Episode 31: Pop Culture, Real Lessons - Teaching Leadership with Dr. Sy Islam

UNBOXING OD: From Curiosity to Capability in Organizational Development

In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson sits down with Dr. Sy Islam - Co-Founder and Vice President of Consulting at Talent Metrics, and Associate Professor of Psychology at Farmingdale State College - to explore the art and science of leadership development.

Dr. Islam shares his insights on how organizations can better support middle managers, why data-driven decisions need a human lens, and how integrity in action separates good leaders from great ones. Together, they discuss the quiet challenges of leadership transitions, the psychology behind motivation and self-efficacy, and the importance of building leadership programs that actually sustain impact over time.

You’ll also hear how pop culture - from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Avatar: The Last Airbender - can serve as a creative bridge for teaching timeless lessons about courage, ethics, and the complexity of leading others.

Whether you’re an OD practitioner, L&D professional, or simply a leader navigating organizational change, this conversation offers grounded, practical insights you can apply immediately.

ABOUT DR. SY ISLAM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sislam/
Website: www.talentmetrics.io
Links to Books:
Leaders Assemble! Leadership in the MCU
Elements of Leadership: Lessons from Avatar the Last Airbender

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