HR Mixtape
HR Mixtape
WRKdefined Podcast Network
Improving Succession Planning: Why it Feels like a Fire Drill and How to Fix It
22 minutes Posted Apr 16, 2026 at 10:00 am.
-Introduction to the episode and guest
-Importance of proactive succession planning
-Personal story that sparked passion for succession planning
-Difference between succession planning and replacement planning
-Basketball analogy for succession planning
-Limitations of focusing on high-level positions
-Identifying critical roles in organizations
-Committee approach to succession planning
-Peer recognition in succession planning
-Overcoming ego and turf wars in leadership
-Common language for succession planning discussions
-HR's role versus business leaders' responsibilities
-Engaging employees in succession planning
-Handling employees who are not interested in advancement
-Ensuring fairness and equity in succession planning
-Final thoughts and actionable question for leaders
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Show notes
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys, about the challenges of succession planning in organizations. They discuss how to shift the perception of succession planning from a reactive process to a proactive strategy that involves all levels of the organization.
Listeners will learn practical steps to identify critical roles, engage employees in the process, and create a culture of shared responsibility for leadership development.
Understand the difference between succession planning and replacement planning.
Identify critical roles that impact organizational success.
Implement a committee approach to succession planning.
Normalize conversations about succession planning within teams.
Develop a common language to discuss succession planning effectively.
Guest: Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys. She helps organizations strengthen leadership pipelines and develop intentional succession strategies. With extensive experience in leadership development, Megan focuses on creating proactive approaches to succession planning that involve all levels of an organization.
Keywords: succession planning, leadership development, employee engagement, critical roles, committee approach, organizational culture, skills development, HR responsibilities, workforce planning, talent management