Thought Leader Award
ATD Award Programs
Thought Leader Award
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This award is presented to an individual in recognition of their exceptional contributions to talent development. Winners of this award have contributed significant thought leadership to the profession, which has had sustained impact over many years. This award is presented to an individual who is actively working in talent development.
This award is presented to an individual in recognition of their exceptional contributions to talent development. Winners of this award have contributed significant thought leadership to the profession, which has had sustained impact over many years. This award is presented to an individual who is actively working in talent development.
Advancing the Talent Development Field
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The Thought Leader Award has been presented to:
The Thought Leader Award has been presented to:
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Britt Andreatta, Kevin Oakes, Jack and Patti Phillips, Joe Folkman [ Previously known as the Distinguished Contribution Award:] Elaine Biech, Karl Kapp, Jane Hart, Karie Willyerd, Ruth Colvin Clark, Martin Bean, Jeanne Meister, William Bridges, William J. Rothwell, Michael Allen, Beverly Kaye, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, Robert Brinkerhoff, Jon Katzenbach, Jack Phillips, Roger Kaufman, David Cooperrider, Margaret Wheatley, Allison Rossett, Roger Schank, Gloria Gery, Elliott Masie, Dana Gaines Robinson and James C. Robinson, Geary Rummler, Peter Senge, Kenneth Blanchard, R. Roosevelt Thomas Jr., Peter Block, Ned Herrmann, Robert F. Mager, W. Warner Burke, William C. Byham, Malcolm S. Knowles, and Leonard Nadler.
Britt Andreatta, Kevin Oakes, Jack and Patti Phillips, Joe Folkman [Previously known as the Distinguished Contribution Award:] Elaine Biech, Karl Kapp, Jane Hart, Karie Willyerd, Ruth Colvin Clark, Martin Bean, Jeanne Meister, William Bridges, William J. Rothwell, Michael Allen, Beverly Kaye, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, Robert Brinkerhoff, Jon Katzenbach, Jack Phillips, Roger Kaufman, David Cooperrider, Margaret Wheatley, Allison Rossett, Roger Schank, Gloria Gery, Elliott Masie, Dana Gaines Robinson and James C. Robinson, Geary Rummler, Peter Senge, Kenneth Blanchard, R. Roosevelt Thomas Jr., Peter Block, Ned Herrmann, Robert F. Mager, W. Warner Burke, William C. Byham, Malcolm S. Knowles, and Leonard Nadler.
Advancing the Talent Development Field
Award Criteria and Eligibility
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Eligibility: Candidates should be individuals from within talent development or a related field. Elected officials are not eligible.
Eligibility: Candidates should be individuals from within talent development or a related field. Elected officials are not eligible.
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Criteria: Candidates will be evaluated on the scope and depth of documented contributions to advancing the development of talent in support of individual and organizational success.
Criteria: Candidates will be evaluated on the scope and depth of documented contributions to advancing the development of talent in support of individual and organizational success.
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Evidence of their work within the talent development field.
Evidence of their work within the talent development field.
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Evidence their work has had a sustained impact (10+ years) on the talent development profession and the individuals working in the field.
Evidence their work has had a sustained impact (10+ years) on the talent development profession and the individuals working in the field.
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Evidence the candidate is a thought leader who has made and continues to make significant contributions to advancing the development of talent in support of individual and organizational success.
Evidence the candidate is a thought leader who has made and continues to make significant contributions to advancing the development of talent in support of individual and organizational success.
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Evidence their work and synthesis of ideas has global application.
Evidence their work and synthesis of ideas has global application.
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Evidence their actions, ideas, methods, concepts, or approaches influence audiences, organizations, and the talent development industry.
Evidence their actions, ideas, methods, concepts, or approaches influence audiences, organizations, and the talent development industry.
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Evidence their work, ideas, and concepts have helped talent development practitioners—and the organizations for which they work—achieve business results.
Evidence their work, ideas, and concepts have helped talent development practitioners—and the organizations for which they work—achieve business results.
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Evidence the candidate's thought leadership and influence are significant in the field.
Evidence the candidate's thought leadership and influence are significant in the field.
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(This award was previously known as the Distinguished Contribution Award.)
(This award was previously known as the Distinguished Contribution Award.)
Congratulations to the 2025 Thought Leader Award Winner!
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Whitney Johnson
Whitney Johnson
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CEO, Co-Founder
CEO, Co-Founder
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Disruption Advisors
Disruption Advisors