Peter Plumlee, Talent Development Manager of Ball Horticultural Company, explores why human connection remains L&D's most essential competency in an age of automation, what it really takes to lead a volunteer organization and how vulnerability is reshaping what great leadership development looks like.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

00:00 Introduction.

05:17 The unexpected early experience that set the foundation for Peter's entire L&D philosophy.

07:13 The first question Peter asks before he ever builds a learning solution.

08:23 Why Peter thinks L&D's biggest challenge right now has nothing to do with tools.

11:15 The role every L&D professional must step into as AI accelerates.

13:27 What leading volunteers reveal about what real leadership actually requires.

19:43 The mentor relationship that shaped how Peter thinks about connection and giving back.

25:53 What 100 leaders in a room taught Peter about vulnerability.

27:11 Why Peter is convinced AI will never replace L&D's most important skill.

28:19 The unconventional book that reframes community for every learning leader.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED

Ball Horticultural Company:

https://www.ballhort.com

ATD Chicagoland:

https://atdchi.org/

"The Secret Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben:

https://www.peterwohllebenbooks.com/the-hidden-life-of-trees

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