In this solo episode, host Al Dea explores five key themes shaping the workplace in 2025. From the power of "People Smarts" and enhancing social capital to making talent development a core leadership capability, Al highlights the critical strategies leaders need to thrive in a changing world. He also discusses artificial intelligence as a catalyst for reimagining work and the importance of practice in building new skills and capabilities.

Links

• Al’s Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsaldea/
• Al’s Website: https://www.al-dea.com/

Andrew Barry is the CEO of Curious Lion, a Leadership Development Consulting Firm. During this conversation, Andrew discusses how leaders can embrace uncertainty and adapt to a fast-changing workplace. Andrew shares personal insights from navigating challenges in his own business, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, collaboration, and learning through ambiguity.

During this chat, which was recorded live at ATD’ 24 in New Orleans, they delve into the evolving role of leadership development, focusing on empowering middle managers through cohort-based learning and creating "aha moments" that challenge mindsets and assumptions. Finally, Andrew emphasizes the power of shared experiences and perspectives in driving innovation and problem-solving.

Links

• Web: https://curiouslionlearning.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrewBarryCuriousLion
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realandrewbarry/

Note: This is a replay of a top performing episode from 2024

Dr. Michael Arena is an author, researcher, and co-founder of Connected Commons and former talent executive at companies including General Motors, Bank of America and Amazon. With a passion for research in the studies of collaboration, social connection and organizational dynamics, Michael has a keen sense and understanding of the state of today’s workplace, and ideas for what organizations can do to create opportunities for their people to work productively and collaboratively.

During our conversation, Michael spoke about key topics including the importance of social capital, the power of intentional collaboration and what organizations can do to maximize the impact of the work of their teams. Michael also shared his thoughts on the true impact of serendipity, the importance of creating the right conditions for collaboration, and his own thoughts on how to create a better world of work.

Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-arena-21b6164/
• Articles: https://www.hrexchangenetwork.com/contributor/michael-arena
• Book: Adaptive Space: