Best L&d Business Alignment Podcasts (2025)

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EP 42: Future of Work: Why L&D Must Shift from Checkbox Training to Business Impact 25:52

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3h ago25:52

25:52

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Colin Platt, Senior VP and National Training Leader at Aon, to explore the future of Learning and Development. Colin shares how Aon is aligning L&D with business strategy, moving beyond checkbox training, and investing in both technical and people skills to help colleagues tru…

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Ep. 26: From Credibility to Impact in L&D with Mark Sheppard 1:03:46

3d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Mark Sheppard, senior learning advisor and respected voice in the L&D community. Mark brings sharp insights into why L&D so often becomes a band-aid for broken systems - and what it takes to break free of that cycle. From the danger of chasing credibility over impact, to the emotional l…

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Organising L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen 38:06

10d ago38:06

38:06

Many L&D teams are under pressure to deliver business impact—but are held back by disorganisation, unclear positioning, and a lack of strategic focus. In this episode, Guus van Deelen, author of Organising L&D for Results, shares a practical approach for transforming how L&D functions operate from the inside out. Drawing on his experience and resea…

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Fix the Meeting: Frameworks for High-Performance L&D Teams 55:18

14d ago55:18

55:18

Let's be honest — L&D teams are drowning in meetings that feel like productivity black holes. But what if those same meetings could become your secret weapon for driving real business results? Communication expert Mike Simmons has figured out how to transform meetings from time-wasting rituals into strategic performance engines, and joins our IDIOD…

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EP 41: From Power to People: How Dr. Darick Bryant is Redefining Leadership and Learning 31:17

14d ago31:17

31:17

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Darick Bryant, Director of Learning and Organizational Development at Clean Harbors, to explore the power of personalized learning, servant leadership, and the evolving role of AI in L&D. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Dr. Bryant shares how he shifted from a …

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Making Sense of the Learning Technology Market with Becky Willis 49:47

24d ago49:47

49:47

In this episode, Becky Willis joins David to explore the increasingly crowded world of learning platforms—from the evolution of LXPs to the challenge of aligning stakeholders with vastly different needs. Together, they tackle what’s hot (and what’s not) in the market right now, why so many organisations are still unhappy with their chosen platforms…

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Ep. 25: From Resistance to Alignment: Navigating Stakeholders with Caner Akova 46:54

24d ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Caner Akova about what it really takes to drive performance in the workplace, and why delivering content isn't enough. They explore why L&D needs to design for friction, not just information, and how influence and stakeholder alignment can make or break learning efforts. From rethinking how we run pilots to tying …

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The Great Training Transformation: Adapt or Become Irrelevant 49:55

28d ago49:55

49:55

The future of workplace training is arriving faster than anyone predicted, and Donald H Taylor has a shocking forecast: traditional training courses have just 2-5 years left before they become extinct. Drawing from his latest Global Sentiment Survey and decades of L&D expertise, Donald will reveal how personalization, coaching/simulation and learne…

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EP 40: Revolutionizing Learning at Kellanova with VR, AI, and Strategic Vision 20:57

28d ago20:57

20:57

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Tomissa Smittendorf, Senior Director of Commercial Capabilities at Kellanova, to explore how her team is leading the charge in learning innovation through immersive technology, data-driven strategy, and AI integration. Tomissa shares how Kellanova is using virtual reality to transform retail sal…

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Driving Business Impact with Talent Development at Scale With Martha Soehren 44:25

1M ago44:25

44:25

Traditional L&D teams often struggle to prove their value—but at Comcast, Martha Soehren built a Talent Development function that drove measurable business impact at scale. In this episode, Martha shares how her team aligned with strategic priorities, built trusted stakeholder relationships, and embedded governance to keep L&D at the heart of busin…

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Ep. 24: Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David James 1:03:38

1M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David James What does real L&D maturity look like in 2025? In this episode, Vidya speaks with David James (CLO of 360Learning and host of the Learning & Development Podcast) about his L&D Maturity Model - and what it takes to move from reactive training to strategic, business-aligned learning. T…

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Make Learners Want It: Marketing 101 for L&D Rebels 48:42

1M ago48:42

48:42

L&D’s relevance crisis is here — and hope isn’t a strategy. Marketing expert Ashley Hinchcliffe flips the script on traditional learning functions with the People Impact Loop™, a bold framework to transform L&D from content factories to business-critical enablers. Discover why learner-centric buzzwords fall short, how to design initiatives employee…

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EP 39: The Secret to Leadership Success? Grit, Gratitude, and Good Coaching 38:44

1M ago38:44

38:44

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Adam Hickman, VP of Organizational and Employee Development at Partners FCU, to explore what truly makes a great leader in today’s workplace. From his early days cleaning flea markets to leading L&D strategy for a Disney-affiliated credit union, Adam shares his real-world insights on leadership …

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The L&D Podcast Experience, Live! – Rethinking L&D, Performance, and the Power of AI With Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson 52:14

2M ago52:14

52:14

In this special live episode recorded with a virtual audience, host David James is joined by an all-star panel of Learning & Development leaders - Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson - for a dynamic conversation on the future of workplace learning. Together, they explore: Whether "Learning & Development" is the wrong name for the profes…

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Ep. 23: Rediscovering Curiosity and Connection in Learning with Goutham Yegappan 1:06:48

2M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this episode of Learning+, Vidya speaks with Goutham Yegappan - educator, data scientist, and question-asker - about reimagining education beyond systems, silos, and standardization. They explore why curiosity fades, how the teacher-student divide holds us back, and why passion isn’t something to find, but a way of seeing. This isn’t a conversat…

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Immersive by Design: Making Mixed Reality Part of the Blend 52:09

2M ago52:09

52:09

Immersive tech isn't just cool. It's useful. And more importantly, it fits right into the blended learning you're already building. In this IDIODC session, Destery Hildenbrand, a Learning Technology Consultant and Immersive Technology Evangelist, will walk you through integrating mixed reality, such as AR and MR, into your learning experiences. We'…

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EP 38: How to Align L&D with Business Strategy for Maximum Impact 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Regina Dunning, US VP of Learning and Organizational Development at SThree, to explore what it takes to build an L&D strategy that truly drives business results. Regina shares her journey from accidental trainer to strategic learning leader and offers real-world insights into …

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Reinventing L&D for Long-Term Impact with Avinash Chandarana 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

How do you continuously reinvent L&D while working with the same stakeholders and navigating constant change? In this episode, Avinash Chadarana, Global Learning & Development Director at MCI Group, shares the realities of leading L&D over the long haul—building from scratch, overcoming challenges like budget cuts and COVID, and evolving with a geo…

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Ep. 22: Behavior, Motivation, and the Role of Learning with Julie Dirksen 1:17:15

2M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

Why doesn’t learning always lead to action? In this episode, Vidya sits down with Julie Dirksen - author, designer, and one of the clearest thinkers on behavior change in L&D. They explore why systems thinking can sometimes overwhelm us, how to design for motivation dips, what to do when learners don’t see themselves as part of the problem, and why…

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The Quality Stack: Building Fail-Safes into L&D Pipelines 46:52

2M ago46:52

46:52

How do you move beyond endless checklists to bake quality into every layer of learning design? In this actionable conversation, Hadiya Nuriddin tackles this challenge head-on, drawing from her Quality Management in Learning and Development playbook and frontline experience. We’ll explore why “quality theater” fails, how to align standards with orga…

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EP 37: From HRBP to L&D Leader: How Nikki Ward Keeps Learning Simple and Strategic 36:52

2M ago36:52

36:52

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Nikki Ward, a learning and development leader with a rich background in HR and talent strategy. After 15 years at Athena Health, Nikki shares how her journey from HR business partner to head of L&D shaped her people-first approach to training. We dive into: ✅ How to align lear…

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Rethinking L&D: Why Accomplishments Matter More Than Behaviours With Carl Binder 41:20

3M ago41:20

41:20

L&D has long been focused on behaviour change—but what if that’s the wrong goal? In this episode, Carl Binder challenges conventional wisdom and makes the case for shifting our focus from behaviours to work outputs—the measurable accomplishments that drive business results. Carl explains why this approach is more effective, how L&D teams can correc…

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Ep. 21: The Quiet Power of Community with Erin Chancellor 1:06:37

3M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

What does it really take to build a thriving learning community - one where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow? In this episode, Erin Chancellor joins Vidya to share how she co-manages the Useful L&D Community with care, clarity, and intentional structure. They explore what “lurker love” looks like in action, why creating space matte…

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The Performance Paradox: Solving L&D’s $100 Billion Waste Problem 44:29

3M ago44:29

44:29

Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist at Beyond the Sky, merges decades of corporate marketing expertise with cutting-edge L&D innovation to tackle the crisis of ineffective training. In this episode, she dismantles why traditional content-heavy approaches fail to drive real-world performance, revealing how AI-powered role-plays, immersive sc…

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EP 36: From Ballet to Boardroom: Liz Bruno on Bold Moves, Lifelong Learning, and the Future of L&D 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Liz Bruno, former Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Health and a powerhouse in the L&D world. From her early days as a professional ballet dancer to leading system-wide training programs in healthcare, Liz shares her journey—and the bold mindset that’s guided her along the way…

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Hope Isn’t a Plan: Building a Progressive L&D Strategy with Dani Johnson 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

Traditional L&D strategies rely too much on hope. Hope that training will stick, hope that stakeholders will engage, and hope that impact will follow. But as Dani Johnson of RedThread Research explains in this episode, hope isn’t a plan. Drawing on insights from the latest report, Dani outlines why L&D’s influence in strategic business discussions …

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Ep. 20: Experiment First, Design Later with Tom McDowall 1:12:30

3M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

In this episode, Tom McDowall joins us for a deep dive into learner autonomy, performance-focused design, and the real role of L&D in a fast-changing world. We unpack what it means to give learners control, how to balance autonomy with compliance, and why experimentation - not training - is often the better answer. From Dungeons & Dragons to chatbo…

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Neuroscience and AI: Enhancing Learning and Performance 57:38

3M ago57:38

57:38

Join us for a captivating conversation with Margie Meacham, famously known as "The Brain Lady," a pioneer in applying AI to learning and talent development since 2013. Drawing from her hands-on experience developing educational chatbots, Margie will take us on a journey through the powerful intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. …

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EP 35: Building a “Hire to Retire” Culture Through Strategic Learning and Development 25:25

4M ago25:25

25:25

In this episode of Learning Matters, Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Sherri Brooks, Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care, to explore how her team is creating a “hire to retire” employee experience through innovative learning strategies. With over 22,000 employees across three states, Dr. Brooks shares how Baptist is: ✅ Making L…

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The L&D Maturity Model: David James in the Hot Seat 49:48

4M ago49:48

49:48

In this special episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, we’re turning the tables! Host of The Learning Hack podcast, John Helmer, takes over the mic to interview our very own David James about 360Learning’s new L&D Maturity Model. With a wealth of experience in the learning industry, John brings a sharp, inquisitive lens to this conversation…

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Creating Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences, By the Book 51:24

4M ago51:24

51:24

Training content can only help create true change if it can help everyone in your organization. There is a whole range of reasons and circumstances why learners might find content inaccessible or exclusive, and it can seem very daunting to try and solve accessibility and inclusivity for all possibilities. In this session of IDIODC, we’re talking wi…

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Ep. 19: Improving Value, Not Just Proving It with Michelle Ockers 1:12:32

4M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

What does it really take to build a learning strategy that sticks? In this episode, Michelle Ockers helps unpack the difference between tactical execution and strategic clarity. From shifting the conversation from skills to capability, to evaluating learning as a tool for improvement, and not just as proof, Michelle shares practical, grounded advic…

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EP 34: Why Understanding Learner Pain Points Is Key to L&D Success 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Dasha Crosby, Learning Director at U.S. Bank, to talk about the future of learning and development! With over 15 years of experience in human capital management, talent strategy, and process improvement, Dasha shares why understanding learner pain points is critical for building effective learni…

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Live from New York: Leading L&D for Impact with Julianne Gill 49:04

4M ago49:04

49:04

For the first time ever, The Learning & Development Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience in New York! In this special episode, I sit down with Julianne Gill, Director of Learning & Development at Smile Brands, to explore what it truly takes to build an L&D function that delivers measurable impact. Julianne shares insights from her caree…

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Ep. 18: Building Service Cultures That Power Organizations with Ron Kaufman 53:12

4M ago53:12

53:12

What if service wasn’t just a department, but a way of thinking across your entire organization? In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Ron Kaufman - global expert on service culture and best-selling author of Uplifting Service - joins us to break down what it really takes to build a culture of continuous service improvement. We explore why mind…

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Beyond Vanity Metrics: Driving Growth with Learner Engagement 42:07

4M ago42:07

42:07

L&D teams face mounting pressure to prove engagement isn’t just a vanity metric. Join Becky Willis, learning strategist and co-founder of Tractus Learning, as she reveals how to transform engagement from abstract concept to measurable business driver. Discover practical frameworks for connecting learning maturity to engagement strategies, including…

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EP 33: Forget AI Hype — Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle in L&D 37:27

4M ago37:27

37:27

How do you turn learning and development into a business essential and not just a checkbox? In this episode of Learning Matters, we’re joined by Carrie Berg, VP of Learning & Development at Teladoc Health, to talk about what it really takes to build an L&D strategy that delivers real impact. Carrie shares how she’s built programs leaders can’t live…

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Ep. 17: Creating Impactful Practice Scenarios 9:26

4M ago9:26

9:26

In this solo episode, Srividya Kumar explores the power of practice in learning and why it's a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective training. She discusses how focusing too much on theory can hinder learners from applying their knowledge. Drawing on real-world examples, Srividya shares how practice scenarios can help learners gain confi…

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The Great Reset: Unlocking the Power of Organisational Learning With Nigel Paine 49:14

5M ago49:14

49:14

In a time when organisations must adapt and evolve more rapidly than ever, the role of learning is at a crossroads. In this episode, Nigel Paine, author of The Great Reset: Unlocking the Power of Organisational Learning, shares his vision for transforming L&D into a strategic driver of culture, leadership, and inclusion-focused change. Nigel outlin…

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The Accessibility Edge: How Benchmarking Fuels Inclusive Learning Success with Susi Miller 50:27

5M ago50:27

50:27

Tune in as 2025 LPI Learning Professional of the Year Susi Miller reveals how inaccessible learning content creates significant organizational risks, including compliance violations, talent exclusion, and reputational damage. Through her groundbreaking eLa1000 Accessibility Assessment initiative, Susi demonstrates how organizations that prioritize …

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Leading HR with people, not policy – Maria Hawley 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Leading HR with people, not policy with Maria Hawley. Maria Hawley didn’t plan to stay at Fisher German for long. But more than a decade later, she’s still there - now Director of People - having helped lead the business through major growth and cultural change. In this episode, Maria talks about what it takes to buil…

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EP 32: Building a Culture of Learning Through Mentorship 33:56

5M ago33:56

33:56

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Bette Kidane, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Intermountain Health, to uncover how her team completely redesigned their training strategy—and achieved a 747% ROI in the process. 🔗 Connect with Bette Kidane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bette-rogers-kidane-ms-pmp-crp-cit-9b58776/ What…

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Designing Learning for Impact with Julie Dirksen 58:31

5M ago58:31

58:31

Too often, L&D delivers learning solutions that fail to drive real behaviour change. But why does this happen, and how can we design interventions that truly make an impact? In this episode, learning design expert Julie Dirksen unpacks the science behind effective learning and what actually motivates people to apply what they’ve learned. Julie expl…

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Ep. 16: The Ripple Effect of Learning with Dr. Nigel Paine 42:50

5M ago42:50

42:50

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Dr. Nigel Paine explores what it truly means to build a learning culture. He challenges the obsession with perfect courses, emphasizing the need to focus on impact instead. From the power of psychological safety to the role of leadership vulnerability, Nigel shares how organizations can create lasting chang…

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EP 31: From Training to Transformation: People-Centric Learning Strategies 39:05

5M ago39:05

39:05

This week we're joined by Paul Stephenson Director, Learning - Client Relationships at TIAA to discuss his approach to learning and development. The secret is.... people. We cover everything from human connection, to AI, and cohort-based training. Hope you enjoy! 🔗 Connect with Paul Stephenson via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulr4stephen…

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Revisiting Aviva’s Ambitious Digital Reskilling With Molly Howes & Alex Price 41:47

5M ago41:47

41:47

Reskilling is high on the agenda for many organisations, but how do you do it reliably—and at scale? In this episode, Molly Howes returns to share the incredible progress of the Aviva Foundry, an ambitious initiative to upskill employees from Customer Support roles into Digital careers, alongside Alex Price, who was a successful participant in the …

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Ep. 15: Unlocking Motivation in Leadership and Learning with Matthew Richter 1:01:09

5M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Matthew Richter joins host Srividya Kumar to explore the powerful connection between motivation, leadership, and learning. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Matthew discusses how fulfilling core psychological needs - competence, autonomy, and relatedness - is key to fostering lasting motivation. He shar…

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xAPI in 2025: Growing Pains and Future Gains with Megan Torrance 50:24

6M ago50:24

50:24

It's been almost 12 years since Experience API (xAPI) version 1.0 was released, and it’s still experiencing some growing pains. With so much potential yet still waiting to take the world by storm (or by SCORM?), xAPI seems much like many other Tweens. The fabulous Megan Torrance joins us for this episode of IDIODC to discuss where xAPI stands in 20…

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EP 30: Staying Agile: How Learning & Development is Evolving with AI and Data 41:27

6M ago41:27

41:27

Ever feel like Learning & Development (L&D) moves at lightning speed? That’s because it does. Businesses are evolving rapidly, and training programs need to keep up. This week on the Learning Matters podcast I sat down with John Polaschek, Head of Global Learning Solutions at ServiceNow. He shared his thoughts on what makes L&D successful today and…

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The Long-Distance Leader, Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership With Wayne Turmel 40:11

6M ago40:11

40:11

As remote and hybrid work redefine the modern workplace, leadership must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership, shares invaluable insights on leading in this new era. Wayne explores how leadership has fundamenta…