The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar: The Penn CLO Podcast, Dr. Sharon Ravitch explores the practicalities of remote team leadership with Dr. Karen Bicking, Head of Talent Management at CompoSecure and Penn CLO graduate. Grounded in her research chapter in Leaders as Architects of Change: Designing Organizations for Connection and Resilience in Times of Uncertainty (co-edited by Dr. Ravitch and Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy), Dr. Bicking offers actionable guidance for managers navigating hybrid and virtual team friction.

Highlighting her chapter, "The Emotionally Intelligent Organization: Trust, Conflict, and Connection in Virtual Teams," Dr. Bicking walks listeners through real-world examples of how virtual teams navigate non-verbal cue deficits, sarcastic chat misunderstandings, and time-zone delays. From establishing transparent group chat protocols to implementing lighthearted team accountability mechanisms (like "swear jars" or coffee bets), Dr. Bicking demonstrates how small, daily micro-interactions build lasting trust and prevent team burnout.

Key Topics:

• Dr. Bicking’s Real-World Research: What sets high-performing virtual teams apart from struggling, low-trust groups.
• Decoding Digital Silence: How Dr. Bicking advises leaders to step in when virtual meetings turn silent or sidebar conversations take over.
• Micro-Moments of Connection: Utilizing quick check-ins, personal milestone celebrations, and informal touchpoints to strengthen relationships.
• Practical Accountability: Creative, lighthearted methods Dr. Bicking has seen teams use to enforce agreed-upon communication norms.
• Mid-Year Resets: How leaders can facilitate quick "stop, start, continue" sessions to continuously fine-tune virtual team dynamics.

Dr. Sharon Ravitch is joined by HR executive and scholar-practitioner Dr. TJ Lintz. Reflecting on his doctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Lintz explores how leaders transform moments of extreme disruption into catalysts for long-term organizational evolution.

This episode explores the intersection of crisis management, artificial intelligence, and human-centered leadership. Dr. Lintz explains why artificial intelligence will never replace the human touch required for emotional support, but emphasizes how AI can serve as a vital sparring partner during risk assessment. He leaves listeners with actionable frameworks for creating safe conditions where employees at all levels can contribute transformative ideas. As a contributing author to the book Leaders as Architects of Change, co-edited by Dr. Ravitch and Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy, Dr. Lintz draws on his chapter to explore these ideas.

Key topics:

• How effective leaders act as a stabilizing presence during high-anxiety organizational storms
• The role of artificial intelligence as a strategic sparring partner for strategic scenario planning
• Why psychological stability forms the foundation for cross-functional collaboration and rapid decision-making
• Transforming talent management frameworks to evaluate resilience before crises occur
• Practical steps for executive leaders to encourage intelligent risk-taking and "failing forward"
• Redefining executive leadership in a brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible (BANI) environment
• How concise, frequent communication builds emotional infrastructure and reduces organizational anxiety

In this episode of the PennCLO podcast, Dr. Sharon Ravitch is joined by Dr. Marikay Forst, a distinguished leadership expert and author of the groundbreaking chapter, Architecting Dissent by Design: Psychological Safety, Diverse Thinking, and Brave Cultures, featured in the new book Leaders as Architects of Change.

Dr. Forst’s work tackles a critical paradigm shift in modern organizational design: transforming how leaders perceive, encourage, and process constructive disagreement. Moving past traditional views that equate critique with disloyalty, she shares qualitative research proving that inviting dissenting voices is a leadership team's best defense against catastrophic errors. Through a collection of organizational practices and tools, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for top executives to build strategic, psychologically safe environments where multiple viewpoints are intentionally surfaced and acted upon.

Alongside the technical strategies, Dr. Forst explores the human dynamics behind corporate decision-making—including the intersection of Carol Dweck’s growth mindset, the invisible costs of ignoring feedback, and the value of maintaining procedural discipline when facing intense time and budget constraints.

Key topics:

• Why dissent is a strategic mechanism for risk prevention and corporate innovation
• The blueprint for aligning stated organizational core values with actions.
• Managing power dynamics and neutralizing the unconscious consequences of speaking up
• Practical tools for leaders: Designing effective pre-mortems and structured brainstorming sessions
• Cultivating a growth mindset to enhance constructive critique

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar, Dr. Sharon Ravitch sits down with Dr. Bridie Fanning, Managing Director at Accenture and former Chief HR Officer, to discuss her critical contributing chapter to the ground-breaking new book, Leaders as Architects of Change (edited by Dr. Sharon Ravitch and Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy). While modern headlines focus heavily on what artificial intelligence can automate, Dr. Bridie Fanning argues that the future of work will not be dictated by technology, but by leadership choices. This conversation dives deep into her chapter's core ethos: that AI is fundamentally a human learning story, that leaders must build psychological safety for continuous experimentation, and that traditional, linear change management models must be entirely rewritten to align with the framework of the book.

Key Takeaways:

• Amara’s Law in Action: Why we are currently overestimating AI's short-term hype while drastically underestimating its massive, long-term societal and operational impact.
• The Death of Traditional Change Management: Moving away from traditional "Point A to Point B" transition models and adopting dynamic, continuous, and iterative organizational capabilities.
• The "Inverted" Problem-Solving Approach: Why leaders must stop asking "What can AI do?" and instead start with their biggest organizational pain points, working backward to find technical solutions.

Great collaboration doesn't happen. It's designed. So why do so many leadership teams still treat it as something that should just emerge naturally?

In this episode of the PennCLO Podcast, The Practitioner Scholar, Dr. Sharon M. Ravitch speaks with PennCLO mentor and lecturer Dr. Phillip Ellis about designing organizations for collaboration, resilience, and adaptive leadership.

Based on Phillip’s chapter in Leaders as Architects of Change: Designing Organizations for Connection and Resilience in Times of Uncertainty, this conversation explores why many teams struggle to collaborate in a world of uncertainty,and how leaders can create the conditions for deeper trust, innovation, and collective problem-solving.

Together, they unpack:

Why collaboration is a leadership design challenge

• How “systems of knowing” shape teams and organizations
• Why traditional leadership models struggle in uncertain environments
• How leaders can foster more adaptive and resilient cultures

Leaders who treat collaboration as a soft skill keep getting stuck results. This conversation makes the case for designing it instead.

In the book, The Seeing Gap, co-written by Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ravitch, they turn the lens on AI. Phillip and Sharon are writing it in the open on Substack, inviting readers to help shape it as it takes form. When he’s not writing or teaching, he’s on stages and in rooms with leadership teams, designing communities and immersive workshops that help organizations stop talking about adaptability and start practicing it.

What if uncertainty isn’t the problem—but the point?

In this episode of the PennCLO Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Neumaier sits down with Penn CLO doctoral alum Dr. Lucrecia Grandolini about her chapter on leading through uncertainty from the book Leaders as Architects: Designing Organizations for Connection and Resilience, co-edited by Dr. Sharon Ravitch (University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education) and Dr. Ragu Krishnamoorthy, Director of the Penn CLO program.

Drawing on her global experience across financial services, consulting, and clinical psychology, Lucrecia challenges the traditional “plan–predict–control” model of leadership—and offers a compelling alternative.

Together, they unpack:

• Why uncertainty is both deeply human—and deeply misunderstood
• The hidden cost of control: how it erodes trust and psychological safety
• The “living iceberg” metaphor—and what leaders miss beneath the surface
• What uncertainty-friendly organizations actually look like in practice
• Four essential leadership practices for thriving in complexity

This conversation is a powerful invitation to stop trying to eliminate uncertainty—and start designing for it.

Dr. Lucrecia Grandolini is also a co-author of several books on human skills, leadership and organizational change.

Leaders as Architects of Change: Designing Organizations for Connection and Resilience in Times of Uncertainty, 2026, Routledge

Leading with Human Skills: Thriving in the Age of AI, 2026, Lulu

The Best Version of Me: Boosting Your Wellbeing, 2024, Lulu

Dr. Sharon Ravitch (University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education) interviews Penn CLO doctoral alum Oscar Arias about his chapter, “Leading in Flux,” from the book Leaders as Architects: Designing Organizations for Connection and Resilience, co-edited by Ravitch and Dr. Ragu Krishnamoorthy. Arias explains “flux” as leading when conditions constantly shift, and describes a move from VUCA to a BANI world where systems are brittle, anxiety rises, and change is non-linear and hard to comprehend. He argues many organizations are still built for stability, while disruptions like AI, low barriers to entry, and shifting customer behaviors erode old “moats.” Warning signs of brittleness include slow sharing of bad news, coverups, and inability to detect signals.

Arias emphasizes trust, recovery, cultural intelligence, and leaders as architects who design rituals, structures, and decision rules for adaptability. He contrasts resilience (returning to baseline) with anti-fragility (getting stronger), highlighting learning agility through reflection, feedback seeking, experimentation, and diverse dissenting networks.

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.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, hosted by Lisa-Marie Aird, Dr. Mark Kaestner, an alum of the Penn Chief Learning Officer program and VP at Ball Corporation, shares his insights on authentic leadership. He discusses his journey through the Penn CLO program, the essence of leadership authenticity, and strategies for building trust with teams.

Dr. Kaestner highlights key elements such as open communication, consistency, active listening, and empathy as foundational for authentic leadership. He also delves into his dissertation on the correlation between leadership authenticity and employee engagement, concluding with a personal reflection on the nature of leadership as a continuous journey.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, host Becca Clanton interviews Dr. Peg Klein, a distinguished alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program. Dr. Klein shares her unique journey from growing up near a Naval base to becoming a Navy officer and eventually an ethical leadership scholar. She discusses the impact of her early exposure to the military and aviation on her career, and the pivotal moment when she discovered her 'superpower'—a strong moral compass that guided her leadership style. Dr. Klein emphasizes the profound influence of ethical leadership, defined through James Bass's concept of self-discipline and accountability, and its critical role in organizational success.

She recounts her experiences in the Navy, including a significant role investigating ethical lapses within the Department of Defense. Transitioning to academia, Dr. Klein pursued a doctoral degree to further explore ethical leadership and its implications. Her research, particularly on the confluence of mentorship and leadership, highlights the importance of aligning words and deeds and the powerful role of leaders as role models.

Dr. Klein also shares practical advice for dissertation candidates, stressing the need for flexibility and openness to evolving research topics. She concludes by discussing her role at the Naval War College and how she applies her research insights to develop leadership courses.

Listeners can learn more by visiting the Naval War College website or connecting with Dr. Klein on LinkedIn. This episode offers valuable perspectives on integrating ethical principles into leadership and the ongoing journey of lifelong learning.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, host Jess Jones interviews Dr. John 'Coach' Havlick, a retired Navy SEAL Captain, Hall of Fame swimmer, and Penn CLO graduate. They discuss Dr. Havlick's storied career, from college swimming and coaching at the Naval Academy to leading elite SEAL units and his subsequent career in consulting and academia. Dr. Havlick shares insights from his book 'The Leadership Killer' and his Ph.D. research on stress management in elite performers, providing actionable strategies for routine adherence, focus, and healthy distractions. Additionally, Dr. Havlick emphasizes the importance of faith among SEALs and discusses his plans for future scholarly work and helping veterans through education.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, hosted by Lisa-Marie Aird, we welcome Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, a distinguished digital marketing strategist, top LinkedIn influencer, and humanitarian.

Dr. Ajayi Ore, an alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program, shares her journey and insights from her extensive career in global diplomacy, corporate industry, consulting, and academia. The discussion centers around the importance of having a strategic digital presence for executives and emerging leaders.

Dr. Ajayi Ore provides five essential tips for executive branding: being present and strategic, understanding your purpose, creating a personal website, developing a content strategy, and practicing self-promotion. She underscores the value of continuous and lifelong learning, emphasizing its role in professional growth and personal fulfillment. Dr. Ajayi Ore also reflects on her enriching experience in the Penn CLO program and how it shaped her professional and personal development.

In this enlightening episode of the Practitioner Scholar, Lisa-Marie Aird welcomes Dr. Raj Ramachardran, a trailblazer in leadership consulting and an alum of the Penn CLO program's first cohort. Amidst shared laughs and candid stories, they delve into pivotal leadership concepts for the modern age, examining both the challenges and transformative strategies essential for today's executives. Raj shares his personal journey from being legally blind to becoming a renowned consultant, igniting a passion for creating tangible societal impacts.