The Unlock: Humanity at Work

David Landman and Sumona explore what it's like to leave what you know behind for something unknown - and the courage it takes to take the leap. After two decades at the coveted financial firm, Goldman Sachs, David talks about "Life after Goldman" - the lessons he learned, the learnings he applies in his work as a Board member and advisor, and his newfound passion to unlock the fullest potential of humanity at work through human to human connection.

Join Sumona and Diane Neal, Board Member of General Mills and LL Bean and former CEO of Sur La Table and Bath and Body Works,  as they discuss the leadership lessons we learn over the course of a career. Having worked in consumer focused retail brands, Diane and Sumona connect the dots between the customer and employee experience, exploring how culture is what ties the two together. Diane shares advice on staying empathetic, relevant and effective in our roles as leaders today.

In this episode of Dear Leader, idealis' Chief Learning Officer, Allison Williams, joins Sumona to answer a question from a leader who is feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from all the change they've faced over the past few years. They'll address the question with some ideas about how we navigate change as individuals and as leaders, and they'll remind us of how we have what it takes to withstand more than we might think. We just need to stay centered, keep perspective, and lean on what we know and who we know.

Join Sumona and Tony Buffum from Upwork, as they talk about how the way we work has changed over time. As two former HR executives, they'll reflect on what they are hearing from leaders and companies today – a timeless need to hire great people and unlock the potential of the best talent available in the market. They will discuss how accessibility to that talent requires new, innovative solutions and a new mindset as we think about work, workers and the workplace.

Join Sumona De Graaf and Anne Newton as they answer a question from a leader who is trying to navigate their career growth as a remote worker in a company that is setting new standards on where and how people work. You'll hear advice on how to have a human-centered conversation about this tricky topic that so many leaders and their teams are facing today.

Imagine if we entered the world seeking out more data - not because we are open to changing our mind, but because we are entering the world with an open mind. That's what Sumona talks about with John Dick, Founder and CEO of Civic Science. With a regular pulse on the needs, wants, fears and motives of over 130 million Americans, John shares his experiences with companies and leaders who seek out attitudinal data to make better decisions about their products and services. Sumona and John talk about protecting our ability to make good decisions in the age of misinformation, too much information, and echo chambers that limit the information we receive. Learn about the partnership between idealis and Civic Science that will provide the most influential leaders with greater insight on humans at work.

Join Sumona as she talks through leading in a new environment with her husband, Justin De Graaf. Having moved across multiple global cities and leading people in many new contexts, they tackle a leadership question raised by a listener on whether to pursue a new opportunity. This episode is for anyone who has experienced or is considering a career change - whether it is changing companies, functional roles, teams, or locations.   

Listen in as we kick off season three of The Unlock: Humanity at Work with Sumona where we'll share what we've learned about what makes it hard to lead ourselves and others with humanity at work, in the workplace and in the world. The context in which we are leading is evolving at rapid speed, and while some might say we need to change how we lead because of that - Sumona will share a different point of view that involves getting back to center on the very things we as human beings do best.  https://idealisadvisory.com/podcast

In the season finale, Sumona De Graaf reflects on the challenges of leadership and the blurred lines between work and life. She highlights the parallels between parenting and leading, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support. Listeners learn about human-centered leadership traits and the necessity of community for resilience. Sumona also discusses how workplace norms impact home life, advocating for intentional interactions to spread compassion. Exciting insights preview the next season's exploration of humanity at work.

Dr. Veronica Harvey, an organizational consultant and author with over 30 years of experience in learning agility, shares her insights. She defines learning agility as knowing how to learn in uncertain situations, highlighting its importance for effective leadership. Dr. Harvey breaks down learning agility into key dimensions and discusses the traits of low agility leaders. Emphasizing curiosity and psychological safety, she explores fostering a learning culture and the role of AI in learning. With practical advice, she inspires listeners to embrace continuous learning and growth.