You will never succeed in L&D if you don’t understand the business.What happens when a seasoned L&D leader is fired by HR but instantly rehired by the business? In this high-impact episode, we dive into the strategic, gritty, and sometimes controversial truths behind learning and development in the corporate world. This isn’t about theory—this is about what really works when you're trying to drive results, earn respect, and survive the shifting sands of internal politics.

Dirk Rossi—former CHRO, private equity director, and ex-head of L&D for JP Morgan across Asia Pacific—shares stories that redefine what success looks like in the people development world. From firing 5,000 employees to sending ignored “Cassandra” warnings that proved true, his experience proves one thing: real influence comes from understanding the business better than HR does.

Key Takeaways

1. True business credibility for L&D professionals comes only from stepping outside HR and diving into operational roles.
2. Dirk’s proudest and most painful moments show how being too aligned with HR can cost you—and how the business often sees your value more clearly.
3. The ”Cassandra Emails” metaphor reminds us of the danger of foresight without influence in corporate environments.

Timestamps

[00:00] Why You Need to Leave L&D to Truly Succeed

[00:00:42] Dirk Rossi’s International Career and Background

[00:01:52] His Obsession With Business Results in L&D

[00:02:28] Project Panter: The Most Successful L&D Campaign

[00:03:23] The Hand Gesture That Changed His Divorce and Life

[00:04:18] The One Skill Dirk Still Struggles With After 30 Years

[00:04:50] Winning a Change Management Award for a Merger

[00:05:12] Getting Fired by HR—Then Rehired by Business Heads

[00:06:03] Cassandra Emails: Foresight With No Influence

[00:07:00] Final Advice: Step Out of HR to Earn Real Respect

Links

• Dirk Rossey on Linkedin
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website