Flexible work isn’t just for parents—and companies still don’t get it.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of leadership, flexibility, and personal growth with Cherry Ward, founder of Bluebird Leadership. From groundbreaking L&D programs that were ahead of their time to surprising leadership lessons from weightlifting, Cherry shares what truly makes a difference in workplace learning and culture.

We dive into why flexibility isn’t just for parents, how purpose-driven leadership can transform organizations, and the biggest mistakes companies still make when rolling out training programs. Plus, Cherry’s unexpected career journey—from stockbroking to a job at AOL that kickstarted her passion for learning and development.

Key Takeaways

1. Flexibility at Work Is for Everyone – Companies often assume workplace flexibility is only for parents, but when applied to all employees, it boosts engagement and performance.
2. Purpose-Driven Leadership Is the Future – Leadership should not only focus on individual success but also drive societal change and long-term impact.
3. L&D Can Be a Game-Changer—If Done Right – Many learning programs waste money due to poor design, but when executed well, they can set organizations apart.

Timestamps:

[00:15] – Introduction to Cherry Ward & Bluebird Leadership

[02:42] – Why purpose-driven leadership matters

[06:10] – A game-changing L&D program from 2009

[10:23] – The surprising impact of workplace flexibility

[14:57] – Lessons from weightlifting that apply to leadership

[18:30] – Why "Thrive Under Pressure" is making waves

[22:12] – The biggest mistakes in corporate L&D programs

[26:45] – How Cherry fell into L&D from a tech job at AOL

[30:20] – Why learning should always evolve with time

[34:05] – Cherry’s best career advice for anyone in L&D

Links & Future Learnings

• Cherry Ward on Linkedin
• Bluebird Leadership
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website