After returning from the ATD Conference, one thing kept staying with us.

Yes, AI was everywhere. It was in sessions, at booths, and woven into conversations about the future of work. But what stood out most wasn't technology at all.

It was people.

In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld reconnects with Niamh Hannan and Aoife O'Brien to reflect on their experience after ATD and discuss what they discovered beneath the surface of all the AI conversations.

Together, they explore:

• Why attendees felt relieved to talk about emotions, relationships, and human connection
• The passion that drives L&D professionals to keep showing up and helping others grow
• Why workplace conflict often has less to do with the issue itself and more to do with emotional triggers
• How negative cycles quietly shape our teams and relationships
• Why connection doesn't happen automatically—it must be intentionally prioritized
• What organizations risk losing if technology replaces human touchpoints

If the future of work is changing, one important question remains:

How do we make sure we don't lose the relationships that help people thrive?

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, emotional safety, learning and development, and what truly stood out after ATD.

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Niamh Hannan

Aoife O'Brien

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

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Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...