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 the heart of it. Melissa shares how her career path has shaped her perspective, what it means to mentor with presence, and why allyship and empathy are essential to long-term change. 

They talk about building trust, seeing potential in others before they see it in themselves, and navigating the workplace with a mindset rooted in curiosity and connection. This conversation is full of real moments, practical insight, and gentle reminders that OD is not just about systems - it’s about people. 

So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for a grounded, insightful dialogue about designing for meaningful, lasting change. 

TO CONNECT WITH MELISSA

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-donegan-28a60790/
E-Mail: [email protected]

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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 quiet power of building space when none was offered. 

This episode isn’t about theory. It’s about experience. It’s about learning how to take up space after being told not to. It’s about creating connection where isolation once stood. And it’s about remembering that the most radical thing we can do, especially in the workplace, is to listen - to ourselves, to others, and to the stories we haven’t heard yet. 

Alex reminds us that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with compassion, claiming your place, and extending a hand to those still finding theirs. 

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraochoa/

Learn more about LIOP and upcoming events:

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13880550/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinosiniopsychology/ 

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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 harder story? One of broken trust, misaligned values, or leadership that’s lost touch? How do you tell the truth without losing your seat at the table? 

Through reflective insight and field-based strategies, Kenneth explores how to approach difficult diagnoses with integrity, care, and precision. You’ll hear how framing, timing, sequencing, and narrative can transform uncomfortable truths into catalysts for change. This episode also offers guidance on holding the room during challenging conversations, honoring the voices of employees, and choosing courage over comfort, even when it comes at a cost. 

Whether you’re new to the field or deep in the practice, this is a conversation about truth-telling, discernment, and the deeper responsibility of OD work. 

So grab a cup of coffee, and join us as we explore what it really means to speak the truth - especially when it hurts. 

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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, and why relationship-building and leadership buy-in are essential to long-term success. Bethany shares insights from her journey, including what surprised her most, how she defines success in the field, and what she wishes someone had told her before making the leap. 

Whether you're thinking about transitioning into OD or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the growth, challenges, and human-centered values that define the field. 

So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for an honest reflection on the journey from delivery to design, and from instruction to impact. 

ABOUT BETHANY RIOS, MPH

Bethany is a dedicated Learning and Development professional with a proven track record of delivering transformative training programs. With 8 years of experience in the field, Bethany has honed her expertise in designing and implementing innovative learning strategies that foster continuous growth and maximize employee performance.

Throughout her career, Bethany has collaborated with diverse teams across industries such as healthcare and hospitality, tailoring learning initiatives to address specific organizational needs and drive meaningful change. Skilled in instructional design, e-learning platforms, and interactive methodologies, Bethany creates engaging, results-driven programs that consistently exceed performance targets.

Believing that knowledge is the key to transformation, Bethany continues to empower leaders and teams to excel in an ever-evolving professional world. 

To connect with Bethany via LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-rios-mph-4a1aa8188

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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 in as a trusted voice, while also encountering subtle boundaries around what can truly be addressed. He offers thoughtful insights and strategies for navigating these moments with clarity and care, drawing on practical approaches that support trust, transparency, and systemic alignment. 

From mapping informal influence to guiding conversations that support meaningful dialogue, this episode encourages practitioners to remain curious, observant, and rooted in the values that support long-term transformation. 

So pour a cup of coffee, settle in, and join the conversation as we explore the quiet forces that shape our work in Organizational Development. 

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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. Together, they dive into how allyship can move from performance to partnership, how vulnerability and inclusion show up in leadership, and why being a “good-ish person” is more than enough when you’re growing.

They explore real stories of leadership, resilience, and inclusion - from navigating illness and identity to reframing allyship as a shared responsibility grounded in trust and empathy. 

This is a conversation for OD professionals, DEI champions, leaders, and anyone who's learning to speak up, show up, and lead with heart.

To order Dr. Victoria Mattingly's upcoming book, Act like an Ally, Work with an Ally, please visit www.mattinglysolutions.com/allyship

To connect with Dr. V on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vpmattingly/

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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 the mark, how root cause analysis requires patience, and what it really means to “slow down to speed up.” You’ll hear an example of when a simple workshop request revealed much deeper organizational issues, and how OD work can uncover and begin to heal what’s underneath the surface.

This episode is an invitation to OD practitioners, leaders, and changemakers to rethink what “results” look like, and to embrace the kind of work that leads to transformation, not just temporary relief.

Stick around through the outro for exciting updates, including the launch of Kenneth’s new book The Flow of Five Tiers, upcoming guest interviews, and the release of a brand-new self-paced course: The 21-Day Leadership Reboot.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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 real organizational goals, shares listener and colleague inspired stories from leadership and team-building engagements, and calls out the common traps that even experienced OD professionals can fall into. From overcomplicating the design to skipping diagnosis, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and field-tested insights.

We also dive into the value of integrating feedback loops - not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of how OD work breathes, grows, and evolves.

Whether you’re designing your first intervention or refining your approach to systems-level change, this episode is here to support your journey.

And if you’ve been listening and thinking, I’ve got a story to tell - you just might be our next guest. Reach out at [email protected] or connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn to learn more.

The Flow of Five Tiers book, which expands on this philosophy, is available wherever books are sold!

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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, craft compelling change stories that resonate, and use storytelling techniques to build authentic buy-in. Kenneth also shares a case study where shifting the story helped re-energize a skeptical and fatigued organization.

Whether you’re leading transformation, supporting culture work, or simply looking for a better way to connect purpose with practice, this episode offers both strategy and heart.

Plus, hear how storytelling plays a central role in Pearson & Pearson’s consulting approach and The Flow of Five Tiers - Kenneth’s upcoming book releasing May 27, 2025. And if you’ve ever thought about joining the conversation on the podcast, now’s your chance. Reach out at [email protected] or message Kenneth on LinkedIn to explore being a future guest.

Because every OD practitioner has a story worth sharing, and the work becomes stronger when we share it together.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund

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 leaders seeking clarity in complexity.

Kenneth walks through each tier - Foundational Core, Leadership & Strategy, Culture & People, Processes & Systems, and Impact & Outcomes - exploring how these interconnected layers shape the flow of organizational life. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to identify misalignment, strengthen your interventions, and support sustainable change - not just at the surface, but at the system level.

Rooted in idealism but grounded in experience, this conversation is both philosophical and practical. Because creating a healthy organization doesn’t start with a policy or a plan. It starts with people, especially the ones willing to ask better questions.

The Flow of Five Tiers book will be available in May 2025 on the Pearson & Pearson LLC website, or wherever books are sold.

Until then, this episode offers a meaningful introduction for those ready to shift from fragmentation to flow.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
• Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
• E-Mail: [email protected]

TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)

THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & AFFILIATES

• Heather & Edward Allen Roth 4th Foundation for Arts in Medicine (HEAR 4 FAM) Fund