Gary Clarke, Qatar Airways: Leading the way in Talent & Leadership

In this episode of Leadership Bites, I sit down with Gary Clarke, Group Head of Learning and Development at Qatar Airways, based in Doha. Gary leads group wide learning across a 65,000 person organisation, with a team of around 80, covering everything from operational training that keeps aircraft flying, to leadership and capability, learning tech, digital content, and vendor partnerships. Along the way, we get into what it really takes to run an internal learning function like a business, build credibility fast, and become the supplier of choice inside a complex, high pace, multi subsidiary organisation. We talk about leading in a multicultural reality, the tension between standards and psychological safety, why bland harmony is a risk, and how to create a community of practice that pulls people together without forcing compliance. We also touch on AI and learning, not as a shiny distraction, but as a tool, while the real edge remains human connection, trust, and leadership craft. If you care about culture in the real world, not the poster on the wall, this one will land. Connect with me at livingbrave.com Subscribe for more episodes and share this with someone who cares about doing leadership properly. Chapters 00:00 Intro and welcome 00:29 Gary Clarke and Qatar Airways context 02:51 Scale, growth, and operational pace 05:03 What learning covers in an airline 08:57 Supplier of choice mindset for internal L and D 10:43 Quality, credibility, and Brandon Hall Awards 12:14 Centralised vs federated learning models 14:19 Building community through internal conferences 21:17 Multicultural leadership, standards, and integration 33:04 Clear standards, clear intention 34:03 Human centred leadership and psychological safety 49:13 AI, generational gaps, and learning strategy 57:12 The next few years and what matters most To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com