The Business of Learning

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Learning Transformation — the Science, Strategy and Tech Behind Real Impact

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:56:38 -0300

What does learning transformation look like in practice, and how can L&D leaders move past simply delivering training to creating meaningful business and learner impact?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by TalentLMS, Nick Gonios, vice president of learning transformation and company ambassador at TalentLMS, shares tips on how organizations can rethink learning strategies to better engage modern employees and drive lasting change.

Tune in now for insights on:

What learning transformation really means in today’s workplace
How cognitive science and modern learner behavior should shape L&D strategies
The role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling effective learning transformation

The Business of Learning, Episode 97: Measuring Training Impact and ROI

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:09:39 -0300

How can learning leaders prove the value of training in an environment where budgets are tight and business impact matters more than ever?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by VPS, Paul Kent, director of functional development at PepsiCo, shares actionable strategies for measuring training ROI and building stronger alignment between learning and organizational goals.

Tune in now for insights on:

How the concept of training ROI has evolved in today’s business climate
Common mistakes organizations make when measuring learning impact
First steps for L&D teams looking to strengthen their measurement strategy

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: A CLO’s Look at L&D in the Future of Work

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:46:26 -0300

Learning and development (L&D) is stepping into a more strategic role as organizations navigate constant change, evolving skill demands and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). As expectations shift, how can L&D teams adapt?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Instructure, we spoke with Melissa Loble, chief learning officer at Instructure, to explore how L&D is evolving in the future of work and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly complex environment.

Tune in now for insights on:

Why L&D is becoming a key driver of organizational success
How AI is transforming learning design and development
The skills CLOs need now to stay competitive
How to align learning strategies with business outcomes

The Business of Learning, Episode 96: Training the Frontline Workforce

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:02:57 -0300

Frontline workers are the backbone of many organizations, and their learning needs require approaches that are both flexible and job-relevant. With limited time, inconsistent access to technology and constantly shifting demands, traditional training approaches don’t always stick. So, how can L&D better support this critical audience?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with JD Dillon, advisor, speaker and author of “The Frontline Enablement Playbook” and “The Modern Learning Ecosystem,” to explore how organizations can rethink training for front-line employees and embed learning into the flow of work.

Tune in now for insights on:

Why traditional training often fails front-line workers — and what to do instead
How to design learning that fits seamlessly into the flow of work
The critical role managers play in reinforcing learning and driving real behavior change

The Business of Learning, Episode 95: Navigating Imposter Syndrome as an L&D Leader

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:54:43 -0300

Imposter syndrome can quietly undermine even the most accomplished L&D professionals, causing self-doubt, hesitation and stress in day-to-day work. But what does it really look like in training and development, and how can professionals overcome it to lead with confidence?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Loren Sanders, CPTM and vice president of learning strategy and consulting at WeLearn Learning Services, and Ruth Phillips, training and education senior specialist at Higginbotham, to explore practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Tune in now for insights on:

How imposter syndrome can show up in L&D professionals’ daily work

Mindset shifts and practical strategies to manage self-doubt

Advice for learning leaders to reframe pressure and move forward with confidence

The Business of Learning, Episode 94: Developing Emotionally Intelligent Leaders in the Age of AI

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:26:18 -0400

Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly critical for leaders, especially in workplaces shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change. But what does it actually mean to lead with emotional intelligence, and how can L&D teams help develop this capability in leaders?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Dr. Mikah Sellers, best-selling author, workforce futurist and enterprise transformation leader, to explore how organizations can cultivate emotionally intelligent leaders and why this skill set is more essential than ever.

Tune in now for insights on:

What emotionally intelligent leadership looks like in practice in AI-driven workplaces
Why emotional intelligence is a trainable and strategic leadership capability
How organizations can assess and measure emotional intelligence effectively

The Business of Learning, Episode 93: Applying Product Management Principles to Your L&D Strategy

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:20:23 -0400

Learning and development (L&D) teams are increasingly expected to think beyond programs and courses to operate more like strategic partners to the business. But what does that actually look like in practice? One approach is applying product management principles to how L&D designs and delivers learning.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Rashi Kakkar, global portfolio leader, leadership and development at McKinsey’s Leadership Center of Excellence, to explore how product management mindsets can help L&D teams align learning more closely with business outcomes and learner needs.

Tune in now for insights on:

The similarities between product management and modern L&D processes
What L&D can learn from product managers about taking a more strategic, business-first approach
How customer-centric thinking can improve learning design and impact

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: How to Advance Your L&D Career

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:07:23 -0400

Moving into higher-level or executive positions in learning and development (L&D) requires strategic thinking, business alignment and a clear understanding of what senior L&D roles truly entail. From building the right competencies to navigating common career roadblocks, L&D professionals need a roadmap for stepping into roles like chief learning officer (CLO) or vice president of learning.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Amy DuVernet, Ph.D., CPTM, vice president of learning products at Training Industry, to explore what it takes to grow your L&D career into executive leadership.

Tune in now to hear insights on:

Key higher-level L&D job titles to know
The core skills and competencies required to step into executive positions
The role certifications and professional development programs can play in career advancement
Common roadblocks L&D professionals face when pursuing higher-level roles — and how to overcome them

The Business of Learning, Episode 92: Leadership Skills Development

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:32:44 -0400

Developing effective leaders is more important than ever, but understanding which skills matter most and how to build them can be challenging. From navigating new team dynamics to giving impactful feedback, today’s leaders need both foundational and modern leadership capabilities to thrive.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Gena Cox, Ph.D., organizational psychologist and speaker, and Jevon Gondwe, founder of Influential Skills, to discuss how learning and development (L&D) can help leaders succeed in today’s evolving work environment.

Tune in now for insights on:

How leadership skills have shifted in recent years and which foundational skills remain essential

Key challenges leaders face today and strategies for overcoming them

How L&D can support leaders in giving effective feedback to improve team performance

Approaches to measuring the impact of leadership skills training

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: Unpacking L&D Trends

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:14:56 -0400

In celebration of Training Industry’s 20-year anniversary, we asked our listeners to share their perspectives on the past, present and future of learning and development (L&D).

In this bonus episode of The Business of Learning, we dig into your submissions and explore the L&D trends that shaped the last two decades — and those that will define the future of the field.

Tune in now to hear insights on:

How AI-powered role-play is reshaping skills development

The ways the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the L&D industry

Why, despite new technologies, the future of L&D remains deeply human

The Business of Learning, Episode 91: Foundational Learning Measurement and Analytics

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:16:57 -0300

Understanding the impact of training is a top priority for learning leaders — but knowing where to start with learning analytics can be challenging. From identifying the right metrics to connecting data back to business goals, effective measurement is key to building a more strategic L&D function.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Brandy Ford, CPTM, assistant vice president of manager strategy, analytics and technology at FM, to discuss how L&D professionals can develop foundational analytics skills and demonstrate real business impact.

Tune in now to hear insights on:

Where to begin when measuring training effectiveness

Key learning metrics to track, and how to align them with business key performance indicators (KPIs)

Practical tips for engaging stakeholders in defining success

The Business of Learning, Episode 90: Managing Training With Limited Resources

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:29:48 -0300

With tighter budgets and ongoing economic uncertainty, many learning leaders are being asked to do more with less. Managing training functions with limited resources requires creativity, strategic prioritization and strong stakeholder alignment.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by Synthesia, we sat down with experienced L&D leaders Lauren Olson and Harry Colangelo, CPTM to explore how L&D professionals can maximize impact even when resources are scarce.

Tune in now to hear insights on:

Making the most of existing tools, platforms and content
Engaging subject matter experts to stretch training resources further
Skills L&D professionals need to stay resilient during uncertainty

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: Preparing for the AI-Driven Future of Work

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:34:43 -0300

Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing both challenges and opportunities to the corporate learning space.

In this episode of The Business of Learning — recorded live, in person at the 2025 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) — we sat down with Nichol Bradford, executive-in-residence, AI+HI at SHRM, futurist, and founder and chairman of Transformative Tech Lab, to explore how learning leaders can use AI to drive human potential while navigating its challenges.

Tune in now for insights on:

What it means to responsibly implement AI in the workplace
How generative AI can augment, not replace, human talent
Preparing L&D teams to lead an AI-enabled future of work
Opportunities and challenges in using AI to enhance employee well-being

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: L&D’s Role in Leading Sustainable Change

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:10:57 -0300

Change is inevitable, but the good news is that leading it successfully is a skill that can be learned.

In this episode of The Business of Learning — recorded live, in person at the 2025 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) in celebration of Training Industry’s 20-year anniversary — we sat down with Dr. Michelle Rozen, a keynote speaker, author and expert on change management, to explore how learning leaders can support their organizations through disruption and help teams stay focused, motivated and resilient.

Tune in now for insights on:

How to drive sustainable change across the organization
Turning resistance into engagement
Key mindset shifts for leaders navigating uncertainty

The Business of Learning, Episode 89: Training Technical Talent — How to Build Future-Ready Tech Teams

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:38:17 -0300

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, organizations are under increasing pressure to equip their technical teams with the right skills to drive the business forward.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Aleksandar Orovcanec, technical training specialist at CSA Group, to explore how learning leaders can develop and support future-ready tech teams

Tune in now to hear insights on:

Overcoming common technical training challenges

Strategies for integrating soft skills into technical learning programs

The impact of AI on technical skills development and training approaches

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: Live Panel Discussion at TICE

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:41:17 -0300

What does the future of skills development look like — and how can learning leaders prepare their people and organizations for what’s next?

In this bonus episode of The Business of Learning, recorded live at the 2025 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) in celebration of Training Industry’s 20-year anniversary, we gathered a panel of L&D leaders to discuss what it really takes to build a future-ready workforce.

Tune in now to hear insights on:

How skills-based strategies are reshaping talent development

The evolving role of learning leaders in workforce transformation

How to bridge the gap between learning, performance and business needs

…and more!

The Business of Learning, Episode 88: Onboarding in 2025 — Creating Experiences That Show Employees They Matter

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:42:47 -0300

In 2025, effective onboarding is about connection, belonging and well-being — not just orientation sessions or process checklists. Today’s programs must be designed to help new hires feel supported, seen and prepared to thrive in their roles.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Wisetail, we spoke with Geoffrey Roche, director of workforce development at Siemens Healthineers, to explore how L&D can drive more human-centered, inclusive onboarding experiences that make a lasting impact.

Tune in now to learn:

The current state of employee onboarding — and what’s changing
How to embed belonging, mattering and purpose into onboarding programs
Strategies to help leaders create welcoming, inclusive environments for new hires
How to measure the impact of onboarding on retention and engagement
…and more!

The Business of Learning, Episode 87: AI-Powered Sales Coaching — A New Era of Sales Enablement

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:54:25 -0300

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) continues transforming the way we work and learn, it’s also changing how we coach and train high-performing sales teams. From personalized feedback to real-time performance insights, AI-powered coaching tools are helping organizations scale their sales training efforts — without sacrificing quality or impact.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Julie Thomas, president and CEO of ValueSelling Associates, to explore how learning leaders can use AI to drive sales effectiveness and improve coaching outcomes.

Tune in now to learn:

The top challenges organizations face when training sales teams and how AI can help.
How AI-powered coaching tools deliver on-demand feedback and real-time performance data.
Which sales skills AI can train most efficiently.
…and more!

The Business of Learning, Episode 86: Building AI and Data Skills for the Modern Workforce

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:29:07 -0300

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the way we work, the need for employees to understand and use data has never been more important. According to recent research from DataCamp, 86% of leaders say data literacy is essential for their teams’ daily tasks — and 62% say the same about AI literacy. But without these foundational skills, organizations risk falling behind.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Dr. Bill Brantley, CPTM, president and chief learning officer at BAS2A, and Lauren LePage, learning strategist at Chick-fil-A

Tune in now to explore how L&D can build AI and data literacy across the workforce and gain insights on:

How to assess AI readiness and measure data literacy using tools like skills mapping and competency models.
The critical role of leadership in modeling data-informed decision-making and creating a culture of ethical AI use.
Key steps to begin building an AI- and data-literate workforce.

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: The Learning Styles Myth — Rethinking How We Design and Deliver Training

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:35:52 -0300

Despite a lack of scientific evidence, the concept of learning styles — the idea that individuals learn best through a particular format like visual, auditory or kinesthetic — continues to be one of the most persistent myths in corporate training.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Tom Whelan, Ph.D., director of corporate research at Training Industry, to learn more about the learning styles myth — and what the research actually says about how we learn.

Tune in now to hear the conversation, where we discuss:

Why the learning styles myth has persisted over time, despite a lack of research.
Training Industry’s research on learner preferences — and why a multimodal approach is key.
How to adapt your programs if you’ve traditionally designed training around learning styles.

The Business of Learning, Episode 85: Women at Work — How L&D Can Drive Career Growth

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:47:23 -0300

Despite strides toward gender equity, women in the workplace continue to encounter systemic challenges that hinder their career progression. While representation in executive roles has improved over the past decade — rising from 17% to 29% of C-suite positions, according to McKinsey — women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, remain significantly outnumbered.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Neha Trivedi, CPTM, HR director, learning and development and talent development at Alight Solutions, to learn more about how L&D can help support women’s career growth.

Tune in now to hear the conversation, where we discuss:

Real-world examples of programs that have had an impact on women’s career growth.

The importance of coaching, mentoring and sponsorship opportunities.

Partnering with HR and other business units to create comprehensive development strategies, ensure equitable access to leadership opportunities and embed inclusive practices across the organization.

The Business of Learning, Episode 84: Training Vendors and Buyers — Secrets to a Successful Partnership

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:39:24 -0400

Organizations outsource training projects or processes for various reasons, including gaining access to specialized expertise, scaling programs efficiently and freeing up internal resources.

Selecting the right training provider is the first step to ensuring a successful partnership, but success doesn’t stop there. Building a strong relationship between providers and buyers is essential for delivering learning solutions that align with business needs.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Kelly Lake, chief strategy and innovation officer at Sweetrush, and Tiffany Vojnovski , CPTM, senior learning strategist at SweetRush.

Tune in now for their insights on:

Questions to ask when selecting a training vendor.
Communication and feedback strategies for effective partnerships.
Measuring the success of partnerships with training providers.

The Business of Learning, Episode 83: Great Training Starts With a Plan: Real-World Tips for Strategic Planning

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:51:40 -0400

Ongoing Training Industry research has found that strategic alignment is the most important process capability of great training organizations. However, many learning and development (L&D) leaders struggle to align training with business goals.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Anita Ann Mihelic, CPTM, director of learning and development at Construct Connect, and Peter Plumlee, CPTM, head of learning and development at Presence, for insights on building a strategic L&D plan.

Tune in now for tangible best practices on:

Developing a strategic —and adaptable — L&D plan.

Partnering with stakeholders to build your strategic L&D plan.

Determining key metrics to consider when crafting a strategic L&D plan.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Fostering Leadership at all Levels of the Business

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:13:13 -0400

Today’s workplace is facing increasing complexities, making leadership both more important and more challenging than ever before. To stay competitive in a volatile market, companies need to develop effective leaders across organizational levels. They also need leaders who can not only navigate uncertainty but also use it as fuel for growth and innovation.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by Canvas, we spoke with Dr. Susan Gray, chief creative officer at Canvas, and Bruce Landry, managing partner and chief experience officer at Canvas. Listen now to hear their insights on:

• The current challenges leaders are facing.
• Why we need to challenge conventional notions of leadership as a role or rank.
• The “leadership as responsibility” approach.

The Business of Learning, Episode 82: Building Your AI Skills as a Learning Leader

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:28:12 -0400

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to impact how we work and learn, learning leaders need robust AI skills to leverage this innovative technology for more impactful — and efficient — training. However, with AI quickly advancing, and new AI-powered learning technologies frequently hitting the market, building your AI skill set can seem daunting to busy training professionals.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Marc Ramos, an industry vet with 20 years of experience with Google, Novartis and Accenture, who was most recently the chief learning officer at Cornerstone OnDemand, and Melissa Brown, CPTM, learning and development leader at Holland and Hart LLP, about building your AI skills as a learning leader.

Tune in now for their insights and advice on:

• The skills learning leaders need in an AI-driven world, and how to develop them.
• Tips for becoming proficient with AI-enabled tools and technologies.
• The importance of “keeping a human in the loop.”

The Business of Learning, Episode 81: Leading Through Change — Developing Agile Leaders

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:19:33 -0400

In today’s workplace, it seems like the only constant is change. Organizations need agile leaders who can adapt to evolving business needs and guide their teams through uncertainty. Of course, this is easier said than done: Leaders need training and development to build key skills like resilience and agility.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Jennifer Garvey Berger, an author and the CEO of Cultivating Leadership, and Mindy Vail, an author and the founder and CEO of The MindShift Effect, for tips on developing agile, future-ready leaders.

Tune in now for insights on:

• The skills leaders need to manage change.
• Navigating the human side of change.
• Innovating strategically to avoid burnout.

The Business of Learning, Episode 80: Developing Human-Centered Leaders

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:25:14 -0400

Human-centered leadership skills, like emotional intelligence (EQ), self-awareness, communication and more, are essential for leaders looking to support and empower their teams to perform at their best.
However, many leaders struggle to develop human-centered skills. In fact, according to Gartner, 71% of employees believe that their leaders don’t exhibit human skills.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Karolien Koolhof, an author and founder of the training and coaching business Quiet Quality, for tips on how to develop human-centered leaders.

Tune in now for expert insights on:

• Why human-centered leaders are critical to business success today.
• The connection between human-centered leadership and company culture.
• The (often overlooked) power of introverted leaders.

[Special Episode] Confidence, Tech and the Human Connection

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:47:50 -0300

In this special episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by Wisetail, we spoke with Evan Melick, director of product at Wisetail, to learn more about how confidence impacts learning and performance.

Tune in now for expert insights on:

Why psychological safety is critical for effective learning.
How leaders can assess employees’ confidence in a given skill.
Why confident employees are more likely to take risks and drive innovation.

The Business of Learning, Episode 79: Unpacking the ISO Guidelines for L&D Metrics

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:54:28 -0300

In this first video episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Tom Whelan, Ph.D., director of corporate research at Training Industry, about training measurement and evaluation. Specifically, we discussed the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO’s, latest guidance for L&D metrics, which are further detailed in the Training Industry Research e-book “Learning Measurement for Modern Business: Making Sense of ISO 30437.”

Tune in now for insights on:

• The 5-4-3 Framework.

• The three categories of metrics mentioned in the report — efficacy, effectiveness and outcome metrics.

• What these guidelines mean for the training vendor market moving forward.

-Learn more about the Training Industry Research e-book “Learning Measurement for Modern Business: Making Sense of ISO 30437": https://trainingindustry.com/research...

-Shop the entire Training Industry Research catalog here: https://trainingindustry.com/research/

-Learn more about The Business of Learning: https://trainingindustry.com/training...

The Business of Learning, Episode 78: L&D’s Role in Supporting Employee Well-Being

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:01:03 -0300

Multiple studies have shown that employee well-being is declining, with one recent report revealing that over 80% of employees are at risk of burnout in 2024.

Although employee well-being is primarily a human priority, it’s equally important for businesses. In addition to burnout, low employee well-being can lead to decreased productivity, engagement and even turnover.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Kyile Stair, chief people officer at Litmos, to learn more about how learning and development (L&D) leaders can champion well-being — and even improve their own.

Listen now for insights on:

The manager’s role in supporting employee well-being.
The importance of mental health awareness training.
How to make time and space for wellness and self-care as a busy learning leader.

The Business of Learning, Episode 77: Elevate Employee Engagement With L&D

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:15:34 -0300

Businesses across industries consistently struggle to engage their workforce. Can learning and development (L&D) help businesses engage their people? And if so, how can learning leaders begin tackling what has become a pressing business challenge?

We answer these questions more in the latest episode of The Business of Learning, where we spoke with Josiah Pledl, CPTM, founder of 45 Degrees Leadership Consulting and Dr. Britt Andreatta, author and CEO of Brain Aware Training.

Tune in for insights on:

The connection between employee engagement and employee well-being.
How to create a learning culture in your organization.
The manager’s role in supporting employee engagement.

The Business of Learning, Episode 76: L&D Lessons Learned — Career Advice for Training Professionals

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:57:10 -0300

With job roles ranging from instructional designer to training manager to chief learning officer and more, a career in learning and development (L&D) offers purpose-driven opportunities for growth and advancement. However, most L&D careers are far from linear, and it's inevitable that you'll face both highs and lows along the way.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Edstutia, we spoke with two “accidental trainers” — Jen Recla, leadership coach and trainer at Recla Coaching and Consulting, and Annie Lee, Ed.D., senior director of organization and talent development at PepsiCo Beverages North America — to hear about their L&D career journeys and their advice for others in the field.

Tune in for insights on:

The skills that training professionals need to be successful (and how to develop them).
How to “be your own advocate” throughout your L&D career.
The benefits of pursuing a career in L&D.

The Business of Learning, Episode 75: Building Business Acumen as a Learning Leader

Mon, 20 May 2024 10:11:22 -0300

Business acumen can help position learning leaders as strategic business partners. The challenge? Most of us aren’t born with business savvy. The good news, however, is that business acumen is a skill that can be learned.

In the 75th episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Dr. Keith Keating, author of “The Trusted Learning Advisor” and chief learning and development officer at BDO Canada, to learn more about how to build business acumen as a learning leader.

Listen now for insights on:

Learning the lingo: Why speaking the language of your stakeholders is key in gaining their buy-in and support.
Seeking feedback: Why feedback is ultimately a gift that can help you advance L&D in your organization.
Listening to learn: Why taking the time to listen and learn is essential for delivering strategic training programs.

The Business of Learning, Episode 74: Leading and Working Across Generations

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:47:07 -0300

Today’s workforce consists of a diverse blend of generations whose distinct values, experiences and skills bring both challenges and opportunities to organizations. After all, research consistently shows that diverse teams outperform their counterparts.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by Wisetail, we spoke with Ryan Jenkins, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and thought leader on working and leading across generations, about navigating the multigenerational workplace.

Listen now to hear Ryan’s thoughts on:

Why generations are “clues” not “absolutes.”
How to leverage each generation’s strengths.
Leading multigenerational teams.

The Business of Learning, Episode 73: The State of DEI Training in 2024

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:21:34 -0400

In 2024, it’s widely established that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is essential for business success. However, many companies still struggle to deliver DEI training and awareness initiatives that make a lasting impact.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Deanna Singh, author and co-founder of Uplifting Impact, a training and education workplace inclusion firm, to learn more about the state of DEI training in 2024 as well as tips for developing and delivering effective DEI programs.

The Business of Learning, Episode 72: What’s Next in Learning Tech? Exploring Learning Technology Trends and Innovations

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:59:18 -0400

From recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to immersive learning technologies and much more, the learning tech space is an exciting and fast-paced segment of the corporate training market. In the first episode of The Business of Learning's seventh season, we spoke with industry experts about learning technology trends and innovations.

Listen now for insights on:

How advancements in AI are impacting the learning tech space.
How to select the right technology to support your programs.
The skills learning leaders need to maximize their learning tech stacks.

The Business of Learning, Episode 71: Learning Reinforcement — Delivering Training That ”Sticks”

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:52:51 -0400

Without reinforcement, even the best training programs will fail to drive sustained behavior change. Delivering “sticky” learning programs that encourage learning retention over time is key to realizing the business benefits of training and development.

To learn more about learning reinforcement strategies and best practices, we spoke with Elena Agaragimova, a talent development specialist, author and podcaster, and Rachel Walerstein, CPTM, senior manager of learning and talent development for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, in the latest episode of The Business of Learning.

Listen now for insights on:

The manager’s role in learning reinforcement.
Leveraging technology for improved learning retention.
How to create a learning culture in both in-person and virtual settings.

The Business of Learning, Episode 70: Harnessing the Power of Competency Modeling

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:05:00 -0400

Competency modeling offers learning and development (L&D) professionals a data-driven approach to understanding employee skills and abilities, and their alignment with job roles and functions.

However, building impactful competency models can be complex, particularly in large, geographically dispersed organizations. This episode of The Business of Learning offers expert advice that can help you begin building custom competency models for your organization. Listen now for insights from Dr. Amy DuVernet, CPTM, director of training and development at Training Industry, Alyssa Kaszycki, learning product manager at Training Industry, Brian Blecke, founding partner and senior learning strategist at Actio Learning, and Kelly Smith, partner and senior performance consultant at Actio Learning.

The Business of Learning, Episode 69: Building a Digitally Fluent Workforce

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:14 -0300

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies have made the need for digital skills training a top business imperative. Without digital skills, employees will be ill-equipped to do their jobs in today’s world of work — and in tomorrow’s.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Shauna Begley, founder of ModernWork and current program head of the business information technology management program at the Business Columbia Institute of Technology, and George Hanshaw, director of digital learning solutions at Los Angeles Pacific University, to learn more about building a digitally fluent workforce.

Listen now for insights on:

The difference between digital fluency and digital literacy.
Why “technical know-how” is just the beginning of cultivating digital fluency.
How to assess your organization’s current level of digital fluency.

The Business of Learning, Episode 68: Skills Mapping — Your Business’s GPS for Future Readiness

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:02:02 -0300

The skills employees need to do their jobs today might look quite different from the skills they'll need to do their jobs even just a few years from now. In fact, The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report found that 44% of workers’ core skills are expected to change in the next five years.

To stay competitive, it's imperative that organizations map the skills their employees need to be successful not only in today's business environment, but also in tomorrow's.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Rose Cartolari, founder and CEO of RC Consulting, and Lisa Paulson, L&D manager at Nesnah Ventures, to learn more about skills mapping, and how it can help improve workforce readiness.

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: AI in L&D — 5 Things You Need to Know

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:52:38 -0300

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are impacting nearly every industry, including learning and development (L&D). With all the hype around AI, it makes sense that L&D professionals have some questions: How will AI impact the learning leader's role? How can it be used to make their jobs easier? How will it shape the future of corporate training as a whole?

Training Industry’s CEO, Ken Taylor, and Dr. Tom Whelan, director of research, recently sat down to discuss how AI is bringing both challenges and opportunities to the L&D field. Their conversation offers greater clarity for learning leaders around the future of L&D in the age of AI.

In this episode, we outline five things you need to know, as a learning leader, about AI and its potential to impact corporate training as we know it.

The Business of Learning, Episode 67: Modalities Matter — The Evolution of Training Delivery Methods

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:57:52 -0300

From virtual instructor-led training (VILT) to eLearning to virtual reality (VR), there's no shortage of training delivery modalities available to choose from. This means that determining which modalities are best for your programs can be a challenge — especially as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) continue to bring innovative delivery options to the market.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Lauren LePage, a learning designer at Chick-Fil-A, Jeffrey Dyer, CPTM, a senior technical training manager, and Valerie Marsh, CPTM, director of learning and development at Jushi, to learn more about:

How to select the right delivery modality for your programs.
How to create a blended learning experience.
How technology is impacting training delivery.

The Business of Learning, Episode 66: Demystifying Training Measurement — How to Prove L&D’s Business Value

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:48:56 -0300

Measuring the business impact of training has long been a notorious challenge for learning and development (L&D) professionals, and rightly so: It requires a certain level of business savvy, in addition to working with stakeholders well before rolling out a program.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with industry experts Lindsey Clayton, a learning and development consultant at Caterpillar, Dr. Allan Church, managing partner at Maestro Consulting and former senior vice president of global talent management at Pepsi Co., and Dr. Jaimie Krause, director of L&D at Indeed in global learning and enablement, for tips that can help "demystify" training measurement and prove the value of training to the business.

The Business of Learning, Episode 65: The Employee Experience — What’s L&D Got to Do With It?

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:02:44 -0300

Today’s employees want to learn and grow, and they expect their organization to help them do it. In fact, LinkedIn Learning’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that the No. 1 way organizations are working to improve retention is by providing learning opportunities.

However, integrating learning into the employee experience is easier said than done. For many training professionals, who are busy rolling out mandatory compliance programs or initiatives requested by business leaders, it sits on the (seemingly never-ending) list of “nice-to-haves.”

In this just-released episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Sydney Savion, senior director of learning services at Google and member of Training Industry Magazine’s editorial board, Thomas Fenstermacher, CPTM, learning specialist at TrellisRX, and Eric McArdle, CPTM, and manager of training and knowledge management at Cisco, for tips that can help.

Listen now for insights on:

• The business benefits of creating a culture of learning.
• How to make time and space for employees to learn.
• The importance of leadership training in creating a positive employee experience.

The Business of Learning, Episode 64: One-size-fits-none — The Rise of Personalization and Learning Pathways

Tue, 30 May 2023 09:56:52 -0300

Today's learners want training that is engaging and relevant to their job role — and they want to see how learning can help them achieve their career goals. In other words, standardized, check-box learning is no longer sufficient (if it ever was) when it comes to training the modern workforce.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Parker Donnafiled, CPTM, a learning specialist at Canvas Credit Union, and Keri Borba, L&D and talent development director at AAA Northeast, to learn what it takes to deliver personalized learning at scale: Because one size never truly fits all.

The Business of Learning, Episode 63: Going Global - Training an International Audience

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:01:06 -0300

Today's workforce is more globally dispersed than ever before, with some employees logging on to the same virtual meeting oceans apart from their colleagues. While globalization has brought with it numerous opportunities for organizations (and employees), delivering training to an international audience can be a challenge.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Ken Stockman, senior L&D strategist at IBM Consulting, Melaine Mahabir, CPTM, knowledge management associate at Guardian Insurance, and Shezelle Krei, global head of learning and development at Western Union, to learn more about what it takes to train and develop globally dispersed learners.

The Business of Learning, Episode 62: Women’s Leadership Development – Common Challenges and Actionable Solutions

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:19:18 -0300

From navigating gender bias to dealing with systemic issues like the pay gap, women have long faced challenges in the workplace. These challenges and more have led to what’s commonly known as the “women’s leadership gap,” or the underrepresentation of women in leadership, most notably in the C-suite.

In honor of Women’s History Month, in this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Cathrin Stickney, founder and CEO of Parity.org, and Dr. Theresa Horne, CPTM, a speaker and government leader, to learn more about the women’s leadership gap — and how learning and development (L&D) can help.

The Business of Learning, Episode 61: L&D’s Role in Supporting Career Mobility

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 10:04:04 -0400

LinkedIn Learning’s 2023 Workplace Learning report found that the C-suite’s top priority is keeping employees motivated and engaged. Their second highest priority? Giving employees opportunities to move into different roles within the business.

We wanted to find out more about how learning and development (L&D) can help organization support internal career mobility. So, in this episode, we spoke with Megan Dillon, senior manager of L&D at Q-Centrix, Rebecca Gaboda, CPTM, organizational development manager at Skyward, Inc., and Chris Massaro, CPTM, manager of learning and professional development at Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, to learn more.

The Business of Learning, Episode 60: Leading Learning in 2023

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:25:52 -0400

To kick of season 6 of “The Business of Learning,” we spoke with Kristin Davis, CPTM, training supervisor for the Wake County Government, Lauren Harris, CPTM, assistant director of training and development at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Amber Hancharick, CPTM, education and training manager at Northwest Bank, to learn what it takes to manage a thriving training function in 2023.

Tune in for expert insights on:

How the training manager job role has evolved in recent years.
The skills learning leaders need to manage training in 2023.
How to mitigate burnout and prioritize your well-being as a busy training manager.

The Business of Learning, Episode 59: Building a Strategic Training Function

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:48:01 -0400

Ongoing Training Industry research has found that strategic alignment is the most important process capability of great training organizations. The training function is expected to support the business by delivering programs and initiatives that improve human performance and, as a result, business outcomes. However, building a strategic training function can be a challenge, especially as business needs shift and evolve.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we sat down with Heather Balcerek, talent development program manager at Amazon, and Michael Poll, an experienced learning and development professional who has led learning functions in industries including pharmaceuticals, insurance, technology, oil and gas, and higher education, to hear what it takes to build a strategic training function.

The Business of Learning, Episode 58: Learning Tech, Simplified - How to Select and Manage Learning Technologies and Tools

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:49:32 -0400

Navigating the world of learning technologies can be daunting, to say the least. From tried-and-true learning management systems (LMSs) to virtual and augmented reality solutions, there’s no shortage of learning technologies on the market. However, selecting and managing learning technologies remains a challenge for even experienced learning leaders.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Kim Davis, CPTM, senior manager of comprehensive and innovative faculty development programs at the American College of Surgeons and an instructor for Training Industry’s Managing Remote Learning Certificate course, and Ted Schmitz, LMS program manager at Alight solutions, to learn more on:

How to evaluate and select learning technologies strategically.
The LMS integration process.
How to gain buy-in to purchase a new learning technology.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Transformative Learning in the New World of Work

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:16:31 -0400

The world of work has transformed over the past few years, and the pace of change facing businesses around the world shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. In order to support employees in this new world of work, it makes sense that we need to transform our learning and development offerings, too. But how can learning leaders evolve their offerings to support modern learners, and what role does unlearning play in setting them up for success?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Canvas, we spoke with Bruce Landry, managing partner and chief experience officer at Canvas, and Dr. Susan Gray, chief creative officer at Canvas, to find out the answers to these questions and more.

The Business of Learning, Episode 57: Thrive in the Age of Digital Transformation With Training and Development

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:45:08 -0400

Digital transformation is disrupting the way we work and learn, and many companies are struggling to keep pace. The digital skills gap continues to widen, and learning and development (L&D) leaders are tasked with delivering innovative programs and solutions that can help them navigate digital disruption and thrive in the future of work.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Dr. Kim Tran, vice president and head of talent management at Allstate, and Stephanie Woerner, principal research scientist of MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research, to learn more about how training and development can support organizations in the age of digital transformation.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: L&D at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs – An Inside Look

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:29:30 -0400

In today's fast-paced business environment, a learning culture is a strategic business advantage. However, creating a learning culture can seem daunting for even seasoned learning leaders.

This episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by KPMG Learning Services, offers an inside look at how the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (the "V.A.") created a culture of learning and growth by partnering with KPMG Learning Services.

The Business of Learning, Episode 56: Learning Across the Employee Lifecycle - How Training Can Improve the Employee Experience

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:38:07 -0300

Employee engagement and retention remain two top challenges for business across industries. Learning and development (L&D) leaders can help by delivering training across the employee lifecycle, ensuring that learners receive the development opportunities they’re looking for — no matter where they are in their career journeys.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Dana Baker, Degreed engagement manager at Cisco, and Andy Schuster ,CPTM, senior training manager at Growmark, to learn more about delivering training across the employee lifecycle.

The Business of Learning, Episode 55: How Training Can Support a Human-centered Workplace

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:39:18 -0300

Today's world of work is more human centered than ever. This brings both challenges ⁠— such as the increased need for soft (i.e., human) skills ⁠— and opportunities ⁠— such as greater flexibility in how we work and learn, as well as a greater emphasis on employee wellness and well-being.

In this episode of the Business of Learning, we spoke with Jen Dudeck, chief people officer at RedHat, and Bayan Qoul, CPTM, learning and development (L&D) specialist at Expedia Group, to learn more about how training can support a human-centered workplace.

The Business of Learning, Episode 54: Learning Leader or Undercover Detective? Identifying Training Needs

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:13:58 -0300

Training Industry research has found that diagnostics — the process of identifying performance needs and determine whether or not training can solve them — is a key process capability of great training organizations. However, identifying training needs isn't easy ... especially in today's globally dispersed business environment.

To learn how learning leaders can channel their undercover detective persona and identify true learning needs, we spoke with Training Industry's Training Needs Assessment Certificate course instructor and learning and development (L&D) consultant Dr. Kate Hixson, along with Alexandra Kubebatu, CPTM, an instructional designer at USAA and Gifty Abagre-Laryea, CPTM, U.S. training manager at World Relief.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Deliver Future-forward Training With AI

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:23:40 -0300

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already transformed how we shop, watch movies and surf the internet. Now, it's set to transform learning and development (L&D) — for the better. In this special episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by CYPHER Learning, we spoke with Graham Glass, founder and chief executive officer of CYPHER Learning, to learn more about AI-powered learning.

Listen now to learn more on:

How AI can help create personalized learning journeys.
How to begin adopting AI into your training programs.
How AI can deliver more effective training at scale.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Leadership Coaching and Development

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:49:57 -0300

Today's business environment is marked by rapid shifts in how we work and learn, and businesses across industries need effective leaders who can guide their teams into the future. However, developing leaders who can succeed despite these shifts isn't easy. Fortunately, leadership — just like any other skill — can be learned through ongoing training and development.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Sounding Board, Inc., we spoke with Lori Mazan, co-founder, president and chief coaching officer at Sounding Board Inc., to learn more about leadership coaching and development.

The Business of Learning, Episode 53: Training at Your Fingertips - Enabling Learning in the Flow of Work

Tue, 31 May 2022 13:53:06 -0300

To stay competitive in today’s rapidly shifting market, companies can’t rely on a once-a-quarter course or workshop to upskill and reskill employees. The most successful organizations are weaving learning into employees’ daily workflows. In this episode, we spoke with Steve Young, global head of employee experience and leadership assessments at Caterpillar, and Heer Kansal, global technical L&D leader at Novelis, to learn more about learning in the flow of work.

The Business of Learning, Episode 52: Pioneering Change - The Power of Equitable Learning and Development

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:04:47 -0300

Learning has the power to drive change, especially when it’s made accessible to learners from diverse groups, or when its goal is to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the organization. To learn how training can help drive a more inclusive future of work, we spoke with Anson Green, senior manager of economic opportunity at Tyson Foods, Lori Spicer Robertson, vice president of DEI at Saks Fifth Avenue and founder and chief joymaker at Wundher, and Alaina Doyle, learning and development director at Wells Fargo.

Listen now for insights on:

What we mean by "equitable learning."
What effective allyship looks like in today's business environment.
How can organizations remain accountable and committed to advancing equitable work and learning.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode - The New ”Learning Economy:” How Training Can Help Companies Stay Ahead of Change

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:40:29 -0300

From the rise of remote and hybrid work to digital transformation and its resulting demand for a digitally fluent workforce, organizations are relying on learning and development (L&D) more than ever before.

In episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Execonline, we spoke with Stephen Bailey, chief executive officer of ExecOnline. Stephen, to learn how L&D can help drive and sustain business growth during times of change.

The Business of Learning, Episode 51: Continuous Coaching and Feedback

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:07:26 -0300

Coaching is a valuable tool for professional development, benefiting both coaches and coachees and boosting business outcomes as a result. However, building a culture of coaching and continuous feedback doesn’t build itself … especially in a digital environment. To learn how learning and development can help, we spoke with Erin Goldman, manager of people development at ZipRecruiter, Sharon Delaney McCloud, director of corporate communications at UNC health system, and Ellie Soccorsy, L&D advisor at edyn. Listen now for expert insights on:

How coaching can deliver the meaningful development opportunities employees are looking for.
The skills leaders and coaches need to give feedback, and how to develop them.
How technology can support coaching in the flow of work.

The Business of Learning, Episode 50: Hybrid Learning Is Here. Are You Ready?

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 09:15:08 -0400

With more companies having some employees work on site, and others remotely, and some with a combination of both, hybrid training has arrived as a new way to deliver training to the modern workforce, but it’s not without its challenges. To learn more about hybrid learning, we spoke with Dr. Grace Chang, associate director of research and development at EY, and Vidya Krishnan, chief learning officer and global head of learning and development at Ericsson.

Listen now for insights on:

Hybrid learning challenges and possible solutions.
How training can connect hybrid teams.
How to ensure an equitable hybrid learning experience.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Digital Learning Adoption Challenges and Solutions

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:26:54 -0400

COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of digital learning across organizations worldwide. However, many companies are still at the beginning of their digital adoption journeys.

In this special episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by CrossKnowledge, we spoke with Jan Rijken, learning director at CrossKnowledge, to learn how L&D can support digital adoption across the enterprise.

The Business of Learning, Episode 49: L&D’s Role in Retaining Talent During he Great ResignationT

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:19:31 -0400

The Great Resignation has caused employees across industries to quit their jobs at record rates in favor of new opportunities that better align with their interests, values and goals. To learn more about how learning and development can help organizations retain their people, and attract new talent, we spoke with Julian Malnak, global director of L&D at Goodyear, and Julie Winkle Guiloni, a columnist for Training Industry Magazine, consultant and author of, “Promotions Are So Yesterday: Redefine Career Development. Help Employees Thrive,” releasing in March.

The Business of Learning, Episode 48: Beyond Training - L&D‘s Role in Building Company Culture

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:52:42 -0400

The Great Resignation is in full swing, with employees across industries reevaluating their priorities and often leaving their jobs for more meaningful work at companies that invest in and support their professional development. In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Joe Scarfone, a global learning and development consultant at Lenovo, and Megan Jakes, director of talent, culture and organizational effectiveness at Charter Steel, to learn more on:

How to create a learning culture in your organization.
How to build company culture online.
The impact of company culture on the bottom line.

The Business of Learning, Episode 47: How to Support and Measure Employee Performance

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 11:25:29 -0400

One of the most difficult parts of being a leader is evaluating employees’ performance: How can you really tell if your team members are hitting the mark or are falling up short? How can you make sure you’re giving the right feedback, and enough of it? And, most importantly, how can you connect the dots between individual performance and organizational success?

To find out the answers to the questions above and more, we spoke with Dr. Paul Leone, an author, course instructor for Training Industry’s measurement certificate course and founder of MeasureUp consulting, and Michael Ventura, founder and former chief executive officer of Sub Rosa, a strategy and design consultancy, and author of “Applied Empathy."

The Business of Learning, Episode 46: Ready, Set, Pivot — Building Agile Learning Programs

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:20:03 -0400

With the way we work — and learn — transforming at an unprecedented pace, building Agile learning programs is more important than ever. However, creating adaptive and flexible programs that can shift alongside business priorities isn't easy. We spoke with Marjorie Van Roon, a Certified Professional in Training Management and senior manager of learning and development at Best Buy Canada, to learn how learning leaders can build Agile learning programs that set their organizations up for success ... no matter what roadblocks lie ahead.

Listen now to learn more on:

The skills training professionals need to drive Agile learning processes.
How Agile learning benefits individual learners and the business at large.
Why Agile learning should remain a top priority for businesses today.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Measure to Prove. Measure to Improve.

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:49:55 -0300

Training measurement is a notoriously difficult aspect of the training manager role. However, measuring the impact of training is essential for proving learning and development (L&D)'s impact on the business — and your own.

In this special episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by GP Strategies, Bonnie Beresford, director of performance and learning analytics at GP Strategies, answers our most pressing questions about training measurement.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Your Virtual Training Questions, Answered

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 11:40:07 -0300

COVID-19 accelerated the rise of virtual learning, with many companies shifting to hybrid or remote work, they looked to remote learning as a way to upskill and train their workforce with the tools and skills they needed to thrive. We also know that remote and hybrid work isn’t going away any time soon, which means virtual training is here to stay.

We spoke with Jeb Blount, chief executive officer of Sales Gravy, to learn more about virtual training.

Listen now to learn more on:

How to shift in-person training programs online.
What makes virtual training successful, and what doesn't.
How to engage learners in a virtual environment.

The Business of Learning, Episode 45: Building Business Acumen as a Learning Leader

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 11:15:34 -0300

Learning and development leaders are also business leaders responsible for delivering training that drives results. However, most of us aren’t born business-savvy. Fortunately, business acumen is a skill that can be learned. We spoke with Emily Ricco, senior manager of learning design in global enablement at Salesforce and Micah Jacobson, director of learning design in global enablement at Salesforce, to learn how training professionals can build their business acumen and improve the impact of training as a result.

Listen Now to Learn More On:

Why it's important for learning leaders to understand business processes and plans.
How to improve your financial literacy.
How training and development can help improve business acumen across the enterprise.

The Business of Learning, Episode 44: How to Bounce Back - Training's Role in Building Resilience

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:02:32 -0300

Resilience is an invaluable trait in both our personal and professional lives. It arms us with the strength and agility we need to overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of change. We spoke with Gavin Sutton, head of learning and development at Ogilvy, and Tricia Inderhees, learning and development consultant leader at the Cincinnati Insurance Companies and an Agile-certified HR and L&D professional, to learn more about training's role in building resilience.

Listen now to learn more on:

Tips and best practices for resilience training.
How resilience can help leaders overcome obstacles.
How to create a resilient work, and learning, environment.

The Business of Learning, Episode 43: How to Become an Effective Internal Consultant

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:18:04 -0300

We spoke with Susan Kish, an education and training advocate for The Superior Group, and De’Lisa Stringer, a project manager and diversity and inclusion practitioner, to learn how L&D leaders can build internal consulting skills and become trusted business partners.

The Business of Learning, Episode 42: Building Psychological Safety in Learning Programs

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:12:36 -0300

Dr. Amy Edmondson first introduced the idea of psychological safety while conducting research as a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard Business School. Now, businesses across industries strive to build psychological safety on their teams, which is proven to drive innovation and business outcomes as a result.

In this episode of "The Business of Learning," we spoke with Dr. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School and author of “The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth,” to learn more about psychological safety as it relates to learning and development.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Anatomy of Adaptive Learning in a Workforce Context

Mon, 24 May 2021 12:40:15 -0300

Although the concept of adaptive learning isn’t new, it’s perhaps more relevant than ever. After all, we live in a world of automation, where everything from the TV shows we watch to the products we buy are personally recommended based on our unique needs and preferences. And the corporate training world is no different.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Realizeit, we spoke with Manoj Kulkarni, chief executive officer at Realizeit, to learn more about adaptive learning.

The Business of Learning, Episode 41: Engage Your Learners With Blended Learning

Mon, 17 May 2021 16:20:51 -0300

Today’s workforce is dynamic, and there’s no one-size-fits-all training approach that will work for every organization and for every learner. Blended learning helps overcome the challenges of meeting the many different needs of many different learners, engaging a wide group of employees and giving them the training they need, when they need it.

In this episode of "The Business of Learning," we spoke with Jamie Breshears, senior manager in Deloitte Consulting’s learning and leadership practice, and Lynn Leadley, a certified professional in training management and senior vice president at Pax8 University, to learn how blended learning can drive engagement and, as a result, business outcomes.

The Business of Learning, Episode 40: Supporting Social Learning in the Workplace

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 13:46:21 -0300

In the modern workplace, social learning is in full swing, with digital collaboration tools and social networks driving a culture of peer-to-peer learning.

We spoke with Kacie Walters, head of global professional development at Northern Trust Corporation, Linda Cai, an experienced learning and talent executive and author of “Share: How Organizations Can Thrive in an Age of Networked Knowledge, Power and Relationships,” and Nicole Lembo, manager of academic programs at JetBlue Airways, to find out how learning leaders can enable social learning in the workplace.

The Business of Learning, Episode 39: Developing Modern Leaders

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:30:30 -0300

Effective leaders do more than manage performance: They inspire. They innovate. They listen, and they go out of their way to help their team members succeed.

To learn more about modern leadership, we spoke with Laura Smith Dunaief, an experienced learning leader and an instructor for Training Industry’s continuing professional development programs, and Mark Herschberg, a chief technical officer, professor and author of “The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You.”

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Virtual Learning Engagement in 2021

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 11:50:37 -0400

2020 accelerated the adoption of virtual meeting and collaboration tools, as companies looked to keep their employees connected and engaged as they worked remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s also become clear that remote work and learning are here to stay.

We spoke with Matt Giegerich, chief executive officer of The Inception Company, and Shaun Urban, president of The Inception Company, for expert insights on engaging virtual learners in 2021 and beyond.

Listen to this new episode, sponsored by The Inception Company, to learn more on:

Virtual engagement lessons we learned in 2020.
How to combat virtual meeting fatigue in an increasingly digital workplace.
Tips for successful virtual meeting and training facilitation.

The Business of Learning, Episode 38: Experiential Learning - How to Support "Learning by Doing"

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:55:17 -0400

Learning and development (L&D) leaders worldwide are finding new and innovative ways to immerse their learners in training that drives business results.

To learn more about experiential learning, we spoke with Meghan Castillo principal learning experience designer at HubSpot, and Hasti Mehta, learning and development operations specialist at HubSpot.

Listen now to learn more on:

Creating immersive training experiences in a virtual environment.
Leveraging experiential learning for increased learner engagement.
The business benefits of experiential learning.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode - The Future Workforce: Developing Lifelong Learners

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 11:33:46 -0400

As we recorded this episode in January 2021, the future of work has perhaps never been more uncertain. The coronavirus pandemic has shifted both how many businesses operate and how many employees do their job.

To learn more about what the future workforce will look like, and training’s role in developing it, we spoke with Keith Keating, senior director and global learning strategist at GP Strategies.

Listen to this new episode, sponsored by GP Strategies, to learn more on:

How COVID-19 has impacted the future workforce.
The skills the future workforce needs to thrive.
Future training trends to look out for.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: How to Measure and Maximize the Impact of Training

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:20:22 -0400

The measurement challenge is a common one in the training industry. While we know that L&D plays a key role in helping organizations reach their goals, learning leaders have long struggled to prove the business impact of training.

To learn more and uncover the secrets behind effective training measurement and evaluation, we spoke with Asha Pandey, founder and chief learning strategist at EI Design.

Listen to this episode, sponsored by EI Design, to learn more on:

Common oversights learning leaders make when measuring the impact of training.
How to identify which key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure.
Popular measurement models and methods.

The Business of Learning, Episode 37: Reflecting on 2020 and Planning for 2021

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:50:39 -0400

2020 was a whirlwind. L&D was hard at work helping organizations navigate the coronavirus’ impact on businesses across industries, whether by rolling out a new health and safety course or shifting in-person programs online.

As we begin a new year, we spoke with Tiffany Poeppelman, director of LinkedIn’s business leadership program, and Amy Contreras, head of L&D at Uber Freight, to reflect on the learning trends we saw in 2020 and what to expect in 2021.

Listen now to learn more on:

The rise of remote learning.
2020 L&D trends that are here to stay.
The skills leaders need to develop successful teams in 2021.

The Business of Learning, Episode 36: L&D's Role in Change Management

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:22:08 -0400

2020 has been a year marked by change, with the coronavirus pandemic disrupting both our personal and professional lives. To keep pace, organizations have had to shift many business operations on the fly, and learning leaders have proved paramount in helping them do so.

To learn more about learning and development (L&D)’s role in change management, we spoke with Loren Sanders, enterprise manager of L&D at CVS Health, and Scott Nutter, who retired last month after working with Delta Airlines for 22 years managing its pilot training programs, and who now owns Touch ‘n Go Solutions.

Listen now to learn:

What it looks like when an organization can navigate change well.
How L&D can leverage what it already does well to support change management.
How to train successful change leaders.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Leadership Skills for the Digital Workplace

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 10:39:49 -0400

With the rise of online collaboration tools, video meeting platforms and even mobile coaching apps, it’s safe to say that the future of work is digital. To learn more about digital leadership, we’re speaking with Anja Emonds expert research manager at CrossKnowledge.

The Business of Learning, Episode 35: 15 Years in the Training Industry: Taking Stock and Looking Forward

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 12:14:31 -0400

The learning and development (L&D) field moves at a fast pace, as societal shifts and emerging technologies continue to impact the business of learning. In honor of Training Industry’s 15-year anniversary, we spoke with Ken Taylor, president and editor-in-chief at Training Industry, to reflect on what’s changed over the last decade and a half and what to expect in the future of the corporate training.

The Business of Learning, Episode 34: Giving Feedback in a Remote Workplace

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:01:35 -0400

While remote work has its perks, including increased flexibility during such a turbulent time, L&D must ensure leaders have the tools they need to set their remote employees, and their organizations, up for success. We spoke with Sergey Gorbatov and Angela Lane, human performance thought leaders and co-authors of “Fair Talk: Three Steps to Powerful Feedback,” to learn more about giving feedback in a remote workplace.

The Business of Learning, Episode 33: Great Training Starts With Strategic Alignment

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 12:04:11 -0300

Our recently launched research report, “What Makes a Training Organization Great?”, identifies strategic alignment as the most important process capability. With that in mind, today, we spoke with Maggie Redling, manager of learning and development at AvidXchange, Inc., and Coleman Williams, senior manager of human resources and talent operations at AvidXchange, Inc., to learn more about strategic alignment.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Virtual Sales Training and Coaching for a Remote Sales Force

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 09:56:19 -0300

Many businesses are still operating with a remote workforce due to COVID-19, and the sales force is no different. To learn how virtual sales training and coaching can set remote salespeople up for success, we spoke with Mark Magnacca, co-founder and president of Allego.

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Design as a Mindset for Training Managers

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:04:32 -0300

Design thinking is all the rage in the training industry lately, as it can help training managers improve learning solutions and make a greater impact. To learn more about how training managers can develop a design mindset — and leverage it for more effective and innovative training solutions — we spoke with Danny Seals, director of design and experience at GP Strategies.

The Business of Learning, Episode 32: Developing Leaders Who Can Succeed During a Crisis

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 18:30:13 -0300

Leadership can make or break organizational success. In a crisis, this is even more true. Companies need leaders who can guide them through these turbulent times and into the future.

To learn more about leading during a crisis, we spoke with Maureen Metcalf, chief executive officer of the Innovative Leadership Institute and host of the podcast “Innovative Leadership, Co-Creating Our Future.”

Listen now to learn more on:

Best practices for effective crisis leadership training.
The skills leaders need to not only survive but thrive during a crisis.
How leaders can remain agile during times of crisis.

The Business of Learning, Episode 31: Enabling On-the-job Coaching: The Role of L&D

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 11:05:25 -0300

On-the-job coaching has become a popular topic across the learning and development field and business at large. But what does effective on-the-job coaching look like? And what does training have to do with it? To find out, we spoke with Ronda Bowman, global learning and development leader with HPE Financial Services, and Carolon Donnally, an executive coach with the Internal Revenue Service.

The Business of Learning, Episode 30: Supporting Employee Well-being With Learning and Development

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 11:16:53 -0300

As we recorded this episode, the coronavirus pandemic was impacting nearly all industries — and employees. To find out how learning and development (L&D) can support employee wellness and well-being, we spoke with Celeste Headlee, award-winning journalist, speaker, and bestselling author of “We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter” and “Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving.”

The Business of Learning, Episode 29: How Training Can Help Organizations Eliminate Racism in the Workplace

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:23:00 -0300

The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor sparked outrage over the systemic racism Black people continue to face in their daily lives and has brought racial injustice to the forefront of conversations among individuals, communities and organizations. To learn more about what learning and development (L&D) leaders can do to help eliminate racism in the workplace, we spoke with Dr. Theresa Horne and Dr. Russell Robinson, senior training professionals at government agencies, and Valerie Jackson, senior director of global inclusion and diversity at Procore Technologies. More resources at TrainingIndustry.com/racial-bias-resources.

The Business of Learning, Episode 28: Moving Training to the Virtual Classroom

Mon, 11 May 2020 17:44:00 -0300

When we recorded this episode in April 2020, many, if not most, organizations had implemented remote work policies in light of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many training managers were working to convert their in-person courses and programs into virtual training. Cindy Huggett, a consultant, facilitator and author of several books on virtual training, and Heather Schultes, CPTM, the director of global training at TransPerfect, share tips on making this transition.

The Business of Learning, Episode 27: Inclusive Leadership

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:34:00 -0300

For an organization to be truly inclusive, supporting all employees and becoming more supportive and effective, leaders must have certain traits and skills.

The Business of Learning: Connecting Remote Teams With Virtual Meetings

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:10:00 -0300

Forget everything you know about virtual meetings. Imagine being able to engage with others, from anywhere across the globe, just like you would if you were sitting across the room from them. New technologies can make this happen.

The Business of Learning, Episode 26: Effective Performance Reviews

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:29:00 -0400

To learn more about what makes an effective performance review, what doesn’t, and how to train managers on giving performance reviews, we’re here with Roberta Matuson, president of Matuson Consulting, and Jared Narlock, MPA, SHRM-SCP, a talent development and engagement consultant for Nemours Children’s Health System.

The Business of Learning, Episode 25: The Future of Work … for All Workers

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:58:00 -0400

As we enter the 2020s, it’s a good time to consider what the future of work looks like — and to make sure it brings equal opportunity to everyone.