Ivey Executive Education Presents: Learning In Action

 This episode explores the hidden costs of silence in leadership and how avoiding difficult conversations can undermine trust, alignment, and engagement. Led by Ivey Professors Kanina Blanchard and Cameron McAlpine, the discussion unpacks the psychology behind avoidance and offers practical tools for leading courageous conversations that strengthen accountability, relationships, and team performan...

Presented in partnership with the Ivey Alumni Network Toronto Chapter and Governance Professionals of Canada, this episode features a panel discussion on how the evolving board–executive dynamic is transforming governance, strategy, and leadership at the highest levels. Moderated by Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw, the conversation draws on perspectives from Michelle Banik, Larry Lau, Wendy Kei, and L...

In this episode of Learning in Action , host Brian Benjamin speaks with John Lounds, Wren Montgomery, and Sean Drygas about purpose-driven leadership —what it really means to lead with intent, integrity, and persistence. Through stories from business, sustainability, and academia, they explore how purpose can shape culture, guide decision-making, and sustain momentum over time. Featuring insights...

As the global energy sector undergoes fundamental change, leaders are being called to make bold, future-shaping decisions—often in the face of policy uncertainty, rising public scrutiny, and accelerating innovation. In this session, we sit down with Ivey Professor Guy Holburn to explore what it means to lead in an era of energy transition. Holburn offers a candid look at how senior leaders can nav...

Over the past few years, AI technology has exploded into the mainstream, with new platforms and applications emerging at an exponential pace. As organizations rush to adopt these tools, many are grappling with deeper questions around how to approach AI strategically—beyond experimentation and surface-level implementation. In this session, we sit down with Ivey Professor Christian Dippel to explore...

Successful organizations plan to drive sustainable, long-term performance, but with the world moving faster and major disruptions, such as geopolitical turmoil, weather disasters, and digital innovation, occurring at an escalating frequency, the practice of strategic planning has become increasingly challenging for leaders across all sectors. Wracked with uncertainty for what the next ten, five, o...

In this episode of Learning In Action, host Bryan Benjamin sits down with Dr. Laurel Austin, Associate Professor of Management Science at Ivey Business School, to explore how organizations can effectively build business resilience, identify and manage risks, and develop strategies for sustainable, long-term success.  Listeners will gain practical insights on how to build an organizational culture...

In this episode of Learning In Action, host Bryan Benjamin sits down with Dr. Shane Wang, Associate Professor of Marketing at Ivey Business School, to explore the role of innovation and creativity in leadership within the digital age. They delve into how leaders can unlock innovation within their teams and leverage cutting-edge technologies and data-driven strategies to maintain a competitive edge...

In a world of constant disruption, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, leading, and sustaining high performance under pressure. In this livestream for Global Ivey Day 2025, we'll explore psychology of resilience at both the personal and team levels, focusing on how leaders can foster a culture of adaptability, psychological safety, and sustained well-being.  Drawing on c...

Effective communication is both an art and a science—a fundamental skill that drives success in business, leadership, and life. In this episode, Bryan Benjamin sits down with Dr. Kanina Blanchard, Assistant Professor in Management Communications and General Management at Ivey Business School, to explore what sets great communicators apart, emphasizing that authenticity and genuine connection are t...

In today’s volatile business landscape, leaders must navigate uncertainty with agility, integrity, and resilience.  In this episode developed in collaboration with NOVA School of Business and Economics , we bring together top faculty from both institutions explore key themes, including ethical decision-making, leader character, and sustainable business strategies . Whether you're an executive, man...

Neurodiversity in the workplace isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about tapping into a wellspring of talent that remains overlooked. In this episode, we revisit a compelling panel conversation hosted by Rob Austin, Professor of Information Systems at Ivey Business School at the 2024 Ivey Talent Leaders Forum. From reshaping hiring practices to breaking down cultural stigmas, our speakers share first...

In this episode of Learning In Action , host Bryan Benjamin sits down with Dr. Andreas Schotter, Associate Professor of General Management and International Business at Ivey Business School, to discuss the challenges leaders face when making strategic decisions in times of uncertainty. Throughout their conversation, Andreas offers valuable insights on how leaders can navigate ambiguity and strengt...

In this episode of Learning In Action , host Bryan Benjamin sits down with Dr. Gerard Seijts, Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School, to tackle one of the biggest leadership challenges: managing organizational change and overcoming resistance. They explore how to navigate uncertainty, build trust, and break down the barriers that often stand in the way of successful change i...

In this episode of Learning in Action , we delve into the importance of cross-cultural communication in global business, highlighting the need for humility, openness to learning, and intentionality in communication. Moderated by Bryan Benjamin and featuring insights from Mohamed Satti, Sandra Cushnie, and Kwafo Ofori-Boateng, we discuss real-life experiences and valuable lessons learned. The conve...

In this episode of Learning in Action , we partner with the International Coaching Federation (Toronto Chapter) to explore the tools needed to build a successful coaching business. Hosted by Zen Tharani, this episode features inspiring stories and actionable insights from three expert leadership coaches: Chantelle Courtney, Ernie Gross, and Tony Latimer. Whether you're launching your practice or l...

In this insightful discussion, three Canadian farmers share their journeys of transitioning to regenerative agriculture. They delve into the motivations behind their shifts, the challenges and opportunities encountered, and the pivotal role of sustainable practices in enhancing ecosystems and soil health. The conversation also explores how policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders can sup...

 In this episode, we delve into the complexities of balancing professional ambitions with personal and family responsibilities, particularly for women and caregivers. Our guests, Eva Salem, Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Brand at Canadian Tire Corporation, and Sabrina Kumar Ceccarelli, Vice-President and Assistant General Counsel at Lightspeed Commerce, share their personal experiences and...

In this episode, we dive into leadership lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Featuring an expert panel including Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada, business leaders, and leading academics, the discussion focuses on how purpose-driven leadership builds resilience through extreme adversity. Explore how Ukrainian leaders are navigating the challenges of war and the role of education in preparing fo...

 In this episode, we explore how businesses can take a proactive approach to resilience in an increasingly uncertain future. Moderated by Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy, and featuring Laurel Austin, Associate Professor of Management Science, we delve into real-world examples of disruptive threats—ranging from cyberattacks to natural disasters—and discuss innovative strategi...

Currently, 60 percent of the food produced in Canada is wasted, representing an extraordinary $50 billion in avoidable economic losses. This extreme level of waste coincides with the reality that six million Canadians live in food-insecure households. This systemic problem requires a system solution: the circular economy. The circular economy is a new paradigm of production and consumption where m...

In today’s unpredictable and disruptive business environment, resilience is an increasingly important skill for leaders at all levels, but what does developing resilience look like in practice? How can an individual leader work to develop their personal resilience while also empowering their teams to do the same?  For this discussion moderated by Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of the Ivey Acad...

In a landmark live stream for Global Ivey Day 2024, we celebrated two decades of neurodiversity hiring programs, initiated by pioneering organizations like Specialisterne and global leaders such as SAP and Microsoft. This event, developed in partnership with the Neurodiversity Employment Research Project at Ivey Business School, delved into the challenges and barriers that hinder the full integrat...

The current model for how we often approach crisis events is unsustainable, and better system resilience is necessary for preparation and risk mitigation for catastrophic events in future. In this episode, our guests explore the importance of building resilience on organizational, community, and societal levels and consider the impacts of collaborative relationship-building and future-oriented pol...

It's been just over a year since ChatGPT first captivated the public's attention pushing many to consider the possibilities and implications of generative AI. There's been a lot of buzz about how emerging AI tools will revolutionize the working world, but how much has actually changed? What are adoption rates looking like so far? And what can practitioners expect moving into the future? For this d...