The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast

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 challengeHow “systems of knowing” shape teams and organizationsWhy traditional leadership models struggle in uncertain environmentsHow leaders can foster more adaptive and resilient culturesLeaders who treat collaboration as a soft skill keep getting stuck results. This conversation makes the case for designing it instead.

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.

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 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 episode of the Practitioner Scholar, hosted by Melissa Monti, Dr. Ann Schulte, a Penn CLO program alumna and current Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Chief Learning Officer at Procter & Gamble, discusses the integration of AI in talent development and the importance of an always Beta mindset for continuous workplace innovation.

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, Penn Chief Learning Officer podcast, host Melissa Monti talks with Dr. Kandi Wiens, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the new book, 'Burnout Immunity.' Dr. Wiens, a graduate of the Penn CLO program, shares her experiences juggling work, school, and family life, leading to a life-threatening wake-up call due to stress. Discussing her research on burnout, emotional intelligence, and organizational resilience, Wiens explores key strategies for combating stress. She also touches on her upcoming book, which offers a practical framework (ARMOR: Awareness, Regulation, Meaningful Connections, Outlook and Recover, Reconnect, and Reimagine) for building resilience and immunity to burnout. Dr. Wiens further discusses her experiences in the CLO program and how it transformed her career, encouraging potential students to balance their work schedules and trust faculty members. Highlighting the importance of defining one’s ‘having it all’ based on personal values, Dr. Wiens believes robust psychological wellbeing, physical health, and strong family relationships form the essence of her success.

Introducing "The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast," where we blend academic know-how with real-world practicality. In this series we dive into the strategies and success stories shaping organizational learning and leadership. From dissecting practitioner-scholar approaches to featuring standout individuals from our student and alumni circles, we bring you insights that matter.Whether you're a curious learner, an emerging leader, or a seasoned executive, this is your hub for intellectual engagement and actionable insights. For more information, explore our master’s and doctoral degree programs on the Penn GSE website.