In this episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast, host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes Mel Milloway—servant leader, learning experience designer, and Co-Founder of This Side Up—to talk about how learning professionals and leaders can navigate rapid change through intentional upskilling.

Episode Summary

They discuss:

  • How to evaluate and adopt new learning tech
  • Why experimentation beats perfection
  • The shifting role of L&D teams in an AI-powered world
  • Ways to humanize learning even as tech evolves

If you’re in HR, L&D, or thinking about your next skill leap, this episode is for you.

  • 📢 Please share this episode if it resonates—or if you know someone who’s exploring how to grow and lead in an AI-powered world. Your shares help amplify thoughtful conversations that go below the surface.

Guest Bio

Mel Milloway is a lifelong learner, dog mom, and 3D-printing enthusiast with 14+ years of experience in learning design. She’s worked at Amazon and Miro, leads teams with a servant mindset, and brings innovation to every level of L&D. Check out her newsletter This Side Up on LinkedIn for insights on digital learning practices.

🌐 More from Mel:

https://melmilloway.github.io/about

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmilloway/

Resources from today’s episode:

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Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

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Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

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For More on the Book Leading Below the Surface

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Podcast Summary Transcript: 

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to the podcast

LaTonya Wilkins welcomes listeners and introduces the theme: creating a Summer of Wellbeing. She shares why this conversation is timely and introduces Megan Dittman as a guest who brings a rare blend of corporate HR and holistic leadership expertise.

[01:15] Meet Megan Dittman and her journey from corporate HR to holistic wellbeing

Megan shares her personal and professional journey, from public accounting to 20+ years in corporate HR. She discusses the turning point where she realized leaders—and organizations—were burning out and needed a more sustainable approach. This led to the founding of Front Goose Wellbeing®.

[04:38] Why wellbeing is more important than ever in today’s leadership landscape

Megan and LaTonya reflect on the post-pandemic leadership crisis and the rising demand for workplaces that support the whole person. Megan explains how wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” but essential to leadership performance and retention.

[08:10] Burnout, performance pressure, and the old management mindset

They explore how the pressure to “do more with less” continues to erode creativity and drive short-term thinking. Megan talks about witnessing firsthand how top-down tactics are unsustainable in modern organizations.

[11:23] What is Front Goose Wellbeing and the RISE model?

Megan introduces her company’s core methodology: RISE — Response, Intention, Service & Evolution®. She explains how each principle helps leaders reset and shift away from reactive, burnout-driven leadership.

[15:49] Response, Intention, Service & Evolution as core leadership practices

A deeper dive into the RISE framework. Megan outlines how leaders can use these practices to show up more mindfully, make decisions with clarity, and build deeper trust within their teams.

[20:36] How corporate leaders are embracing holistic leadership models

Megan shares stories from organizations beginning to embrace holistic practices like coaching, mindfulness, and wellbeing strategy—not just as benefits but as cultural foundations.

[24:18] Megan’s advice for leaders navigating stress and uncertainty

She offers practical takeaways for listeners, including simple daily rituals and reframing techniques that build resilience. Megan emphasizes that the inner work leaders do can ripple out powerfully across organizations.

[28:05] Why human-centric companies will lead the future

The conversation pivots to long-term strategy. Megan explains why companies that don’t invest in wellbeing will fall behind, while those that foster human-centric cultures will retain talent and outperform peers.

[32:12] Final reflections and where to find Megan Dittman’s work

LaTonya and Megan wrap up with reflections on how to create space for your own wellbeing this summer. Megan shares where listeners can connect with her and learn more about Front Goose Wellbeing.