Designing for Change: Sean Bengry on Trust, Tech, and Transformation

Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

What does real transformation look like in learning and development—and how do we design for it in a world defined by disruption?

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Sean Bengry, Chief Learning Officer at Sablethorn Consulting and a global leader in educational innovation, to explore the intersection of human-centered design, technology, and organizational change.

With over 20 years of experience leading global L&D strategy, Sean shares why effective learning ecosystems don’t start with solutions—they start with curiosity, empathy, and trust.

We unpack:

• Why falling in love with the problem is more important than falling in love with the solution
• How to use the 5 Whys without triggering defensiveness
• The difference between digital transformation and cultural transformation
• What it really takes to shift mindsets inside complex organizations
• And how AI might make us more human—not less

Sean also introduces the Bengry Paradox—his belief that if you try to automate yourself out of a job in a year, you’ll never actually be without one.

If you’re leading learning strategy, navigating AI disruption, or rethinking how change actually happens inside organizations, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn »
Connect with Sean on X »

Connect & Learn More

• Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com
• Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!