How To Make a Leader

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How To Make a Leader

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. In each episode, host Hannah Beaver sits down with learning and development leaders to discuss how to create world-class leadership development programs, how to nurture frontline leadership skills, and even how to combat burnout.

Episodes

  1. DEC 5

    Maximizing AI in L&D: Ross Stevenson on adoption, strategy, and staying human

    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 Stevenson To 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/events Want 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

    46 min

  2. NOV 7

    The learning metrics that matter: A data masterclass with Figma's Eric Grant

    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 for Things 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 learning To 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/events Want 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

    47 min

  3. OCT 10

    Effective leaders aren’t the ones you’d expect: A conversation with historian and professor, Martin Gutmann

    What can the leaders of the past teach us about leadership in the present? In this episode of How to Make a Leader, historian and management professor Martin Gutmann challenges our conventional understanding of leadership with a look back at leaders throughout history. In many organizations, we often associate leadership with the loudest voices or the most dramatic actions, but Martin argues that true leadership is often unseen and underestimated. Drawing from his book The Unseen Leader, Martin uses historical examples to demonstrate how the most impactful leaders are often those who move quietly and strategically behind the scenes. In this episode, Martin pulls insights and lessons from historical figures and contemporary leadership studies, highlighting the need to rethink how we identify and cultivate leadership talent today.  You’ll learn: The most common traits among successful leadersHow the “action fallacy” misguides leadership selection and developmentWhy contextual fluency is a crucial leadership skill to developThe importance of psychological safetyHow to identify and support effective leaders within your teamThings to listen for: (00:00)  Introduction to Martin Gutmann (01:58) What history teaches us about leadership  (05:52) The action fallacy and its impact on leadership (15:02) The common traits among successful leaders  (20:10) The value of deep familiarity in your field as a leader (29:22) How to develop powerful leaders in our organization (31:08) How to identify and support quiet but effective leaders To learn more about Martin and his work, check out his website or order Martin’s book, The Unseen Leader: How History Can Help us Rethink Leadership. Interested in attending an interview live? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/events Want 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

    37 min

  4. SEP 5

    Mentorship, lifelong learning and the multigenerational workplace: A conversation with Airbnb’s Chip Conley

    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 intern To 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/events Want 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

    19 min

  5. AUG 8

    Personalized learning at scale: How the L&D team behind Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger customizes their learning programs

    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/events Want 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 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​​.

    20 min

  6. JUL 11

    Building trust as a leader: Lessons from former CEO of IBM, Ginni Rometty

    In a world where change is the only constant, leaders must navigate their teams through uncertainty, inspire motivation, and maintain focus on collective goals. The modern leader is constantly faced with making decisions that will impact both the business, and the people working within it. Questions like: How do you navigate a corporate acquisition successfully? How do you adapt to constant technological innovation and the change that goes along with it? Ginni Rometty sums it up with one simple concept: Trust.  As the former chairman, president, and CEO of IBM, Ginni Rometty draws on her eight years of experience at the helm of one of the largest technology companies in the world to share lessons she’s learned in leadership throughout her career. In this episode of How to Make a Leader, Ginni offers her insights on the crucial role of trust in leadership, drawn from her book, Good Power. Together, we explore Ginni's five key principles of how to use power for good to build trust and lead through change, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and a growth mindset. For an extra bit of insight, we asked attendees at the recent Association for Talent and Development conference for their thoughts on the top skills necessary for successful leadership, and how trust plays a role in leadership development.  For more from Ginni Rometty watch the full How to Make a Leader live interview.  Interested in attending our next live interview? Find out more at bigthink.com/plus/events Want 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 Buy Ginni's book, Good Power: https://ginnirometty.com/ Support OneTen - https://oneten.org/about-us/our-approach/ In this episode, you’ll learn: How to promote transparency and honesty in your team through regular communication techniques.  Strategies to engage your team emotionally as well as intellectually through co-creation practices.The importance of focusing on skills and aptitude in hiring decisions to create a more inclusive and adaptable workforce.Clear principles for technology use that prioritize transparency, fairness, and empowering people.Things to listen for:(05:22) Lessons learned in building employee trust after a significant IBM acquisition.(11:36) Why Ginni values continuous learning in leadership decisions.(15:49) How using data helps you avoid bias and build transparency.(18:43) Building psychological safety and trust through communication.

    21 min

  7. JUN 13

    The spiderweb effect: How S&P Global built an interconnected learning culture

    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/events Want 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 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.

    14 min

  8. MAY 17

    Introducing How to Make a Leader

    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.

    2 min

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About

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. In each episode, host Hannah Beaver sits down with learning and development leaders to discuss how to create world-class leadership development programs, how to nurture frontline leadership skills, and even how to combat burnout.

Information

  • Creator
    Big Think+
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Big Think+

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