What’s the real reason great leadership programs fail to make an impact?

What does it take to create truly impactful learning programs? In this episode, we explore why even perfectly designed leadership programs fail when culture and relationships aren’t prioritized.

You’ll learn how starting L&D initiatives early, building strong workplace relationships, and asking the right questions can transform your organization's approach to development. We’ll also uncover the role of evidence-based practice in solving real business challenges.

Key Takeaways

1. Leadership programs fail when culture and environment aren’t addressed, no matter how well-designed the curriculum is.
2. Starting L&D early in product or solution development creates more impactful learning outcomes.
3. Building strong relationships and asking “how do you know?” ensures solutions solve the right problems.

Timestamps

• [00:00] – Introduction and Michelle's career journey from teaching English in Japan to founding Kairo Modern Learning.
• [02:54] – What Michelle is truly passionate about in L&D and why early involvement is crucial.
• [05:13] – The role of L&D in the age of AI and why curating and consulting skills are non-negotiable.
• [07:00] – How organizations risk being left behind by asking for “faster horses” instead of real innovation.
• [09:11] – Michelle shares a powerful story of a leadership program that failed due to poor learning culture.
• [11:57] – On embracing the power of a “thumbs up” and the accidental hilarity of her first big stage moment.
• [16:24] – A vulnerable reflection on trusting too easily and learning to say no in business.
• [19:02] – Michelle’s proudest professional moment: facilitating a critical DEI conversation post-George Floyd.
• [23:18] – Her biggest L&D fail and the lesson in leaning into discomfort during live speaking.
• [32:02] – Michelle's final and most important advice for anyone in the field of L&D.

Links

• Michelle Parry-Slater on Linkedin
• Michelle Parry-Slater’s latest book - The Learning and Development Handbook
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website