Episode 31: Pop Culture, Real Lessons - Teaching Leadership with Dr. Sy Islam
Description
In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson sits down with Dr. Sy Islam - Co-Founder and Vice President of Consulting at Talent Metrics, and Associate Professor of Psychology at Farmingdale State College - to explore the art and science of leadership development.
Dr. Islam shares his insights on how organizations can better support middle managers, why data-driven decisions need a human lens, and how integrity in action separates good leaders from great ones. Together, they discuss the quiet challenges of leadership transitions, the psychology behind motivation and self-efficacy, and the importance of building leadership programs that actually sustain impact over time.
You’ll also hear how pop culture - from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Avatar: The Last Airbender - can serve as a creative bridge for teaching timeless lessons about courage, ethics, and the complexity of leading others.
Whether you’re an OD practitioner, L&D professional, or simply a leader navigating organizational change, this conversation offers grounded, practical insights you can apply immediately.
ABOUT DR. SY ISLAM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sislam/
Website: www.talentmetrics.io
Links to Books:
Leaders Assemble! Leadership in the MCU
Elements of Leadership: Lessons from Avatar the Last Airbender
SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430745/support
CONNECT WITH KENNETH:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
- Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
- E-Mail: info@pearsonpearson.llc
TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)
THE 21-DAY LEADERSHIP REALIGNMENT
https://www.pearsonpearson.llc/21-day-leadership-realignment
THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session
United States
