The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, host Julio Zelaya sits down with Dr. Marikay Forst, a distinguished alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer program with over 25 years of experience in learning and development, human resources, and organizational behavior. Dr. Forst shares her academic journey, including her decision to join the Penn CLO program after gaining substantial professional experience. The central theme of discussion is the role of organizational practices in encouraging dissent and its importance in decision-making. Dr. Forst delves into her research findings, which included interviewing leaders across diverse organizations, revealing surprising insights like 'dissent ambivalence' and the impact of power dynamics on employee feedback. She emphasizes the significance of designing processes that foster healthy dissent and shares practical recommendations such as using facilitators, conducting interviews, and organizing innovation contests. Dr. Forst's expertise offers valuable lessons for leaders aiming to create environments where diverse viewpoints are heard and valued.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, hosted by Julio Zelaya, we meet Dr. Milana Hogan, the Chief Talent Officer at Sullivan and Cromwell, LLP. Dr. Hogan is an alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a doctorate in work-based learning and development. The episode focuses on the role of grit and growth mindset in the success of women lawyers in big law firms.Dr. Hogan shares her groundbreaking research findings, which reveal that non-cognitive traits such as grit and a growth mindset are strong predictors of success for women in the legal profession. She discusses how law firms can employ these traits to reduce the gender gap at leadership levels and offers practical advice for both organizations and aspiring women lawyers. Additionally, the episode highlights Dr. Hogan's personal journey, the challenges she faced, and how the Penn CLO program has been transformative in her career and personal life.

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar, host Jess Jones welcomes Dr. Carla Thomas, a former WNBA athlete turned leadership consultant and educator. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from professional sports to academia, exploring how empathy shapes workplace culture and enhances collaboration. She discusses the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and the ways organizations can create environments that support growth, trust, and engagement. Drawing from her research and experience, Dr. Thomas highlights the importance of self-awareness, communication, and perspective-taking in fostering strong professional relationships. She also reflects on her time in the Penn CLO program and how it has influenced her approach to leadership and organizational development.This episode offers valuable insights into the power of empathy in driving meaningful workplace change and strengthening leadership at all levels.

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar, a Penn Chief Learning Officer podcast, hosts Maria Luisa Underwood and Lisa-Marie Aird interview Dr. Douglas Clayton, a visionary in corporate learning and culture transformation. Dr. Clayton, founder and CEO of Leadership Filmworks LLC, shares his journey through the Penn CLO program and how it shaped his unique approach to leadership development using filmmaking. He discusses the importance of storytelling in corporate learning and introduces his evidence-based model, Total Recall, which enhances learning comprehension and retention through short films. Dr. Clayton recounts his formative experiences with film and storytelling, from childhood influences to his dissertation research, leading to significant findings on the impact of film in corporate settings.The episode also explores his creative use of parodies and documentaries for leadership development and how emotional engagement and immersive technology can advance future CLO roles. Listeners gain insights into how storytelling and visual media can transform leadership training and corporate culture.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, host Julio Zelaya sits down with Dr. Janet Duliga, a distinguished executive and alumna of the Penn CLO Executive Program. Dr. Duliga, currently the Chief Corporate Officer at Prada Group, shares her extensive journey through law, psychology, and human resources, emphasizing her passion for organizational learning and leadership.They delve into Dr. Duliga's groundbreaking research on workplace fun, revealing that while management-sponsored events are positively valued for fostering social connections, they have limited lasting impacts on daily work life. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusive and frequent fun activities in enhancing workplace culture. Dr. Duliga also advises leaders on effectively organizing such events and balancing professional and personal life.The discussion underscores the dynamic nature of employees' lives and the significance of understanding their needs and motivating them through meaningful connections. This insightful episode encapsulates the essence of following one’s curiosity, leading with positivity, and the transformational impact of the Penn CLO program on professional and personal growth.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, hosted by Lisa-Marie Aird, Dr. Mark Kaestner, an alum of the Penn Chief Learning Officer program and VP at Ball Corporation, shares his insights on authentic leadership. He discusses his journey through the Penn CLO program, the essence of leadership authenticity, and strategies for building trust with teams. Dr. Kaestner highlights key elements such as open communication, consistency, active listening, and empathy as foundational for authentic leadership. He also delves into his dissertation on the correlation between leadership authenticity and employee engagement, concluding with a personal reflection on the nature of leadership as a continuous journey.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, host Becca Clanton interviews Dr. Peg Klein, a distinguished alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program. Dr. Klein shares her unique journey from growing up near a Naval base to becoming a Navy officer and eventually an ethical leadership scholar. She discusses the impact of her early exposure to the military and aviation on her career, and the pivotal moment when she discovered her 'superpower'—a strong moral compass that guided her leadership style. Dr. Klein emphasizes the profound influence of ethical leadership, defined through James Bass's concept of self-discipline and accountability, and its critical role in organizational success. She recounts her experiences in the Navy, including a significant role investigating ethical lapses within the Department of Defense. Transitioning to academia, Dr. Klein pursued a doctoral degree to further explore ethical leadership and its implications. Her research, particularly on the confluence of mentorship and leadership, highlights the importance of aligning words and deeds and the powerful role of leaders as role models. Dr. Klein also shares practical advice for dissertation candidates, stressing the need for flexibility and openness to evolving research topics. She concludes by discussing her role at the Naval War College and how she applies her research insights to develop leadership courses. Listeners can learn more by visiting the Naval War College website or connecting with Dr. Klein on LinkedIn. This episode offers valuable perspectives on integrating ethical principles into leadership and the ongoing journey of lifelong learning.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, host Jess Jones interviews Dr. John 'Coach' Havlick, a retired Navy SEAL Captain, Hall of Fame swimmer, and Penn CLO graduate. They discuss Dr. Havlick's storied career, from college swimming and coaching at the Naval Academy to leading elite SEAL units and his subsequent career in consulting and academia. Dr. Havlick shares insights from his book 'The Leadership Killer' and his Ph.D. research on stress management in elite performers, providing actionable strategies for routine adherence, focus, and healthy distractions. Additionally, Dr. Havlick emphasizes the importance of faith among SEALs and discusses his plans for future scholarly work and helping veterans through education.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, hosted by Lisa-Marie Aird, we welcome Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, a distinguished digital marketing strategist, top LinkedIn influencer, and humanitarian.Dr. Ajayi Ore, an alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program, shares her journey and insights from her extensive career in global diplomacy, corporate industry, consulting, and academia. The discussion centers around the importance of having a strategic digital presence for executives and emerging leaders.Dr. Ajayi Ore provides five essential tips for executive branding: being present and strategic, understanding your purpose, creating a personal website, developing a content strategy, and practicing self-promotion. She underscores the value of continuous and lifelong learning, emphasizing its role in professional growth and personal fulfillment. Dr. Ajayi Ore also reflects on her enriching experience in the Penn CLO program and how it shaped her professional and personal development. 

In this enlightening episode of the Practitioner Scholar, Lisa-Marie Aird welcomes Dr. Raj Ramachardran, a trailblazer in leadership consulting and an alum of the Penn CLO program's first cohort. Amidst shared laughs and candid stories, they delve into pivotal leadership concepts for the modern age, examining both the challenges and transformative strategies essential for today's executives. Raj shares his personal journey from being legally blind to becoming a renowned consultant, igniting a passion for creating tangible societal impacts. 

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, hosted by Melissa Monti, Dr. Ann Schulte, a Penn CLO program alumna and current Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Chief Learning Officer at Procter & Gamble, discusses the integration of AI in talent development and the importance of an always Beta mindset for continuous workplace innovation. 

In this episode of 'Practitioner Scholar', host Lisa-Marie Aird dives into the realm of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) with Maria Luisa Garcia Underwood, a seasoned leader in education and organizational development. Maria, who serves as the CEO of M. Ideas Consulting Services and is also a current CLO student at Penn, shares her journey into DEIB, inspired by her personal experiences as an Afro-Cuban immigrant. The discussion spans Maria's deep-rooted passion for DEIB, her strategies for making DEIB initiatives transformative, and the pitfalls of 'DEI washing'.Maria and Lisa-Marie examine the pressing need for sustained organizational change, leadership roles in fostering inclusivity, and practical steps towards implementing robust DEIB strategies. Furthermore, Maria provides advice for emerging leaders and reflects on how the Penn Chief Learning Officer program has shaped her approach to DEIB, concluding with her vision for a humanity-focused 'everyday' celebration of diversity and inclusion.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, Penn Chief Learning Officer podcast, host Melissa Monti talks with Dr. Kandi Wiens, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the new book, 'Burnout Immunity.' Dr. Wiens, a graduate of the Penn CLO program, shares her experiences juggling work, school, and family life, leading to a life-threatening wake-up call due to stress. Discussing her research on burnout, emotional intelligence, and organizational resilience, Wiens explores key strategies for combating stress. She also touches on her upcoming book, which offers a practical framework (ARMOR: Awareness, Regulation, Meaningful Connections, Outlook and Recover, Reconnect, and Reimagine) for building resilience and immunity to burnout. Dr. Wiens further discusses her experiences in the CLO program and how it transformed her career, encouraging potential students to balance their work schedules and trust faculty members. Highlighting the importance of defining one’s ‘having it all’ based on personal values, Dr. Wiens believes robust psychological wellbeing, physical health, and strong family relationships form the essence of her success. 

In the inaugural episode of the Practitioner-Scholar, The Penn Chief Learning Officer Podcast, host Melissa Monti talks extensively with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Talent Officer for BDO, a global consulting firm. Dr. Keating shares his challenging personal learning journey, having dropped out of formal schooling at 15 and subsequently recognizing the power of learning.They discuss Dr. Keating's detailed insights on effective and strategic learning in the business sector. Dr. Keating emphasizes the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in creating efficient learning frameworks. He also reflects on the shift from a transactional to a strategic approach in learning leadership. They address the talent gap issue in organizations and the need for skills development, retraining, and continued learning among workers. The conversation encompasses views on the value of lifelong learning, design thinking, and the role of learning leaders in alleviating job loss fears associated with AI.The episode also deep-dives into Dr. Keating's cumulative work, "The Trusted Learning Advisor," which looks to redefine the perception of learning leaders in organizations today. The book caters to every L&D practitioner while emphasizing strategic and value-driven relationships.You can connect with Dr. Keating on LinkedIn, or through his personal website If you would like to learn more about the book, visit https://www.thetrustedlearningadvisor.com/ Explore the diverse range of high-quality master’s and doctoral degree programs on the Penn GSE website.

Introducing "The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast," where we blend academic know-how with real-world practicality. In this series we dive into the strategies and success stories shaping organizational learning and leadership. From dissecting practitioner-scholar approaches to featuring standout individuals from our student and alumni circles, we bring you insights that matter.Whether you're a curious learner, an emerging leader, or a seasoned executive, this is your hub for intellectual engagement and actionable insights. For more information, explore our master’s and doctoral degree programs on the Penn GSE website.