Pausing and Reflecting: Soft Skills in Leadership Growth with Cherie Aplin of Edwards Lifesciences
In this episode, Cherie Aplin, Senior Director of Leadership Development at Edwards Lifesciences, highlights the importance of creative problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration skills, data-driven learning, psychological safety and deep reflection in leadership development. She also shares insights on how organizations can foster effective learning experiences while ensuring meaningful human connections.
Key Takeaways:
(01:52) Cherie explains how her team customizes leadership programs for leaders at all levels.
(03:39) L&D at Edwards Lifesciences not only enhances leadership but also impacts lives globally.
(05:41) Cherie recalls her realization that companies hire internal trainers and how that shaped her career.
(09:14) Being good at something doesn’t make it a strength if it drains you.
(13:43) AI helps streamline learning experience design—what used to take six months can now take a week.
(14:41) The new soft and hard skills needed to thrive as a leader.
(15:46) Simulations as a tool for learning and experimentation.
(18:21) The importance of reflection and balancing depth and breadth in learning.
(21:45) Psychological safety and emotional intelligence are key to leadership success.
(24:36) Conferences, journals, books and resources that help stay up-to-date on L&D.
(32:15) Making a positive impact in people’s lives is energizing.
Resources Mentioned:
“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith
“The Modern Learning Ecosystem” by JD Dillon
Thanks for listening to Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.
#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining