What can you do when an employee insists on a promotion, but you don't have one to give? Jess and Al Dea dive into one of the most pressing challenges in today's workplace: how to keep top talent engaged and growing when promotions are scarce, or not the answer at all. They explore the psychology behind promotion expectations, the systemic gaps in career development, and how L&D teams and managers can lead a smarter, more human-centered approach to growth. You'll leave with actionable ideas, real-world examples, and a new way to think about employee development.

Jess and Al Discuss

• Why promotion obsession is a symptom, not the root cause
• How managers can use curiosity to uncover what employees actually want and/or need
• Why transparency, honesty, and small actions matter more than grand gestures
• The hidden influence of educational systems on career expectations
• Systemic steps L&D can take to redefine development company-wide
• The power of "going first" with your own team as a testing ground
• Real-life examples from companies using language and culture to shift the narrative
• Practical ways to start redefining growth without needing a promotion

About Al Dea

Al Dea is a talent and leadership development consultant, facilitator, and speaker. He is the Founder of The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership development firm that helps organizations develop leaders to improve engagement and performance.

Al works at the intersection of the future of work, talent, and leadership development. His insights have been published in outlets such as Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also the host of The Edge of Work podcast, which explores the future of work, talent and leadership, and a LinkedIn Top Voice in the Future of Work and Leadership.

Previously, Al worked at organizations such as Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Find and Connect with Al Dea

• LinkedIn
• Website: www.al-dea.com
• Podcast: The Edge of Work

Find and Connect with Jess Almlie

• LinkedIn
• Blog: L&D Must Change
• Subscribe to Jess's Email List (Weekly Emails)
• Website: jessalmlie.com
• Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner

Now Available! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner, published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold (official release date is September 2, 2025). To learn more and be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join!