The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast

In this episode of the PennCLO podcast, Dr. Sharon Ravitch is joined by Dr. Marikay Forst, a distinguished leadership expert and author of the groundbreaking chapter, Architecting Dissent by Design: Psychological Safety, Diverse Thinking, and Brave Cultures, featured in the new book Leaders as Architects of Change.

Dr. Forst’s work tackles a critical paradigm shift in modern organizational design: transforming how leaders perceive, encourage, and process constructive disagreement. Moving past traditional views that equate critique with disloyalty, she shares qualitative research proving that inviting dissenting voices is a leadership team's best defense against catastrophic errors. Through a collection of organizational practices and tools, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for top executives to build strategic, psychologically safe environments where multiple viewpoints are intentionally surfaced and acted upon.

Alongside the technical strategies, Dr. Forst explores the human dynamics behind corporate decision-making—including the intersection of Carol Dweck’s growth mindset, the invisible costs of ignoring feedback, and the value of maintaining procedural discipline when facing intense time and budget constraints.

Key topics:
  • Why dissent is a strategic mechanism for risk prevention and corporate innovation
  • The blueprint for aligning stated organizational core values with actions.
  • Managing power dynamics and neutralizing the unconscious consequences of speaking up
  • Practical tools for leaders: Designing effective pre-mortems and structured brainstorming sessions
  • Cultivating a growth mindset to enhance constructive critique

Creators and Guests

Host
Dr. Sharon M. Ravitch
Producer
Dr. Jess Jones
Guest
Dr. Marikay Forst
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.