Human Resource Development Masterclass

Welcome to the trailer for Season 6 of Human Resource Development Masterclass - the podcast series from the Academy of Human Resource Development, the organization that leads HRD through research. The sixth season launches at the end of October 2026 and brings you ten 30-minute episodes, each one spotlighting a recent HRD journal article selected by a member of the AHRD Board as being Illuminating, exemplary, and impactful. Each episode features a conversation between the lead author of the article and the AHRD Board member who selected it. The season kicks off with a conversation between Dr Joshua Collins and Dr Ague Mae Manongson about the 2023 article "Living at the Intersections of Race and Gender in Diversified Mentoring: Experiences of Minoritized Women Leaders in Higher Education". You can hear that conversation when the season releases at the end of October and remember that you can revisit all 55 episodes from the first five seasons for free via all major podcast services. To find out more about the new season and the podcast in general, visit https://hrdmasterclass.com/. 

This final episode of Season 5 brings together the current president of AHRD, Dr. Seung Won Yoon of Texas A&M University, the current president-elect of AHRD, Dr. Joshua Collins of the University of Minnesota, and the president of AHRD from 2020 to 2022, Dr Laura Bierema of the University of Georgia. The conversation is facilitated by the current past president of AHRD Dr. Khalil Dirani of Texas A&M University. The four discuss how to respond to challenges to HRD academic programs including:

• What is the current climate like for HRD academic programs in the United States, and what factors are most influencing the climate?
• How did we get to this point – what’s a brief history of HRD academic programs in the United States?
• Looking ahead, where do you see this going – how do you see HRD academic programs changing in the next few years?
• How can HRD academic programs respond to the current and upcoming challenges, and what new opportunities could emerge?
• What role can AHRD play as a professional organization to support HRD academic programs as they face these challenges?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/deib.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by The Academy of Human Resource Development: Are you ready to transform HRD in 2026? Join the Academy of Human Resource Development at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott in Irving, Texas, from February 11th to 13th 2026 for the 33rd International Research Conference in the Americas! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time attendee, the 2026 AHRD Conference is your gateway to professional development, community, networking, collaboration, and actionable solutions. Registration is now open at www.ahrd.org.

In this penultimate episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Claire Gubbins (Dublin City University), Dr. Katherine Rosenbusch (George Mason University), and Dr. Matthew Hurtienne (University of Texas at Tyler) discuss how to connect HRD research and practice, including:

• What is the current state of the connection between research and practice for HRD, and how did we get here?
• What are the main factors sustaining that current state?
• What would be the benefits to HRD academics and HRD practitioners of improving the connection between research and practice?
• What are some of the actions that HRD academics could take to improve the connection between research and practice?
• What are some of the actions that HRD practitioners could take to improve the connection between research and practice?
• How are AHRD and UFHRD supporting initiatives to improve the connection, and what further actions could happen in the future?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/practice.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by Dr. Thomas Garavan, Department of Management and Marketing, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Ireland.

In this ninth episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Nicole Dillard (University of Minnesota), Dr. Ciarán McFadden (University of Stirling), and Dr. Jeremy W. Bohonos (Texas State University) discuss how HRD can respond to the challenges facing DEIB, including:

• What do we mean by the term DEIB and what other terms might people be using that are similar?
• How has DEIB been in the news in recent years, and how do you view these recent events in the context of the longer-term view/history?
• What challenges are HRD professionals facing on DEIB as a result of these recent events?
• How can HRD professionals respond to these challenges and continue to make progress on DEIB?
• As HRD professionals navigate the current context for DEIB, what options and choices are open to them, and what decisions do they need to make?
• What can we learn from the current context that can help HRD to move forward on DEIB?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/deib.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by The Academy of Human Resource Development: Are you ready to transform HRD in 2026? Join the Academy of Human Resource Development at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott in Irving, Texas, from February 11th to 13th 2026 for the 33rd International Research Conference in the Americas! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time attendee, the 2026 AHRD Conference is your gateway to professional development, community, networking, collaboration, and actionable solutions. Registration is now open at www.ahrd.org.

In this eighth episode of Season 5, I meet with guests Dr. Brian Vivona (Northeastern Illinois University), Dr. Stephanie Sisco (University of Minnesota), and Dr. Ronan Carbery (University College Cork) to discuss how to prepare the next generation of HRD professionals. We discuss:

• How do we see the work of HRD professionals changing over the next 10-15 years?
• What do these changes mean in terms of the skills and knowledge needed by HRD professionals? 
• How can degree programs prepare HRD professionals for all of this?
• How does this impact who transitions into HRD from other professions and how they transition?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/developing.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by the Program Excellence Network of the Academy of Human Resource Development. Are you committed to advancing excellence in HRD education? Discover the Program Excellence Network, or PEN, an exclusive initiative from the Academy that connects institutions and educators dedicated to building top-tier HRD academic programs. PEN offers a powerful annual meeting for networking, online searchable directory, case competitions, best practice sharing, and professional development—all aimed at strengthening graduate and undergraduate HRD teaching.

With an individual membership in AHRD, the PEN Community memberships is just $99 per year per institution, unlocking access to a vibrant community where faculty collaborate, innovate, and champion student success. Whether you’re faculty members looking to expand your network or an institution seeking program recognition and continuous improvement, PEN is your gateway to excellence.

Find out more and join PEN by visiting ahrd.org.  Elevate your impact and connect with colleagues who share your passion for transformative HRD education. The Program Excellence Network—where excellence

In this seventh episode of Season 5, I meet with guests Dr. Henriette Lundgren (University of Georgia), Dr. Angela D. Carter (Clemson University), and Dr. Katrenia Reed Hughes (Purdue University) to discuss how to be culturally responsive In coaching & mentoring. We discuss:

• What do we mean by the terms “culture”, “cultural responsiveness”, “coaching”, and “mentoring”?
• What have been your personal experiences in seeing how culture impacts coaching and mentoring relationships?
• What role does cultural responsiveness play within coaching and mentoring relationships?
• How can we approach coaching and mentoring and the design of those programs in a way that allows for culture?
• How can an HRD professional, who functions as a coach or mentor, build up their own experience to be culturally responsive? How can they help others to be more culturally responsive through coaching or mentoring education?
• What would be the best first steps for someone looking to be more culturally responsive in their coaching and mentoring?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/developmental.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation at Purdue University. With a focus on practical, real-world, industry-relevant learning experiences and flexible scheduling, the programs offered by the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation empower students to become world-class leaders, communicators, and project managers. Our online certificates and degree programs will help you advance your career to the next level, sharpen your leadership skills, and stay at the top of your field. Choose from three newly redesigned graduate certificates in Human Resource Development, Project Management, or Technical Communication. Students can enroll in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Classes are offered in a flexible, 100% online format. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/purduehrd.

In this sixth episode of Season 5, guest Dr. Rajashi Ghosh, Dr. Eunbi Sim, and Dr. Oliver "Ozzie" Crocco meet with guest facilitator Dr. Holly Hutchins to discuss how to mentor HRD scholars, including:

• What do we mean by the term “mentoring” in the context of HRD?
• What are the main mentoring needs of HRD scholars and how was the AHRD Partnership Mentoring Program designed to meet those needs?
• From your experience, what were some typical participant experiences of those going through the program?
• What is mutuality, what role did it play in the AHRD program, and why might an institution or association want to consider this kind of partnership mentoring program that emphasizes mutuality?
• What made the program effective – essentially, what lessons did you learn about how to design such a program and what are a few examples of where you have “changed your minds” as a result of those lessons?
• As a designer, what advice do you have for institutions or associations considering establishing a mentoring program that emphasizes mutuality? Specifically, what steps would you recommend they take first?
• As a participant, what advice would you give to current or prospective mentoring participants about practicing mutuality? 
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/mentoring.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by the Academy of Human Resource Development. Are you ready to transform HRD in 2026? Join the Academy of Human Resource Development at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott in Irving, Texas, from February 11th to 13th for the 33rd International Research Conference in the Americas! This year’s theme, “Engaged, Healthy, and Whole: Driving Learning and Performance for an Empowered Workforce,” invites HRD scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students to explore how engagement, well-being, and holistic development shape the future of work and learning. Also new this year is a practitioner workshop on February 12. The conference keynote session is with Dr. Brad Shuck, a globally recognized expert in employee engagement, organizational culture, and workforce well-being. A tenured professor at the University of Louisville and Co-Founder of OrgVitals, he partners with Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits to drive meaningful cultural change.  Experience thought-provoking keynotes, cutting-edge research sessions and roundtables that challenge assumptions and advance the field of HRD. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time attendee, the 2026 AHRD Conference is your gateway to professional development, community, networking, collaboration, and actionable solutions. Registration is now open at www.ahrd.org. 

In this fifth episode of Season 5, guest Dr. Alexis Fink, Dr. Seung Won Yoon, and Dr. Brad Shuck discuss how to implement people analytics, including:

• What do we mean by the term “people analytics” and how does the term differ from others like “workforce analytics”, “HR analytics”, and “talent analytics”?
• What does people analytics typically look like in many organizations and how do those organizations benefit?
• In which sorts of organizations are you less likely to see people analytics, and what is your advice on the steps they can take to start?
• What tools and other resources can help an HRD team as it starts its people analytics journey?
• If a listener is thinking that now is the time to learn more about people analytics and take the first step to do people analytics in their organization, what advice do you have for what that first step should be? 
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/analytics.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by:

• The Educational Human Resource Development Program at Texas A&M University, which aims to transform lives through teaching, research, and outreach. Addressing critical issues in talent, leadership, career, and organization development, the program promotes inclusive excellence across local, national, and global contexts. Its modern curriculum emphasizes scientific approaches and evidence-based decision making to prepare students for today’s complex and dynamic workplace environment. Graduates are scholar-practitioners who connect and apply theory and research to inform policy and practice, improving the lives of individuals and the effectiveness of organizations. You can learn more about our program by visiting eahr.tamu.edu 
• Concordia University Wisconsin, Earn your Doctorate in Business Administration online. Unlock new career opportunities with a PhD or Doctor of Business Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin. Our flexible, online programs are designed for ambitious professionals seeking to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change in their industries. With expert faculty, research-driven coursework, and specializations in Financial & Economic Management and Organizational Performance & Change, you'll gain the skills to excel in executive leadership, consulting, or academia. Take the next step in advancing your career—visit earnyourdoctorateonline.cuw.edu today!

In this fourth episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Fotios Mitsakis, Dr. William J. Rothwell, and Dr. Lyle Yorks discuss how to develop an HRD strategy by exploring questions:

• What do we mean by the term “HRD Strategy”, what other terms could be used in organizations to describe this work?
• How does the term “HRD Strategy” differ from the term “Strategic HRD”?
• What information would an HRD Strategy typically contain and what form would it take?
• How important is it that an HRD function has an HRD Strategy – what are the benefits and what are the potential consequences of not having an HRD Strategy?
• What advice do you have for how to build and maintain an HRD Strategy and how to align it with organizational and HR strategies?
• What are some of the biggest potential helpers and hinderers when it comes to building and implementing an HRD strategy?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/strategy.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by:

• Thomas Garavan and Michael Gaffney of Positive Career Options. Positive Career Options combine a multi-disciplinary team with academic and industry expertise to provide a unique and valuable insight into career options utilising fully validated psychometric tools combined with 1:1 feedback and coaching from qualified career coaches. Their five services include CV, interview, and assessment centre preparations as well as career coaching and a career options program. To find out more and obtain the career advice you need, visit them as https://positivecareeroptions.com/.
• Concordia University Wisconsin, Earn your Doctorate in Business Administration online. Unlock new career opportunities with a PhD or Doctor of Business Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin. Our flexible, online programs are designed for ambitious professionals seeking to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change in their industries. With expert faculty, research-driven coursework, and specializations in Financial & Economic Management and Organizational Performance & Change, you'll gain the skills to excel in executive leadership, consulting, or academia. Take the next step in advancing your career—visit earnyourdoctorateonline.cuw.edu today!

In this third episode of Season 5, guests Dr. Laura Bierema, Dr. Jamie Callahan, and Dr. Tomika Greer discuss how to rethink HRD by exploring questions:

• What does it mean to rethink HRD?
• What do you see in organizations that makes you want to rethink HRD?
• What makes the timing right to rethink HRD?
• Does rethinking HRD mean an evolution or a transformation?
• Do we already have alternative ways of thinking about HRD?
• Does transformation happen top-down or bottom-up?
• Where does someone start who wants to transform HRD?
• and much more.

For full details on the HRD Masterclass series, visit hrdmasterclass.com, and for the bios of the guest scholars visit allbypodcast.com/rethinking.

For more information on the Academy of Human Resource Development, visit ahrd.org.

This episode is sponsored by: The University of Georgia, Gwinnett Campus and Mary Frances Early College of Education, Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy, Program of Adult Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. For full information, check out their website.