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.

The challenge of leading multigenerational teams is gaining more and more attention. With up to five generations now sharing the modern workplace, how can leaders bridge the gap and leverage age diversity as a strength?Enter Chip Conley, founder of MEA (the world’s first midlife wisdom school) and Airbnb’s former advisor, hospitality strategist and resident “modern elder”. He draws on his experience joining the then-startup as a 52 year-old, navigating a youthful technology company as an experienced hospitality executive. In this episode, Chip offers actionable insights for any leader aiming to leverage generational diversity as a strength rather than a challenge.You’ll learn:How to embrace age diversity to create more collaborative and dynamic teamsHow Airbnb pioneered a “mutual mentorship” model to bridge generational gapsHow to be both an effective mentor and menteeHow to blend curiosity and wisdom in your leadership approachThings to listen for:(00:00) Wisdom is not taught, it's shared(02:40) What inspired Chip to found the “Modern Elder Academy”(09:28) How an intergenerational workforce changes the way that we interact and work with one another(12:08) The different types of mentorship(16:37) How to build a mentorship program(18:35) Being a “mentern,” both a mentor and internTo learn even more about Chip Conley’s approach to leadership, listen to the full interview. To learn more about the Modern Elder Academy, check out their website here. Order Chip’s most recent book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age. 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-plus

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.

Have you struggled to make learning a core priority at your organization? Or wondered how to transform your organization's learning culture from the ground up? These are questions we set out to explore in the inaugural episode of the How to Make a Leader podcast. For answers, we turned to S&P Global’s dynamic Director of Learning and Development, Jamie Blakey. A champion for lifelong learning, Jamie unpacked the intricacies of building a robust learning culture that pervades an entire organization. From gaining buy-in from senior leadership to forming partnerships across departments, Jamie’s practical wisdom and strategies are sure to elevate your learning and development program. ---For more from Jamie Blakey 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 hear about:In-depth strategies for obtaining senior leadership buy-in on L&D initiatives and aligning learning programs with organizational goals.Practical advice on building and maintaining cross-functional partnerships to enhance the reach and effectiveness of learning initiatives. Best practices for measuring the impact of learning programs and using feedback to drive continuous improvement. Jump into the conversation:[04:42] Jamie’s thoughts on aligning innovative learning practices with company objectives. [07:14] Jamie shares successful initiatives that created a supportive space for learning and development.[09:45] Building a robust L&D program? Start with creative, engaging sessions. 

Imagine having access to some of the most notable authors and leaders in the learning and development community, sharing their wisdom every month. Welcome to "How to Make a Leader," a leadership development podcast from Big Think+ where we take the best ideas from the biggest minds in learning and development and distill them into actionable insights.