LEARN Podcast

In this episode of LEARN, Alexi Robichaux, CEO and Co-founder of BetterUp, dives into the differences between digital transformation and human transformation in business, and why companies need to invest in employee learning, growth, and development at scale.

As we wrap up our inaugural season, we're diving deep into what it takes to create and sustain a compelling corporate podcast. From unexpected challenges to surprising benefits, here are the top takeaways for aspiring podcasters.In this episode of LEARN, Ted outlines seven key learnings from producing 37 episodes, discusses the nuanced balance between relationship-building and lead generation, and shares invaluable advice for setting realistic expectations for corporate podcasts. Whether you're contemplating starting a podcast or looking to refine your current strategy, this season wrap-up is a must-listen.Key takeaways:- Be prepared for the significant time investment required for running a corporate podcast, as each episode can take around 5 hours from preparation to promotion- Avoid using a podcast as a direct lead generation tool, focusing instead on building genuine relationships with guests, partners, and industry leaders- Adapt and experiment with your podcast format and content to discover what resonates most with your audience, while remaining consistent in your effortsTune in to explore Ted's top takeaways he learned from starting a podcast.Resources:- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workrampEpisode highlights:[05:54] Build great relationships through podcasting, be realistic[06:56] Building brand, niche audience, and set realistic podcast goals[10:20] Expressing gratitude

As organizations navigate the complexities of modern work environments, fostering continuous learning, transparent communication, and meaningful employee support becomes paramount."Learning shouldn't be a one-off event. It's about integrating ongoing education into the fabric of everyday work," says [Kathleen Pacini](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-pacini-phr-b115986/), Chief People Officer at [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/).In this episode of LEARN, Kathleen delves into the limitations of one-time training solutions, the pressing need for ongoing learning, and her journey from accounting to HR. She shares insights into how Patreon motivates its workforce with learning stipends, the critical role of revamping onboarding processes, and maintaining transparency during uncertain times.Key takeaways:- Align your career path with your natural inclinations and strengths- HR and People teams need to build lasting relationships with employees beyond just solving problems or managing benefits- Continuous learning and development are key for employee growth and should be embedded in the day-to-day workTune in to explore how continuous development and a supportive workplace culture are vital for organizational success.Resources:- Kathleen Pacini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-pacini-phr-b115986/- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workrampEpisode highlights:[04:25] Kathleen pivoted to HR after layoffs.[06:44] Kathleen worked in various roles at Frontier telecom[10:38] Understanding business is key to being effective[14:40] Be honest with employees and share available information[17:42] HR leaders need support during tough times[22:33] Encourage ongoing learning and incorporate it daily[24:42] Onboarding is pivotal for successful transition and productivity[27:43] Embrace curiosity and go beyond the job description

Transitioning from a private to a public company comes with its fair share of challenges. And during this transition, it's key to prioritize leadership and learning initiatives."Transitioning from a private to a public company required a significant shift in our operational approach. It's crucial to regularly seek guidance from legal counsel and experienced CHRO peers to navigate this complex process smoothly,” says Becky Cantieri, CPO of SurveyMonkey.In this episode of LEARN, Becky shares insights on transitioning from a private to a public company, navigating growth, learning initiatives at SurveyMonkey, integrating knowledge from internal leaders and external experts, and more.Key takeaways:- To foster a successful transition from private to public environments, you must seek experienced guidance from both legal counsels and CHRO peers- Implement internal leadership training and external expert sessions to enhance business acumen and practical skills among employees- Align your strategic agendas closely with the evolving needs of the business, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to external challenges and internal goalsTune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore navigating leadership and learning initiatives within a corporate environment.Resources:- Becky Cantieri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-cantieri-85654a/- SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/take-a-tour/?utm_source=socialteam- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workrampEpisode highlights:[08:16] Operating privately allows transparency and long-term thinking[09:49] Transitioning to a public company requires legal expertise[12:52] Focus on business acumen, leadership, and data[17:21] Align your agenda with the business needs[21:08] Embraced challenges, growth with great team loyalty[27:00] Enjoy teamwork and self-care for balance

As the workforce is consistently evolving, it's critical to keep employees top of mind: cultivating a workplace that fosters intentional inclusivity, talent development, and active problem-solving.And the number one way to do this is through data."Data is a powerful tool for any HR department. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the heartbeats of our organizations. By using this data, we can make informed, empathetic decisions that resonate with our employees,” says [Neervi Patel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/), Chief People Officer at [Faire](https://www.faire.com/).In this episode of LEARN, Neervi discusses the future of HR through embracing empathy and leveraging deep data insights for a holistic employee experience, the importance of continuous learning and growth, and the power behind a hybrid workforce.**Key takeaways:**Embrace a data-informed approach in HR to tailor policies and practices to the company's unique needsFoster an inclusive and intentional workplace by prioritizing individual employee well-being and leveraging a hybrid organizational structureContinuously pursue personal growth and career development by learning from a variety of sourcesTune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore how the future of HR can vastly improve the workplace.**Resources:**Neervi Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/Faire: https://www.faire.com/Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp**Episode highlights:**[09:18] The power of strategic thinking[15:36] Invest in learning cloud platform services[20:39] Unique approaches for specific organizational needs[24:22] Flexible office hubs prioritizing employee preferences[27:49] Treat employees well, value humanity, and build connections[30:36] Use data for employee insights[32:42] Learn from everyone to elevate your trajectory

As the workforce is consistently evolving, it's critical to keep employees top of mind: cultivating a workplace that fosters intentional inclusivity, talent development, and active problem-solving.And the number one way to do this is through data."Data is a powerful tool for any HR department. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the heartbeats of our organizations. By using this data, we can make informed, empathetic decisions that resonate with our employees,” says [Neervi Patel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/), Chief People Officer at [Faire](https://www.faire.com/).In this episode of LEARN, Neervi discusses the future of HR through embracing empathy and leveraging deep data insights for a holistic employee experience, the importance of continuous learning and growth, and the power behind a hybrid workforce.**Key takeaways:**Embrace a data-informed approach in HR to tailor policies and practices to the company's unique needsFoster an inclusive and intentional workplace by prioritizing individual employee well-being and leveraging a hybrid organizational structureContinuously pursue personal growth and career development by learning from a variety of sourcesTune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore how the future of HR can vastly improve the workplace.**Resources:**Neervi Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/Faire: https://www.faire.com/Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp**Episode highlights:**[09:18] The power of strategic thinking[15:36] Invest in learning cloud platform services[20:39] Unique approaches for specific organizational needs[24:22] Flexible office hubs prioritizing employee preferences[27:49] Treat employees well, value humanity, and build connections[30:36] Use data for employee insights[32:42] Learn from everyone to elevate your trajectory

Technology is constantly evolving; organizations must embrace new tools or risk being left behind.As a business, it's critical to stay ahead of the game and adapt to the mega trends happening around us.“You have to keep reminding your company that you're running out of time because we're all against the race of time when it comes to technology. And if you can't move fast, then you might as well not move at all,” says [Jeetu Patel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/), EVP and GM of [Cisco (https://www.cisco.com/).In this episode of LEARN, Jeetu shares the importance of creating global opportunities and how virtual interactions are reshaping our ability to work effectively, the mega trends shaking the tech industry, and powerful insights on cybersecurity.**Key takeaways:**- Embrace the hybrid work model by optimizing communication strategies to combine virtual and in-person interactions effectively- Leverage AI and spatial computing by investing in these technologies to stay ahead in the evolving landscape- Prioritize speed in business operations and adopt an approach that favors rapid iteration and data-informed decision-makingTune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore the intersection of technology, collaboration, and security in today's workforce.**Resources:**- Jeetu Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/- Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/- AMP It Up by Frank Slootman: https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp**Episode highlights:**[07:14] Embrace megatrends rather than resisting them[14:10] AI regulation is crucial for societal progress[23:21] The future of work is hybrid and remote[28:55] Add in-person interactions into your remote work[33:44] AI and spatial computing have transformative potential[37:31] Maintain high intensity to beat the clock

The role of HR is rapidly evolving… and it's no joke.It can be a struggle to figure out the right steps to take, but that's why Melanie is here.To give you a how-to playbook on what to do to be a successful HR professional."I think we're in this really precarious period right now where HR managers are really being told to be super prescriptive... What we need to see more of is equipping HR managers with the tools they need to succeed, but not telling them how to do it,” says [Melanie Naranjo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-naranjo/), VP of People at [Ethena](https://www.goethena.com/).In this episode of LEARN, Melanie shares with us the challenges that HR professionals face today, the importance of equipping managers with the right tools for performance management, and how to navigate the tough conversations around accountability and organizational culture.Key takeaways:- Being an influencer on LinkedIn requires actively listening to and understanding the challenges and experiences of your own employees- Building empathy and remaining neutral when employees voice their concerns is key to genuine leadership development- Actively listening and learning from employee experiences leads to better Compliance trainingTune in on your favorite podcast app as we offer guidance and resources for HR professionals to thrive in the changing landscape.Resources:- Melanie Naranjo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-naranjo/- Ethena: https://www.goethena.com/- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

Especially when you're constantly striving to improve and innovate.Thats why we are here. To give you valuable tips on exactly how to do it.“You need to do the research and you should do this research yourself. Don't outsource the research when you're looking at the next big products to build for your compound startup,” says Ted Blosser, CEO and co-founder of WorkRamp.In this episode of LEARN, Ted shares the five biggest learnings from building a compound startup. From the importance of doing thorough research and nailing timing to setting up internal teams for success and achieving product market fit, Ted dives into valuable insights based on his own experiences at WorkRamp.Key takeaways:- Personally engage in in-depth research when considering new product ideas for your company to understand the opportunities and challenges- Assess whether the market is ready for the product and if the customer base is conditioned and prepared to adopt it for ultimate success- When building a compound startup with multiple products, set up dedicated teams for each product to ensure success.Check out this episode on your favorite podcast app as we explore the cutting-edge concept of a compound startup and how it's shaping the future of work and learning.Resources:- Vision Pro: https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

When you master company culture, you master company growth.Culture is key. And the majority of companies are so focused on success that they forget about cultivating a strong, healthy work environment. What they don't realize is, if a strong culture is implemented, they'll see more growth and success than ever before."Set up a company with a strong culture of dedicated, hardworking, highly collaborative, and high-execution individuals. Organize it around ‘how do we work well together? How do we create a safe enough environment where people can be themselves, where they can bring their best selves to work and bring their best ideas?'" Says Aaron Levie, CEO of Box.In this episode of LEARN, Aaron covers various aspects of building a successful company, including fostering a strong company culture, managing executive teams, and maximizing the potential of employees and customers.Key takeaways:- Create a strong company culture where employees can bring their best selves to work and contribute their best ideas- Align talent with the company's trajectory and cultivate an environment where diverse talents contribute to the team's overall effectiveness for greater results- Orient the entire organization around the goal of making customers wildly successful with the company's product or serviceCheck out this episode on your favorite podcast app to understand what your company can gain from developing a strong culture.Resources:- Aaron Levie- Box- Ted Blosser- WorkRampBook Recommendations:- High Output Management by Andrew S. Grove

Remote work is not a trend but a necessity for the future economy. With a staggering number of jobs going unfilled in the West and a massive influx of knowledge workers from emerging economies, it's obvious that embracing a global talent pool is essential. Remote work breaks down barriers, offering companies access to diverse skills and individuals the freedom to contribute from anywhere. “I 100% believe that the future of work is remote and distributed. First, there are macroeconomic forces that we cannot fight. Eighty-five million jobs are going unfulfilled in the West, according to BCG. That's an 8.5 trillion economic loss, around 10 percent of the world economy,” says Tony Jamous, CEO and Founder of Oyster.In this episode of LEARN, Tony explains why modern companies should seriously consider shifting to remote work to continue operating successfully. He also discusses managing and hiring employees from around the world remotely and determining proper compensation through AI.Key takeaways:- Taking care of yourself as a leader allows you to take care of your team better- Working remotely can benefit the health of employees and the environment- Understanding how to manage the mental health effects of remote work is key to sustainable leadershipCheck out this episode on your favorite podcast app to understand what your company can gain from going remote.Resources:- Tony Jamous- Oyster- Ted Blosser- WorkRampBook Recommendations:- Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute

Running a global, remote-first company isn't easy. You're faced with a lot of decisions about what strategies will positively influence the company's global culture, which is why it's critical to be data-driven.“Every time I make a big decision, I look at a lot of data and evaluate a lot of data points. Based on that, I'll analyze and deliver a result and the strategy to the rest of the team. I think it is very important to have a game plan and the reasoning behind it,” says Shuo Wang, CRO and Co-Founder of Deel.In this episode of LEARN, Shuo talks about Deel's philosophy on hiring, leading, and building culture in a remote-first business. Along the way, they also talk about ways to make the most out of Slack, their messaging platform of choice, to form better relationships internally.Key takeaways:- Returning to data will always help your strategies- Building a kudos channel can help teams work better together- Doing async tasks as much as possible will help increase productivityCheck this episode out on your go-to podcast app to discover how you can elevate your remote employee experience.Resources:- Shuo Wang- Deel- Ted Blosser- WorkRamp

It's common for HR professionals to become siloed in a business. But if they don't understand the company and, by extension, the kind of employee experience to cultivate, it can hold a business's momentum back.“HR is a discipline that has become quite specialist and the specialization is fantastic. But if it's not strung together with the employee experience in the middle of it, it leads to behavior that may fit the immediate task at hand, but may miss the bigger picture,” says Darcy Mackay, SVP of HR and Client Services at Rippling.In this episode, Darcy Mackay shares what she learned from her experience as a CPO for a Fortune 120 company and overseeing roughly 9,000 people globally to recruit and retain the best of the best in her industry. They also talk about the meaning of customer experience and how technology can empower the HR role.Key takeaways:- Understanding the business is crucial for HR professionals to be able to find and hire the right kind of talent- Cultivating a strong employee experience can become a powerful competitive advantage- Learning more about the HR role can enhance your skills, even if you're overseeing people in an entirely different departmentCheck this episode out on your go-to podcast app to discover how you can elevate your employee experience.Resources:- Darcy Mackay- Rippling- Ted Blosser- WorkRampBook Recommendations:- Good to Great by Jim Collins- Essentialism by Greg McKeown

No values mean no purpose, and no purpose means no success. Well-thought-out and communicated values are critical for a successful organization. "If you can really live and breathe your values, you're going to provide a lot of gains for your organization,” says our CEO and CEO of WorkRamp, Ted Blosser.In this episode of LEARN, we close out 2023 with Ted sharing his top five learnings around building a values-driven company. Tune in to learn from his experience so you can feel confident that your company's values aren't just words on a wall but what anchors your organization's every move.Key takeaways:- Choose values that are reflective of your company's core identity- Instead of relying on operating manuals, anchor your operations around your values, providing a guiding context for employees while allowing autonomy- Actively live and breathe your company's values and consistently integrate them into daily practicesListen on your favorite podcast app to hear Ted's personal experiences around values and how you can live and breathe them.Resources:- Ted Blosser- WorkRamp

Culture and strategy aren't two ends of a spectrum. In fact, culture should be embedded into your strategy.“I believe that culture is the ‘how.' If you think about your vision or your mission, that's your ‘why,' it's why you exist in the world, why you get up in the morning, why people are doing what they're doing. Then there's the strategy. That's the ‘what.' What are you focused on? What is expected of people to get the outcomes and the results that we want? And then the culture is the ‘how.' How are we doing this? How are we working together?” explains Melissa Daimler, Chief Learning Officer at Udemy.In the latest episode of LEARN, Melissa joins Ted, WorkRamp's CEO & Co-Founder, to discuss the value of developing culture as a part of your business strategies for growth. During the conversation, they also talk about the important distinction between skills and behavior, and why you should be considering how they affect your company from a systems perspective.Key takeaways:- Culture isn't about ping-pong tables or happy hours; it's about how you work.- The link between behaviors and skills is something organizations aren't fully taking advantage of.- Being clear about the behaviors and skills you want your employees to develop is crucial for continuity and growth.Tune in on your favorite podcast app to discover how you can be more strategic in developing culture and embed culture into your strategies.Resources:- Melissa Daimler- Udemy- Ted Blosser- WorkRampBook Recommendation:- ReCulturing

While customer education is still in its early stages, it shouldn't be an afterthought. If businesses want to succeed, they need to make customer education a clear priority for everyone.“Customer education does need to be viewed as something that touches every part of the customer life cycle and the customer journey. There needs to be a conscious effort to ensure that all parts of an organization are working together to incorporate customer education into what they do,” says Joe Ryan, Training Program Manager at Maltego & Founder of Customer Education Newsletter.In this episode, Joe dives deep on how customer education can benefit a company's different departments and the future of the industry. Along the way, we also touch on the transition from free to paid services and fitting customer education in sales processes.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Incorporating customer education successfully depends on an organization's maturity- Relegating customer education as a last-ditch effort for customer retention wastes its potential- Growing the customer education industry and community requires professionals to be more vocal about how it fits into an organization's structureCheck this episode out on your favorite podcast app to discover how customer education can bring massive value to your company.Resources:- Joe Ryan- Maltego- Customer Education Newsletter- Ted Blosser- WorkRamp

People management is more than ticking off the usual HR tasks.Succeeding as a people manager requires a mastery that encompasses a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, leadership acumen, and the adept handling of the intricate tapestry of human connections.“I think the mindset flips that I've seen a lot of people go through and that I hope a lot more HR leaders go through is really operating like something close to a COO—something close to somebody who thinks about, ‘How do I build the strongest, most effective company possible from my seat?'” says Jack Altman, CEO and Co-Founder of Lattice.In this episode of LEARN, Jack shares his insights about the state of HR and people management. Listen in to hear a candid conversation about ways to lead teams better and ensure alignment to produce the company's best work and boost employee satisfaction.Key takeaways:1. Great managers are chameleons who adapt to their teams2. HR can drive operational excellence by designing and improving processes3. The best way to develop leaders is through experiential learningTune in on your favorite podcast app to get a deep dive into the state of people management and how to future-proof your processes.Resources:- Jack Altman- Lattice- Ted Blosser- WorkRamp

The recent OpenAI drama involving Sam Altman's firing and eventual rehiring—all in the span of a work week—highlights an important element of a successful business: board alignment. When your executive team and board aren't on the same page, it could complicate the health of your business.“I've had good board meetings and bad board meetings. I've had misalignment and strong alignment, and through that I've learned a lot about consistently and constantly improving our own board management,” says our host and CEO of WorkRamp, Ted Blosser.On this episode of LEARN, we're trying something different: CEO Series. Ted shares with you eight key learnings he's picked up from his history working with a board to help you stay aligned and manage your relationship with your board members.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Aligning with your board is a critical part of business that many people from the outside don't see- Building relationships with your board, both in and out of the office, helps keep business running smoothly- Growing and elevating your executive team is a reflection of you as a CEOTune in on your favorite podcast app to discover what you can do to nurture relationships with board members.Resources:- Ted Blosser- WorkRampEpisode highlights:[02:42] Learning 1: Have good board management hygiene[04:02] Learning 2: Do a mid-quarter board sync[04:57] Learning 3: Build relationships with your board[05:57] Learning 4: Have strong opinions loosely held[07:36] Learning 5: Choose your board members wisely[09:10] Learning 6: Take compensation seriously[10:40] Learning 7: Bring someone in to support you[12:36] Learning 8: Your executive team reflects you as a CEO

Understanding your customers is crucial. It's the key to your success.Especially in the fintech industry.Domain expertise as a fintech CSM is more than understanding the tech and the jargon of a specific industry. It's also aout realizing what customers encounter daily.“You're a tech company, but you sit on the global financial rails, which is a thing that's largely out of your control. You have to become an expert in that, and you have to become an expert in everything around payments. You have to have a love of that and getting into the weeds on that because that's actually your day-to-day value to your customers,” says Tim Smith, Head of Global Customer Success & Product Sales at Stripe.In this episode, Tim sits down with Ted to discuss the value of having a team of domain experts in his role as customer success. Along the way, they talk about what companies get right and wrong in professional services and the coalescence of customer education and pro services.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Understanding that your professional services are a talent engine for your company- How to cultivate domain experts through an excellent onboarding experience- Creating a culture of documentation gets people on the same page faster, which is vital in the fast-paced world of fintechTune in on your favorite podcast app to learn more about how you can uplevel the customer success processes in your organization.Resources:- Tim Smith- Stripe- Ted Blosser- WorkRampPodcast Recommendation:- Invest Like the Best

Consolidating your tech stack is a challenge these days. The SaaS competition is intense, you're never sure what you're going to get, and the power dynamic between sellers and buyers isn't what it used to be.“There's a very real shift happening. Buyers of software have a lot of leverage—and with a lot of leverage, it's really up to you to say what you're willing to pay. It used to be a couple of years where we saw sellers holding firm and buyers [saying], ‘Okay, I've got all this cash. I'm going to spend it.' But now, it's more like, ‘I don't have all this cash.' So, now we're really seeing buyers tell their suppliers more, ‘Take it or leave it,' says Ryan Neu, Co-founder & CEO of Vendr.In our first live LEARN episode, Ryan joins Ted at our LEARN Virtual Event to talk all about consolidating your tech stack as a learning professional. They touch on the ins and outs of getting buy-in from your CFO and understanding how to reach a win-win scenario, whether you're a buyer or a supplier.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Speaking the language of the CFO to helps justify expanding your tech stack- Finding leverage in today's market is essential for suppliers to survive- Understanding the motivations that drive a salesperson's actions allows you to negotiate betterListen in on your favorite podcast app to learn how you can effectively expand your tech stack and achieve greater ROI on the platforms you choose to invest in.Resources:- Ryan Neu- Vendr- Ted Blosser- WorkRampBook Recommendation:- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Compensation comes in all shapes and sizes, but no matter what your program looks like, it is fundamental to your relationship with your employees. This is why businesses are learning how to make their comp programs even more competitive in order to retain their best performers.“Compensation and transparency are a journey, not a destination. You constantly have to be thinking about and revisiting the different ways in which you're not transparent or the things that, as an HR professional, you might think, ‘Well, everybody just kind of logically knows that, right?' And the truth is, that's often not the case,” says Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale.In this episode, Lexi sheds light on what makes for an effective compensation program. Along the way, she shares how her company transitioned to being fully remote and how they've handled their comp program with a global workforce.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Practicing transparency is your form of currency with your employees- Regularly looking at current comp market data is crucial for providing competitive packages- Going remote allows you to re-invest money into developing company culture across several different locationsTune in on your go-to podcast app to understand how to elevate your company's compensation programs to retain top talent.Resources:- Lexi Clarke- Payscale- Ted Blosser- WorkRamp

The key to customer success is customer education. And the way digital solutions and tech are blending with one another is creating an exciting convergence of possibilities for the space.“It's another font and resource for success. And I think that's the first driver. Don't think about the money. Think about the success thereafter, the engagement that can help drive that success,” says Dave Derington, Director of Customer Education at ServiceRocket.In our latest episode of LEARN, Dave sheds light on how category convergence could work in the customer education space. Along the way, he and Ted also talk about the potential for AI to disrupt processes and how professionals and leaders can push the industry forward through communities.In this episode, you'll:- Understand how different categories could blend together in customer education- Harness the power of AI and automation to make customer education tasks much easier- Find like-minded peers in customer education is crucial for your growth, as well as the growth of the industryCheck it out on your podcast app of choice to learn more about how the customer education space is evolving and how to avoid getting left behind.Resources:- Dave Derington- ServiceRocket- Ted Blosser- WorkRampPodcast Recommendation:- Greeking Out

Previous client success strategies are quickly becoming obsolete. Which means continuous internal training needs to a top priority for organizations that want to see the growth they're hungry for, especially with more people transitioning to the role from completely different industries.“These folks do not have experience selling yet. We're giving them the most important role right now in this economy, where we're not driving a ton of new sales, so we have to work on growing the base. If you have a team responsible for it that's never done it before—and you're not investing in training and enablement—that's crazy to me,” says Kristi Faltorusso, Chief Customer Officer at ClientSuccess.In our latest episode of LEARN, Kristi discusses the value of a customer education program and her philosophy around training. Along the way, you'll also learn about avoiding misunderstandings when it comes to user data and the future of the CS category.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Investing in your client success team's training- Driving more value to your clients and customers, especially in the messy middle- Learning new skills and mindsets to push your personal growth journey forwardCheck out the episode on your podcast app of choice to discover how to lead client success teams more successfully.Resources:Kristi FaltorussoClientSuccessBook Recommendation:- Atomic HabitsTed BlosserWorkRamp

People are truly a business's most important asset. With the right skill development and employee wellness program, a company's talent increases revenue and pushes the organization to reach its goals. “We looked at all of the costs and what employees wanted. Sometimes what they tell you what they want versus what they actually want are two different things. And we didn't want to define what wellbeing meant,” says Patty Kim, VP of People at Vestwell.In this episode of LEARN, Patty discusses how people managers have a valuable seat at the table to set the performance standard at a company. You'll also hear what it takes to create the ideal benefits package to attract and keep top-tier industry talent.In this episode, you will gain insights into:Crafting a benefits package that balances what your business can afford with what employees want, developing a culture of high performers to drive revenueInvesting in your people's development and skillsListen in on your favorite podcast app to learn how to become an even more effective people manager who drives noticeable value to your company.ResourcesPatty KimVestwellPodcast Recommendation:The Daily StoicTed BlosserWorkRampEpisode highlights:[04:48] The future of the benefits market[06:15] Strategizing benefits plans[08:20] Understanding the ROI of benefits plans[10:18] Adopting RTO initiatives[17:52] Gamifying learning programs[19:46] Investing in employee development[23:37] LEARN Rapid-fire round

No matter your industry, you're in the people business. So how do you win friends and influence your people? By building trust.“I believe so deeply that when you truly build trust, you have a much better and more high-functioning team, and you're going to get the best out of your people. You can't force someone to give you their best. They have to choose to really go that extra mile,” says Lindsey Scrase, CRO of Checkr. In our latest episode of LEARN, Lindsey Scrase chats with Ted to talk about her experience joining a late-stage startup and balancing the past with her present and future goals for the team. Additionally, they talk about Lindsey's four factors of culture that can help you enrich your own.In this episode, you will gain insights into:- Developing culture effectively with four essential factors- Adopting an aggressively data-driven approach to increasing sales and revenue- Enabling sales and staying aligned with the teamTune in to discover how you can cultivate a business culture that moves you closer to your milestones.After you listen:- Lindsey's podcast recommendation, Grit- Connect with Ted Blosser and WorkRamp

Let's be real. Retention rates are at an all-time low. So, in a world where you have to do more with less, how do you still service the same customer base and prevent churn? “You can't apply high-touch one-on-one CSM strategies to everything. And so you absolutely have to, right? So products, I think, like the one that you're working on, is an incredible solution—one avenue to drive customer education. If people don't understand how to use the mission-critical moments of impact we call in the product, then you are going to lead to churn,” says Kevin Chiu, Co-Founder & COO, Catalyst. In our latest episode of LEARN, Kevin Chiu joins Ted to take a deep dive into customer-led growth (CLG) and where customer education comes into play. Additionally, they discuss customer operations and where to invest so you can grow your business. Tune in to hear Kevin's key frameworks around: CS prioritization and infrastructure for customer-led growthComp plans, renewals, and the evolution of the CSS roleLeveraging Customer Education for business growthCheck out this episode to learn more about customer-led growth and how to make a big impact on your customer base. Listen on your favorite podcast app.

“Marketing creates demand, and then you hire a bunch of SDRs to generate opportunities, and then you hire a bunch of early to mid-career AEs to take those opportunities and turn them into revenue. And that's all supposed to yield results in a compelling way. It's working less and less. Only 28% of reps are hitting quota right now. This means one out of three is hitting quota, and two out of three are not. Two-thirds of the money we spend is not productive,” says Sam. “So, how do you think about more efficient investments, more effective investments so that you can generate better returns? That's the conversation.”Tune in to hear Sam explore: His fundamental business philosophies.More efficient and effective investments to generate better returns.Techniques that have shaped the growth of Pavillion's thriving community. And more. Take a listen and gain valuable insights!P.S. Don't forget to Subscribe to LEARN so you never miss an episode! And please leave a review.

“When someone gives you feedback, the first thing to say in your head is, they care about me. And when you change that mindset, and you put yourself on the receive mode versus the defensive mode,” shares L. David Kingsley. “Hard mindset shift because, again, many of us grew up not being taught how to take feedback because we thought that meant we were doing something wrong. It's actually an affirmation of how much that person or that company, or that organization cares about us.”Tune in to hear L. David Kingsley shed light on: The role of creating a feedback culture and business impactHow HR is a trusted advisor to the executive team and business partnerWhy People teams need to rethink L&D and the ROI for company growth Plus, more. Take a listen on your favorite podcast app.

“I called it MVR. It's a monthly value review. I made it up, but it was essentially creating a notion document, like a template you sent to the customer every month to remind them when the renewal is, what the general sentiment is, what their goals are, and what the progress is to control. You're constantly communicating value to the customer every month. So they're reminded that you're providing them a value, which is a good starting point for shrinking it from quarterly to monthly.”Additionally, Jamie chats with Ted about: Ways to scale and automate your CSThe importance of getting creative with customer communicationThe lessons he learned while growing VitallyPlus, more.Tune in our your favorite podcast app!

“It's easy for an employee to expect the company to deliver the next step, and certainly, the company has a responsibility to play. But I like this concept that we're on a road trip, and you, as the employee, are in the driver's seat, and I'm your co-pilot. I'm right there with you. I have a map. I have a few options like, "Hey, maybe we go here or here. You can take this route or that route. But you're driving. I'm not driving." And it should always be that dynamic. Again, that just puts the right mindset around your development.”Tune in to this episode to gain insights on:Marta's framework for recruiting and recognizing top-tier talentThe importance of curiosity and how individuals drive their career plansUnderstanding the People function as an extension of the CEO's roleLeveraging the power of AI for HR teamsDon't miss out on this empowering conversation! Listen now.

“We knew that we wanted to invest in a learning management system. We wanted to ensure that the experience wasn't just like, ‘OK, I have to watch these videos and read all this content.' It needed to be this balance of an interactive and gamified experience. And how do we make sure that we can do it in a way that, you know, people want to learn and get excited? And so we came up with this theme called Split Arcade. We have seen just great interaction and feedback from our customers in terms of using it. We've also spent and saved hundreds of hours of CS CSM time. We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of sessions and actions people take within Split. And so it's been, it's been a great initiative.” Tune in to hear Christina discuss: Her framework for a successful customer journey strategy & scaling CS How she mapped our Split Arcade and the ROI of customer educationHow motherhood helped shape her leadership skills & work-life balance Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation! Listen now.ResourcesChristina SinghSplitPodcast: How I Built ThisTed Blosser WorkRamp

“In SaaS, switching costs are much easier. And so there's a lot more worth that has to happen on the customer success side too, again, ensure value high, high-value use cases, etc. So a lot of what we do is focus on doing our best to measure customer health. And you can think of health from a vendor's perspective as a value from a customer's perspective. So if I believe, you as a customer, are deriving great value from Box, I will give you a high health score. If I think you're not deriving great value, you will have a low health score. So the battle for us is less about, we've gotta fend off these competitors all the time. Really, if you think about it proactively, our job is just to deliver as much value as we possibly can.”Tune in to hear Jon discuss: His three-part framework for an effective CS programThe importance of positioning yourself as part of the product ecosystem for customersHow to scale CS and pivot to an automated-first systemDiscover how customer success teams can create a remarkable customer journey, driving real business value and solving crucial business challenges.

“If there's one thing you can get very, very good at, especially in L&D or maybe areas where it's not a direct sales, right? I'm like, okay, what have you done for me lately? Kind of thing. What is the ROI here? You've got to be incredibly good at your storytelling. So you've got to paint the picture for people. You've got to enroll them. They need to become champions for you. Here's what we're doing. Here's why this is important. Here's how you're gonna be involved. This is how I'm gonna enroll you. This is how you're gonna influence your amazing people that you've taken this time to hire, right? And this is what's going to happen from those programs, and this is where we're going, and this is what the roadmap is. So you've gotta become an incredible marketer.”During the episode, you'll hear about Kat's experiences with: Stitch Fix and Box and how her love for music and Burning Man helped her thrive. The secret sauce for hiring and developing exceptional talent and building community within an organization. What it takes to maintain a unique culture when companies go public.Join us for this exciting episode to gain insights and inspiration from a true innovator in the startup space.

“We look at moments of an employee experience, a moment is they're onboarding. A moment is, I just got promoted to leader. And so, let's do some leadership development. And these are really important. They're real-time relevant, upskilling, and support moments that matter. Also, movement matters.” Tune in to hear Marie share her expertise and valuable guidance on:Building a strong sense of community when teams are globally remote and hybrid. Discover how Getty Images embraces the challenge and creates a unified culture.The three pillars that drive a continuous learning culture at Getty Images. Find out how they foster an environment where curiosity and growth are celebrated.Her secret sauce to hiring and developing exceptional talent. Marie shares her invaluable strategies for identifying and nurturing individuals contributing to the organization's success.

“The thing that I really learned is that the whole sales tech stack is fascinating. Some companies have too many tools, spending too much and not getting any value out of them. And there are ones on the other side who really don't have much of anything and are definitely not getting any value out of it. So how can we provide value and services to those CROs so you're looking out the front windshield as opposed to the rearview mirror.” Tune in to hear Randy Seidl, Founder of Sales Community, discuss the following:His coaching philosophy, which helps individuals become the best sales professionalQuestions you should ask yourself before making any career decisionsHow to leverage sales tools to be successfulAnd more. ResourcesRandy SeidlSales CommunityAmity VenturesBook recommendations: Your Go-To Sales Advisor Trillion Dollar CoachTed Blosser WorkRamp

Tune in to hear more about John Schoenstein's not-so-linear career path to public-company CRO (spoiler, he had an impactful stint in Sales Enablement). From Midmarket orgs to IPOs and beyond, John has seen it all. He'll also discuss:Why it's essential to adopt a culture of curiosity to accelerate learning and growthHow his leadership philosophy anchors on coaching people to reach their full potentialHow he walks the walk when it comes to customer-centricity And much more.

“For a long time, I'd see really amazing HR people drive business outcomes, but we were often relegated to clerical and administrative tasks. I think that L&D folks have had that same experience. This is why I feel strongly about making sure you have the right tools. Because when you are in spreadsheets and docs, you're not producing the most transformative work.”Tune in to hear Cara Brennan Allamano, CPO at Lattice, discuss the following: The transformative moments in her career journey Her POV on the "new" future of work and how it's different than where we've been The rise of the L&D Partner And much more.