UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work – Details, episodes & analysis

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UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work

UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work

Kenneth Pearson

Business
Business
Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/14d. Total Eps: 36

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Unboxing OD is your guide to making sense of Organizational Development - one thoughtful conversation at a time. Hosted by Kenneth Pearson, seasoned OD practitioner and author of The Flow of Five Tiers, this podcast unpacks the complexity of organizational life with clarity, compassion, and a bit of edge. 


Whether you're an early-career OD professional, a leader trying to navigate change, or simply someone who believes workplaces can be more human, you'll find grounded insights and actionable takeaways here. While most episodes are solo deep dives into the fieldwork and philosophy behind OD, we also feature voices from the field, bringing in experts, newcomers, and those who challenge the status quo. 


No jargon. No endless theory. Just practical wisdom, lived experience, and a steady focus on making organizations better for the people who keep them alive. 


Ready to deepen your OD practice? Connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/unboxing-od-podcast or visit the Pearson & Pearson LLC website at www.pearsonpearson.llc.

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  • 🇨🇦 Canada - careers

    03/05/2026
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Episode 36: Creating Joyful Workplaces - Curiosity, Learning, and Growth with Yolanda Fraction

Season 3 · Episode 4

vendredi 24 avril 2026 • Duration 56:29

Sometimes, the path into Organizational Development begins with a single moment. A moment where someone recognizes potential and opens the door to something more.

In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with Yolanda Fraction, author of Joyful Workplaces, to explore how that moment shaped her journey and how it continues to influence the way she approaches leadership, learning, and development.

What begins as a personal story expands into a deeper conversation about how growth actually happens in organizations. Together, they explore how adults learn, how environment shapes experience, and how curiosity becomes a powerful driver in creating meaningful and lasting development.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple and powerful idea: Joyful workplaces are created through intentional design, thoughtful leadership, and a deep understanding of the people at the center of the work.

This episode offers a grounded perspective on what it means to support growth in real time while building environments where individuals can think, reflect, and contribute in meaningful ways.

To learn more about Yolanda’s work and her book Joyful Workplaces, connect with her here:

Yolanda Fraction's Bio:

Yolanda Fraction is a Senior Organization Development Consultant at Johns Hopkins University and a doctoral student in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. With over 20 years of experience spanning higher education, government, nonprofits, and corporate environments, she helps leaders and teams navigate change, foster human-centered workplaces, and build cultures where people and performance thrive. She is the host of the Teamwork Sandbox podcast and an emerging author on joyful workplaces. Yolanda is passionate about translating evidence-based insights into practical strategies that inspire transformation.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:


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

Episode 35: Strategy, Systems, and Succession - Inside STL-ODN's Growth Story

Season 3 · Episode 3

jeudi 5 mars 2026 • Duration 01:15:34

What happens when Organizational Development Professionals apply their own principles to their own organization? 

In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with members of the executive team from the St. Louis Organizational Development Network — Ryan McCrea, Aaron Adams, and Joani Alsop — to explore how STL-ODN moved from survival mode to sustained momentum. 

This conversation goes beyond networking and professional development. It unpacks what intentional strategy, structured operating rhythms, succession planning, mentoring systems, sponsorship development, and regional focus actually look like in practice. 

The STL-ODN team shares: 

  • How they clarified strategy and separated tactical work from strategic work
  • Why co-creating their mission and vision with members mattered
  • How mentoring became both a development tool and a pipeline for leadership continuity
  • The importance of financial sustainability in nonprofit professional communities
  • How they built succession visibility with a president-elect model
  • What it takes to protect momentum without overextending the organization

This episode is a real-world case study in systems thinking, resilience, and human-centered leadership within a volunteer-run organization.
 
If you’re part of a professional association, an internal OD team, or a leadership group trying to move from “just keeping it afloat” to thriving with intention, this conversation offers practical insight and encouragement.
 
Connect with the Executive Team

Ryan McCrea
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea

Aaron Adams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronadams82

Joani Alsop
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanialsop

Visit the St. Louis Organizational Development Network Websites and Consider Supporting the Organization!

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:


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

Episode 26: The Inner Work of Leadership - A Conversation with Poor Bear Chalepah

Season 2 · Episode 6

mardi 19 août 2025 • Duration 01:02:12

In this episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson sits down with Poor Bear Chalepah, consultant, visionary leader, and soon-to-be PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. As a proud member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Poor Bear shares his journey across industries -- from railroads and welding to organizational psychology, and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, belonging, and growth. 

Together, Kenneth and Poor Bear explore what it means to move beyond the buzzwords of inclusion, how authentic leaders create space for stories and cultures to thrive, and why the inner work of leadership is as vital as any strategy. Along the way, they talk about code switching, cultural belonging, growth mindsets, and the challenges of breaking barriers as an Indigenous scholar and practitioner. 

This conversation is both practical and deeply human, offering insight into how leaders can meet people where they are and build organizations that honor authenticity and belonging. 

ABOUT POOR BEAR CHALEPAH: Poor-Bear brings a wealth of experience across various industries, specializing in leadership and organizational development. He is a visionary committed to helping others build not just great, but phenomenal companies. He is a proud member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma and actively engaged in Indigenous life. Deeply devoted to his wife, Serena, and daughter, Averie, he centers his work in family and purpose. Poor-Bear will soon earn his Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Keiser University, joining the fewer than 0.01% of Indigenous people who hold a doctorate in this field. 

CONNECT WITH POOR BEAR CHALEPAH ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-poor-bear-chalepah-029610220/ 

CONGENIALITY CONSULTING LLC:  https://sites.google.com/view/congenialityconsultingllc?usp=sharing 

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:


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

Episode 25: OD Burnout Is Real - Protecting Your Capacity in the Work That Holds So Much

Season 2 · Episode 5

lundi 11 août 2025 • Duration 09:05

In this solo episode of Unboxing OD, Kenneth Pearson steps into a conversation that many OD practitioners feel but rarely name -- burnout. Not the surface-level fatigue that comes after a long week, but the deep, layered exhaustion that comes from holding space for others, navigating resistant systems, and balancing the emotional labor that sits beneath our day-to-day work. 

Kenneth unpacks how OD burnout shows up, why it builds over time, and the quiet cost of constantly staying present for everyone else while neglecting your own restoration. He shares signs to watch for, stories from the field, and practical strategies for protecting your capacity without sacrificing integrity. 

This episode is both an honest acknowledgment of the weight this work can carry and a reminder that caring for yourself is not separate from your role -- it’s essential to it. Whether you are in the midst of your own exhaustion or want to prevent it, this conversation offers space, perspective, and tools for reclaiming your voice and your energy in the work you love. 

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:


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

Episode 24: Change by Design - A Conversation with Melissa Donegan

Season 2 · Episode 4

jeudi 7 août 2025 • Duration 59:26

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: melissadonegan.io@gmail.com

Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:


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

Episode 23: Inclusion, Community, & Compassion - Alex Ochoa & The Work of Becoming

Season 2 · Episode 3

lundi 21 juillet 2025 • Duration 47:25

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:

Learn more about LIOP and upcoming events:


Support the show

CONNECT WITH KENNETH:


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

Episode 22: When the Diagnosis Hurts - Telling the Truth in OD

Season 2 · Episode 2

lundi 14 juillet 2025 • Duration 08:23

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:


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

Episode 21: Navigating the Transition from L&D to OD with Bethany Rios, MPH

Season 2 · Episode 1

mardi 1 juillet 2025 • Duration 29:55

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:


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

Episode 20: The Silent Partner - Power in Organizations

Season 1 · Episode 20

jeudi 26 juin 2025 • Duration 09:48

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:


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

Episode 19: Allyship in Action with Dr. Victoria Mattingly

Season 1 · Episode 19

lundi 16 juin 2025 • Duration 36:52

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:


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

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