UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work
Unboxing OD is a podcast about organizational development (OD), hosted by Kenneth Pearson, a seasoned OD practitioner and author of The Flow of Five Tiers. Most episodes are solo deep dives into the fieldwork and philosophy behind OD, with occasional guest conversations featuring experts, newcomers, and people who challenge standard practice. It is aimed at early-career OD professionals, leaders navigating change, and anyone who believes workplaces can be more human. The show favors practical wisdom and lived experience over jargon and endless theory.
Episodes
Episode 38: Who Owns Organizational Development? The Clarity Crisis of OD
Organizational Development touches leadership, culture, strategy, change, learning, engagement, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness. Somewhere along the way, many organizations began asking OD to solve almost every complex people challenge.But what does Organizational Development actually own?In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson explores how the expanding role of OD ha
Episode 37: Is Organizational Development Too Polite to Create Real Change?
Organizational Development was built to challenge systems, surface truth, and help organizations evolve. So why does so much OD work feel safe?In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson explores a question that many practitioners have quietly considered but rarely discuss openly: Has Organizational Development become too polite to create real change?From softened language and endless consensu
Episode 36: Creating Joyful Workplaces - Curiosity, Learning, and Growth with Yolanda Fraction
Sometimes, the path into Organizational Development begins with a single moment. A moment where someone recognizes potential and opens the door to something more.In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with Yolanda Fraction, author of Joyful Workplaces, to explore how that moment shaped her journey and how it continues to influence the way she approaches leadership, learning, and
Episode 35: Strategy, Systems, and Succession - Inside STL-ODN's Growth Story
What happens when Organizational Development Professionals apply their own principles to their own organization? In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with members of the executive team from the St. Louis Organizational Development Network — Ryan McCrea, Aaron Adams, and Joani Alsop — to explore how STL-ODN moved from survival mode to sustained momentum. This conversation goes
Episode 34: Making Change Human Again - A Conversation with Dr. Jason Guttadauria
What actually happens after the survey closes, the insights are delivered, and the change initiative officially “launches”?In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with Dr. Jason Guttadauria, founder of JSG Advisory and widely known as “Dr. Irrelevant,” to unpack why so many well-intentioned change efforts stall and what it really takes to move from insight to sustained impact.Jas
Episode 33: The Recruitment System is Broken - Now What?
Applying for a job shouldn’t feel like shouting into a void. Yet for many candidates today, the recruitment process is defined by silence, redundancy, rigid requirements, and being ghosted after investing real time and effort. Organizations claim they can’t find talent, while candidates quietly opt out of systems that feel dismissive and disconnected from human reality.In this solo episode of Unbo
Episode 32: The OD Perspective on Wellness - A Conversation with Dr. Katina Sawyer
In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson is joined by Dr. Katina Sawyer, co-founder of Workr Beeing, Associate Professor of Management and Organizations at the Eller College of Management, and co-author of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives.Together, they explore the deeper meaning of workplace wellness - beyond programs, perks, and initiatives - and u
Episode 31: Pop Culture, Real Lessons - Teaching Leadership with Dr. Sy Islam
In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson sits down with Dr. Sy Islam - Co-Founder and Vice President of Consulting at Talent Metrics, and Associate Professor of Psychology at Farmingdale State College - to explore the art and science of leadership development.Dr. Islam shares his insights on how organizations can better support middle managers, why data-driven decisions need a human le
Episode 30: Hustling With Heart - Jenn Stevens on Presence, Ownership, and Developing Leaders from Any Seat
In this episode of Unboxing OD, I sit down with Jenn Stevens, an Organizational Development leader whose path into this work is anything but conventional. From firefighter to yoga studio owner to executive coach and L&D leader in tech, Jenn’s story reflects a career stitched together by one consistent thread: a deep commitment to people. We talk about what it really means to “hustle with heart
Episode 29: Strategic Clarity, Leadership, and AI - Marcus Dudley on Modern Leadership in the Digital Age
In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson is joined by Marcus Dudley, leadership and organizational consultant, executive coach, professor, and CEO of Mammoth Leadership and Organizational Development. With over three decades of experience spanning the military, sports, nonprofits, and business, Marcus brings a direct, no-fluff perspective on what modern leaders need most. The conversation e
Episode 28: The Invisible Medal - Leading with a Higher Purpose with Chris Richie
In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with Colonel Chris Ritchie, retired United States Marine Corps officer and Director of Human Resource Development at Auburn University. Across his career, Chris has led organizations from small teams to global commands and now designs leadership and performance development programs that reach thousands of employees. Their conversation explo
Episode 27: Unspoken Truths, Quiet Legacies - Five Reflections on Work and Self
This episode of Unboxing OD is something different. Instead of frameworks or methodologies, Kenneth offers a deeply personal reflection told in five movements -- exploring the hidden labor of showing up at work while holding parts of ourselves back, the unspoken space between people, and the truths we carry but often leave unsaid. Across these movements, Kenneth reflects on what it means to return
Episode 26: The Inner Work of Leadership - A Conversation with Poor Bear Chalepah
In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with Poor Bear Chalepah, consultant, visionary leader, and soon-to-be PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. As a proud member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Poor Bear shares his journey across industries -- from railroads and welding to organizational psychology, and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, belonging, an
Episode 25: OD Burnout Is Real - Protecting Your Capacity in the Work That Holds So Much
In this solo episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson steps into a conversation that many OD practitioners feel but rarely name -- burnout. Not the surface-level fatigue that comes after a long week, but the deep, layered exhaustion that comes from holding space for others, navigating resistant systems, and balancing the emotional labor that sits beneath our day-to-day work. Kenneth unpacks how OD
Episode 24: Change by Design - A Conversation with Melissa Donegan
In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson sits down with Melissa Donegan - an experienced leader across federal agencies, healthcare, education, and tech - to talk about what it really means to design for change instead of reacting to it. Together, they explore how intentional listening and career mindfulness can transform not only the outcomes of an initiative but also the people at th
Episode 23: Inclusion, Community, & Compassion - Alex Ochoa & The Work of Becoming
In this special in-person episode of Unboxing OD, Alex Ochoa shares what it means to show up - fully, boldly, and unapologetically - in a profession where you don’t always see yourself reflected. A first-generation Latina college graduate, Learning & Development Specialist, and co-founder of Latinos in I/O Psychology (LIOP), Alex opens up about navigating identity, imposter syndrome, and the q
Episode 22: When the Diagnosis Hurts - Telling the Truth in OD
In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson takes us into one of the most delicate and defining aspects of organizational development - what happens when your findings reveal something uncomfortable, something that leadership might not be ready to hear. OD practitioners are often asked to assess culture, diagnose issues, and present a path forward. But what happens when the data tells a h
Episode 21: Navigating the Transition from L&D to OD with Bethany Rios, MPH
In this guest episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson sits down with Bethany Rios, Organizational Development Manager and L&D professional, for a candid conversation about stepping into the world of OD from a background in training and development. Together, they explore what it means to shift from a skills-based approach to a systems-level mindset, how OD differs from L&D in practice
Episode 20: The Silent Partner - Power in Organizations
In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth explores the powerful presence of organizational power dynamics and the influence they carry in shaping culture, conversations, and decisions. These dynamics often live beneath the surface, guiding what is shared, what remains unspoken, and how change takes shape across teams and leadership. Kenneth invites listeners to reflect on what it means to be brought
Episode 19: Allyship in Action with Dr. Victoria Mattingly
In this powerful and personal conversation, Dr. Victoria Mattingly (Dr. V) - organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and CEO of Mattingly Solutions - joins Kenneth to explore what it really means to act like an ally in the workplace.From her unexpected entry into IO psychology to the human-centered heart of her work, Dr. V shares the stories and insights that have shaped her journey. Togethe
Episode 18: The Myth of the Quick Fix - Why OD Work Takes Time
We all love a quick fix - something that solves the problem, calms the chaos, and gets us back on track. But in the world of Organizational Development, quick fixes often don’t fix anything at all. In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth explores the myth of fast solutions and why real, sustainable change takes time, reflection, and iteration.He unpacks why surface-level interventions often miss t
Episode 17: From Idea to Impact - Designing Strategic, Human-Centered Interventions
What separates a one-time workshop from an intervention that actually changes the way people work together?In this episode of Unboxing OD, we explore what it really takes to design effective Organizational Development interventions - those that align with strategy, honor the human experience, and create lasting movement in the system.Kenneth Pearson walks through how to ground interventions in rea
Episode 16: The Power of Storytelling in Organizational Development
Storytelling isn’t just a soft skill - it’s one of the most powerful tools OD practitioners have to navigate complexity, build trust, and move people through change. In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson explores how stories can transform the way organizations engage with change, strategy, and culture.You’ll get a quick overview of how to simplify complex initiatives through narrative, c
Episode 15: The Flow of Five Tiers - Seeing the Whole System
What happens when we pause, zoom out, and ask: What are we really building?In this special episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson introduces The Flow of Five Tiers - a reflective, systems-based framework for understanding how real change happens inside organizations. Rather than offering another top-down model, this episode presents a fresh, integrated lens for OD practitioners and change le
Episode 14: Building Trust & Credibility as an OD Practitioner
Trust and credibility aren’t just nice-to-haves in Organizational Development - they’re foundational. In this episode of Unboxing OD, we briefly explore how OD practitioners can build influence without formal authority, create psychological safety within teams, and turn resistance into opportunity.Through the story of Devon, a new internal OD specialist navigating the difference between permission
Episode 13: A Day in the Life - The Key Responsibilities of an OD Professional
What does a typical day look like for an Organizational Development (OD) practitioner? The short answer: there’s no such thing as typical.In this episode of Unboxing OD, we walk through the real-world responsibilities of OD professionals - how we move from deep diagnosis to intentional intervention, build strategic trust with leadership, navigate complex political dynamics, and make tough prioriti
Episode 12: Followership - The Unsung Power Behind Great Leadership
What if the key to better leadership ... is better followership?In this episode of Unboxing OD, we’re flipping the script and turning our attention to a concept that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential - followership. We’ll explore what followership really is (and what it’s not), how it plays a vital role in organizational success, and why developing this skill is just as important as lead
Episode 11: Systems, Ethics, Balance, & Growth - The OD Practitioner Mindset
What does it really mean to think like an OD practitioner? It’s more than just knowing frameworks or designing interventions - it’s about embracing complexity, seeing organizations as interconnected systems, and balancing business outcomes with employee well-being. It’s about making tough ethical decisions with integrity and navigating change with a people-centered approach. And above all, it’s ab
Episode 10: What Does an Organizational Development Professional Actually Do?
In this episode of Unboxing OD, we’re pulling back the curtain on a question that’s fundamental yet often misunderstood: What does an Organizational Development (OD) professional actually do? Today, we’re diving into the core responsibilities of OD professionals - diagnosing organizational health, designing targeted interventions, facilitating change, and measuring impact - all with the goal of he
Episode 09: Leading with Purpose - The Connection Between Leadership & Management (Bonus Episode)
Leadership and management - two words often used interchangeably, yet they play distinct and complementary roles in shaping organizations. In this special episode of Unboxing OD, we explore how leadership and management work together to drive sustainable success.This episode holds particular significance as part of my graduate coursework at National University, where I’m pursuing a Master of Scien
Episode 08: From Silence to Strength - How OD Practitioners Encourage Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Imagine a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, admit mistakes, and challenge the status quo without fear of judgment or retaliation. That’s the power of psychological safety, and it’s not just a nice-to-have - it’s a critical factor in an organization’s success. But creating this kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional effort, and Organizational Devel
Episode 07: Leading the Way - How Leadership Defines the Success of Organizational Development
Leadership isn’t just a title - it’s the engine that drives Organizational Development. In this episode of Unboxing OD, we explore why leadership is the single most important factor in determining whether OD initiatives thrive or fade away. We introduce real-world examples, from Netflix’s commitment to culture to Uber’s early missteps, showing how leadership decisions shape an organization’s DNA.
Episode 06: More Than Words - Aligning Culture and Strategy for Real Impact
Culture and strategy - two forces that shape every organization. But what happens when they’re not aligned? In this episode of Unboxing OD, we explore the powerful intersection of culture and strategy, breaking down how these elements must work together to create lasting success.We’ve all seen organizations with ambitious strategies that fall flat because the culture isn’t there to support them. A
Episode 05: From Metrics to Meaning - Evaluating OD Success
Success in Organizational Development isn’t always easy to define. Unlike tracking sales or profits, OD measures impact in areas like engagement, retention, and culture - elements that often resist easy quantification. In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson unpacks the art and science of measuring OD success.From leading indicators like engagement scores to lagging indicators like im
Episode 04: The OD Practitioner - Detective, Architect, & Culture Shaper
What exactly does an Organizational Development (OD) practitioner do? You’ve seen them in action—or maybe just heard about them—but their role often feels elusive. In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson demystifies the role of the OD practitioner, peeling back the layers to reveal how these professionals guide organizations toward long-term success.Join us as we explore:The day-to-day wor
Episode 03: Communication - The Heartbeat of Organizational Success
Effective communication is the foundation of every successful organization, but it’s often easier said than done. In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson tackles the art of organizational communication—breaking down why it’s more than just talking, emailing, or sharing updates.Join us as we explore:Why communication isn’t about saying more but saying it better.The three pillars of communic
Episode 02: The Human Side of Change - Keys to Leading Successful Transitions
Change is inevitable, but managing it effectively is where the real challenge lies. In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson dives into the key components of change management that can make or break any initiative. Drawing on his experiences in the workplace and including a listener’s question about a chaotic tool rollout, Kenneth unpacks what it takes to plan thoughtfully, communicate clea
Episode 01: Introducing Organizational Development - The Human-Centered Approach
Welcome to the first episode of Unboxing OD! In this episode, we dive into the foundational concepts of Organizational Development, exploring what it is, why it matters, and how it aligns people, processes, strategy, and culture to create thriving workplaces.Whether you're new to OD or looking to understand how it can transform your organization, this episode unpacks the core components of OD
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