Our guest for this episode is one of the leading researchers and practitioners in the space of vertical development. Nick Petrie has been a pioneer in bridging the science and application of adult development theories into organisational learning. His ⁠whitepapers⁠ on designing and implementing developmentally effective learning programs have inspired a whole new generation of researchers. Nick is currently breaking new ground in studying burnout and its developmental implications, as well as supporting leaders and learning designers to create their own developmental programs through his ⁠Vertical Incubator⁠ project.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Nick’s lived experience of a major ‘disorienting dilemma’, the consequences of ignoring a life lesson, the benefits of leaning into the deep discomfort and how all of this has shaped his work and life choices

• What Nick has learnt about vertical development from researching what works and doesn’t work in program design and how leadership programs can become more developmental

• What the future may hold for vertical development and what is needed to scale this work, make it more practical and accessible to leaders and organisations worldwide

Nick is a researcher and speaker on leadership, resilience and burnout prevention. A New Zealander, with significant international experience, Nick has lived and worked in the U.S., Europe, Asia, The Middle East and Scandinavia. His clients include Google, Walmart, NASA, Delta and Novartis. He has worked globally across industries including healthcare, tech, banking, education, energy, law and television. He holds a Master's degree from Harvard University and is the author of the book "⁠Work Without Stress: Building a Resilient Mindset for Lasting Success⁠". To learn more about Nick and his work you can visit his website ⁠here⁠.