The Learning Culture Podcast

Today, we’re joined by Stephen Ivany, a former professional trombonist turned leadership development expert at Marriott, who brings a unique lens to the evolving world of leadership.In this episode, Stephen shares how his background in music shapes his approach to leadership. He explores the parallels between mastering an instrument and mastering human connection, emphasizing curiosity, mentorship, and the importance of balancing structure with spontaneity.We dive into his belief that emotional presence matters more than executive presence, how micro-learning can build lasting leadership habits, and why joy and optimism should be central to any team culture. Stephen also speaks to the power of genuine connection and self-awareness in creating environments where people are inspired to take risks and grow.Whether you're a creative thinker, a people leader, or just someone navigating change, Stephen's perspective offers a fresh take on what it means to lead with heart in a fast-paced, AI-driven world.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! In today's episode, we sit down with the inspirational Ingrid Hu Dahl, a founder, CEO, and expert in leadership and inclusion. Ingrid delves deep into her unique framework for listening, highlighting the importance of empathetic, non-judgmental engagement to foster creativity and growth. Together, we explore the intricate connections between ego, fear, and early judgment, and how these elements can stifle idea development and leadership effectiveness.Ingrid shares her wisdom on behavior change, emphasizing the necessity of adopting a beginner's mindset and the power of play in the learning process. She stresses the importance of storytelling, particularly personal narratives, as a tool for understanding and growth in both personal and professional contexts. From the challenges of writing her forthcoming memoir to navigating her multicultural identity, Ingrid's journey is full of insights for leaders striving to build inclusive and empathetic teams.Tune in as we dive into the world of leadership, identity, and the transformative power of listening and storytelling.Ingrid Hu Dahl LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! Today we’re diving deep into the transformative power of self-compassion in leadership with our special guest, Massimo Backus. Massimo, a pioneer in advocating for more human-centric leadership, shares insights from his upcoming book, "Human First, Leader Second." Together, we explore the radical shift away from the myth of perfection and control, toward embracing vulnerability and kindness in both personal and professional realms.Join us as we discuss the value of self-compassion, the misconceptions of traditional leadership, and how acknowledging our critical inner voices can lead to profound personal growth. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how embracing our humanity can lead to stronger, more resilient leadership. So, tune in, get inspired, and discover how self-compassion can revolutionize not only your leadership approach but your entire perspective on life.Massimo Backus LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! In today’s episode, we sit down with Jennifer Butler, a passionate advocate for leadership growth and human development.  Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of creating impactful learning environments, whether through dramatic initiatives or practical, everyday experiences. Jennifer emphasizes breaking traditional expertise boundaries, fostering internal networks, and balancing the pursuit of perfection with the embrace of vulnerability.This episode is rich with real-world examples, from innovative approaches to leadership development to overcoming challenges of exclusion and political baggage in professional settings. Jennifer’s unique insights on integrating storytelling with data, celebrating achievements, and crafting personalized development journeys make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership and personal growth.Join us as we uncover the keys to building a learning culture that drives both individual and organizational transformation. Tune in for a conversation that promises to inspire and uplift, providing actionable takeaways to implement in your own leadership journey.Jennifer Butler LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Stefani Okamoto, a veteran in global learning and development with over 23 years of experience at Microsoft, joining us. Stefani has made waves in transforming corporate cultures, particularly with her work under the "Model Coach Care" framework emphasizing inclusive leadership, empathy, and care.In this episode, Stefani delves into her current role at ServiceNow, where she implements a growth strategy centered around "Grow Self, Grow Team, and Grow Business." She talks about the critical role of managers, the importance of self-awareness, and fostering a collaborative, trust-based environment aligned with company goals.We explore her journey battling imposter syndrome, her advocacy for intellectual humility, and her mantra, "Don't let anybody dull your sparkle." Additionally, we discuss how humor and psychological safety contribute to a positive and creative work culture.Whether you're a leader striving to enhance your team's performance or someone seeking personal growth, Stephani's insights will leave you inspired. Stefani Okamoto LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

In today's episode, we sit down with Lisa Hammack for an insightful conversation that delves deep into the pivotal role of frontline managers and the dynamics of supporting team success. Lisa reflects on her pioneering work at Oracle, where she developed the Global Sales Leader Academy amidst a significant shift from on-premises to cloud-based solutions. The conversation explores leadership forums, town halls, and how involving everyone in strategic decisions fosters a robust learning culture. From innovative sales training and skill development to creating a culture that values growth and transparency, Lisa emphasizes practical strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention.We dive into the challenges and triumphs of building leadership training programs, managing upward expectations, offering genuine career growth, and the importance of continuous learning. Tune in as we unpack these themes, offering valuable lessons for leaders and managers alike.

In today's episode, we speak with Courtney Nall, a distinguished leader with profound insights into organizational change, leadership, and learning theory. Together, they explore the transformative power of feedback, the importance of self-efficacy, and the value of genuine collaboration in both professional and personal domains.Additionally, Courtney delves into her passion for ultra marathon running and its surprising parallels to the work environment, highlighting the importance of community and perseverance.Join us as we uncover valuable strategies for fostering personal and professional growth, leveraging feedback for realistic self-assessment, and cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and authentic leadership culture. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode promises to offer practical insights and inspiration for your own journey.Sit back and enjoy!

Today, we are joined by Tekeisha Zimmerman, who leads Professional Development for the People Team at Expedia. In this episode, Tekeisha shares her journey in a role intentionally created to foster growth among talent development professionals. Tekeisha also reflects on her transformative experience at Amazon, where she honed her skills in a high-pressure, customer-centric environment, learning valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and leadership. We discuss the importance of stability during times of organizational change, the emotional impact of leadership transitions, and how empathy and communication play crucial roles in navigating these shifts. Additionally, Tekeisha opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the need for intentionality and empathy in leadership, inspired by her experiences and passions.Don't miss this episode filled with practical insights and inspiring stories that will leave you eager to foster a learning culture within your own organization.

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic Al Dea. Al is a seasoned expert in leadership development and the founder of his own consultancy, The Edge of Work. In this episode, we dive deep into Al's journey from attending conferences with his father at a young age to becoming a thought leader in the corporate and consulting world.We explore the essence of leadership, the importance of fostering a collective mindset, and the challenges of aligning individual and organizational values. Al shares his unique insights on creating environments that encourage team-based behaviors, the pitfalls that can stifle effective leadership, and the significance of maintaining a sense of agency within teams.We'll also get personal as Al reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his career, the power of kindness, and the mentors who have influenced his path. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced executive, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on how to lead with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.Relax, sit back and enjoy!

Today we're joined by a special guest, Micheal Boulter. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the innovative approaches transforming the landscape of training and development in the workplace. We explore the concept of Embedded Trainers, where trainers work hand-in-hand with frontline operators to enhance job performance and provide real-time feedback.Our discussion also ventures into the realm of game-based learning, sharing insights from Micheal's experience with designing educational games that mirror real-world challenges and enhance problem-solving skills. We'll learn about the iterative process behind these games, the necessity of simplicity, and the powerful lessons derived from post-game debriefs.Together, we'll examine the balance between developing leaders and retaining top talent and discuss innovative methods to integrate social and facilitated learning within organizations.Sit back and enjoy!Michael Boulter LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn