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 performance. 

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 Lynn Beauregard. 

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 on authenticity, community, and long-term impact, The Ripple Effect is a conversation about leading change that lasts.

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 navigate regulatory complexity, align strategy with shifting societal demands, and drive meaningful transformation across the industry.Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive EducationGuest: Christian Dippel, Professor, Business, Economics and Public PolicyFor more insights and information on our programming, visit: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/executive-education/

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 what it means for leaders to think critically and act decisively in an AI-enabled world. Dippel shares insights on how to identify meaningful opportunities for impact, understand the broader organizational implications of AI, and navigate the gap between hype and real-world application.Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive EducationGuest: Christian Dippel, Associate Professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy, Ivey Business SchoolFor more insights and information on our programming, visit: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/executive-education/

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, or even one year ahead will look like, how can leaders plan for future success?In this episode, we discuss how leaders can develop organizational strategy for foresight and decision-making, emphasizing the importance for building for adaptability. Gain practical insights for developing strategies under pressure that support organizational resilience, fostering team dynamics that are able to thrive and adapt effectively through disruption, and building skills for mapping possible outcomes and pursuing the right opportunities.Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive EducationGuest: Adam Fremeth, Associate Professor, Business, Economics, and Public Policy, Ivey Business School

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 that embraces business resilience, including the importance prioritizing long-term outcomes over short-term financial metrics. Further, she explores the psychology of risk preparation, decision-making in crisis, and how leaders can effectively navigate new forms of disruption.For more information and insights, visit https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/executive-education/Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive EducationGuest: Laurel Austin, Associate Professor of Management Science, Ivey Business School

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.For more insights, visit: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/executive-education/

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 cutting-edge research in organizational behaviour and leadership, our expert panel will share practical strategies to help leaders navigate uncertainty, build trust, and empower teams to thrive—even in the face of adversity. Whether you’re leading through economic shifts, industry upheaval, or everyday challenges, this conversation will provide actionable insights to strengthen your leadership and the resilience of those around you.For more insights, visit: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/executive-education/Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive EducationGuests:Zoe Kinias, Associate Professor, Organizational Behaviour, Ivey Business SchoolHayden Woodley, Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour, Ivey Business SchoolDusya Vera, Professor, Strategy, Ivey Business School & Executive Director, Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership

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 the cornerstones of impactful leadership communication.Kanina unpacks the science behind effective messaging, from decoding your audience’s needs and crafting persuasive narratives to overcoming common communication challenges and refining your delivery for maximum impact. The conversation also examines the evolution of 'leadership presence', moving beyond traditional 'executive presence' to a more inclusive, authentic approach with practical tips that enable leaders to connect, engage, and inspire with confidence.For more insights, visit: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/executive-education/Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey AcademyGuest: Dr. Kanina Blanchard, Assistant Professor, Management Communications & General Management