In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Pauline speaks with Monica Holliday, Head of People at British Airways Euroflyer, about why traditional approaches to talent development and performance are no longer fit for today's workforce.

Drawing on a career that has spanned multiple industries, Monica shares how the world of work has fundamentally changed since COVID and why organisations need to rethink learning, career development, and employee growth. She explains how British Airways Euroflyer supports a multi-generational workforce by creating flexible development platforms instead of one-size-fits-all programmes, encouraging employees to take ownership of their learning, and embracing reverse mentoring to share knowledge across generations—including emerging AI skills.

Monica also introduces "Career Shapes," an alternative to the traditional nine-box talent matrix that helps employees define their own career ambitions through meaningful conversations with managers and personalised development opportunities.

The conversation explores the difference between high performance and sustained high pressure, why culture and teamwork are at the heart of organisational success, and how more agile goal setting can help organisations adapt in an ever-changing business environment.

Monica's hot take for L&D teams? Stop forcing everyone up the same career ladder, create opportunities for people to grow in ways that work for them.

00:00 Meet Monica Holliday
00:38 Squiggly HR Journey
02:22 Post COVID Work Shift
03:50 Rethinking L&D Programs
05:33 Managing Generations
06:48 Platforms Not Programs
08:51 Reverse Mentoring AI
11:50 BA Mentoring Culture
14:32 Culture Champions Inclusion
16:55 Career Shapes Explained
17:19 Beyond Nine Box
20:17 Owning Your Career
21:37 Career Shapes In Action
22:23 Career Shapes Coaching
24:55 Quiz To Career Paths
27:16 Growth Without Promotion
32:02 High Performance Culture
35:27 Making Goals Work
39:09 Final Advice And Wrap

Beyond the Career Ladder: Talent & High Performance at British Airways | L&D Disrupt | Episode 105

L&amp;D Disrupt

Beyond the Career Ladder: Talent & High Performance at British Airways | L&D Disrupt | Episode 105

L&D Disrupt