The Association for Talent Development (ATD) has named Whitney Johnson, CEO and cofounder of Disruption Advisors, as the 2025 recipient of its esteemed Talent Development Thought Leader Award. A global force in leadership and talent strategy, Johnson is recognized for her profound contributions to the profession—including the widely adopted S Curve of Learning® framework that helps organizations optimize execution through people-driven growth.
-
Pioneering Framework: S Curve of Learning®
-
Adopted worldwide to align strategy and people-centric execution.
-
Drives employee growth, organizational transformation, and measurable business results.
-
-
Disruption Advisors: Strategy-to-Execution Experts
-
Works with Fortune 100 and high-growth companies to close the execution gap.
-
Known for embedding growth frameworks into leadership culture.
-
-
Industry Recognition and Influence
-
Named a top 10 management thinker by Thinkers50.
-
Host of the “Disrupt Yourself” podcast and WSJ-bestselling author.
-
Former award-winning Wall Street analyst turned leadership transformation expert.
-
-
Collaborative Leadership and Vision
-
Amy Humble, president and cofounder, highlights Johnson’s unique ability to turn insight into real-world impact.
-
Johnson emphasizes that “strategy fails in execution—and execution happens through people.”
-
-
Honored Alongside Adam Grant
-
Grant receives ATD’s Champion Award in the same cycle, joining Johnson as a 2025 honoree.
-
Whitney Johnson’s recognition by ATD underscores a larger shift in how organizations approach leadership and execution—placing people at the heart of strategy. Her award not only honors past achievements but also signals the growing importance of frameworks like the S Curve of Learning® in navigating disruption, growth, and long-term performance. In today’s evolving HR landscape, Johnson remains a pivotal voice guiding companies toward sustainable talent success.
