In the Age of AI, Equip Leaders to Think, Not Just Do

AI is moving fast—and most organizations are focused on keeping up with tools and tech. But the real threat isn’t a lack of technology. It’s a lack of thinking. Specifically, the gap between what our teams need to think strategically and how we’re actually developing them. In this provocative and practical session, learning strategist Mary Rapaport—creator of The Strategic Playground—makes the case that strategic thinking is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s the core capability L&D teams must build to help leaders navigate complexity, lead change, and unlock the full potential of their teams. Through real-world examples, Mary will explore the hidden cost of the strategic thinking gap—missed opportunities, shallow problem-solving, over-reliance on tools—and how L&D can be the key to closing it. You’ll learn practical ways to design development that supports business leaders in growing strategic thinking inside their own teams, no matter the level. You’ll also gain a fresh lens for how to build this capability into your programs through immersive learning, real-world application, and tools that actually change how people think. If your organization is overloaded with plans but underdeveloped in thinking, this session will show you how L&D can lead the shift. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Recognize the cost of the strategic thinking gap and how it shows up in business performance, missed opportunities, and limited leadership impact. 2. Discover practical, actionable starting points to help business leaders begin developing stronger strategic thinking in their teams. 3. Understand the value of strategic thinking as a core capability and how L&D can help close the gap by integrating it into leadership and team development efforts.