Guest Scholars:

• Dr. Brian Vivona (Northeastern Illinois University).

• Dr. Stephanie Sisco (University of Minnesota).

• Dr. Ronan Carbery (University College Cork).

Topics Include:

• How do we see the work of HRD professionals changing over the next 10-15 years?

• What do these changes mean in terms of the skills and knowledge needed by HRD professionals?

• How can degree programs prepare HRD professionals for all of this?

• How does this impact who transitions into HRD from other professions and how they transition?

Bios:

• Dr. Brian Vivona is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Development at Northeastern Illinois University. His research interests include how humor functions in the workplace and specialty nursing certification. As a research affiliate at the University of Wisconsin Center for Research on College Workforce Transitions, he co authored several studies on internships and utilizing community based participatory action research. He has served on the board of directors for several nursing organizations including the Board for Certification of Emergency Nursing and the American Board of Nursing Specialties, and currently is on the board of commissioners for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.  

• Dr. Stephanie Sisco is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, where she teaches Business & Marketing Education, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Adult Education. Her areas of expertise include diversity management, critical human resource development, and participatory learning strategies. Dr. Sisco explores these topics through qualitative research methods to identify and understand how social issues influence the development and advancement of underrepresented employees who pursue knowledge work. Her studies have been published in journals such as Consulting Psychology, Philosophy of Coaching, Career Development International, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, Human Resource Development Review, Advances in Developing Human Resources, and several other HRD journals. She is also a recipient of the Academy of HRD Cutting-Edge Award and the 2024 Early Career Scholar Award. In addition to her scholarship, Dr. Sisco has been recognized for engaging in community development work through her affiliation with the University of Minnesota Workforce Development & Research Lab. 

• Dr Ronan Carbery is Professor of HRM at University College Cork, Ireland, where he is Director of the Executive MBA programme.  Ronan’s research interests include platform work, algorithmic management and learning and development. Ronan’s contributions to HRD have been recognised by the Academy of Human Resource Development with the 2024 Outstanding HRD Scholar Award. His research has been published in outlets such as Human Resource Management Journal, Human Resource Management (US), Journal of Managerial Psychology, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, New Political Economy, and International Small Business Journal.

How To Listen

The series is available via any major podcasting service, including the following (click on a name to listen and subscribe):

• Apple Podcast

• Google Podcast

• Spotify

• PlayerFM

• Podcast Addict

• Amazon Music

• Listen Notes

• Stitcher

About The Series:

For full details of the Human Resource Development Masterclass podcast, visit the AHRD website via the handy shortcut of: http://www.hrdmasterclass.com/

Sponsors:

The Academy of Human Resource Development: Are you ready to transform HRD in 2026? Join the Academy of Human Resource Development at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott in Irving, Texas, from February 11th to 13th for the 33rd International Research Conference in the Americas! This year’s theme, “Engaged, Healthy, and Whole: Driving Learning and Performance for an Empowered Workforce,” invites HRD scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students to explore how engagement, well-being, and holistic development shape the future of work and learning. Also new this year is a practitioner workshop on February 12. The conference keynote session is with Dr. Brad Shuck, a globally recognized expert in employee engagement, organizational culture, and workforce well-being. A tenured professor at the University of Louisville and Co-Founder of OrgVitals, he partners with Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits to drive meaningful cultural change. Experience thought-provoking keynotes, cutting-edge research sessions and roundtables that challenge assumptions and advance the field of HRD. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time attendee, the 2026 AHRD Conference is your gateway to professional development, community, networking, collaboration, and actionable solutions. Registration is now open at www.ahrd.org. Organizations are invited to amplify their impact through sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities—from hosting keynote sessions, sponsoring conference breaks, to exhibiting. Sponsoring AHRD connects you to a global network of HR, L&D, coaching, OD and talent development leaders on the frontier of innovation. Be part of a movement driving workplace wellbeing and leadership for all. Secure your spot and explore the conference schedule and sponsorship packages at ahrd.org. See you at AHRD 2026—the future of HRD starts here!