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ELE brings leaders together across companies and industries to work through the messy stuff: decisions, risk, handoffs, execution drag, and what it takes to move from idea to action.

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Figure out if ELE is for you. Straight answers on what ELE is, who it’s built for, and how contributing members actually work together. Still have a question? Contact us.

Problem Solutions

Upsurge Advisors

At the Milwaukee Talent Development Conference 2025, <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/michael-hruska" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Hruska</a> and <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/nicole-defalco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicole DeFalco</a> sparked a compelling dialogue about the evolving partnership between humans and artificial intelligence—and what it means for leadership, learning, and culture.
Their session, Authentic Intelligence: How Humans and AI Can Work in Harmony, didn’t center on machines replacing people. Instead, it made the case for a smarter approach: augmenting human insight with AI’s speed and scale to solve complex problems more creatively and collaboratively.

<blockquote data-start="705" data-end="833">
“Two people working with AI is better than any other combination. That’s what we’re here to prove.” — <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/nicole-defalco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicole DeFalco</a>
</blockquote>
&nbsp;
<img class="aligncenter" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/who-is-your-best-bet-for-solving-a-problem.jpg" alt="" width="885" height="498" />
This insight grounded the session—and the room agreed. When humans bring context, empathy, and strategic judgment, and AI brings data, memory, and speed, the result is a powerfully effective team. Whether it’s designing leadership programs, creating knowledge-sharing podcasts, or managing skills-based learning plans—AI becomes most impactful when paired with thoughtful human collaboration.
🔍 So, what’s changing for HR and talent leaders?

<ul data-start="1285" data-end="1586">
 	<li data-start="1285" data-end="1354">
AI is no longer a future concept. It’s a present-day accelerator.
</li>
 	<li data-start="1355" data-end="1438">
Managers need to offload data grunt work and step fully into people leadership.
</li>
 	<li data-start="1439" data-end="1586">
Multigenerational teams, especially Gen Z, expect more coaching, context, and culture—areas where AI can inform but not replace human leadership.
</li>
</ul>
But this shift doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

<blockquote data-start="1632" data-end="1806">
“Organizational culture will either launch or break your AI strategy. You’ve got to ask: what in the culture is helping—or hindering—this shift?” — <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/michael-hruska" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Hruska</a>, Problem Solutions
</blockquote>
From communication norms to psychological safety, culture determines whether AI-supported leadership can truly take root. If your culture resists experimentation or transparency, even the most powerful tools will fall flat.
🚀 The keynote also spotlighted AI agents that generate dynamic workflows and learning journeys—no manual coding required. But the takeaway wasn’t about tech bells and whistles. It was about mindset: start small, test fast, build momentum.
AI isn’t replacing leadership. It’s reshaping it. And the leaders who embrace authentic intelligence—human + artificial—will be the ones shaping the future of work.

✨ AI in Action: Authentic Intelligence: How Humans and AI Can Work in Harmony

future of work

Future of Work

Digital &amp; AI

digital transformation

leadership development

Talent Strategy

organizational culture

skills development

AI in HR

human AI collaboration

workplace innovation

adaptive leadership

michael.hruska

nicole.defalco

wise2025

authentic intelligence

AI-enabled learning

Gen Z workforce

people leadership

baryons.aimentor

Get Control

Executive Learning Exchange (ELE)

Session Focus: Uncover ways to navigate the return to office while maintaining hybrid flexibility and future-ready teams.
Explore the shifting paradigms of the workplace with a focus on hybrid models and AI-driven strategies in our upcoming roundtable. A focal point of our discussion will be a company's recent policy mandating employees to be in-office two days a week, highlighting various managerial approaches to scheduling these days.

<blockquote>✅ Adapting to Hybrid Work
✅ Importance of IQ+EQ+TQ
✅ Leveraging Technology and GenAI</blockquote>
This session provided valuable insights into mastering hybrid work strategies and highlighted the urgent need for HR leaders to step up as enablers of success in this evolving environment. Hybrid work is no longer a temporary adjustment—it’s the new normal. Yet, the skills needed to thrive in this model are often overlooked.

<blockquote>"Only 21% of workers and 28% of managers have been trained to succeed in hybrid work—a massive gap HR must address." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/lauren-marder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lauren Marder</a></blockquote>
Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

1️⃣ Upskilling for Hybrid Competence
HR must close the training gap by equipping employees and leaders with skills tailored to hybrid environments, including virtual engagement, digital collaboration, and inclusive practices.

2️⃣ Intentional Leadership
Leading in a hybrid model requires a focus on psychological safety, inclusivity, and managing diverse preferences. Training leaders to embrace intentional practices can significantly boost team performance and morale.

3️⃣ Leveraging Digital Tools
Encouraging employees to explore and master digital tools within their "technosphere" can unlock new efficiencies. HR can empower teams by promoting self-sufficiency and continuous learning in digital spaces.

Hybrid work presents both challenges and opportunities. By addressing these gaps, HR leaders can transform hybrid environments into thriving ecosystems that boost engagement, productivity, and retention. What steps are you taking to support your teams in this space?

Mastering Hybrid Strategies for People Success

Engagement &amp; Culture

Leadership

richard.busby

deborah.lenchard

edward.desrosiers

talent development

talent management

learning &amp; development

shelley.smith

employee engagement

reskilling

rahul.sharma

ann.brownell

inclusive leadership

emotional intelligence

workplace culture

brian.gold

HR leadership

HR strategies

generative AI

lauren.marder

mike.song

hybrid work

operational efficiency

AI-driven strategies

technology integration

managerial approaches

workplace adaptation

employee preferences

return to work

tanya.tatera

Session Focus: Examine &amp; reflect key insights for fostering agility and resilience uncovered at ELE's talent development conference.
This session promises to unpack the rich tapestry of experiences and epiphanies from the conference, focusing on Sustainable Change Readiness. HR Talent leaders from the ELE Talent Development Conference 2024 shared their groundbreaking "aha! moments," highlighting how these revelations can be effectively applied to cultivate a culture of agility and resilience in talent development initiatives.
<img class="aligncenter" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ELE-Talent-Development-Conference-2024-photo-collage.jpg" alt="" width="714" height="545" />

This session provided senior HR talent leaders with transformative insights on navigating the evolving landscape of technology, leadership, and workforce development. Here are the essential takeaways:
<ul>
 	<li>AI as a Strategic Partner: A pivotal shift in mindset emerged—AI should be seen not just as a tool, but as a new hire that needs investment, training, and integration. This view encourages leaders to manage AI as an active team member, supporting its growth through structured guidance and feedback.</li>
 	<li>Leadership Agility as Foundational: Agility stood out as a non-negotiable skill for leaders. Emotional, social, and adversity quotients were emphasized as critical for successfully leading in uncertain times. Agility can be learned and enhanced throughout one’s career, enabling leaders to adapt swiftly and guide their teams effectively.</li>
 	<li>Empowering Teams Through Clarity: The session highlighted the importance of equipping employees with clear guidelines for AI use. This empowers teams to leverage AI confidently, ensuring both innovation and trust in the workplace.</li>
 	<li>Incremental Wins with AI: Practical examples showcased how integrating AI into everyday tasks can lead to significant productivity gains. From developing onboarding guides to streamlining instructional design, the power of small-scale AI applications was evident.</li>
 	<li>Balancing Automation and Human Intelligence: Addressing concerns about job security, the session reinforced that only a fraction of roles can be fully automated. The “human in the loop” approach remains crucial, blending human judgment with AI’s capabilities to create resilient teams.</li>
 	<li>The New Baseline: Technology Quotient (TQ): The session highlighted that TQ is now an essential entry skill. As AI becomes embedded in work processes, understanding technology is no longer optional but a must-have competency for all professionals.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>"Change requires courage. Optimism paired with decisive action is essential for overcoming obstacles and driving meaningful progress." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/richard-busby">Richard Busby</a>, IMSA</blockquote>
This powerful reminder reflects the importance of embracing innovation and leading with purpose.

Key takeaway for HR leaders: Cultivate a culture where AI is an integrated partner, develop leadership agility, set clear AI policies, and prioritize TQ development to position your teams for future success.

✨ Aha! Moments ✨ ELE's Practical Perspectives from the Talent Development Conference

Strategy

dirk.tussing

Change Management

tim.kirkpatrick

performance improvement

julian.malnak

christine.moczynski

jason.davis

organizational development

workforce readiness

mary.zolna

jennifer.rainey

organizational success

Change Readiness

andy.hillig

St. Charles Consulting Group

This session provided valuable insights into how senior HR leaders can navigate the evolving talent landscape to build a future-ready workforce.

As organizations face unprecedented technological and cultural shifts, the importance of moving beyond a narrow focus on skills to embrace enduring human attributes has never been greater. One impactful thought shared during the session was:
<blockquote>"If we stare only at skills, we risk neglecting the characteristics and attributes that support performance and growth. Building tomorrow’s workforce requires seeing beyond just skills." - <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/michael-ohata" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Ohata</a></blockquote>
This highlights a key challenge and opportunity for HR leaders: balancing technical skills with attributes like adaptability, resilience, and learnability to foster organizational agility.
<h3>Key Themes Explored:</h3>
<ul>
 	<li>The Human-Centric Workplace: Employees expect a workplace that values their personal growth alongside professional development.</li>
 	<li>AI and Work Redesign: Leveraging automation and AI to free up human potential for strategic, high-value contributions.</li>
 	<li>Continuous Learning: Cultivating a culture of ongoing learning and diverse experiences to meet dynamic business needs.</li>
 	<li>Team-Centric Development: Shifting focus from individual performance to team-based outcomes for collective success.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Four Key Takeaways for Senior HR Talent Leaders:</h3>
<ol>
 	<li>Integrating Skills and Attributes: Focus on both technical skills and enduring attributes to ensure workforce agility and adaptability.</li>
 	<li>Redesigning Work with AI: Engage employees in redesigning processes where AI complements human contributions rather than replacing them.</li>
 	<li>Scaling Coaching and Mentoring: Make coaching a core management approach to support holistic development across all levels.</li>
 	<li>Fostering Internal Mobility: Utilize talent marketplaces to empower employees and offer diverse, growth-oriented opportunities.</li>
</ol>
As the workforce becomes more dynamic and expectations evolve, senior HR leaders must embrace these strategies to remain competitive and create resilient, purpose-driven organizations.

&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/bookshelf/talent-fueled-enterprise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Talent-Fueled Enterprise – A Powerful Approach to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce (St. Charles Consulting Group's new book)</a>

<img class="" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/STCCG-Book-720p.jpg" alt="The Talent Fueled Enterprise: A Powerful Approach to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce" width="489" height="275" />

The Talent Fueled Enterprise: A Powerful Approach to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce

Integrated Talent Management

team-development

continuous learning

organizational agility

CHIE2024

Reskilling and Upskilling

Employee Growth

tom.kupetis

michael.ohata

Workforce Agility

Coaching Culture

Session Focus: Explore and develop key skills like adaptability, critical thinking, and communication, empowering individuals to succeed in today's rapidly changing professional landscape.
This interactive session will explore the critical skills and attributes essential for navigating today's dynamic and ever-evolving workforce. We will focus on topics such as adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, discussing practical strategies for developing and honing these skills. Participants will gain valuable insights and actionable tips to enhance their employability and thrive in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
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This session will offer HR leaders actionable insights from industry leaders on transforming rigid structures into adaptive networks that empower employees across all levels.
ELE produces this Learning Circle: Reskilling Talent Development.

ELE's <a title="ELE's Idea Exchange" href="/idea-exchange/">Idea Exchange</a>: Collaborate online with your peers.

Developing Skills and Attributes for a Dynamic Workforce

single-event

Your Teams

Learning Circles

geovanny.andino

Complimentary

online event

complimentary event

critical thinking

communication skills

workforce development

betty.hart

Analytics

Digital

problem solving

matt.sernaker

adaptability

DEIB

Professional Development

organizational learning

knowledge sharing

innovation culture

Career Skills

Employability Skills

Session Focus: Review recent research on workplace performance in the Era of AI and explore the power of "humans in the loop" as Talent Development and Workday's new AI Agents transform traditional HR roles.

<blockquote>"AI enhances decision-making, but combining it with human creativity, judgment, and expertise leads to the best outcomes." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/brian-richardson">Brian Richardson</a></blockquote>
This session provided valuable insights into how AI can transform decision-making and talent development in HR. As technology reshapes our roles, it’s clear that the true power lies in combining AI with human expertise. Here are three key takeaways for senior HR leaders to consider:
<ol>
 	<li>AI as a Partner in Talent Development: AI won't replace jobs, but it will change almost every role. Prioritize reskilling your workforce to collaborate with AI, enabling employees to focus on higher-value, strategic tasks.</li>
 	<li>Bias Mitigation and Ethical AI Use: Ensuring transparency and fairness in AI systems is critical. Maintain human oversight to correct biases in AI data and ensure ethical decision-making in talent management.</li>
 	<li>Personalized Learning and Employee Experience: Leverage AI to deliver personalized learning paths, helping employees develop skills that align with their career goals while enhancing overall engagement.</li>
</ol>
In summary, the evolving role of AI in Talent Development is well-captured in your event description, focusing on hybrid skill development, continuous learning, and the integration of AI as both a tool and a partner in the workforce. By thoughtfully integrating AI, HR leaders can foster a culture of innovation and ensure their workforce remains future-ready.

HUMAN + AI: Driving Unmatched Workplace Performance—Research Review

nick.allen

ed.prentice

karen.waterlander

brian.richardson

AI integration

scott.provence

Workforce Reskilling

Continuous Learning Culture

AI and Workforce Development

AI-Driven Talent Development

Hybrid Skills Development

AI in HR Transformation

AI Learning Tools

Ethical AI Use

AI Agents in HR

Humans in the Loop

Workday AI Agents

Human-AI Synergy

Session Focus: Explore as a community how generative AI revolutionizes top organizations' talent reviews and succession planning.
&nbsp;

This session provided a wealth of knowledge on the intersection of AI and HR talent management, particularly regarding the evolving role of AI in talent reviews and succession planning.
<blockquote>
"Human plus AI outperforms AI alone or human alone in all sorts of domains." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/brian-richardson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brian Richardson</a>

</blockquote>
This statement encapsulates the need for a balanced approach, combining AI's analytical power with the critical thinking and empathy only humans can provide. As we reflect on the discussions, here are three critical takeaways for senior HR talent leaders:
<ol>
 	<li>AI as a Supplement, Not a Replacement: While AI offers powerful tools for data-driven decision-making, it’s essential to maintain human oversight. AI should serve as an enhancement to HR processes, not as a substitute for the nuanced understanding and judgment that leaders bring.</li>
 	<li>Broadening the Talent Pool: AI's ability to identify talent beyond the obvious candidates allows organizations to tap into a more diverse and comprehensive range of future leaders, challenging traditional succession planning methods and reducing bias.</li>
 	<li>Ongoing Conversations on AI: Adopting AI successfully requires continuous learning and collaboration. Leaders must engage in ongoing discussions to fully understand AI's capabilities and limitations, ensuring its ethical and effective implementation in talent management.</li>
</ol>
This session reaffirmed that by combining the strengths of AI and human expertise, HR leaders can make more informed, equitable, and strategic decisions for their organizations.

Using Gen AI for Talent Reviews and Succession Planning

michael.grubich

suzanne.sherry

allyson.carter

azizeh.constantinescu

succession planning

anton.maletich

keri.kersten

sara.larson

workforce planning

megan.bickle

HR Innovation

shelley.saeger

Talent Reviews

HR Technology

ELB Learning

Next CoLabs

Session Focus: Design custom microlearning  using a really cool mix of MicroBuilder and ChatGPT in this practical lab
<blockquote>"AI transforms how we collaborate with tools, marking a revolution that we are leading." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/joshua-bleggi">Joshua Bleggi</a></blockquote>
This quote perfectly encapsulates the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on human resources. As HR leaders, we are not merely adapting to changes; we are at the forefront of this technological revolution, actively shaping the future of our workplaces.

This session provided invaluable perspectives on the integral role of artificial intelligence in reshaping human resources. Here are the key takeaways for HR leaders:
<ol>
 	<li>Embrace AI Integration for Enhanced Collaboration and Efficiency: AI is more than a tool; it's a strategic partner that revolutionizes our approach to HR functions. By automating routine tasks, AI frees up our teams to focus on more complex and impactful projects. This shift is pivotal for enhancing efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation.</li>
 	<li>Continuous Learning and Adaptation: In an ever-evolving digital landscape, continuous learning is essential. By embracing AI tools, HR leaders can create an environment where learning is continuous and adaptive, ensuring that both they and their teams stay ahead of industry standards and technological advancements.</li>
 	<li>Strategic Deconstruction of Roles: To fully leverage AI, we must rethink and restructure our roles and workflows. This strategic deconstruction allows us to identify processes that can be automated and areas where human skills are most needed, optimizing our workforce for efficiency and innovation.</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>"I am impressed by how fast and sophisticated training content is created by MicroBuilder compared to CoPilot." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/sara-larson">Sara Larson</a></blockquote>
As HR leaders, we are uniquely positioned to guide our organizations through the transition into a more AI-integrated future. Let’s lead with intention, leveraging AI not only to enhance our operational capabilities but also to redefine the very essence of our roles and contributions to our organizations.


Read more: <a href="https://www.ele.llc/books/ai-bullseye-tactics-for-non-technical-business-leaders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AI Bullseye Tactics For Non-Technical Business Leaders</a> by Thomas Gilbertson
<img class="alignleft" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AI-Bullseye-Tactics-book-cover.jpg" alt="AI -Bullseye Tactics book cover" width="243" height="243" />

✨ Build Microlearning in Minutes | AI Practical Labs Series

upskilling

marti.konstant

Adding Value

learning trends

ChatGPT

people analytics

HR transformation

AI tools

HR future

GenAI

josh.penzell

kevin.adams

canva

talent-talk

ai practical lab

build a course

joshua.bleggi

emily.decker-bess

2024 Top 10

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Session Focus: Discover Goodyear's innovative platform that enhances leadership through flexible and interactive cohort learning.
This session provided crucial insights into the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&amp;D), compelling us to reflect on our current approaches.

<blockquote>"We must transcend traditional classrooms and rethink how and where learning happens." -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/rachel-ruegg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rachel Ruegg</a></blockquote>
This perspective challenges us as HR leaders to adapt and innovate in our training methodologies to better meet the needs of a diverse and global workforce.

&nbsp;

<img class="aligncenter" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Practical-Learning-and-Collaboration.jpg" alt="GMs learning at a tire factory" width="784" height="441" />

Three key takeaways from the discussion are especially relevant:
<ol>
 	<li>Embrace Flexible Learning Modalities: The shift toward asynchronous and flexible learning environments is essential. This approach accommodates individual learning styles and schedules, increasing engagement and allowing employees to learn at their own pace and on their own terms.</li>
 	<li>Facilitator’s Evolving Role: The role of L&amp;D facilitators is no longer confined to the front of a traditional classroom but extends into guiding real-time application of skills in the workplace. This shift requires us to support and train facilitators to engage actively and supportively with learners in these new, dynamic roles.</li>
 	<li>Align L&amp;D with Business Outcomes: It is crucial to align L&amp;D initiatives closely with business goals. Designing learning experiences that directly support organizational objectives ensures that L&amp;D is perceived not just as a cost center but as a strategic investment driving tangible business impact.</li>
</ol>
By integrating these strategies into our L&amp;D frameworks, we can ensure our learning initiatives are not only more adaptive and responsive to the needs of our workforce but also aligned with the strategic directions of our organizations. Let's champion these changes to foster a more engaged, efficient, and effective workforce.

Navigating the Middle: General Managers Cohort Learning @ Goodyear

rochelle.house

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