How to Make a Leader

In this episode of How to Make a Leader, we sit down with members of Big Think+’s very own product team, Charlotte Sharpe and Monica Karunakaran. They share insights learned from observing the learning habits and preferences of 115,000 learners that used our platform last year, as well as learnings from our 300 person user survey. They share juicy insights such as the truth behind optimal learning times (and length of content), the top skills learners searched on our platform, and the top challenges keeping L&D leaders up at night. You’ll learn:The type of career development that learners actually care aboutThe most in-demand leadership skillsWhat’s keeping L&D leaders up at night (and how to fix it)The humans skills that matter more than AIHow to think about L&D strategyThings to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Charlotte Sharpe and Monica Karunakaran(05:29) The role of Big Think+ in shaping leadership development(06:58) Insights from a year of data from 115,000 learners(09:43) What’s keeping L&D leaders up at night(13:14) Leadership content for mid-level managers(15:28) Balancing employee engagement with measurable success(17:44) The most in-demand leadership skills(19:08) Why emotional intelligence is so important(26:31) Data on the learning experience (when, where, how long)(28:37) The influence of AI on leadership development strategies(33:27) The biggest surprise with the data(35:03) The future of L&D: Integrating human connection with technologyTo learn more about Charlotte and Monica, check out their LinkedIn profiles:Charlotte SharpeMonica KarunakaranInterested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plus 

Can conflict actually make your team stronger?In this episode of How to Make a Leader, communication expert and Harvard Business Review podcast host Amy Gallo discusses the communication dynamics that shape high-performing professionals and teams. Amy shares strategies to build trust, improve collaboration, and ensure that even the toughest conversations lead to progress. Whether you’re a team leader, an aspiring manager, or someone navigating complex work relationships, this episode is packed with insights to strengthen your communication skills and leadership approach.You’ll learn:How high performing teams disagree respectfully and collaborativelyHow to approach difficult conversations in the workplaceStrategies to improve communication across remote, hybrid, and in-person teamsThe leadership mindset shift that drives long-term successThings to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Amy Gallo(01:39) Building trust quickly to enhance workplace communication(04:57) Three key principles for navigating workplace conflict(09:34) How remote and hybrid work impact workplace communication(13:31) Strategies to prevent miscommunication in digital environments(18:38) When to vent, when to wait, and when to take action(21:27) What distinguishes high-performing teams from struggling teams(24:49) Leadership strategies to encourage open and honest communication(29:08) Emotional regulation and its impact on leadership effectiveness(35:25) How societal tensions are influencing workplace interactions(39:39) Maintaining composure in high-conflict situations(44:13) Why connection should be a leadership priorityTo learn more about Amy and her work, check out her Linkedin profile, her website, and her podcast. Read Amy Gallo’s book: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People).Interested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plus

How do strong leaders tackle today’s DEI challenges?In a time of shifting policies and conflicting public discourse around DEI, consider this episode a practical guide to build inclusive teams with inclusive leaders. In this special How to Make a Leader episode, we’re sharing a virtual panel discussion with experts Chloé Valdary, Ruchika T. Malhotra, and La’Kita Williams, who bring decades of experience in inclusion, workplace culture, and leadership to tackle some of the toughest questions in DEI today.From navigating fear-based rhetoric to rebuilding trust in organizational initiatives, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what truly matters: creating workplaces where everyone thrives.You’ll learn:How to address fear and backlash surrounding DEI effortsThe biggest reasons DEI initiatives succeed (or fail)Practical ways to build inclusion into leadership at every levelHow to foster real belonging beyond performative policiesWhat leaders can do today to create lasting, meaningful changeThings to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Chloé Valdary, Ruchika T. Malhotra, and La’Kita Williams(05:18) What diversity and inclusion look like in the workplace (09:29) Challenges of making DEI truly inclusive for people of all backgrounds(12:28) The role of leadership in fostering inclusion and psychological safety(23:13) Translating DEI into business language: Efficiency, innovation, and growth(24:58) Common pitfalls in DEI initiatives and how to rebuild trust(29:39) Crafting mission statements that reflect diversity as a business asset(32:08) Audience Q&A about DEI Initiatives(35:03) Avoiding scarcity thinking and expanding leadership opportunities(39:45) Creating safe spaces for diversity and difficult conversations in the workplaceTo learn more about our panel and their respective work, check out the links below:Chloé Valdary - LinkedIn Profile | Theory of EnchantmentRuchika T. Malhotra  - LinkedIn Profile | Inclusion on PurposeLa’Kita Williams - LinkedIn Profile | CoCreate WorkInterested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plus

How do you turn early talent into future leaders?Harvard career advisor and WSJ best-selling author Gorick Ng shares the “unspoken rules” of professional growth and talent development. From career navigation to building a diverse leadership pipeline, he shares real-world insights garnered from thousands of interviews with professionals and his advisory work with Fortune500 companies. Whether you’re working with early, mid-level or senior employees, Gorick offers actionable strategies to level the playing field and maximize potential in your workforce.You’ll learn:The “three Cs” framework for career successHow to align onboarding with retention and engagement goalsPractical steps to diversify your leadership pipelineThe five traits of successful leadersThe #1 piece of career advice (from a career advisor)Things to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Gorick Ng(01:25) Gorick’s personal journey and first-generation college experience(04:14) The important but unspoken rules of career navigation(05:07) A real-world story about visibility and career advancement(07:26) The “Three Cs” framework for professional success(09:48) Systemic barriers to career growth and access to tools(11:46) Preparing early-career professionals before day one(13:26) The role of peer mentors in effective onboarding(16:28) Creating psychological safety for early-stage professionals(20:44) How to engage mid-level managers to balance growth and burnout(24:58) Building lateral career movement opportunities within organizations(27:10) The power of recognition and feedback in employee engagement(29:38) Developing leadership pipelines with rotational programs(33:52) Expanding diversity in leadership through actionable steps(35:03) The value of vulnerability in leadership storytelling(37:25) Leadership traits and the balance between managing and leading(38:11) Gorick’s most memorable piece of career adviceTo learn more about Gorick and his work, check out his Linkedin profile and his website. If you’d like to purchase his book, The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting your Career Off Right, you can check out this link. Interested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plus

Forget the AI buzzwords. Ross Stevenson, founder of Steal These Thoughts!, dives into how L&D teams can actually use AI to save time, solve real problems, and keep learning human. Most importantly, he asks us to consider: Are AI tools always the answer?From smarter ChatGPT prompts to must-have tools, Ross shares practical, no-nonsense tips to level up your learning programs. If you’re ready to cut through the noise and make AI work for your team, this episode is a must-listen.You’ll learn:The fundamentals every L&D pro should know about AI Practical ways to use ChatGPT Real-world time-saving use cases for AIRoss’ top 3 learning technology tools right nowThings to listen for:(00:00) Introduction to Ross Stevenson(02:19) Ross’s background and entry into L&D through technology(05:09) Using technology as an enabler in workplace L&D(07:06) The importance of using tech intelligently and avoiding misuse(08:05) Misconceptions about AI in L&D and focusing on purpose over tools(10:14) The mindset shift needed for AI in L&D(17:56) Case study on effective AI tool use for time-saving in product development(21:38) AI’s role in performance reviews, onboarding, and creating efficiencies(23:18) Case study from BHP Mining on AI as a thought partner(24:34) The realistic potential of AI in saving time and enhancing productivity(25:07) In-depth discussion on using ChatGPT effectively as an L&D pro(28:10) ChatGPT as a thought partner, research assistant, and skills coach(30:36) Common mistakes L&D professionals make with AI and tech tools(34:11) How to introduce AI tools without disrupting teams(39:46) Top human skills essential in an AI-forward workplace(43:00) Ross’s top 3 favorite learning technology tools(45:30) Conclusion and where to find more from Ross StevensonTo learn more about Ross and his work, check out his Linkedin profile or the Steal These Thoughts! website.Interested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plus

Data. It’s loved by some, feared by many, but there’s no arguing that it’s an essential tool in a leader’s toolkit. But how do we turn numbers into knowledge?In this episode, Figma’s Eric Grant shares why data fluency isn’t all about the tools—it’s about hands-on practice. He explains how consistently working with data drives better learning insights and leadership decisions, and argues that understanding the data behind the tools matters most.You’ll learn:Lessons learned in data analytics from his time at Coinbase, Uber and Figma Why (and how) practicing with data is more valuable than relying on toolsWays to measure learning program impact (his answer might surprise you!)The transition of a workplace with not enough data to too much data New AI tools to watch out forThings to listen for:(00:00) Introduction to Eric Grant (06:53) How to use AI for data experimentation(09:34) The importance of data when tracking the success of learning programs(12:50) What L&D teams get wrong in measuring learning programs(15:56) Why surveys shouldn’t be anonymous (19:44) Key indicators when measuring performance(25:12) Measuring soft skills or company culture(33:45) Partnership's role in the successful measurement of learning programs(37:29) An adaptive learning project Eric’s working on (41:34) Data tools and resources reshaping L&D(44:46) AI for course creation and instructional design(45:19) Duolingo as an example of adaptive learningTo learn more about Eric and his work, check out his Linkedin profile or Figma’s website.Interested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plus

In this discussion, Martin Gutmann, a management professor and author, delves into how history reshapes our understanding of leadership. He argues that true leaders often work quietly behind the scenes, countering the loud, action-oriented stereotypes. Gutmann critiques the 'action fallacy', highlighting the need for contextual fluency and psychological safety in leadership. Through historical examples, he emphasizes the importance of empathy and the rising necessity for inclusive leadership development in today’s complex world.

Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy and former Airbnb advisor, shares his expertise on leading multigenerational teams. He emphasizes the power of age diversity, revealing how Airbnb’s mutual mentorship model fosters collaboration. Conley discusses the importance of lifelong learning and the unique roles of mentors and mentees, blending curiosity with wisdom. He provides actionable insights on creating effective mentorship programs and highlights how intergenerational collaboration can elevate team dynamics in today’s workplace.

Learning programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. How can we craft learning experiences that are authentic to each learner, no matter their role at the organization? In today's episode, we dive into how Sue Denning, the Senior Director of Global Talent Development for PVH Corporation— the company behind iconic brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger—achieves just that.PVH employs over 30,000 associates worldwide with a unique mix of office-based and deskless retail workers. Sue’s mission? To ensure all employees, from retail floor staff to middle managers, receive effective learning opportunities that meet them when and where they need it.Sue reveals the innovative strategies PVH uses to reach their diverse workforce, from the microlearning techniques for retail staff to the dynamic “Manager Studio” program that's redefining what it means for managers to lead effectively. Discover how Sue's team navigates the challenge of engaging all of their employees worldwide through change agility and resilience, making learning not just possible but impactful for everyone.For more from Sue Denning watch the full How to Make a Leader live interview. Interested in attending our next live interview? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/eventsWant to learn more about getting Big Think+ for your business? Schedule a call with us at https://www2.bigthink.com/request-a-demo-big-think-plusIn this episode, you’ll learn:How PVH tailors their programs to meet learners at every stage of their learning journey, whether in-office or on the retail floor.Why microlearning is effective in providing managers with resources to facilitate on-the-job training and peer-led learning sessions.How to ensure people managers have the right tools for success in their management journey.Why establishing a clear, consistent understanding of managerial roles and responsibilities is crucial for effective leadership at every level of the organization.How to integrate learning technologies with broader HR systems to enhance learner personalization and engagement.How to develop a multi-faceted approach to measure the effectiveness of your learning programs.Things to listen for:01:40 Understanding the structure and scale of PVH’s learning programs​​. 09:31 The evolution and impact of PVH’s “Manager Studio” program. 13:52 Enhancing customized learner experience through technology and integration​.15:59 Understanding PVH’s metrics for measuring success and business impact of learning programs​​.17:51 The challenges and strategies behind global onboarding​​.18:22 Striking a balance between self-guided learning and company training​​.

Ginni Rometty, former chairman, president, and CEO of IBM, shares her insights on leadership rooted in trust and lifelong learning. She emphasizes the transformative power of collaboration over self-centered leadership. Personal anecdotes reveal how building belief is crucial during transitions like mergers. Rometty discusses the importance of core values while navigating change and stresses a skills-first approach to hiring, promoting empathy and diversity in modern leadership.