In this episode of Not Another KM Podcast, Brittany and Rachel welcome their first guest, John Hovell, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Power + Systems, to unpack what they are officially calling The KM/OD Situationship, and unofficially calling (How Do We Get Rid of John?!)

They dig into where Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Development (OD) overlap, where they diverge, and why the lines between them can feel blurry at best. They talk definitions, common misconceptions, and the ongoing identity struggle that seems to follow OD around. More importantly, explore how both disciplines show up in real organizations and what happens when they are practiced intentionally.

Finally, they also get into experiential learning, systems thinking, and why change does not stick without clarity, structure, and shared understanding.

Smart. Honest. A little nerdy. Exactly how we like it.

Rachel and Brittany talk about their very non-linear, accidental paths into knowledge management and why KM shows up everywhere, no title required. They share KM “aha” moments, personal knowledge hacks, and the real magic of the work: connecting people and untangling messy systems. Expect honest takes, light buzzword roasting, and a whole lot of human-centered KM.

Takeaways

• Knowledge management careers are often stumbled upon rather than intentionally pursued
• Knowledge management can be practiced in any sector and does not necessarily require formal education or certification KM is a gift for connecting people and solving problems
• The importance of clear communication in explaining knowledge management

Chapters

• The Journey to Knowledge Management
• Rachel's Journey to KM
• Brittany's Journey to KM
• The Human Side of KM