blind spot, how demographic shifts are reshaping talent strategies, and what wise leaders are doing to future-proof their organizations. Avivah challenges outdated assumptions about work, career longevity, and leadership. She explores the opportunities that come with longer, multi-stage careers—and why companies that fail to adapt will struggle to compete. More about Avivah Wittenberg-Cox: https://www.avivahwittenbergcox.com/ More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this blunt, zero-guests, and entertaining episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract unleashes his frustrations on the outdated practice of the annual performance review. He traces its historical roots, explains why it hurt engagement and innovation, and offers a better path forward. If you are tired of cramming twelve months of work into a single, awkward meeting, tune in for Dan’s pointed critique and practical alternatives that will save time, boost morale, and modernize how we measure performance.

Storytelling shapes leadership, builds trust, and creates lasting change. On this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Fatu Kaba, a Liberian peace activist, entrepreneur, and author, shares how storytelling became her most powerful tool. From surviving civil war to advocating for marginalized voices, she discusses how truth-telling challenges systems, fosters inclusion, and strengthens leadership. Fatu explains why leaders who embrace storytelling create deeper connections, inspire action, and build organizations that stand for something greater. She also reflects on the impact of performative inclusion, the importance of listening, and the courage it takes to create real change. More about Fatu Kaba: https://www.heartsglobal.ca More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com

The workforce is changing faster than most leaders realize. By 2030, there will be more people over 65 than under 18 in the U.S.—a demographic shift that is already reshaping economies, labor markets, and business strategy. Bradley Schurman, author of "The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny," joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to break down what this means for organizations. In this conversation, Schurman unpacks why birth rates have collapsed, why ageism is holding companies back, and how leaders must rethink workforce planning to stay ahead. He explores the flaws in traditional retirement models, the impact of longer life expectancies on labor markets, and why businesses that fail to adapt will struggle to find both talent and customers in the coming decades. If you’re a leader navigating workforce challenges—or just trying to understand the seismic demographic shifts happening today—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. More about Bradley Schurman at https://behumanchange.com More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com

As we step into an era where living to 100 is no longer an anomaly, how should leaders rethink work, talent, and organizational design? On this episode of Leadership NOW, Simon Chan, CEO and Founder of Adapt With Intent, joins the conversation to challenge outdated workplace models and explore how organizations can better harness the power of an age-diverse workforce. “We’re not just an aging population; we’re an age-diverse one,” he says. With careers stretching beyond the traditional 40-year arc, companies must embrace flexible work arrangements, leverage experienced talent, and reimagine leadership structures. Simon shares how organizations can approach longevity as a design challenge—one that meets the needs of both younger and older talent while unlocking innovation and institutional knowledge. From flexible work setups to intergenerational collaboration, the future of work demands a shift in mindset. If leaders fail to adapt, they risk missing out on a massive economic and strategic opportunity. More about Simon Chan at https://www.adaptwithintent.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract sits down with Jon Husband, the pioneer behind Wirearchy, to reflect on 25 years of this transformative concept. Together, they delve into the evolution of leadership, exploring how trust, credibility, and collaboration are reshaping the modern workplace. Jon shares his perspective on the shift from rigid hierarchies to dynamic flows of power, the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work, and the profound impact of generative AI on human creativity and connection. With real-world examples and deep insights, this episode offers leaders a roadmap for navigating complexity, fostering meaningful relationships, and embracing change in today’s interconnected world. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the principles that define the future of leadership. More about Jon Husband and Wirearchy at www.wirearchy.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

Aging isn’t a new problem to solve; it’s a chance to reimagine. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist and author of "Aging Sideways," challenges outdated views on aging and offers a fresh perspective on how we can embrace life’s later stages with purpose and possibility. We explore the surprising ways our brains adapt as we age, the importance of intergenerational connections, and why older adults are an untapped reservoir of wisdom, creativity, and experience. Jeanette shares her concept of “aging sideways,” calling on leaders to rethink how they approach aging in the workplace and in society. More about Jeanette Leardi at www.jeanetteleardi.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

How do you embrace the second half of life with purpose, energy, and vision? In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, author Michael Clinton ("Roar into the Second Half of Your Life) shares how to reimagine the next chapter through reinvention, lifelong learning, and leadership. Clinton dives into his concept of “rewiring instead of retiring,” offering actionable insights for thriving in the 100-year life. From confronting ageism to fostering multigenerational workplaces, Clinton explores the power of living intentionally and inspiring others. Whether you’re leading teams, starting a new venture, or navigating your personal journey, this conversation is packed with wisdom, strategies, and real-world examples to help you roar forward. More about Michael Clinton at www.roarforward.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

On this episode of Leadership NOW, host Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman, the founder of B Corp-certified Moda Métiers, to explore her transformative journey from refugee to leader in luxury fashion. Dr. Sillaman shares her vision for redefining success through purpose-driven leadership, where resilience, sustainability, and integrity are woven into every decision. Together, they discuss how Dr. Sillaman’s commitment to social impact, innovation, and ethical practices is setting a new standard in the industry—one that challenges leaders to build brands focused on lasting legacy over fleeting profit. Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman is a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and author known for her expertise in business sustainability and leadership. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and luxury sector, Dr. Sillaman has established herself as a strategy consultant, public speaker, and author specializing in business longevity, resilience, and sustainability. She is the founder of a global multi-million-dollar sustainable luxury leather goods brand, which manufactures her eponymous label as well as leading Italian luxury brands. She is the author of the award-winning book Fashion Entrepreneurship: The Creation of the Global Fashion Business. In addition to being a fashion entrepreneur, she is also an academic, currently appointed as an Entrepreneurship Expert at the University of Oxford. She also consults for both emerging and established fashion brands through her consultancy firm, Moda Métiers. Neri’s passion lies in understanding the pillars of business longevity and how resilience underpins thriving enterprises and lives. Neri has guest lectured for companies including Apple and Credit Suisse, as well as for institutions such as the London School of Economics, the Royal College of Art, and Imperial College London. Neri received her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, her master’s from Sabanci University in Istanbul. More about Dr. Sillaman and her consultancy at: https://modametiers.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/