The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast

Dr. Sharon Ravitch (University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education) interviews Penn CLO doctoral alum Oscar Arias about his chapter, “Leading in Flux,” from the book Leaders as Architects: Designing Organizations for Connection and Resilience, co-edited by Ravitch and Dr. Ragu Krishnamoorthy. Arias explains “flux” as leading when conditions constantly shift, and describes a move from VUCA to a BANI world where systems are brittle, anxiety rises, and change is non-linear and hard to comprehend. He argues many organizations are still built for stability, while disruptions like AI, low barriers to entry, and shifting customer behaviors erode old “moats.” Warning signs of brittleness include slow sharing of bad news, coverups, and inability to detect signals. 

Arias emphasizes trust, recovery, cultural intelligence, and leaders as architects who design rituals, structures, and decision rules for adaptability. He contrasts resilience (returning to baseline) with anti-fragility (getting stronger), highlighting learning agility through reflection, feedback seeking, experimentation, and diverse dissenting networks.

Creators and Guests

Host
Dr. Sharon M. Ravitch
Producer
Dr. Jennifer Neumaier, Ed.D., M.Ed., ACC
Guest
Dr. Oscar E. Arias
Producer
Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy

What is The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast?

Welcome to "The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast," the flagship production of the renowned Penn Chief Learning Officer Executive Doctoral Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Immerse yourself in a curated blend of scholarly insights and industry expertise, offering a profound exploration of organizational learning and leadership. Unveiling strategies and success indicators crucial in today's dynamic landscape, this podcast is a testament to the distinctive approach fostered by our program.

Join us on a transformative journey through the multifaceted world of leadership, where practitioner-scholar approaches shine as a beacon of excellence. As we spotlight luminaries within our esteemed student, faculty, and alumni circles, "The Practitioner-Scholar" podcast becomes a unique channel for intellectual engagement and actionable takeaways. For prospective students, seasoned executives, and dedicated scholar-practitioners alike, this platform is your exclusive access to the extraordinary content emanating from the heart of the PennCLO Executive Doctoral Program.

Subscribe now to tailor your learning journey and be part of the vibrant community shaping the future of leadership.

To learn more about the Penn Chief Learning Officer, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, visit the Penn GSE website.