Build a system of learning (not just one-off programs)

Build a system of learning (not just one-off programs)

From How to Make a Leader by Big Think+

April 30, 2026 · 27 min · Episode 23

About this episode

Ryan Smith discusses how T. Rowe Price built a comprehensive learning system for leadership development across all levels of the organization.

T. Rowe Price doesn't do one-off training programs. They engineer leadership. Ryan Smith leads Global Leadership and Career Development at T. Rowe Price, where he's spent nearly four years building a company-wide learning system that reaches leaders at every level, from the C-suite to frontline associates. The foundation: a belief that everyone, regardless of title, has the capacity to lead. He shares how they built their leadership academies, why co-creation was non-negotiable at every level, foolproof tactics to get buy-in from the C-suite, and how they turn a learning event into lasting behavior change. Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Ryan Smith (01:13) The “everyone is a leader” mantra (02:39) The difference between leaders and managers (05:51) Why systems of learning became a priority (09:33) Defining a system of learning (10:28) Leadership academies and behavior frameworks (12:27) Insights from the Executive Leadership Academy (13:37) Building manager capability (15:16) Building communities of practice (17:10) Driving adoption and executive buy-in (19:56) Connecting learning systems to organizational metrics (23:02) Measuring engagement and performance (24:30)…

People in this episode

Guest: Ryan Smith

Topics covered

  • leadership development
  • learning systems
  • organizational behavior
  • executive buy-in
  • career mobility

Keywords

  • leadership academies
  • behavior change
  • manager capability
  • learning events
  • co-creation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: T. Rowe Price

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