What if one of the most powerful leadership development experiences doesn’t happen in the workplace at all?

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar: The Penn CLO Podcast, Gwen Mdinaradze, CEO of Edbridge, sits down with Dr. Becca Clanton, Ed.D., Americas Learning & Talent Development Leader at WSAudiology.

Dr. Clanton shares findings from her research her own personal and professional stories about how motherhood grows leadership and strengthens other work-related skills. From navigating competing priorities to building deeper empathy and resilience, the experience of parenting can cultivate capabilities that organizations deeply need in their leaders.

Together, Gwen and Dr. Clanton unpack the hidden value that working parents bring to organizations—and why recognizing this “invisible leadership training” can transform how companies think about leadership development.

In this episode:

• How motherhood strengthens key leadership capabilities
• The hidden ROI organizations gain from supporting working parents
• Lessons from the intersection of scholarship and real-world leadership
• How companies can better support parents in the workplace

In this special episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast from the Penn Chief Learning Officer Doctoral program, Dr. Ragu Krishnamoorthy and Dr. Sharon Ravitch introduce their new book, 'Leaders as Architects of Change.' The discussion covers how modern leadership demands adaptability, resilience, and innovative thinking to navigate a world defined by rapid, unpredictable change.

They explore the book’s two main parts: laying the foundation for understanding the current complexities and designing systems for sustainable growth. The episode delves into key insights from chapters on topics like adaptability, artificial intelligence, resilience, emotional intelligence in virtual teams, and designing for dissent. Each chapter is authored by practitioner scholars who share their unique perspectives and research. The hosts conclude by urging leaders to rethink their approaches, embed new logics, and foster environments where inquiry and collaboration thrive.

In this episode of The Penn CLO Podcast, host Emma Zumsen sits down with Dr. Jess Jones, a recent graduate of the CLO program, to delve into her groundbreaking research on the intersection of B2B sales and psychological safety. Dr. Jones highlights how psychological safety, often focused on team dynamics within organizations, plays a crucial role in B2B sales environments.

Moving beyond sales, the conversation delves into the concept of 'small L leaders,' who can foster psychological safety even without positional authority by applying three key principles. Specifically, Dr. Jones's research emphasizes strategies for building trust without positional authority, enabling respectful cooperation, and applying strategic patience. She also hints at her ongoing research exploring the application of these principles in broader workplace contexts. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in leadership, sales, and creating effective, trust-based professional relationships.

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.