AXIOM Insights - Learning and Development Podcast

AI tools are already in your team's hands — the question is whether your organization is managing that well, or just hoping for the best. In this episode, we sit down with three practitioners who use AI daily in very different corners of L&D and workforce operations to talk about what's actually working, where the tools still fall short, and how to build the governance and critical-thinking skills your organization needs to use AI responsibly. We cover practical, hands-on use cases, from Copilot in Excel and Outlook, to agentic AI piloted on a real-world grant review workflow, along with lessons learned about data cleaning surprises, AI source citations that can't be trusted at face value, and in total, explore when and how it's appropriate to lean on AI and when it isn't. Joining host Scott Rutherford for this episode are Mateland Mays, who runs an instructional design and workforce development consultancy and has spent the past year deliberately integrating AI into her practice as a trusted working partner; Jamie Storella, a Microsoft Office Master Instructor and owner of Launch, a Boston-area computer training and consulting firm, who teaches Copilot to dozens of classes a year; and Bethany Warburton, a senior IT project manager at Brown University who has spent the past year piloting AI across the university's administrative operations.

What happens after a learning ecosystem goes live? In the final episode of this three-part AXIOM Insights Podcast series, Scott Rutherford and Tom Decker discuss launch, adoption, stakeholder management, and the future of learning technology strategy. Tom shares lessons learned from managing enterprise rollout and user adoption, including how to keep leadership engaged, how to support decentralized learning teams, and why successful learner experiences should feel intuitive and familiar to employees. The conversation also explores the future relationship between L&D and technical teams, including the growing importance of “build and buy” strategies that combine internal engineering capabilities with external learning technology platforms. Topics include: • Enterprise learning rollout • Learning platform adoption • User adoption strategy • Learning ecosystem governance • Personalized learning experiences • Build versus buy learning technology • Learning and development innovation • Future of workplace learning and L&D technology

How do you actually build a learning ecosystem once the strategy is defined? In part two of this AXIOM Insights Podcast series, Scott Rutherford continues the conversation with Tom Decker, focusing on the practical and technical realities of building a modern learning experience. Tom explains how his team approached the learner experience, structured the platform architecture, and developed a modular ecosystem designed to evolve over time. The discussion explores how organizations can identify project team members, including ways to position learning technology initiatives as career growth opportunities for engineers and technical staff inside the business. The episode also dives into integrations, APIs, data standards, modular design, and the importance of building flexible infrastructure that can adapt as business needs change. Topics include: • Learning experience platform design • Modular learning ecosystems • L&D and engineering collaboration • Learning technology integrations • APIs and learning data standards • Enterprise learning architecture • Employee learning experience • Agile learning technology development

What does a modern learning ecosystem actually look like, and how do L&D leaders begin building one inside a real organization? In part one of this three-part AXIOM Insights Podcast series, Scott Rutherford speaks with Tom Decker about the strategy behind building an integrated learning ecosystem for employee training and workforce development. The conversation explores how organizations move beyond disconnected learning tools toward a unified learner experience that supports personalization, data visibility, and measurable business outcomes. Tom discusses how to define the objectives of a learning ecosystem initiative, how to identify the right mix of internal resources and external vendors, and how to build support among executives, stakeholders, and business leaders. The episode also examines the importance of prototypes, internal advocacy, and change management when introducing large-scale learning technology initiatives. Topics include: • Learning ecosystem strategy • Learning technology modernization • LXP and LMS strategy • Employee training platforms • Learning and development leadership • Stakeholder buy-in and change management • Enterprise learning strategy • Learning experience design

Generations of technical communicators, engineers, and technical trainers have passed along versions of the famous Encabulator spoofs. In this special episode of the podcast, we take a look at the history of this meme as it has evolved over more than eight decades since the first version was published in a British technical journal in 1944. For AXIOM's take on the spoof - our Strategic Learning Encabulator - visit our page at learningencabulator.com. For more links, visit the episode page for this episode at axiomlearningsolutions.com/podcast.

In many organizations, conversations about workplace culture and employee engagement are often framed as “soft” issues. But what if investing in people is actually one of the most direct paths to stronger business performance? In this episode of the AXIOM Insights Learning & Development Podcast, Scott Rutherford speaks with Dr. Angela Jackson, lecturer at Harvard University and research director at the Future Forward Institute, about the ideas behind her book The Win-Win Workplace. Drawing on more than a decade of research and analysis of over 1,200 organizations, Dr. Jackson explores how companies that intentionally listen to employees, invest in human skills, and build high-trust teams often outperform their peers. The conversation examines the concept of “worker voice” and why it has become a critical leadership capability in today's workplace. Dr. Jackson explains how organizations that actively listen to employees—and act on what they hear—create stronger engagement, higher productivity, and measurable business results. She also discusses the growing role of trust as organizations navigate AI adoption, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership and work. For learning and development leaders, the discussion highlights practical ways to move beyond traditional training initiatives and take a more strategic role in the business. Dr. Jackson shares examples of how organizations are using data, small pilot programs, and targeted leadership development—particularly for middle managers—to strengthen performance and improve workplace outcomes. Key topics include: What research across 1,200 companies reveals about high-performing workplaces Why employee voice and trust are becoming strategic drivers of performance The role of human skills in an increasingly technology-driven workplace Practical ways L&D and HR leaders can use data and experimentation to influence business strategy If you are responsible for learning, talent development, or organizational performance, this conversation offers a research-grounded perspective on how people strategy and business results are more closely connected than many leaders realize. Links to learn more about Dr. Jackson's work can be found on the episode page, at  axiomlearningsolutions.com/podcast.

In this episode, we share findings and observations based on the Pulse of the L&D Practice research. Based on data gathered from learning and development professionals in the second half of 2025, this report explores the profession's view on the business and economic outlook affecting organizational learning in 2026. To download the complete report, visit the episode page for this podcast at https://axiomlearningsolutions.com/podcast

The Human Side of Platform Rollouts How to turn large-scale system rollouts into lasting performance improvement.   When an organization decides to implement a new enterprise system—an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, or a claims and billing solution—the technology itself is rarely the hardest part. The true challenge lies in adoption: getting people to understand, embrace, and use the system effectively in their day-to-day work. In this episode of the AXIOM Insights Learning & Development Podcast, we speak with David Kaiser, senior learning consultant and change leader, about how to make large-scale system rollouts succeed by focusing on people and process, not just technology. Drawing on experience from multiple Fortune 500 implementations, David explains how to connect the who and the why behind change to the what and how of project execution. The conversation explores the mechanics of building role-based training plans tied to system access, establishing feedback loops between trainers and system owners, and creating a champions network that sustains adoption long after the go-live date. David shares how well-designed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can measure impact through real-world metrics like error reduction and efficiency gains, and how clear governance, version control, and rapid response mechanisms keep projects agile and responsive. Most importantly, the discussion reframes leadership's role during a rollout, from one of control and risk avoidance to one of empowerment and trust. By fostering psychological safety and aligning teams around shared purpose, organizations can turn stressful implementations into opportunities for growth, innovation, and engagement. Whether you work in Learning and Development (L&D), Information Technology (IT), or Operations, this episode offers a practical, human-centered playbook for system rollouts that deliver measurable results and lasting cultural change.

In this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Rick At Lee, senior vice president and director of enterprise learning at Truist. The discussion explores Truist's experience navigating its creation through the merger of BB&T and SunTrust Bank in 2019, including how learning was marketed and communicated throughout the organization, with a specific focus on the combination of leadership support and learner engagement that turned their original plans for a Teammate Growth Week into an organization-wide Teammate Growth Month, which is currently being implemented in its second year following a very well received first year.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, we are resharing a recording from a live stream discussion. This is a discussion with Dr. Guido Minaya (CEO and Chief Learning Officer at Minaya Learning Global Solutions) and Susan Nabonne Beck (Vice President of Learning Design and Strategy at AXIOM Learning Solutions). We cover the current experience using AI tools in L&D, and the pros and cons of how AI tools can be used to enhance the learner experience and the development of learning content. The discussion also explores the opportunity created by enterprise adoption or experimentation with AI, as the L&D function is a resource for AI skills development and helping the organization manage AI related risks. More information on this episode can be found at https://axiomlearningsolutions.com/podcast

Managing the capacity of a learning team is a core task of the learning and development leader. In this episode, we are joined by three experienced L&D leaders: Pam Moyer, Jay Letourneau, and Jason Ruff. Together, they explore how staff augmentation can be used to align the capacity of a learning team with business demand. In this conversation, they explore how learning teams can stay agile by supplementing their full-time or permanent staff with contract or contingent talent, without sacrificing quality, collaboration, or culture. In fact, they explain why and how bringing in a contractor can give your team what you need most, whether that's additional work capacity or specific skills or expertise. This discussion offers anyone managing learning clear guidance based on experience about how to plan resourcing strategies in alignment with business priorities, mobilizing augmented staff to fill in capacity or skills gaps, integrate contractors into your learning operations as part of a cohesive and high performing team, and how contractors can support your team through periods of business disruption, change and growth.

This episode explores the dynamics of gender, age, and experience in the workplace. We are joined by Laurie Johnson, a senior level learning consultant with the Boulder Crest Foundation, a nonprofit that supports combat veterans and their families; before this work, she was a senior leader of Accenture Federal with more than three decades experience in corporate learning; and Pamela Johnson, a senior attorney and Of Counsel with Halunen Law, where her legal practice specializes in handling sexual harassment, wrongful termination, whistleblower and retaliation claims. She is also a mediator with Johnson Benrud Mediation and Consulting, building on a 30 year career as an insurance professional and litigator. This episode explores both how organizations can and should prioritize the skills and perspectives of older women in the workforce, as well as considerations and actionable advice for driving cultural change and breaking down workplace barriers.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Guido Minaya, CEO and Chief Learning Officer at Minaya Learning Global Solutions, about the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence (HI) in workplace learning. The discussion highlights AI's growing role in corporate training, particularly in automating instructional design, enhancing personalized learning experiences, and improving productivity. Dr. Minaya emphasizes how AI, such as large language models like ChatGPT, can assist in content generation and real-time learner support, as well as enhance leadership coaching and soft skills development. He advocates for a project-based approach to skill development, encouraging organizations to use AI tools to solve real-world business challenges while also fostering collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving among employees. For L&D professionals, the key takeaway is the importance of balancing AI's efficiency with human creativity, focusing on better outcomes rather than just speed or cost savings.

In this episode of the AXIOM Insights Learning and Development Podcast, we're joined by technologist and technical training expert John Kidd to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning and development (L&D). The discussion explores the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok, exploring how these tools can enhance performance by automating tasks and accelerating content creation. This potential is also discussed with a cautionary note to understand the limitations of AI, emphasizing the need for human oversight to ensure accuracy and quality. John also highlights the importance of teaching prompt engineering and integrating AI into training processes to boost efficiency and innovation across technical and non-technical roles. Ultimately, this discussion highlights how and why AI is not about replacing jobs but augmenting them, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic tasks while leveraging AI to streamline repetitive functions. This episode offers advice for organizations exploring the use of AI to support L&D operations as well as broader business operations.

Managing change is a cyclical and ongoing challenge for organizations, and it can come in many forms: mergers/acquisitions, economic shifts, and regulatory change, to name a few. During times of change, learning and development can play an important role in navigating the change and creating the groundwork of success. In this episode, we're joined by Nina Hollon, founder and CEO of Catalyst Learning Strategies, who shares her perspective and expertise developed over a career in training, including more than 20 mergers and acquisitions, including a learning leadership role in the largest merger in the history of the Wealth Management sector.

In the development of learning programs, there is no more important element than the learner! In this epsiode of the AXIOM Insights Learning & Development Podcast, we are joined by two learning strategists and instructional design experts, Susan Nabonne Beck (Vice President of Learning Design and Strategy at AXIOM Learning Solutions) and Vanessa Alzate (CEO of Anchored Training and owner of Kirkpatrick Partners) for a discussion about designing learning experiences with the learner's experience in mind, including how instructional designers can understand the learner, how to engage with and understand organizational stakeholders, how to choose the right training delivery method and content development tools, how to embrace accessibility of your learning content, and more.   

Grant funding to support skills training for the workforce is available from most U.S. states and a number of local governments. How can you navigate the sources of funding for training, and what do you need to know? In this episode, we're joined by Krysta Van Ranst, the founder of BuildingPPL, an organization which specializes on assisting businesses to apply for workforce development grant funding to support their training and performance goals.

Organizations that focus on the mental well-being and mental health of their workforce can improve productivity, decrease turnover and control costs; it may also make a company a more attractive workplace to prospective employees. In data shared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 81% of workers said they will be looking for workplaces in the future which support mental health. Creating a workplace that supports healthier and more engaged employees requires support on multiple levels—including training for leaders and managers to be able to support the mental health of their people. In this episode, we're joined by Susan Minaya, the chief learning strategist and COO of Minaya Learning Global Solutions. Susan is a Certified Executive Coach and has developed a learning program for leaders, to give them the information and tools they can use to support the mental wellbeing of the people they lead.

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the process of using e-learning to support the growth of professional development learning, through the experience of education non-profit HILL for Literacy. In the most recently completed school year, HILL for Literacy has supported the professional development of more than 8,500 teachers and school administrators, with learning content which helps teachers apply scientifically-grounded literacy instructional techniques in the elementary school classroom. Through this professional development learning, HILL has affected the education of more than 184,000 students. HILL for Literacy's professional development programs were developed to be delivered through in-person workshops. Since 2019, HILL has undertaken a transformative initiative to expand their reach through virtual delivery of their content, with a combination of virtual coaching and synchronous and asynchronous virtual delivery (e-learning). In this episode, we are joined by HILL for Literacy's director of research and development, Cindy McGurl, and marketing director MarcyKate Connolly. Cindy McGurl served as a consultant and coach on state, district, and school projects for more than twenty years, including implementing whole district/school literacy change models, using data to drive instruction, adopting instructional practices that support diverse learners, and program evaluation. As the Director of HILL Online, she now drives the process of developing tools and applications to make those projects more efficient, scalable, and sustainable. MarcyKate Connolly served in marketing roles at several nonprofit arts organizations before landing at HILL for Literacy, where she found a mission she was passionate about—teaching children how to read—that matched with her skillset and dovetailed perfectly with her work as a children's book author.  

In this episode, we discuss building a learning culture. There’s been an ongoing conversation and focus on the ‘learning culture’ of an organization for at least the past decade, and there are many articles over that time which talk about the connection between a culture that supports individual learners’ interest in learning and connects it with the mission and goals of the organization. And over the past few years, we’re seen some statistics which suggest a learning culture is at least correlated with business performance. This episode looks at building a learning culture through the experience and guidance of Rachel Horwitz, the global director of learning and development at Convatec. Rachel describes how she and her team implemented a strategy to support a learning culture in the organization, structed around four pillars: Senior leadership partnership and sponsorship Curriculum Learning Operations Measurement

Most often, online classes succeed or fail based on the person leading the class, according to Kevin Siegel. After migrating his own course content to vILT delivery, Kevin developed a train-the-trainer program to teach how to train online, which led to the creation of the Certified Online Training Professional (COTP) program. The COTP program covers synchronous and asynchronous eLearning fundamentals, establishing instructor credibility, supporting learners in the virtual environment, and requires learners to demonstrate specific practical skills in online facilitation. In this episode, we discuss what makes a great (and effective) online learning experience. Kevin Siegel speaks from his expertise as a Certified Technical Trainer, a Certified Master Trainer, and a Certified Online Training Professional, and his decades of experience as a technical communicator, a face-to-face and virtual trainer, e-learning developer, publisher, and keynote speaker.

Learning technical skills and management skills come "from different directions" for IT professionals, explains Eric Bloom, executive director of the IT Management and Leadership Institute. Eric is a former CIO with a deep background in information technology, an author and speaker on learning for the IT professional, including what IT professionals need to expand beyond technical skills and develop business acumen and the additional management skills necessary to lead teams or organizations.

In this episode, we learn from Cleon McClure and Enid Crystal about the process they followed to create a Learning Center of Excellence at Becton Dickinson, the global medical device company, including how they assessed the organizational need and created learning resources, structures and processes to support the organization's global teams.

Culture and language can create barriers to understanding, to team cohesion, and to organizational culture. Lauren Supraner is founder and president of CAL Learning, a New York-based intercultural communication training, coaching and consulting company, who works with global professionals to help them communicate clearly and effectively across cultures. In this episode, we explore how culture and language combine as obstacles to communication, and how both native English speakers and non-native English speakers can adapt their communication style to be understood and to understand more effectively.

Organizations want to have proven processes, proven methodologies and proven content for leader development programs — and want that tailored to meet their specific needs. Curated Leadership Programs are created by AXIOM to meet our clients' needs and objectives. In this episode of the AXIOM Insights podcast, we explore how leader development programs can be developed to help organizations meet the current and future needs of their organizations — aligning leader development models and approaches around the organization's desired outcomes, including the beliefs, behaviors and mindsets that will enable their leaders and organizations to be successful in the future.

Why creating meaningful change requires a sustained effort, and what every employee can do to lead the change. In this episode of the AXIOM Insights Podcast, we're joined by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) expert Karen Hinds.

In this inaugural episode of the AXIOM Insights podcast, we're talking about changes in the business and social climate, and the evolution of the training profession to help businesses navigate change. We're joined by two industry leaders with a wealth of experience managing learning programs through changing business conditions. What can we learn from our own history that will help us, as learning and development leaders, lead our organizations forward? Guests: Doug Harward, Executive Chairman, Training Industry, Inc. Herb Blanchard, President, AXIOM Learning Solutions