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 Development (OD) practitioners play a key role in making it a reality.

In this episode of Unboxing OD, we’re taking a look at psychological safety - what it is, why it matters, and how OD professionals can help foster it within teams and organizations. We’ll break down practical strategies OD teams can use to influence leadership, design interventions, and create environments where employees feel empowered to take risks, innovate, and contribute meaningfully.

Whether you’re an OD professional, HR leader, or simply someone interested in creating a more open and effective workplace, this episode will give you actionable insights on how to make psychological safety a cornerstone of your organization’s culture.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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.

We’ll also dive into the challenges of engaging leadership in OD and practical strategies to bridge the gap between intent and action. Whether you’re an OD professional, a leader, or someone looking to better understand the intersection of leadership and organizational change, this episode will give you the insights to make a lasting impact.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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 company might say it values innovation, but if employees are afraid to take risks, that strategy won’t gain traction. So how do we bridge that gap? We’ll discuss the real impact of culture on strategic execution, how organizations can ensure their culture and goals reinforce each other, and the role OD practitioners play in making it all happen.

Join me as we unpack what it means to truly align culture and strategy, identify common pitfalls, and share practical steps you can take to ensure your organization is moving in the right direction - together.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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 improved retention and productivity, we’ll explore the tools and strategies that help organizations connect their OD efforts to meaningful outcomes. Kenneth dives into real-world examples of how metrics have revealed the impact of initiatives, complemented by qualitative insights that bring the data to life.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do we know if our OD work is making a difference?” this episode is for you. Tune in to discover actionable ways to evaluate your efforts, refine your strategies, and communicate the value of OD to stakeholders.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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 work of an OD practitioner, from diagnosing challenges to shaping culture.
• The essential skills that make OD practitioners effective, including facilitation, active listening, and strategic thinking.
• Why their work often feels “invisible” but is critical to driving meaningful change.
• Common misconceptions about OD practitioners and what they really bring to the table.

Whether you’re an aspiring OD professional, a leader working with one, or just curious about the field, this episode offers valuable insights into a career that’s equal parts art and science. Tune in and uncover the transformative impact of Organizational Development.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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 communication: clarity, consistency, and connection.
• How to tailor your message to resonate with your audience.
• The transformative role of feedback in bridging communication gaps.

Whether you’re a leader striving to connect with your team or an OD professional looking to refine your communication strategies, this episode offers practical insights to elevate how you share and receive information.

Tune in to discover how better communication can drive alignment, foster trust, and create lasting impact in your workplace.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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 clearly, engage teams, and provide the right support for lasting success.

You’ll learn how to connect change initiatives to organizational goals, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that your team feels equipped and empowered to embrace new ways of working. Whether you’re navigating change right now or preparing for the next big shift, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you lead with confidence and intention.

Join the conversation, and don’t forget to connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson to share your questions and ideas for future episodes!

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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 and how they work together to drive meaningful change. Discover why people are at the heart of every successful initiative, how streamlined processes support progress, and how culture and strategy play pivotal roles in creating sustainable success.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson or visit www.pearsonpearson.llc to learn more.

Tune in now to start your journey into the transformative world of Organizational Development!

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