Key Takeaways

1. Marc Howells's work at AstraZeneca showcases a comprehensive approach to leadership development that merges strategic HR initiatives with an in-depth understanding of global operational challenges.
2. AI significantly impacts professional learning and development, promising personalized, adaptive, and timely learning experiences to navigate rapid technological changes.
3. Valence is leveraging AI to revolutionize leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing managerial effectiveness through always-accessible coaching solutions.

Line managers and leaders will face shorter periods of mastery due to rapid technological advancements. They must continually relearn and upskill. Coaching-style questioning can guide them to navigate challenges, tap into their internal networks for insights, and adopt a balanced, exploratory approach. - Marc Howells on empowering managers with AI.

Our recent webinar, featuring Parker Mitchell (CEO of Valence) and Marc Howells (VP of Global Talent & Organization Development at AstraZeneca), illuminated AI's profound impact on leadership and learning development. The discussion revealed AstraZeneca's innovative strategies for utilizing AI Coaching to boost leadership skills and team performance within the dynamic pharmaceutical industry.

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AstraZeneca's Approach to Leadership Development and the Modern Problem’s Facing Managers

Marc Howells shared AstraZeneca's leadership framework, which leverages the company's operational insights and business experiences to foster leadership at all levels. "It's been an incredible opportunity... to practice large-scale leadership, not just advise and coach others on how to do it," Marc explained, highlighting the importance of real-world experience in shaping effective leaders. Emphasizing the significance of hands-on leadership experience, Marc underlined the strategic and practical aspects of developing a resilient, adaptive leadership culture.

On AstraZeneca’s managerial workforce, Marc Howells notes that: “Line managers have certainly got one of the toughest roles. They're the pinch point between every activity, every function and the teams they lead. We're expecting these individuals to be ‘decathletes’, to be inspirational speakers, great coaches, talent spotters and to also build psychological safety in that environment so people can bring their best to work. So, we have to think about how do we help them find the right sources of data and knowledge that builds their skills and […] the confidence to practice these capabilities as they go.”

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Harnessing AI for Future Learning and Development

The webinar highlighted AI's potential to revolutionize managerial training. Marc Howells discussed AstraZeneca's proactive steps to integrate AI into L&D solutions, such as the 'Thriving in AI' program, which prepares employees for the AI-augmented workplace. The goal of the program is to prepare AstraZeneca’s workforce for thinking about the skills and mindsets needed to navigate LLMs to help drive productivity, connectivity and strategic thinking while using these new tools.  Applied to L&D, the speakers discussed how LLMs can offer coaching that is “hyper-personalized, hyper-connected, agile, and adaptive” and can be readily scaled within an organization. The cost of executive training is often cost-prohibitive for front-line managers, leaving many ill-equipped to lead. AI Coaching can provide an affordable, scalable solution to create more effective, productive leaders at all levels.

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Valence's Mission: Enhancing Leadership and Teamwork Through Technology

Parker introduced Valence's mission to improve collaborative work, highlighting tools that aid managers in leading teams more effectively. The focus has always been on creating an ecosystem where teamwork is not just a concept but the core of productivity. With global corporations like Coca-Cola and Nestlé adopting these technologies, Valence's initiatives prove technology's vital role in advancing management practices. The introduction of AI LLMs 18 months ago spurred Valence to create a digital executive coaching engine, aligning with its core mission.

AstraZeneca is currently using Valence to scale its own leadership and team-effectiveness initiatives. Used in multiple countries by hundreds of leaders and team members, Valence is excited to partner with AstraZeneca’s exciting vision for a future-ready workforce, empowered by AI.

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Looking Into the Future

AI and AI tools is redefining the workplace. Leadership and development initiatives will benefit from AI-powered coaching, enhancing managerial skills. Parker and Marc's conversation underscored the synergies between AI, leadership, and learning development. AstraZeneca's approach provides valuable insights for organizations navigating the future of work, highlighting AI's role in promoting leadership and team excellence amidst ongoing change.