Learning Matters

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Dasha Crosby, Learning Director at U.S. Bank, to talk about the future of learning and development!With over 15 years of experience in human capital management, talent strategy, and process improvement, Dasha shares why understanding learner pain points is critical for building effective learning strategies—and how communicating the value of learning is just as important as the content itself.We dive into:✅ How to design learning programs that truly resonate with learners✅ The importance of data, storytelling, and ROI measurement✅ How AI and VR are reshaping the future of corporate training✅ Why accessibility and inclusion must be at the forefront of L&D✅ Career lessons Dasha would share with her younger selfWhether you're an L&D leader, instructional designer, or someone passionate about professional growth, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss!

How do you turn learning and development into a business essential and not just a checkbox? In this episode of Learning Matters, we're joined by Carrie Berg, VP of Learning & Development at Teladoc Health, to talk about what it really takes to build an L&D strategy that delivers real impact.Carrie shares how she's built programs leaders can't live without, what metrics matter most, and why newer generations are reshaping the learning landscape. From building culture to leveraging tools you already own, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice for L&D professionals, people leaders, and business strategists alike.

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Bette Kidane, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Intermountain Health, to uncover how her team completely redesigned their training strategy—and achieved a 747% ROI in the process.

This week we're joined by Paul Stephenson Director, Learning - Client Relationships at TIAA to discuss his approach to learning and development. The secret is.... people. We cover everything from human connection, to AI, and cohort-based training. Hope you enjoy!

Ever feel like Learning & Development (L&D) moves at lightning speed? That's because it does. Businesses are evolving rapidly, and training programs need to keep up. This week on the Learning Matters podcast I sat down with John Polaschek, Head of Global Learning Solutions at ServiceNow. He shared his thoughts on what makes L&D successful today and where it's headed next. Spoiler alert: It's all about agility, AI, and leveraging data.What's Inside This Episode?Agility is key – How John and his team stay flexible and responsive to changing business needs.AI in L&D – At first, John was skeptical, but now he sees AI as a game-changer. Learn how tools like Articulate Rise, Capsule, and Synthesia are helping teams develop training faster and more effectively than ever before.Making data work for you – Why L&D teams must go beyond completion rates and smile sheets to truly measure learning impact and make better decisions.Personalized learning at scale – Imagine an AI-powered assistant that schedules the right training at the right time based on your calendar and upcoming projects. That future is closer than you think!The challenge of proving value – Why L&D teams are under more pressure than ever to show real business impact, and how to do it effectively.Major ServiceNow Announcement – ServiceNow has just made over 600 courses available for free to anyone in the world! John shares why this is such a big deal and what's coming next.At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

In this episode we take a look back on some of our favorite moments from this year of the Learning Matters Podcast. We want to thank all of our incredible guests that spent time sharing their incredible journeys and insights on the world of corporate learning. We can't wait to see you next year! –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we take a trip to Vegas for this year's DevLearn Conference. This marks 20 years of the industry-leading learning technologies event shaping the future of L&D. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined by Dr. Alaina Szlachta to discuss her new book "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring". Pre-order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Evaluation-Shoestring-Alaina-Szlachta/dp/1957157720 Year after year, talent development professionals report that lack of time, lack of support or partnership from stakeholders, and limited budgets are key barriers to measuring and evaluating their learning programs. Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring offers TD professionals a process to measure what matters to the organization with the tools and resources they have available. M&E pro Alaina Szlachta applies the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to provide guidance, quick tips, and shortcuts for making measurement easier while still demonstrating the value and impact of organizational learning.With this book, you will learn to ask the right questions, brainstorm metrics to evaluate learning, and build a measurement strategy that fits your needs. It also guides you on integrating measurement and evaluation into your instructional design approach from the beginning as well as using and analyzing data sources you might already have. You'll discover how to build stakeholder relationships to secure buy-in and when to look beyond your expertise for external support and technology.The Association for Talent Development's On a Shoestring series helps professionals successfully execute core topics in training and talent development when facing limitations of time, money, staff, and other resources. Using the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to problem solving, this series is designed for practitioners who work as a department of one; for new or “accidental” trainers, instructional designers, and learning managers who need fast, inexpensive access to practical strategies that work; and for those who work for small organizations or in industries that have limited training and development resources.Subscribe to Dr. Alaina Szlachta's weekly e-publication, The Weekly Measure: https://dralainaszlachta.substack.com/Join her free measurement meetup group to create connections and get advice on all things M&E: dralaina.com/mme–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week, we're joined by Lisa Ekern a Senior Instructional Designer for ttcInnovations. She takes us through her journey in L&D as well as where she gets inspiration from, how she stays on top of industry changes, and where she sees the future of corporate learning. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

The world of learning and development (L&D) is always changing, but nowhere is that more evident than in the energy sector. With new technology emerging every day, governments investing in clean energy, and a new generation entering the workforce, training professionals have a lot on their plates. Anne Campbell, founder of Campbell Training Solutions, is someone who has embraced these challenges head-on. Her journey into the field of L&D is a reminder that sometimes the best career paths are the unexpected ones. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined by Eric Berget and Rose Benedicks as they discuss the origins, process, and concept of Serious Games. We take a deep dive into what might be the most exciting new trend in Learning and Development. If you'd like to know more about Serious Games, Rose will be doing a presentation Oct 30th for The Training Industry. Sign up here: https://trainingindustry.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__2HUfOZ4Te2nVYF832lsGQ#/registration–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we head to Kansas City to meet up with the heads of the Service Delivery Team at ttcInnovations, and they dove into some fascinating topics around learning, team development, and organizational changes. We were able to steal a little of their time to get some insights on how they approach learning and what they're excited for in the future of ttcInnovations and corporate training.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined by Tarrel Pierson, Co-Founder of Navigant Learning to discuss his journey in L&D and the exciting things that Navigant have to offer corporate clients. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined on the podcast by Margharita Nehme. Margharita is a Certified Professional in Talent and Development (CPTD) and an accomplished learning design and technology specialist. She holds a Master's of Educational Technology and has over 15 years of experience in providing results-driven and impactful learning experiences. Her expertise includes creating, implementing, and evaluating training programs, learning blueprints, and technology integration. She's also one of ttcInnovations' Senior IDs.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're taking a look back on the first few months of the podcast to showcase some of the incredible guests and their stories on why learning matters. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined by Kausta Spann of Kausation Consulting to discuss the importance of creating and managing compelling content for corporate learning. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week, we're excited to chat with Katie McLaughlin about the McLaughlin Method and the magic of experiential learning. Katie's journey into adult learning began when she realized how powerful theater techniques could be for creating engaging and immersive learning experiences. She blends her theatrical background with her expertise in adult learning principles, crafting interactive and memorable sessions that really resonate with people.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined by XR Training Lead, Brian Melven to discuss all things Virtual and Augmented Reality. As an XR training lead, Brian's job is all about connecting the latest tech with effective learning solutions. He collaborates with experts, instructional designers, and developers to create immersive training simulations that let learners practice in safe, controlled environments.Brian's strength lies in understanding how VR and AR can meet specific training needs. He's a big believer in experiential learning and is always looking for new ways to make training more engaging, interactive, and memorable.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Eric Berget is a renowned expert in the field of learning experience design, with a particular focus on harnessing the power of storytelling. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that well-crafted narratives can have on learners, captivating their attention, igniting their emotions, and leaving a lasting impression.Drawing from his extensive experience, Eric shares personal anecdotes and compelling examples of projects that have seamlessly integrated storytelling into their core. One such project involved designing a training program for a healthcare organization, where he wove together the stories of patients and caregivers, creating an immersive experience that not only imparted knowledge but also fostered empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience.Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human communication and has been used for centuries to share knowledge, experiences, and lessons. In the context of learning experience design, storytelling can be a powerful tool to captivate attention, enhance engagement, and create a more meaningful and memorable learning experience.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

This week we're joined again by Debbie Wooldridge CEO and founder of ttcInnovations as she answers questions from our audience ranging from the future of L&D, how corporate training has changed over the years, to favorite books from this year. We want to thank everyone who submitted questions. This was a fun one to record. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

In this week's episode of the Learning Matters podcast, Doug chatted with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD, from Your Instructional Designer. Nicole is a pro in corporate instructional design and social learning at scale. They talked about Nicole's unique path into the learning and development field, her approach to creating impactful learning experiences, and the innovative strategies her company uses to foster continuous learning within organizations.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

We're joined this week on the podcast by Megan Gutierrez, founder and CEO of Taproot Learning Connections. We discuss the Taproot method of measuring the effectiveness of corporate training, her beginnings in corporate instructional design, her passion behind learning and why training is so important, the origins behind her starting a corporate training business, as well as her company's focus on DEI and how to make diversity a staple in your adult learning programs. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Join us this week on the show as we sit down with Venessa Alzate, founder and CEO of Anchored Training to discuss how TikTok and micro-learning have changed the way we learn. Find out how you can take your training from long-form to easily digestable, engaging, and exciting chunks to match the way most folks take in information in the new digital age. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

We got a bunch of questions from the episode where I talked about AI for voiceovers, so this week we dive into the fascinating world of AI voiceovers and how they're shaking up the L&D industry. Thanks to incredible advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, AI voices are now impressively human-like, capable of conveying emotions, tones, and all the quirks that make us unique.We'll explore the journey from robotic-sounding voices to today's remarkable AI-generated speech. Meet 11 Labs, the Swiss Army knife of AI voiceovers. From seamless text-to-speech and versatile speech-to-speech features to an extensive voice library filled with diverse accents, ages, and genders, 11 Labs is your go-to for high-quality audio content.We'll also discuss the great debate: AI versus human actors. While AI offers speed and budget-friendliness, there's still something irreplaceable about the raw emotion of a human performance. Maybe a mix of both is the future sweet spot?Join us as we look ahead to what's next for AI voiceovers, creating lifelike audio experiences you won't believe. Tune in to learn how you can harness this technology to create killer audio content without breaking the bank.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

In this episode, we're sharing a webinar with Teresa Chiaputo and Debbie Wooldridge discussing the art and science of working with staffing providers in the learning and development industry. They explore strategies for meeting evolving needs, such as adding more employees to the L&D team, purchasing off-the-shelf training, partnering with L&D staffing providers, or ignoring the problems altogether. They also discuss the importance of conducting training needs analysis, navigating talent needs and bridging skill gaps, cultivating a crew that sails in harmony and sparks innovation, and navigating change and future-proofing staffing strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. In this part of the conversation, Debbie and Teresa showcase three client stories from different industries: financial, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce. They discuss the challenges faced by each client and the strategies implemented to address those challenges. They also emphasize the importance of cultural fit, navigating talent waters, and staying agile in the L&D realm. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Dave's journey from creating presentation graphics to developing online training content has put him at the heart of major industry changes. He shares how multimedia elements and web-based training have transformed learning, making it more accessible and engaging.We also dive into the differences between freelancing and staff augmentation, the power of building strong relationships, and Dave's unique experience at Intel. Plus, we explore the challenges of using AI in training and what the future holds for learning and development.Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Dave's insights on staying adaptable, building connections, and loving what you do are sure to inspire.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

In this special episode, we flip the script and interview our host, Doug Wooldridge, to get his unique take on the podcasting world, AI voiceovers, and his personal passions like BBQ and baking. Doug shares his career journey, proudest moments, and future aspirations, mixing useful podcasting tips with engaging personal anecdotes.Tune in to hear about the pros and cons of AI voiceovers, essential tips for preparing for podcast interviews, must-have equipment for high-quality sound, and strategies for landing great guests. Plus, get a taste of Doug's love for cooking, particularly his sourdough bread and BBQ experiments, and learn how nature inspires him. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Join us on the podcast as we chat with Dr. Robin Sargent, a seasoned pro in learning and development. Discover her journey from teaching to founding IDOL Courses, an innovative program for instructional design. Learn about embracing imperfection, keys to success in instructional design, and the future of the field, including AI integration and the importance of data. Plus, find out how to stand out in this competitive market and explore the IDOL Courses Program, designed to kickstart or advance your career in instructional design in just 24 weeks. Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! Use code “ttc” for 10% off. https://www.idolcourses.com/a/2147646660/RhLodaQ8–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Join us this week as we dive into the world of recruiting and maintaining instructional design talent with Nicole Whitney, Director of Talent at ttcInnovations. Discover the keys to crafting standout resumes and portfolios, acing interviews, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of corporate learning. Learn how Nicole stays ahead of industry trends and fosters a culture fit within her teams. Plus, uncover insider tips for recruiting success and maintaining your mojo in the hiring hustle. Tune in for expert advice and actionable strategies to build your dream team and drive results.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

In this episode, join us as we chat with Mallori Steele, an Instructional Designer, entrepreneur, and community builder. Mallori shares her journey into Learning & Development (L&D) while living abroad, juggling motherhood and a quest for remote work. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and self-care as a working mom.Inspired by her experiences, Mallori founded the Badass Moms community, offering support and empowerment to mothers. She also sheds light on the need for diversity in L&D through initiatives like Black in L&D, promoting visibility for Black professionals and driving change.Tune in for insights on taking risks, pursuing passions, and finding community in the L&D world. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Mallori's wisdom will inspire your journey in Learning & Development.

Join us this week on Learning Matters as we sit down with a portion of the ttcInnovations Sales team, Teresa Chiapputo and Brady Grover. We discuss the latest and greatest offering from ttcInnovations, the Subscription Learning Services, and how empowering your employees to come up with new ideas to best meet client needs breeds innovation. As well as how to bring those clients in pre-launch to work hand-in-hand to develop a product that can be a game changer for all clients, big or small.Resources:Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/Get a free week trial of subscription learning services: Download The Unlimited Guide to Our Unlimited Learning Subscription: Everything you need to get started and maximize success including an onboarding checklist, a done-for-you template to make the case for stakeholders, and more! How to Use Subscription Learning Services to Solve Unique L&D Challenges: –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Join Eric Berget, our Creative Solutions Lead at Dashe, as we chat about how to make learning more fun and engaging using storytelling techniques and AI tools. If you want to grab your learners' attention and keep them interested, this episode is for you! Eric explains the difference between making learning experiences and instructional design, stressing the importance of thinking about what your learners really need and like. He also talks about using AI tools like Midjourney to make captivating images and graphics for your learning content. Tune in for the tradeoffs and a word of caution not to get carried away and balance the human element. Be sure to check out the video version of this episode to see real-life examples, a step-by-step walk through and more! https://www.youtube.com/@ttcInnovationsResources:Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/ Looking to take your content development to the next level with AI? Sign up for our Training Industry demo on How to Create Better Learning Experiences Using Generative AI Images: https://bit.ly/3UhglCRThe Role of Storytelling in Learning Experience Design: https://bit.ly/3vSP409The ROI Advantage of Vyond Go AI Videos in L&D: https://bit.ly/4aBxTPL–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Join us as we chat with Debbie Wooldridge, CEO and Founder of ttcInnovations, as she shares the key business strategies for building a sustainable learning and development company. Debbie shares her journey of reaching the million-dollar milestone, highlighting challenges in expanding her client base and positioning the company as a partner rather than just an outsourced solution. Emphasizing authenticity, integrity, and continuous improvement, Debbie also discusses strategies for staying motivated and overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges like burnout, alongside tactics for long-term success. She found growth opportunities through programs like Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, gaining new perspectives and ideas for her company. Debbie also talks about launching a new service, Innovators on Demand®, which helps clients find temporary staff augmentation workers when they need them. This program became really important for ttcInnovations and led them to start offering subscription learning services. She also shares the process of acquiring another company, Dash and Thompson, LLC, and how important it is to have a good company culture. Listen in as Debbie shares what's on the horizon for the future of ttcInnovations and Dashe! Resources:Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/Tune into Part 1 of Debbie's story: From Corporate Instructional Designer to 6-Figure Freelancer in 1 Year: https://bit.ly/3W57CVPSharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! https://bit.ly/ttcxIDOL Use code “ttc” for 10% off (affiliate link).How to Launch Your Career as an L&D Consultant: https://bit.ly/4azXW9ZHow Learning Leaders Can Create a Learning Culture in Organizations: https://bit.ly/3vShGqi3 Ways to Reinforce Culture & Values in Your Training Curriculum: https://bit.ly/3PZ5s6gTailoring Solutions: Budget-Conscious Learning Alternatives to Propose to Your Clients: https://bit.ly/4cZiWc0–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

We're sitting down with our founder Debbie Wooldridge to dive into the early days of ttcInnovations, the challenges of navigating industry changes, and the lessons learned on her path to a 7-figure business. Debbie shares her journey from working in childcare to becoming an instructional designer and training manager in corporate America. She discusses the challenges she faced with new leadership and the impact of a changing company culture. Debbie also talks about her transition to contracting and starting her own instructional design business, DW Training and Development, Inc.. Throughout her journey, she emphasizes the importance of creating relevant and relatable training that helps employees become better at what they do. Debbie discusses the growth of a sustainable business, the partnership with Bank of America, and the expansion of the instructional design and content development team. Tune in for inspiration on your L&D career path!Resources:Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/Tune into Part 2 of Debbie's story: Secrets to Securing Repeat Business with Customer Loyalty: https://bit.ly/3W0E2k6Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! https://bit.ly/ttcxIDOL Use code “ttc” for 10% off (affiliate link).How to Launch Your Career as an L&D Consultant: https://bit.ly/4azXW9Z6 Practical Ways to Grow Your ID Business Tips for Beginners: https://bit.ly/3Q35l9QThe Art of Launching L&D Projects: 10 Key Components for a Successful Project Kick-Off Meeting (Free Template): https://bit.ly/49FPyEyHow to Find and Refine Your Instructional Design Niche: https://bit.ly/3UhIlWX–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

Welcome to the Learning Matters podcast, your go-to resource for learning leaders and consultants passionate about professional growth and impactful development! Get weekly insights on instructional design, leadership, training tools, and staffing strategies to stay ahead. Hosted by Doug Wooldridge of ttcInnovations, we blend real-life case studies, stories, and insights from industry leaders and innovators to inspire impactful learning experiences.At ttcInnovations, we build custom training for businesses using top-tier talent to create dynamic learning ecosystems, driving lasting change through strategy, design, and development.