Best Academy Of Human Resource Development Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 27: “Soul-Care, Character, and Practical Wisdom: Ecosystem-Wide Flourishing in Health” with Dr. Kimara Ellefson 1:04:15

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5h ago1:04:15

1:04:15

What if flourishing leadership isn’t something we achieve, but something we practice — moment by moment — through intention, vulnerability, and wisdom? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Kimara Ellefson — National Director of Strategy & Partnerships at the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Health — and explo…

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How To Respond To Challenges To HRD Academic Programs 53:30

4h ago53:30

53:30

This final episode of Season 5 brings together the current president of AHRD, Dr. Seung Won Yoon of Texas A&M University, the current president-elect of AHRD, Dr. Joshua Collins of the University of Minnesota, and the president of AHRD from 2020 to 2022, Dr Laura Bierema of the University of Georgia. The conversation is facilitated by the current p…

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Episode 26: “Serving Those Who Served: Leadership, Compassion, and the Power of Purpose” with Kate McCauley 35:16

7d ago35:16

35:16

What does flourishing leadership look like when the mission is to serve those who’ve sacrificed for us all? In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Kate McCauley, President and CEO of Wounded Warriors Family Support — one of America’s most respected veterans’ organizations. Kate shares her remarkable jour…

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How To Connect HRD Research And Practice 52:20

3d ago52:20

52:20

In this penultimate episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Claire Gubbins (Dublin City University), Dr. Katherine Rosenbusch (George Mason University), and Dr. Matthew Hurtienne (University of Texas at Tyler) discuss how to connect HRD research and practice, including: What is the current state of the connection between research and practice for HRD, and …

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Episode 25: “Distilling Flourishing: Positive Education, Sustainable Leadership, and Bringing Well-Being Alongside Academics” with Justin Robinson 1:04:48

9d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

What happens when wellbeing becomes the heart of education — not an add-on, but a way of life? In this uplifting episode, Justin Robinson — Co-founder of The Wellbeing Distillery and former Director of the Institute of Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School — joins Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar for an inspiring exploration of leadership, …

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HRD: How To Respond To DEIB Challenges 1:00:17

15d ago1:00:17

1:00:17

In this ninth episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Nicole Dillard (University of Minnesota), Dr. Ciarán McFadden (University of Stirling), and Dr. Jeremy W. Bohonos (Texas State University) discuss how HRD can respond to the challenges facing DEIB, including: What do we mean by the term DEIB and what other terms might people be using that are similar? H…

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Episode 24: “Flourishing Across Divides: Building Unity, Hope, and Global Goals for a Better Future” with CEO Brandyn Keating 26:09

16d ago26:09

26:09

How can leaders turn polarization into possibility — and help people come together to write a hopeful, flourishing future? In this inspiring episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by Brandyn Keating, CEO and Co-Founder of YOUnify, an organization working to reduce political polarization and cultural divisions of all…

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How To Prepare The Next Generation Of HRD Professionals 51:23

22d ago51:23

51:23

In this eighth episode of Season 5, I meet with guests Dr. Brian Vivona (Northeastern Illinois University), Dr. Stephanie Sisco (University of Minnesota), and Dr. Ronan Carbery (University College Cork) to discuss how to prepare the next generation of HRD professionals. We discuss: How do we see the work of HRD professionals changing over the next …

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Nathan Hofeling - Director of Admissions & Business Development, Havenwood Academy 18:20

24d ago18:20

18:20

In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Nathan Hofeling, Director of Admissions and Business Development at Havenwood Academy, to explore how the admissions process and treatment experience have evolved for families seeking help. Nathan shares powerful insights on trauma-informed care, creating safety for families, and the innovations that mak…

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Episode 23: “Flourishing with Hope: Character, Virtue, and Leadership” with Dr. Michael Lamb 34:11

23d ago34:11

34:11

What does it mean to be a flourishing leader—someone whose character inspires flourishing in others? In this episode, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Professor Michael Lamb, F. M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character and Senior Executive Director of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. A Rhodes Scholar,…

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HRD: How To Be Culturally Responsive In Coaching & Mentoring 51:42

24d ago51:42

51:42

In this seventh episode of Season 5, I meet with guests Dr. Henriette Lundgren (University of Georgia), Dr. Angela D. Carter (Clemson University), and Dr. Katrenia Reed Hughes (Purdue University) to discuss how to be culturally responsive In coaching & mentoring. We discuss: What do we mean by the terms “culture”, “cultural responsiveness”, “coachi…

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Andrea Morgan, Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy 22:51

30d ago22:51

22:51

By Josh Gardner

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Episode 22: “Character, Culture, and the Long Game of Leadership” with Professor Mary Crossan 34:05

1M ago34:05

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By Scott Parsons

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How To Mentor HRD Scholars 59:00

1M ago59:00

59:00

By Academy of Human Resource Development

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Blaine Hofeling, Founder & General Counsel - Havenwood Academy 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, host Josh Gardner sits down with Blaine Hofeling, Founder and General Counsel of Havenwood Academy and the HOPE Group. Blaine shares his remarkable journey from practicing law to creating a nationally respected residential treatment center focused on early childhood trauma and attachment issues. We …

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Episode 21: “The Long Win: Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Purpose” with Dr. Cath Bishop 44:08

1M ago44:08

44:08

What does it really mean to win? And how can leaders build cultures that prioritize purpose, connection, and continuous growth over short-term success? In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by Dr. Cath Bishop—Olympic silver medalist, World Champion rower, former British diplomat, leadership consultant,…

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Janie Sabin, Human Resources Director at Havenwood Academy 22:28

1M ago22:28

22:28

In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, host Josh Gardner sits down with Janie Sabin, Havenwood’s long-standing Human Resources Director. Janie shares her journey from paralegal to one of Havenwood’s very first employees, reflecting on over a decade of shaping the organization’s culture and people systems. She dives into: How her legal ba…

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Episode 20: “Humanistic Leadership: Building a Culture Where Everybody Matters” with David Pickersgill 44:58

1M ago44:58

44:58

How does dignity transform workplaces into spaces where everybody truly matters? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons and co-host Jason Viyar sit down with David Pickersgill, Senior Outreach Program Leader at Barry-Wehmiller and key leader within the Humanistic Leadership Academy. David shares how Barry-Wehmiller’s culture of care has …

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Episode 19: “Flourishing Through Change: A Story of Passion, Perseverance, and Performance” with Tom Gaymor 57:00

2M ago57:00

57:00

How does anti-fragility fuel flourishing when life takes an unexpected turn? In this inspiring episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by returning co-host Jason Viyar for a powerful conversation with Tom Gaymor—former professional racing driver turned international broadcaster and commentator for Formula 1, IndyCar,…

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Episode 18: "Strengths for Flourishing: Leadership, Strengths-Spotting, and the Future of Character” with Professor Robert McGrath 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

How do character strengths transform the way we lead, parent, and flourish? In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons welcomes Professor Robert McGrath—clinical psychologist, Senior Scientist at the VIA Institute on Character, Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), and the recent co-founder of the Center…

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Episode 17: "Measuring What Matters: Accountability, Forgiveness, and Flourishing Leadership” with Dr. Ryan Brown 48:01

2M ago48:01

48:01

How do we measure the “immeasurable” in leadership? In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Ryan Brown, Managing Director for Measurement and Associate Director at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University. In this inspiring conversation, Ryan shares his groundbreaking work on how c…

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Kristi Peterson, Clinical Director at Havenwood Academy 28:30

3M ago28:30

28:30

In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Kristi Peterson, Clinical Director at Havenwood Academy, to talk about her journey into residential treatment, why she came back after a brief break, and what makes Havenwood’s clinical model so unique. Kristi shares insights on trauma-informed care, attachment-focused treatment, and the importance of re…

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Episode 16: “Integrative Oncology, Metabolic Health, and Flourishing” with Dr. Nasha Winters 1:03:54

3M ago1:03:54

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What if the future of healthcare isn’t just about managing illness—but about truly flourishing? In this powerful episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons welcomes Dr. Nasha Winters, a globally recognized integrative oncology specialist, bestselling author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer and Mistletoe and the Emerging Future…

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Episode 15: “Major League Mindset, Identity Beyond Performance, and the 'Be, Do, Have' Approach to Flourishing” with Brandon Guyer 39:53

3M ago39:53

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What does it take to thrive under pressure, reframe fear, and build a flourishing life beyond performance? In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by co-host Jason Viyar for a powerful conversation with Brandon Guyer—former Major League Baseball player, 2016 World Series competitor, and founder of Major …

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Charlie Falatea – Partner & Executive Director at Havenwood SLC | Building Trust, Culture, and Lasting Impact in Behavioral Health 27:35

3M ago27:35

27:35

In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Charlie Falatea, Partner and Executive Director at Havenwood SLC, to talk about his journey from a young college student working the night shift to becoming a leader in residential treatment. Charlie shares how deep, authentic relationships are the foundation for real change, why “trust in, trust out” is…

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Episode 14: “From Brainomics to Global Impact: Leadership, Health, and Flourishing” with Dr. Andrew Nevin 36:29

3M ago36:29

36:29

What does it take to lead with wisdom across continents, crises, and cultures? In Episode #14 of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Andrew Nevin — economist, philosopher, healthcare leader, and one of Africa’s most influential voices — for a sweeping conversation on the art and science of flourishing. Together, th…

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Episode 13: "Character, Culture, and the Future of Flourishing Leadership” with Professor Edward Brooks 37:49

3M ago37:49

37:49

What does it take to lead with character in today’s complex world? In this inspiring episode, Scott speaks with Professor Edward Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project and Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford. Ed is one of the world’s leading voices in characte…

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Episode 12: “True Success, Inner Resilience, and the Art of Flourishing” with Dr. Tom Morris 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

What if Aristotle ran General Motors—or Harry Potter led your organization? In this delightful and enlightening episode, Scott sits down with one of the world’s most celebrated public philosophers and bestselling author Dr. Tom Morris to explore the art of achievement, the power of change, and the ancient wisdom needed to flourish in modern life. T…

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Episode 11: “Know, Love, Inspire: Flourishing Leadership” with Dr. Katy Granville-Chapman & Ms. Emmie Bidston 34:51

4M ago34:51

34:51

What does it mean to know, love, and inspire the people you lead? In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with two extraordinary leaders—Dr. Katy Granville-Chapman and Ms. Emmie Bidston—for a heart-opening conversation about character, flourishing, and the transformative power of leadership rooted in love. Katy and Emmie…

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Episode 10: "Aristotle, Emotions, and the Science of Practical Wisdom" with Prof. Kristján Kristjánsson 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

In this illuminating episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by internationally renowned philosopher and scholar of character education, Professor Kristján Kristjánsson. Together, they explore the powerful intersections of moral philosophy, moral psychology, and moral education, charting how these once-parallel field…

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Episode 9: "Beyond the Scoreboards and the Power of Mental Fitness" with Gina Tucci-Karnisovas 39:36

4M ago39:36

39:36

What if your greatest strength as a leader, athlete, or high-performer isn’t just in what you do—but how you show up? In this powerful episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with Gina Tucci-Karnisovas, an elite mental performance coach, licensed counselor, and founder of Beyond the Scoreboards. With decades of experience in spo…

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Episode 8: "Trust, Inspire, and Unleashing Human Potential" with Stephen M.R. Covey & David Kasperson 1:02:17

5M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

What does it take to move from managing people… to unleashing their greatness? In this high-impact episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with Stephen M.R. Covey, bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, and David Kasperson, his longtime collaborator and co-author of Trust & Inspire. Together, they explore a powerful paradigm …

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Episode 7: "Training the Mind to Flourish" with Dr. Cortland Dahl 36:51

5M ago36:51

36:51

What if the key to flourishing isn’t found in doing more—but in being more present? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott welcomes Dr. Cortland Dahl—a scientist, author, meditation teacher, and Chief Contemplative Officer at Healthy Minds Innovations. Cort’s life journey has taken him from monaster…

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Episode 6: “Abundance, Agreements & the Architecture of Flourishing” with Dr. Jim Ritchie-Dunham 34:49

5M ago34:49

34:49

What if flourishing—at both the individual and organizational level—came down to the agreements we make every day? In this enlightening episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott welcomes Dr. Jim Ritchie-Dunham, a global leader in the science of abundance and founder of the field known as pactoecography—the study of human agreements that sha…

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Episode 5: “4,000 Mondays and the Courage to Live Fully" with Jodi Wellman 41:10

5M ago41:10

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What if you only had 4,000 Mondays to live—and you’d already spent half of them? In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, my Guest Co-host, Jason Viyar and I are joined by Jodi Wellman—executive coach, speaker, and author of You Only Die Once. Jodi invites us into a conversation that’s as life-affirming as it is mortality-facing. Her mes…

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Episode 4: "Grit, Goals, and the Power of Ampliship" with Caroline Adams Miller 38:51

5M ago38:51

38:51

What does it really take to pursue our biggest, boldest goals—and thrive while doing it? In this powerful episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with Caroline Adams Miller, one of the world’s leading experts on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. A bestselling author, speaker, and trailblazer in the field, Caroline bri…

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HRD: How To Implement People Analytics 53:59

6M ago53:59

53:59

In this fifth episode of Season 5, guest Dr. Alexis Fink, Dr. Seung Won Yoon, and Dr. Brad Shuck discuss how to implement people analytics, including: What do we mean by the term “people analytics” and how does the term differ from others like “workforce analytics”, “HR analytics”, and “talent analytics”? What does people analytics typically look l…

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Episode 3: "Mindset, Grit, and Character in Sports and Life" with Sean Casey 56:08

6M ago56:08

56:08

In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, I sit down with 3x MLB All-Star and beloved broadcaster Sean Casey, affectionately known as “The Mayor.” We explore Sean’s remarkable journey—from the dugout to the broadcast booth to the inner life of a flourishing leader. Sean shares timeless lessons on humility, perseverance, character, and pur…

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How To Develop An HRD Strategy 48:46

6M ago48:46

48:46

In this fourth episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Fotios Mitsakis, Dr. William J. Rothwell, and Dr. Lyle Yorks discuss how to develop an HRD strategy by exploring questions: What do we mean by the term “HRD Strategy”, what other terms could be used in organizations to describe this work? How does the term “HRD Strategy” differ from the term “Strategic…

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Episode 2: “The Science of Flourishing, Happiness, and Leadership” with Tal Ben-Shahar 40:25

6M ago40:25

40:25

World-renowned author and happiness expert Tal Ben-Shahar unpacks how leaders can foster meaning, joy, and atifragility — personally and organizationally. Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and lea…

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How To Rethink HRD 54:04

6M ago54:04

54:04

In this third episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Laura Bierema, Dr. Jamie Callahan, and Dr. Tomika Greer discuss how to rethink HRD by exploring questions: What does it mean to rethink HRD? What do you see in organizations that makes you want to rethink HRD? What makes the timing right to rethink HRD? Does rethinking HRD mean an evolution or a transfo…

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Episode 1: “Heroic Leadership and Daily Flourishing” with Brian Johnson 46:27

6M ago46:27

46:27

Brian Johnson, Founder and CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation, shares insights on activating heroic potential, building virtuous habits, and living a flourishing life every day. Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a …

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HRD: How To Respond To AI 1:00:32

6M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

In this second episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Margaret Driscoll, Dr. Saul Carliner, and Dr. Yvonne Thayer discuss how HRD can respond to AI by exploring: What do we mean by the term AI? What do we know about how AI is changing the workplace and workforce? What examples do we have of how AI is already impacting HRD? How do we see the impact of AI o…

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HRD: How To Support Veterans 51:31

6M ago51:31

51:31

In this first episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Alaina Doyle (Flourish Coaching & Consulting), Dr. Michael Kirchner (Purdue University - Fort Wayne), and Dr. Sarah E. Minnis (Western Carolina University) discuss how HRD can support veterans in the workplace, including questions on: What do we mean by the term Veterans? Why is the topic of Veterans in…

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Season 1 Trailer: Welcome to The Flourishing Leaders Podcast 2:34

6M ago2:34

2:34

Welcome to The Flourishing Leaders Podcast with Dr. Scott Parsons. This is your invitation to explore what it truly means to lead—and live—with character, virtue, courage, and purpose. In this trailer, you’ll hear a preview of Season 1’s inspiring guest lineup, including global thought leaders in psychology, philosophy, sports, business, health, an…

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Season 5 Trailer 2:02

7M ago2:02

2:02

The fifth season launches soon and brings you eleven episodes that explore common “How To” questions related to HRD. The first half of the season releases in May and June, with the second half coming after the summer break. The first half of the season includes episodes on How HRD can respond to AI, How to build and implement an HRD strategy, how H…

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HRD & Pop Culture 1:04:54

2y ago1:04:54

1:04:54

In this final episode of Season 4, guests Dr. Jamie L. Callahan (Durham University), Dr. Mark Gatto (Northumbria University), and Taylor Cavallo (University of Minnesota) discuss the relationship between HRD and Pop Culture, including: What is meant by the term “pop culture”? How does pop culture portray organizations and work? How does pop culture…

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HRD & The Climate Crisis 1:02:25

2y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

In this penultimate episode of Season 4, guests Dr. Ellen Scully-Russ (The George Washington University, USA), Dr. Eugene Sadler-Smith (University of Surrey, UK), and Dr. Maria Cseh (The George Washington University, USA) discuss the relationship between HRD and the Climate Crisis, including: What influenced the guests' interest in climate issues? …

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HRD & Artificial Intelligence 1:02:39

2y ago1:02:39

1:02:39

In this ninth episode of Season 4, guests Dr. Alexandre Ardichvili (University of Minnesota, USA), Dr. Maria José Sousa (University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal), and Dr. Uta Wilkens (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany) discuss the relationship between HRD and Artificial Intelligence, including: What is meant by the term Artificial Intelligence? Why …

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HRD & Generational Changes in the Workforce 1:03:42

2y ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this eighth episode of Season 4, guests Dr. Katherine Jeffery (KJ Consulting), Dr. Malaika Edwards (University of Houston), and Dr. Marie-Line Germain (Western Carolina University) discuss the relationship between HRD and Generational Changes in the Workforce, including: What is meant by the term Generations? How do Generations differ, and how h…