How to Build Resilient Leaders in Fast-Paced Companies

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Lancaster, Founder & Chief Learning Officer at Alkemy, to unpack what it really takes to build effective leaders in high-growth, high-change environments.

Adam shares powerful lessons from his time at Meta and Coupang, reveals the hidden struggles of first-time managers, and explains why L&D must shift from programs to conversations if it wants to drive business impact.


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Episode highlights

00:00 - Intro
03:07 - Adam’s Background
06:08 - Pros and Cons of Big vs. Small Organizations
08:54 - HR and Learning & Development as Business Partners
11:07 - Lessons on Supporting Leaders in High-Growth Settings
12:16 - Managing Tensions and Intentional Leadership
17:19 - Micro, Current, and Major Moments in Leadership Development
18:18 - Advice for First-Time Managers
21:46 - Vulnerability Builds Trust and Psychological Safety
25:36 - Empowering Teams and Sharing Information
31:09 - The Value of Contextual Conversations for Leaders
33:12 - The Evolution of AI in Learning and Development
35:39 - AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement
38:29 - AI's Impact on L&D Speed and Agility
41:37 - AI and Measuring ROI in L&D
44:21 - Shifting L&D Mentality: From Service to Strategic Builder
49:50 - Becoming a Strategic Partner in L&D


About HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.