Purpose: In this paper, the author explores his research journey into the learning organization and its impact on his academic career. This paper describes how Peter Senge's book "The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization" (1990) was the spark that led to the author's focus on empirical research in the field. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides author's personal reflections on how this decision put him on a path to a variety of serendipitous experiences, exciting research areas and also enabled him to engage in productive collaborative research with many of his colleagues. Findings: The findings conclude with a discussion on what the author see as new challenges and perspectives for advancing research into the learning organization. Originality/value: This paper provides a unique perspective on how "The Fifth Discipline" by Peter Senge has influenced an academic career. It presents a personal reflection of a research journey into the learning organization that spans over 30 years.