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 Education
Guest: Christian Dippel, Professor, Business, Economics and Public Policy
For 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 Education
Guest: Christian Dippel, Associate Professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy, Ivey Business School
For 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 Education
Guest: 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 IveyAcademy.com.
Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive Education
Guest: 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.
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.
Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive Education
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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.
Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy
Guest: Dr. Kanina Blanchard, Assistant Professor, Management Communications & General Management
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, manager, or aspiring leader, this discussion offers valuable insights into leading with impact during times of change.
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For more information and insights, visit IveyAcademy.com
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 firsthand experiences and bold strategies for creating environments where neurodivergent employees don’t just survive but thrive.
Host: Rob Austin, Professor of Information Systems at Ivey Business School
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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 strengthen their decision-making confidence. He emphasizes the importance of leaders staying close to their teams, highlighting the need for authenticity, visibility, and open communication during times of change. The conversation also explores the importance of leaders remaining proactive and the value of embracing curiosity to uncover opportunities for innovation, rather than solely reacting to challenges during times of uncertainty.
Listeners will gain actionable strategies for building organizational resilience, adapting to rapidly changing environments, and making decisions with greater confidence and clarity. Whether you're leading through transformation or dealing with the unpredictability of today's world, this conversation offers valuable perspectives for staying agile and focused.
For more insights or for information on our learning and development opportunities, visit IveyAcademy.com
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 initiatives. Gerard highlights why introspection, renewal, and humility are essential for leaders, underscoring how self-awareness and emotional intelligence can drive real, lasting impact. He shares practical strategies for overcoming resistance, stressing the power of clear communication and a deep understanding of what truly motivates people within an organization.
Listeners will gain actionable insights into the dynamics of leading teams through transformational change, including the foundational role of leadership character, and the significance of celebrating small wins to support continuous forward momentum.
For more learning resources and information on our learning and development opportunities, visit IveyAcademy.com.
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 conversation also emphasizes the role of both formal and informal training in fostering cultural awareness.
Tune in to discover how to manage diverse teams across borders, build an organizational culture that embraces diversity, and leverage inclusive leadership strategies to foster collaboration. Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice for leaders operating in an interconnected world.
Host: Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy
Guests: Mohamed Satti, Associate Professor of Management Communications at Ivey Business School; Sandra Cushnie, Global Leader in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, McCain Food; Kwafo Ofori-Boateng, Vice President and Senior Partner, IBM Consulting
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 looking to elevate it, the conversation offers invaluable strategies to refine your marketing, create scalable coaching models, and diversify your revenue streams. Gain practical tips and inspiration from seasoned coaches with decades of collective experience and take the next step in turning your coaching passion into a profitable business.
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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 support farmers in adopting regenerative methods, aiming to balance increased production demands with environmental stewardship.
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 insights. They discuss the mental load, societal expectations, and the often invisible work that contributes to burnout. The conversation also explores strategies for setting boundaries and managing the pressure to be perfect, offering valuable perspectives for anyone navigating these challenges.
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 for the nation's future. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of purpose, leadership, and rebuilding in crisis.
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 strategies organizations have used to weather these challenges. Tune in to learn how companies can shift their priorities toward long-term resilience and thrive despite unpredictability.
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 materials never become waste and nature is regenerated through processes like reuse, recycling, and composting.
In this episode produced in partnership with the Ivey Centre for Building Sustainable Value and moderated by Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director at The Ivey Academy, we’re joined by guests: Jury Gualandris, Associate Professor, Operations Management & Sustainability and Faculty Director, Ivey Centre for Building Sustainable Value; Denise Philippe, Senior Policy Advisor Metro Vancouver and National Zero Waste Council; and Julie Poitras Saulnier, CEO & Cofounder at LOOP Mission. In this session, our panelists explore emerging innovation for reducing, and ultimately eliminating, food waste and examine opportunities to increase the scale on practices that support the circular economy through finance and policy.
For more information on The Ivey Academy events or to gain more learning and development insights, visit IveyAcademy.com
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 Academy, we’re joined by three Ivey Coaches: Alicia Saint, Nancy Dewar, and Shakeel Bharmal. Together, our panelists discuss the complex challenges involved in building resilience as individuals and within teams and share advice for how to overcome them, drawing upon their collective experiences working with diverse leaders.
For more information on The Ivey Academy events or to gain more learning and development insights, visit IveyAcademy.com