Learning for Good Podcast

Creating meaningful change through staff training and development in a nonprofit can feel overwhelming, especially when you're the only one driving it. In this episode, I talk with Jamie Bussey, Senior Director of Learning and Development at the National Audubon Society.Jamie joined Audubon as a team of one, inheriting a blank slate and a whole lot of opportunity. She shares how she used a needs assessment to guide her strategy, implemented scalable solutions like a learning management system and coaching programs, and launched a comprehensive people manager training called "Leading the Flock."▶️ Leading Change and Navigating Challenges as a New L&D Leader with Jamie Bussey ▶️ Key Points:03:14 Jamie's career journey from journalism to nonprofit L&D05:19 Starting L&D from scratch: challenges and early wins09:56 Designing “Leading the Flock” for people managers14:46 Creating a robust training program 17:02 Overcoming resistance and building credibility21:54 Advice for L&D leaders starting from scratch in a nonprofitResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Improving staff accountability doesn't always require a training program. In fact, some of the most effective strategies for nonprofit leadership development and team performance don't involve training at all. In this episode of Learning for Good, I share three powerful non-training solutions to boost accountability, enhance team culture, and drive consistent performance across teams.Whether you're facing missed deadlines, inconsistent follow-through, or simply want to elevate your team's effectiveness, this episode offers actionable ideas built on workplace behavior change strategies and rooted in the psychology of habit formation. ▶️ Three Non-Training Solutions that Improve Staff Accountability ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why accountability is essential for high-performing nonprofit teams02:50 Three non-training solutions that can improve staff accountability05:50 How these non-training solutions support behavior change and habit formation07:44 Why training alone won't solve performance challengesResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Are you curious about what a career in nonprofit Learning and Development looks like across different types of organizations? In this episode of Learning for Good, we explore the real-life journeys of two nonprofit L&D leaders - Eric Wu, formerly of Northwestern University, and Matt Tod of Plan International Canada.You'll get an inside look at what Learning and Development roles actually look like in two very different nonprofit settings and honest advice if you're looking to make the transition into nonprofit L&D. ▶️ Want to Work in Nonprofit L&D? Here's What You Should Know ▶️ Key Points:04:54 Introduction to Eric Wu and his background in university-based talent development11:11 Key L&D initiatives at Northwestern University19:40 Eric's transition from corporate to nonprofit talent development25:33 Advice for people looking to transition into L&D or the nonprofit sector34:30 Meet Matt Tod from Plan International Canada39:27 Structuring L&D across global nonprofit teams47:00 Building an internal learning culture50:47 Matt's journey to L&D57:33 Career advice for transitioning into nonprofit L&DResources from this episode:Listen to Nadra Dennis and Jaimie Hoffman's career conversations in episode 130: Nonprofit Learning & Development: What Is It Really Like?Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Employees spend 42% of their time collaborating with others. That's almost half of their time. But are they any good at it? Or are there challenges around collaboration? And if there are challenges, what can we do about them?Most people would say collaboration is important for their work, but we're less likely to do it when it feels challenging. And when there's conflict, we're less likely to do it then, too. Can training help? That's what we're exploring in this episode.▶️ How Training Can Improve Collaboration in Your Nonprofit ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Collaboration in the workplace02:02 Building a good foundation for collaboration through training04:43 Building collaboration skills through internal training05:31 Nonprofit collaboration training exampleResources from this episode:2023 Global Workplace Survey from the Gensler Research Institute: https://f.tlcollect.com/fr2/723/96308/global-workplace-survey-comparison-2023.pdf Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

What does it mean to be a good partner in Learning and Development? That's what we're exploring in this episode, but we're doing it from the truest sense of the word partner. I think one of the biggest mistakes we make is that we focus on the actions we need to take to be a good partner. And while actions are important, I don't want a list of actions today. I want us to look at the attributes or the characteristics of being a good partner.▶️ Being a Strategic Learning Partner & The Biggest Mistake You're Making ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The importance of being a good partner04:45 The characteristics of being a good partner07:05 Our goal in L&DResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

All too often, new managers have no training, peer group, or support. Then, when they fail or burnout, we say they weren't management material. We can and we should do more to support new managers.When Cru, a faith-based nonprofit, faced this exact challenge, they decided to offer a coaching program to their emerging leaders. This coaching program would bring in business leaders from outside their organization and engage them as coaches, creating cross-sector support, cross-sector relationships, and cross-sector sharing.Bob Tiede, who helped start this program over 20 years ago, is joining me to share how this program works and what benefits they've seen in their organization.▶️  Cross-Sector Coaching: Enhancing Nonprofit Leadership Development Strategies ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The challenges new managers face03:11 Bob's career journey09:03 About Cru10:56 The start of Cru's cross-sector coaching program for emerging leaders19:17 The value of cross-sector coaches 23:52 Recruiting cross-sector coaches26:36 The benefits of a cross-sector coaching programResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

When we create learning solutions, what we really want is to create a new behavior or change behavior in some way. So, what does it take to create a new behavior? On this episode of Learning for Good, I'm sharing lessons from behavior change experts Charles Duhigg, James Clear, and BJ Fogg. Then, I'm going to take those behavior change lessons and translate them into workplace learning.▶️ Using Learning to Create Behavior Change | Lessons from the Experts ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The challenges of creating a new behavior02:59 Behavior change lessons from Charles Duhigg, James Clear, and BJ Fogg06:07 Applying behavior change principles to workplace learningResources from this episode:The Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggAtomic Habits by James ClearTiny Habits by BJ FoggJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Our world is constantly evolving, and because of that, our experiences across generations are different. Because our experiences are different, our perspectives are different, and because our perspectives are different, our actions are also different. All of those experiences, perspectives, and actions impact our workplaces, which is why L&D needs to get to know our audiences.In this episode, I've invited Kat Landa to talk to us about generational differences in the workplace. Kat is the senior vice president of talent solutions at Dickerson Bakker and brings 22 years of nonprofit fundraising and marketing experience to her work.▶️ Working across Generations? Three Things L&D Needs to Know with Kat Landa ▶️ Key Points:04:11 Kat's nonprofit career journey and focus on generational differences in the workplace10:42 The generations currently in the workforce 12:33 Understanding the Traditionalist Generation in the workforce17:05 Understanding baby boomers in the workforce19:46 Understanding Gen X in the workforce21:42 Understanding millennials in the workforce24:02 Understanding Gen Z in the workforce27:25 The impact of generational differences on Learning and DevelopmentResources from this episode:For further reading, take a look at these resources:https://www.purdueglobal.edu/education-partnerships/generational-workforce-differences-infographic/ https://ifmahouston.org/downloads/Meeting_Presentations/generationaldifferenceschart.pdf https://www.copc.com/navigating-generational-differences-in-the-workplace/ Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveConnect with KatLinkedin: Kat LandaWebsite: katlanda.comConnect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather BurrightWebsite: skillmastersmarket.comBook an interest call with Heather here.

I often get questions about working in nonprofit, so I launched Career Conversations - a series of LinkedIn Live conversations with people currently in nonprofit L&D roles. We are talking about their organizations, teams, and personal career journeys.Today, I'm bringing two of these conversations to you. We're hearing from Nadra Dennis, the learning and talent development director at the Center for Employment Opportunities, and Dr. Jaimie Hoffman, the senior director of learning and development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.▶️ Key Points:02:22 Career Conversations series05:16 Intro to Nadra Dennis and the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)09:03 L&D at the CEO15:56 Nadra's career journey and interest in nonprofit22:16 Advice from Nadra for transitioning into L&D or nonprofit30:05 Intro to Dr. J. Hoffman and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America39:09 L&D at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America 50:08 Jaimie's career journey and interest in nonprofit59:38 Advice from Jaimie for transitioning into L&D or nonprofitResources from this episode:E117: How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association Become a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters: https://www.bbbs.org/bebignow/ Performance-Focused Learner Survey by Will Thalheimer Telling Ain't Training by Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps Training Ain't Performance by Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps Pivoting Out of Edu PodcastConnect with Nadra and JaimieLinkedin: Nadra Dennis Linkedin: Jaimie HoffmanConnect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.comBook an interest call with Heather here. 

Understanding your training audience may be the best thing you can do as an instructional designer. Yet, many of us have never been taught how to conduct a training needs analysis.On this episode of Learning for Good, I want to talk about what you should be learning about your audience. What do you actually need to know? Tune in to find out.▶️ If You've Never Conducted a Training Needs Analysis, Listen to This ▶️ Key Points:02:11 Understanding your training audience to intentionally design for behavior change04:35 Five things to learn about your training audienceResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

In L&D, when we are approached with a training request, it's our job to do a little research for ourselves about training audience needs.Often, the time you have to do this research is limited. Your capacity and the capacity of your subject matter expert is limited, and you may not even feel like you have the expertise to do the analysis. So how can you validate the audience's needs with limited time, capacity, and expertise?On this episode, I'm sharing three ways you can identify training audience needs.▶️ 3 Ways to Identify Training Audience Needs ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The need for a training needs assessment01:34 Identifying training audience needs at a micro versus macro level03:04 3 Ways to identify training audience needsResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

The fear of failure impacts our learners' ability to learn, so we need to help them move to a growth mindset. A growth mindset is a place where it's okay to try new things, fail, and continue to show up and be persistent even in the face of failure.For this episode, I've invited certified professional coach, consultant, and learning facilitator Kim Andrews to talk about the growth mindset. I want us to think about how we help our learners learn and strengthen nonprofit leadership. The growth mindset is a great place to start. ▶️ How to Help Your Learners Learn | Fixed vs. Growth Mindset with Kim Andrews ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The impact of fear and limiting beliefs on learning02:26 Kim's background and career journey in education and learning 09:29 Defining a fixed mindset and a growth mindset11:26 How fixed and growth mindsets show up in learners and impact their ability to learn15:49 Fluctuating between a fixed and growth mindset17:20 How to help learners move from a fixed to a growth mindset23:19 Breakthrough moments using growth mindset techniquesResources from this episode:Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol DweckJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Do you take the time to intentionally reflect after a training project ends? Reflection is powerful and it's something we often do, but it's not something we often do with intentionality.  That's why on this episode of Learning for Good, I want to share the seven steps I follow each time I close out a training project and why they set you up for success later. This training project debrief is really a time of reflection.▶️ How to Conduct a Training Project Debrief ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The power of reflection03:05 The value of a training project debrief03:52 How to conduct a training project debriefResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

If you are looking to transition to L&D, your experience matters! Volunteering can help you fill in the gaps. This is exactly what Dr. Ashley Dugger is here to talk about.Ashley engages volunteers in her organization to help increase the capacity of her team. It also gives those volunteers a chance to deepen their skills in instructional design. So whether you're a small L&D team looking to expand the capacity of your team by using volunteers, or if you're someone who's looking to transfer to the field of L&D, this episode is for you.▶️ Small L&D Team? How One Nonprofit University Uses Volunteers to Increase their Capacity with Ashley Dugger ▶️ Key Points:02:16 Dr. Ashley Dugger's background in L&D and HR08:19 How the L&D team at Bucknell University engages volunteers15:38 The benefits of volunteering18:53 How to manage volunteers21:07 Filling gaps in your resume through volunteering25:06 Tips for L&D teams seeking volunteersResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

In this episode, I want to share my 4-step process to write better learning objectives. What do I mean by better?  This is not a lesson on making them SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely) though that is important. This is about the actual process I go through when writing objectives. This thought process is what gets me to action-oriented, performance-related objectives that drive behavior change.▶️ My 4-Step Process to Write Better Learning Objectives ▶️ Key Points:02:15 What it means to write better learning objectives03:13 My 4-step process to write better learning objectives06:52 Collaboration with subject matter expertsResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Are your learners bored?  So often our training audience attends training that isn't relevant or engaging, contains so much extra information they feel lost, or the included scenarios make no sense for them and their role.Context is one of the most important things in creating effective learning. That's why in this episode, I want us to explore learner personas. What are they? Why are they important? And how do we build them?▶️ Are Your Learners Bored? How Building a Learner Persona Can Help. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The value of context for creating effective learning experiences03:54 What learner personas are and why they are important05:20 How to create learner personasResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

What's the value of an outside perspective? An outside perspective will help you be more consistent, improve your awareness and confidence, and accelerate your career because they can see the things you can't. This is true in all areas of life, including your career. That's why on today's episode, I'm talking to self-proclaimed nonprofit nerd, Jarrett Ransom, about how to create a personal board of directors to help you thrive in your career.Jarrett established her consulting firm in 2009 and under her guidance, teams nationwide consistently raise millions of dollars annually to advance their missions.▶️ How Building Your Personal Board of Directors Will Enhance Your Career with Jarrett Ransom ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The value of an outside perspective04:23 Jarrett's career journey and the people who have supported her 10:22 The benefits of having a personal board of directors12:43 The types of people to include on your board15:47 How to invite someone onto your personal board of directors21:17 Identifying the people in your life to include on your personal board of directorsResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

A lot of what we do in Learning and Development is not life and death. We often have the freedom to experiment with new ideas in our nonprofit training and while we want the best possible outcome, we can feel safe to fail.This is not the case in every industry.In this episode I want us to take some time to learn from another industry - the aviation industry - with leadership development expert Craig Coyle. Craig is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a former U.S. Army Apache pilot. ▶️ 3 Components of Leadership Development | What Nonprofits Can Learn from the Aviation Industry with Craig Coyle ▶️ Key Points:02:53 Craig's background: From Apache pilot to leadership development expert 06:57 Why two-thirds of new leaders fail10:52 A three-part system for leadership development from the aviation industry15:08 Implementing strategic leadership development18:13 The value of a quick win for a new leaderResources from this episode:The Leader's Preflight Checklist: https://operationlead.com/checklist/ Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

 People managers have a hard job. They have to set goals, manage resources, support real humans who are not always easy to support, and keep everything moving on time and within budget so the organization can meet its goals.That's why I've invited  Kamaria Scott, an I/O psychologist focused on people manager development and enablement, to join me on this episode. She's sharing how you can improve the health of your organization by investing in your people managers. ▶️ Improving the Health of Your Nonprofit through People Manager Development and Enablement with Kamaria Scott ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The role of a people manager04:18 Kamaria Scott's background and career journey 11:04 Defining people manager development and enablement15:24 Challenges nonprofits face with their people managers19:51 Solutions for effective nonprofit people manager support23:42 Evidence-based leadership28:21 The first step to investing in your nonprofit's people leadersResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

We know the impact a good mentor can have. Yet, according to a Forbes article, only 37% of professionals have a mentor. This means there are still many people out there who aren't benefiting from this type of relationship.  How do we know when to create a mentoring program? And if we look at the needs and determine we should create one, how do we create the buy-in we need for it? That's what we're exploring today with L&D expert, Neil Cunningham.▶️ The Business Case for Mentoring - What's the Value? with Neil Cunningham ▶️ Key Points:01:50 Neil's career journey in Learning and Development05:26 The Learning Network06:31 The difference between mentoring and coaching08:39 Identifying when an organization needs a mentoring program11:44 The benefits of mentoring programs13:52 The business case for mentoring16:01 Common objections to mentoring programs and how to overcome themResources from this episode:Find out more about The Learning Network: thelearning-network.orgJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

While work may never be the top place you feel belonging, it can be a place where you can be yourself, where you can feel safe, and where you can feel connected to your work and team. However, this doesn't happen organically, we have to work to create a space like this.That's why in this episode, leadership and mindset coach Abigail Finck is sharing the Belonging Blueprint - a tested method for creating connection among your teams.▶️ The Belonging Blueprint: How to Create Connection among Your Teams with Abigail Finck ▶️ Key Points:00:58 What does it mean to belong?02:36 Introducing leadership and mindset coach Abigail Finck 08:10 The importance of belonging in the workplace10:46 The Belonging Blueprint16:45 The challenges teams face in creating connection and belonging at work21:47 Real results from individuals and teams who have embraced creating connection at work27:52 How to create connection and belonging at work as a nonprofit personResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

 Measuring behavior change and impact is hard in most organizations, but add the complexities of federated nonprofit organizations or membership associations, and it suddenly feels impossible.In this episode, I'm exploring why measuring behavior change and impact is so hard in these organizations and I'm sharing some creative ideas to measure them anyway.▶️ How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association ▶️ Key Points:01:38 Why measuring behavior change and impact is hard in a federated nonprofit or membership association03:06 Creating effective learning experiences04:39 Measuring the success of your learning experience in a federated nonprofit or membership associationResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Creating behavior change is no easy task. So when Rebecca Kelley of Waterford.org approached me about a change she wanted to facilitate in one of her teams, I knew we had a lot of work to do. Today's episode is a case study of sorts - we're taking a closer look at how my team at Skill Masters Market partnered with Rebecca's team at Waterford to address their unique needs.Rebecca is a skilled executive and as Waterford's Executive Vice President of Advocacy, she is responsible for advancing Waterford's mission and growth within philanthropic, government, and public spheres.▶️ Using a Blended, Cohort Training Model to Create Behavior Change with Nonprofit Leader Rebecca Kelley ▶️ Key Points:01:43 Rebecca's background and career journey03:50 Waterford's mission and work08:06 Taking a collective impact approach to support nonprofit scaling 12:00 Building a robust learning program to create behavior change18:16 The long term impact of a robust learning program Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I feel strongly that you don't need a formal education in adult learning to be a good instructional designer. But I do think instructional designers have to be open to learning new things.I've learned a lot over my 20 year career in Learning and Development and in this episode, I'm sharing three of my most valuable lessons.▶️ I'm 20 Years into My Career. If You're New to L&D, Listen to This. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The education needed to be a good instructional designer02:18 My Learning and Development career05:59 Three essential lessons from my Learning and Development careerResources from this episode:Episode 69: The Impact of Effective Nonprofit Training ProgramsJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Boundaries, coping skills, conflict resolution, empathy, mental health, and self-care are skills we all need in life, and the nonprofit Un/Do Mindset is on a mission to make sure everyone has them.  They're working to build a more resilient and compassionate society and I think we need more of that in the workplace too. That's why I invited the founder and executive director, Erin Harris, to join me on this episode. She's sharing how Un/Do Mindset is improving emotional intelligence through training.▶️ How One Nonprofit Improves Emotional Intelligence through Training with Erin Harris ▶️ Key Points:01:47 Erin's journey improving emotional intelligence in children05:26 Why emotional intelligence matters11:06 Understanding your brain and your broad spectrum of emotions16:38 How to build emotional Intelligence through training20:02 The results of incorporating emotional intelligence into training24:17 Where to start with emotional intelligenceResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

People with goals are 10 times more likely to succeed. That's the kind of momentum I want as I head into 2025.I've worked with others to set goals for years. I've coached people through career transitions. And I've led project teams with a specific goal in mind so I know how important a goal can be.In this episode, I'm bringing you some recommendations for setting better goals so you can gain that momentum as you set out to achieve the things you want in 2025.▶️ Setting Values-Based Goals for 2025 ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The impact of setting goals02:17 What to do before you start setting goals 08:25 How to set your goals for 2025Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

The number one priority for HR leaders in 2025 is leader and manager development and yet, only 36% of organizations with leadership development programs think they work. Organizations are spending money and prioritizing leadership development but they aren't seeing the results. So what's missing?New manager expert, Eric Girard is joining me on this episode to share two essential skills your people managers need, but probably don't have.▶️ Two Skills Your People Managers Need But Probably Don't Have with Eric Girard ▶️ Key Points:04:27 Eric's journey to new manager development07:48 The challenge new managers face10:37 Leading with empathy13:16 How to invest in your people managers15:25 If you can only develop two skills, focus on these17:37 The value of coachingResources from this episode:Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers by Eric GirardThe Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay StanierJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Stories help us learn and engage us on an emotional level. But one of the more challenging parts of using stories is finding the right visuals to go with them. That's where AI comes in. I personally have not used AI to create visual stories, that's why I invited Dr. Nicholas Leonard to be my guest. Nicholas's passion is at the intersection of AI and learning and on this episode, he's sharing how to use AI to create persuasive, visual stories in our training. ▶️ Using AI to Create Persuasive, Visual Stories for Your Training with Nicholas Leonard ▶️ Key Points:03:05 Nicholas's career journey - combining art, education, technology, and corporate learning 08:09 How visual stories support learning11:15 Using AI to find the right visuals for your training15:59 Four steps to create training visuals with AI24:53 Considerations before using AI to create visualsResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Peer learning is a great technique to use in your training programs because it encourages active participation and networking, ensures diverse perspectives are shared and considered, encourages social and collaborative skills, and so much more.That's why on this episode, I'm sharing five ways you can incorporate peer learning into your nonprofit's learning strategy.▶️ 5 Ways to Incorporate Peer Learning into Your Nonprofit's Learning Strategy ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Should you add peer learning to your training programs?03:01 The benefits of peer learning04:16 Five ways you can incorporate peer learning into your nonprofit's learning strategyResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Providing off-the-shelf courses is a common approach to training and development. But one of the limitations is the lack of context which is often needed to make the training relevant and meaningful. When I heard about Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and how they were combining off-the-shelf courses with more contextualized learning, I knew I wanted to bring this case study to you. Is it possible to combine off-the-shelf learning with tailored content? That's what we're exploring in this episode with Alberto Garcia, a rising L&D professional.▶️ Developing Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses + Customized Conversations. An Inside Look at One Nonprofit's Approach with Alberto Garcia▶️ Key Points:02:59 Alberto's career - from teaching high school history to human resource development 05:39 Learning and Development at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston08:39 Developing people managers with off-the-shelf training10:29 Identifying the needs of your people managers15:22 Tailoring off-the-shelf training to your people managersResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Working with subject matter experts can be a great experience, but it can also be challenging. They don't always understand Learning and Development, they may have competing priorities that take them away from your project, and sometimes they think that they don't really need you.That's why, in this episode, I'm sharing how you can turn your subject matter expert into your biggest asset.  ▶️ Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset with This Approach ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The challenges of working with a subject matter expert in L&D02:36 Navigating relationships with subject matter experts03:42 3 Ways to make working with your subject matter experts a successResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Is training a change project? My vote is almost always YES. Training is often either being used to drive a change or it's being offered as the result of a change.Why does that matter?  70% of organizational changes fail and L&D has a role to play in this. That's why in this episode I'm exploring how we, as L&D, can use change management principles to improve the chances of success in training and organizational change.▶️ How to Use Change Management Principles to Improve Training Project Success ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Training as a change project02:52 Change management principles03:58 Translating change management principles to L&DResources from this episode:Take a look at my past episodes on individual and organizational change:Episode 104: You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create It. Episode 84: Why Change Initiatives Fail? Should L&D Be Involved in Change Management?Episode 31: Staff Not Ready to Change? This One Practice Creates Buy-In for Staff DevelopmentJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Most people form a first impression in just a tenth of a second, and there's no second chances. So, what is your nonprofit's first impression? When you hire a new staff person, what do they think or feel? It's worth asking the question, and it's worth investing in making that first impression a good one. That's why, on today's episode, I‘m sharing three practical ways you can improve your nonprofit's onboarding process and create a great first impression.▶️ Three Practical Tips to Improve Your Nonprofit's Onboarding Process  ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Creating a great first impression with your onboarding process02:20 Why a good onboarding process is so important02:58 Three tips to improve your nonprofit's onboarding processResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

50% of leaders will fail. Even those who were once successful often eventually fail. Leadership failure comes with significant cost. You have to recruit, hire, and onboard a new leader and employees may have left or stopped performing under the old leader.  So why do leaders fail? And how can we in L&D support them so they don't? That's what we're exploring in this episode.▶️ Want Better Leaders? Five Ways to Get Them. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Leadership failure02:10 Why leaders fail02:30 5 Things nonprofits can do to support their leaders' successResources from this episode:Well-being Episodes:▶️ Episode 80: How to Add Well-Being to Your People Strategy▶️ Episode 67: A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

70% of organizational changes fail. I feel strongly that almost every training project is a change project. So, how do we successfully facilitate change?  One essential element is social influence. We have to create the environment and the relationships to help our audience create and sustain the change. But how do we do that? I'm sharing five ways to use social influence to facilitate behavior change in this episode.▶️ You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create It. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why most changes fail03:00 Getting clear on the change you are trying to make04:09 5 Ways to use social influence to facilitate behavior changeResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I often hear from nonprofit L&D leaders about the challenges they face with constrained budgets. And I feel their pain. I know so many of you are working with small teams and few resources. But leadership development activities don't have to be expensive and you don't have to let a constrained budget keep you from developing your leaders.That's why, on this episode, I'm sharing five low to no cost ideas for leadership development.▶️ Five Low Cost Leadership Development Activities ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The cycle of learning03:16 Training on a budget05:16 Five easy low to no cost leadership development activitiesResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

You spend months working hard on a training only to launch it and hear crickets. If you can't mandate people take that training, what do you do?This is where marketing comes in.Marketing is a pretty different skill set than what most L&D teams have. And your marketing team may not have the capacity to support you with each new training.  That's why nonprofit L&D teams need email marketing.That's what we're exploring in this episode with marketing expert Julie Nichols.▶️ Your L&D Team Needs Email Marketing. Expert Julie Nichols Shares Where to Start. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why L&D teams need email marketing07:20 The value of email marketing for L&D10:53 How your L&D team can get started with email marketing15:21 How to impact your target audience18:29 Email marketing resources for L&D teamsResources from this episode:The marketing resources Julie recommends:Liz Wilcox's email marketing membershipAmy PorterfieldThe Lead Magnets PodcastThe HubSpot AcademyJulie's Brand Strategy Online CourseJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I see a lot of L&D job descriptions and they usually include things like communication skills, project management skills, knowledge of learning design principles, and more. And while these are skills that you certainly do use as an L&D pro, what actually helps you hit the ground running?In this episode, I'm sharing three not-so-obvious skills or characteristics that actually make people successful in L&D roles.▶️ Hiring in L&D? Three Things to Look for in Your Next Job Candidate ▶️ Key Points:02:25 Typical L&D job descriptions03:15 Three characteristics that make people successful in L&D roles08:23 How to discover these characteristics in the interview processResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

On today's episode, I want us to look to the future of L&D. However, I don't only want to talk about the future of L&D from an L&D lens; I want us to be holistic and well-rounded and hear from a diversity of perspectives. That's why I've invited some of my favorite L&D and L&D adjacent thought leaders to join me to talk about what they hope for the future of L&D. We're sharing valuable insights, actionable strategies, and innovative ideas for the future of workplace learning.▶️ 5 Experts Weigh In on the Future of L&D ▶️ Key Points:10:53 Using technology and AI to optimize workflows and personalize the learning experience17:47 How L&D will grow as Gen Z and Gen Alpha continue to come into the workforce24:06 Becoming a strategic partner + making learning more inclusive27:04 Personalized coaching with context30:03 Well-being as a competency, not just a buzzword35:17 Focusing on behavior change in community with each otherResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Fantasy football is an $11 billion business with 29.2 million people playing in the US alone in 2022. So what's the appeal?It's our job to look at what fantasy football is doing well and determine what we can steal to make our training more effective. In today's episode, I'm exploring the four things L&D can steal from fantasy football to improve our training.▶️ What Corporate Training Can Steal from Fantasy Football ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The appeal of fantasy football04:09 4 Things L&D can steal from fantasy football to improve our trainingResources from this episode:Episode on blended learning:▶️ Episode 97: 5 Reasons Blended Learning is Effective for Staff DevelopmentEpisodes on making training fun:▶️ Episode 63: 4 Ways to Use Humor and Storytelling in Your Nonprofit Training▶️ Episode 36: How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change with Acey Holmes▶️ Episode 07: Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again with Melissa Dinwiddie▶️ Episode 05: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual TrainingJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Is generative AI your L&D thought partner?I've used ChatGPT for this podcast, for LinkedIn posts, for training, and more. And while I don't yet rely on it daily, it's becoming a better partner for me, because I'm getting better at using it. I love the idea of helping L&D pros like us make generative AI our thought partner, that's why today's guest, Valerie Ehrlich, is sharing four ways you can leverage AI to enhance your strategic role in your nonprofit.▶️ Making Generative AI Your L&D Thought Partner with Valerie Ehrlich ▶️ Key Points:04:13 Changing mindsets around generative AI 08:23 What is generative AI?10:14 Four ways you can leverage AI to enhance your strategic role in your nonprofit17:11 The security and ethical considerations of using generative AI22:19 Experimenting with generative AIResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I'm a big fan of blended learning… I like being able to have learners spend some time inside a virtual or in-person classroom, but I also like them to spend time learning independently or in groups outside the classroom. Blended learning is a great approach to people development. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 reasons why.▶️ 5 Reasons Blended Learning is a Good Strategy for Staff Development ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why blended learning aligns with adult learning needs02:51 5 Reasons why blended learning is effective for staff development08:53 Is blended learning always the right choice?Resources from this episode:Get the Learning for Good Playbook HERE.Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

We often reach for storytelling in our nonprofit training and it's easy to understand why. Stories evoke emotion, help us connect with each other, and help us learn.But, there is a wrong and right way to tell a story. On this episode, Diana Farias Heinrich is sharing her ethical storytelling framework with us so we can tell stories the right way and prevent harm.As the CEO of Habra Marketing, Diana helps nonprofits use ethical communication strategies and marketing to raise more money.▶️ STOP Using Stories in Training...Unless You're Using This Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich ▶️ Key Points:03:59 The importance of stories and how they help us learn09:50 Telling stories with care14:20 A framework for ethical storytellingResources from this episode:The Ethical Nonprofit Summit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/the-ethical-nonprofit-summit/registration Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I start every new training project with a sense of hope and excitement. I'm ready to build a lasting relationship with my client and I feel ready because I have a proven plan for my project kickoff. I'm not reinventing it every time I have a new project. On today's episode, I want to share that plan with you.Whether you're a consultant or currently working inside an organization, this approach should work for you. And hopefully, you'll feel excited and hopeful about your projects when you use it.▶️ 5 Things to Include in Your Training Project Kickoff ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Starting a new training project with excitement02:40 5 Things to include in your nonprofit training project kickoffResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

As a training and leadership development consultant, I'm always wondering what we can learn from things around us, like the Olympics. The Olympics brings together top athletes from around the world as they compete against each other and their best selves. It takes years of practice and dedication to achieve something like this. We can learn a lot about leadership from the Olympics and I want to share that with you today with special guests Kirk Spahn and Sara Daum.▶️ Leadership Lessons from the Olympics ▶️ Key Points:02:06 The process that athletes and leaders follow04:41 Taking the time to celebrate06:11 Tools that can help shape the future08:27 Commitment to learning agility15:40 Connecting to your bigger purposeResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

We have so many tools available for how we design and deliver learning. From project management and identifying learning needs to delivering our learning solutions, we're using tech throughout the process. Nonprofit L&D pros have very specific tech needs and we often have unique constraints that other organizations don't have. That's why I'm so excited that I got to chat with Shari Simpson about 10 tech habits that will change the way you lead talent development.▶️ 10 Tech Habits that Will Change the Way You Lead Talent Development with Shari Simpson of Paylocity ▶️ Key Points:01:29 Nonprofit L&D tech needs05:38 Shari's career journey: From the mental health space to a forward-thinking HR leader09:52 Paylocity: A modern human capital management system11:50 10 Tech habits that will change the way you lead talent developmentResources from this episode:Using Data in Talent Development:▶️ Episode 81: Using People Data to Drive Impactful Professional Development in Your Nonprofit▶️ Episode 59: How to Measure the Impact of Your Training and Development▶️ Episode 72: How Learning and Development Can Use Data to Create a Greater Impact in TrainingJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Getting qualified candidates into the nonprofit leadership candidate pool can be challenging, so we tend to start thinking about our internal candidates. They already know and love our mission so it's logical to want to advance them into these open leadership positions. But are your future leaders ready?In this episode, we're going to explore 10 things nonprofits should do to develop their future leaders and build their internal leadership pipeline.▶️ Building Your Leadership Pipeline? 10 Things Nonprofits Should Do When Developing Future Leaders▶️ Key Points:00:58 Are your nonprofit's future leaders ready?02:36 10 Things nonprofits should do to help build their leadership pipeline15:36 L&D can help develop your nonprofit leadersResources from this episode:Competency model episodes:▶️ Episode 79: Taking an Asset-Based Approach to Competency Models▶️ Episode 51: How to Use Your Competency  Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model▶️ Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't WorkJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

What makes a DEIB training successful?From meaningful discussion to skilled facilitation, there are a lot of things that make a DEIB training successful. But today, I want to talk about using cohorts in your nonprofit's DEIB training.A lot of DEIB trainings are one-off experiences. And if there is more than one training, it's not really set up as a cohort. But I'm a big believer in using cohorts for DEIB training and I'm going to tell you why in this episode. ▶️ Why You Should Use Cohorts in Your Nonprofit's DEIB Training ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Advancing your nonprofit's DEIB efforts03:37 The power of relationships and effective communication06:37 Why you should use cohorts in your nonprofit's DEIB trainingResources from this episode:Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles DuhiggJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

A good coach or mentor can be powerful. That's why on today's episode, I'm sharing five ways you can use coaching and mentoring in your nonprofit's talent development strategy.There are so many benefits to coaching and mentoring and these tools can be used in a variety of ways. While this isn't an exhaustive list, it's a good place to start.▶️ The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Your Nonprofit's Talent Development Strategy ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The power of a good coach or mentor02:54 Five ways you can use coaching and mentoring in your nonprofit's talent development strategyResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Are you listening to your learners? In this episode, our guest is strategic listener Emily Taylor. With a background in human-centered design, Emily is an expert listener. I've worked with Emily before and she's helped me and my clients be better listeners so we can identify skill gaps and create tailored training and resources to support behavior change.She's sharing some of her best tips in this episode, so you can too.▶️ Just Listen. How This One Needs Analysis Method Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training with Emily Taylor ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why listening is so important07:40 Making listening part of your nonprofit training process09:49 What makes listening challenging for talent development teams13:15 The benefits of listening to learners in your nonprofit training18:09 Do this one thing to improve how you listen to your staff right nowResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I couldn't do what I do as a training and leadership development consultant to nonprofits without my support system, and you need a support system too.You are doing the work day in and day out to lead your L&D team (if you're a supervisor), engage with your internal partners, and deliver quality learning experiences. There is a lot that goes into this.That's why on today's episode, we're talking about the four partners every L&D team should have.▶️ Four Partners Every L&D Team Should Have ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why your L&D team needs partners03:27 The importance of a support system05:57 Four partners every L&D team should haveResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!