Lessons from Learning Leaders

SummaryIn this conversation, Joni Goodman shares her journey from being a biochemist to becoming a master trainer and entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the significance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and her experiences in coaching, particularly for women in STEM. Joni emphasizes the continuous nature of personal and professional growth and introduces her upcoming book that aims to support individuals in their development journey.Takeaways* Joni transitioned from biochemistry to training and development.* Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.* Creating safe spaces fosters vulnerability and growth.* Continuous growth is a lifelong journey.* Joni's coaching focuses on women in STEM.* Discomfort is essential for personal development.* Assessments can enhance self-awareness.* Building trust is key in leadership.* Joni's upcoming book will provide practical insights.* Community support is vital for personal growth.Joni's LinksWebsite: https://www.jdgadvisors.com/Encounter You: https://www.encounteryou.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonidgoodman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdgadvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonidgoodman/?igsh=NHAyZjlvNnlocTZv&utm_source=qr#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEymnYdumpHbOk1de2QOOwLinktree: https://linktr.ee/jonidgoodman Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryCassie Leishman, a learning and development manager, shares her approach to creating engaging and interactive training sessions. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating fun and gamification into adult learning, using activities like escape rooms and scavenger hunts. Cassie also discusses the challenges of transitioning from teaching children to training adults and the need to make training efficient and relevant. She highlights the value of focusing on the participants and their needs, building relationships, and being flexible in delivering training. Overall, Cassie's approach aims to make compliance training enjoyable and effective.Takeaways* Incorporating fun and gamification into adult learning can make training more engaging and effective.* Transitioning from teaching children to training adults requires adapting teaching methods and considering the time constraints of adult learners.* Making training efficient and relevant is crucial for adult learners who have limited time and specific job responsibilities.* Focusing on the participants, building relationships, and being flexible in delivering training are key to successful learning experiences. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester interviews Carmen Simon, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in memory. They discuss the importance of memory in business and learning, and how memory is not just about remembering the past, but also about remembering the future. They explore the concept of prospective memory and how it relates to decision-making in business. Carmen shares practical guidelines for improving memory, including the use of repetition, visual elements, and creating associations. They also discuss the limitations of working memory and the need to balance abstract and concrete information. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of controlling the 10% of information that people remember.Takeaways* Memory is not just about remembering the past, but also about remembering the future.* Prospective memory, or remembering intentions set for the future, is crucial in business and decision-making.* Repetition is key to improving memory and ensuring that important information is remembered.* Visual elements and associations can enhance memory retention.* Working memory has limitations, so it's important to be mindful of the amount of information presented at once.* Balancing abstract and concrete information can help improve memory recall.* Controlling the 10% of information that people remember is crucial in business and learning. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester interviews Joe Urbanski about transforming training culture and creating a learning culture. They discuss the importance of making training a want to, not a have to, and how to create a culture that supports learning and growth. Joe shares his personal journey and emphasizes the importance of having fun in all aspects of life. They also explore the challenges of changing a resistant culture and the need to let go of people who are not willing to grow. Joe provides insights on creating a safe and brave space for open and honest conversations, and the role of facilitators in making learning easy and engaging.Takeaways* Transforming training culture involves making training a want to, not a have to.* Creating a learning culture requires aligning the organizational culture with the training culture.* Changing a resistant culture requires having tough conversations and being willing to let go of people who are not willing to grow.* Creating a safe and brave space is essential for open and honest conversations.* Facilitators should focus on making learning easy and engaging, and allow participants to contribute their knowledge and experiences.* Taking 100% responsibility as a leader is crucial for driving change and creating a positive culture.Follow Joe on LinkedIn. He's always sharing powerful and insightful content.And check out Total Solutions Group (TSG), where Joe is the COO. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryJess Almlie, M.S., a learning and development consultant, discusses the importance of measurement in the L&D field. She highlights the trend of L&D professionals viewing measurement as a burden and explains why this mindset is flawed. Jess emphasizes the need for L&D to shift their thinking and approach measurement from a strategic perspective. She suggests focusing on three types of measures: activity measures, effectiveness measures, and outcome measures. Jess also talks about her podcast and newsletter, L&D Must Change, which aims to shift the L&D industry's mindset.Takeaways* Measurement is essential in the learning and development field to demonstrate the value and impact of L&D initiatives.* L&D professionals should shift their mindset and view measurement as a strategic tool for making informed business decisions.* Measurement should focus on three types of measures: activity measures, effectiveness measures, and outcome measures.* L&D professionals should align their measurement efforts with the strategic initiatives of the business.* Jess Almlie hosts the L&D Must Change podcast and newsletter, which aim to shift the mindset of the L&D industry.Follow Jess on LinkedIn.Subscribe to her newsletter and her podcast! Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryDeb Arnold, a marketing communications expert, discusses the importance of winning awards, speaking at conferences, and publishing thought leadership in order to achieve recognition in your field. She explains how these three elements can be interconnected but are not necessarily dependent on each other. Deb shares her experience of helping companies win learning awards and highlights the benefits of winning, including corporate and employer brand building, team credibility, and individual career advancement. She also provides insights on how to choose the right award to apply for and emphasizes the value of the award application process in improving training programs.Takeaways* Winning awards, speaking at conferences, and publishing thought leadership are key elements in achieving recognition in your field.* These three elements can be interconnected but are not necessarily dependent on each other.* Winning awards can benefit the corporate brand, employer brand, team credibility, and individual career advancement.* Choosing the right award to apply for involves considering your strengths, the company you keep, your image, leadership priorities, and how you can leverage the win.* The award application process can lead to the improvement of training programs and provide valuable insights and learning opportunities.Deb's website Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryTony Sanders shares his journey from being a salesperson to starting his own training company. He emphasizes the importance of mindset and overcoming mental blocks when considering entrepreneurship. Tony also discusses the value of focusing on the needs of the people you're training and the importance of selling ideas and concepts. He shares his experience of building training processes and the impact it had on revenue. Tony encourages others to take the leap and start their own businesses, reminding them that failure is a valuable learning opportunity. He also offers a free video training for those interested in starting a training company.Takeaways* Overcoming mental blocks and having the right mindset is crucial when considering entrepreneurship.* Focusing on the needs of the people you're training and selling ideas and concepts are key in the training industry.* Building effective training processes can have a significant impact on revenue.* Failure is a valuable learning opportunity in business.* Tony Sanders offers a free video training for those interested in starting a training company. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this insightful episode of "Lessons from Learning Leaders," host Duane Lester sits down with seasoned talent development innovator Jonathan Halls to explore the evolving world of training and development. Jonathan shares his extensive experience and innovative approaches to creating impactful training videos using modern technologies. He discusses the transition from traditional training methodologies to dynamic, cognitive-based learning that harnesses the power of digital media. The episode delves deep into the strategies for producing professional-quality training videos with just a smartphone, emphasizing the importance of planning, scripting, and adapting to the visual learning modalities that keep learners engaged.Takeaways* The Shift in Training Paradigms: Training has moved from classroom settings to flexible, digital formats that focus on enhancing job performance across various industries.* Essentials of Effective Video Training: Jonathan underscores the significance of planning and structuring content before production to ensure videos are educational and engaging.* Practical Tips for Using Smartphones: Detailed advice on using smartphones for creating high-quality training content, highlighting the unnecessary nature of high-end professional cameras for effective learning videos.* Cognitive Psychology in Learning: An exploration of how understanding cognitive psychology enhances the learning experience, making training more relevant and retention-focused.* Upcoming Trends in Talent Development: Insights into the latest trends and future directions in talent development, with a particular focus on adapting to technological advances and organizational needs.This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in education, training, or looking to enhance their instructional techniques using modern technology.And while you're at it, buy Jonathan's NEW BOOK. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester interviews Kassy LaBorie, a virtual training expert, on how to make online learning engaging and meaningful. They discuss the importance of focusing on the participants and creating a sense of belonging and safety. Kassy emphasizes the need to personalize the training experience and make it about the learners, not just the content. She suggests engaging participants every three to five minutes and using various interactive features to keep them involved. Kassy also highlights the value of assuming grace and giving participants agency in their learning journey. She invites listeners to join her virtual training community, the Virtual Training Hero Hangout, to further explore and discuss virtual training strategies.Takeaways* Focus on the participants and make the training about them, not just the content.* Create a sense of belonging and safety by personalizing the training experience and making participants feel seen and heard.* Engage participants every three to five minutes to maintain their interest and involvement.* Assume grace and give participants agency in their learning journey.* Join virtual training communities, like the Virtual Training Hero Hangout, to further explore and discuss virtual training strategies.Click HERE to visit Kassy's Website.And buy both of Kassy's books —> Interact and Engage and Producing Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars: Master the Technology to Engage Participants Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryDr. Jim Kirkpatrick, the son of Don Kirkpatrick, the father of evaluation in the training industry, discusses the importance of evaluating training programs. He explains the four levels of the Kirkpatrick Model: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Kirkpatrick emphasizes the significance of level three (behavior) and level four (results) evaluations, which focus on applying the learning and measuring the impact on performance. He also highlights the evolution of the Kirkpatrick Model and the need for strong relationships with program sponsors, senior leaders, and managers to ensure successful evaluation. Kirkpatrick encourages organizations to start with a pilot program and build genuine relationships to improve training effectiveness.Takeaways* The Kirkpatrick Model consists of four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results.* Level three (behavior) and level four (results) evaluations are crucial for measuring the impact of training on performance.* Building strong relationships with program sponsors, senior leaders, and managers is essential for successful evaluation.* Starting with a pilot program and focusing on genuine relationships can improve training effectiveness.Visit Kirkpatrick Partners to learn more. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryHarvey Singh discusses the concept of generative AI and its growing popularity. Generative AI refers to the ability of AI systems to not only answer questions but also generate creative content, such as essays, images, music, and code. This technology has vast potential in various fields, including e-learning and content generation. Singh explains the importance of prompts in guiding generative AI systems and highlights the integration of generative AI into learning management systems. He emphasizes the need to view AI as an opportunity for creativity and problem-solving rather than a threat.Takeaways* Generative AI refers to AI systems that can generate creative content, such as essays, images, music, and code.* Generative AI is popular because it offers endless possibilities for content generation and can save time and effort in various tasks.* Prompts are essential in guiding generative AI systems and ensuring accurate and relevant output.* Generative AI can be integrated into learning management systems to enhance content generation, create conversational interfaces, and personalize learning experiences.* The future of generative AI holds exciting possibilities, including the potential for AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and the automation of complex tasks.LinksWhat is Generative AI and Why is it so Popular?Instancy.com Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester and Caleb Stokes discuss the importance of rehearsal and deliberate inflection in public speaking and training. Caleb shares his experience transitioning from acting to training and emphasizes the significance of connecting with the audience through stories and sharing your why. They also discuss the power of cues in building relationships and the role of stories in training. Caleb provides practical tips and insights for becoming a better public speaker and trainer.Takeaways* Rehearsal is key to delivering a confident and engaging presentation.* Deliberate inflection in speech can help convey passion and engage the audience.* Sharing personal stories and connecting with the audience on a relatable level is essential in training.* Understanding and communicating your why or super objective can build trust and create a more meaningful connection with the audience.LinksCaleb's Podcast - The Grassroots ChroniclesBook Mentioned —→ The Pin Drop Principle Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester and Thomas Bingham discuss the power of storytelling in education, training, and advocacy. They highlight the importance of connecting learning to personal relevance and the emotional impact of stories. They also explore the role of storytelling in capturing attention, engaging participants, and driving performance improvement. Thomas shares examples of using stories to advocate for policy change and emphasizes the need for a realistic pathway to achieve goals. The conversation concludes with a reminder that storytelling is an ongoing process that requires continual improvement.Takeaways* Storytelling is a powerful tool in education, training, and advocacy as it helps capture attention, engage participants, and drive performance improvement.* Connecting learning to personal relevance is crucial in motivating learners and ensuring their active participation.* Stories have an emotional impact and can influence decision-making, as people tend to buy with emotion and justify with logic.* Starting training with stories and sharing personal narratives can create a sense of unease and a vision of a better state, motivating learners to strive for improvement.* Continual improvement in storytelling is necessary to effectively communicate messages and connect with the audience.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 Weather and Travel01:50 Background and Passion for Advocating Freedom03:16 The Power of Storytelling in Education04:54 The Importance of Connecting Learning to Personal Relevance06:28 The Role of Storytelling in Training and Performance Improvement08:47 The Engaging Power of Stories09:44 The Emotional Impact of Stories10:41 The Fear of Missing Out and Emotional Buying11:04 Using Personal Narratives to Capture Attention12:43 The Shortest Distance Between Two People is a Story13:43 Creating a Sense of Unease and a Vision of a Better State14:32 Using Stories to Advocate for Policy Change17:17 Starting Training with Stories18:14 Sharing Personal Stories to Connect with the Audience19:12 Telling Other People's Stories20:17 The Formula for Impactful Storytelling21:37 The Realistic Pathway to Achieve Goals25:42 Continual Improvement in Storytelling26:08 Reaching Out for More Information27:20 Closing Remarks Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester interviews Sardek Love, a renowned speaker and master facilitator. They discuss Sardek's connection with Bob Pike, the journey of writing a book, the importance of problem-centered training, giving up control for contribution, Sardek's video blog series 'Ask a Master Facilitator,' the journey to international speaking, the importance of mentors and relationships, and the upcoming training conference. Sardek shares valuable insights and advice for trainers and facilitators.Takeaways* Building relationships and connections with mentors is crucial for personal and professional growth.* Problem-centered training, focusing on the real-world problems participants face, leads to more effective and relevant learning experiences.* Facilitation goes beyond content delivery and requires creating a dialogue and engaging participants in meaningful discussions.* Giving up control and allowing participants to contribute to the learning process leads to more engaging and effective training.* Continual learning and seeking mentorship are essential for success in the training and speaking industry. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester interviews Pete Blank, a training and organizational development manager. They discuss the importance of creating a multi-sensory learning experience to enhance engagement and retention. Pete shares his experience at Disney and how they prioritize purpose in everything they do. They explore the role of sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch in training, providing practical examples and tips. They emphasize the power of laughter and fun in the learning process. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of creating a memorable and impactful training experience.Takeaways* Creating a multi-sensory learning experience enhances engagement and retention.* Sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch can all be incorporated into training to create a more immersive experience.* Laughter and fun are important elements in the learning process.* Physical comfort, such as comfortable chairs, contributes to a positive training experience. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Summary In this conversation, Michelle Cummings discusses the value of experiential learning and her background in the training and development field. She emphasizes the importance of engaging adults in learning and how team building activities can be effective for all levels of an organization, including the C-suite. Michelle also shares her approach to designing team building activities and the process of debriefing them. She highlights the difference between team bonding, team building, and team development, and provides insights into her upcoming session at the Training Magazine Conference and Expo. Here's the video of Michelle leading Simon Says with her new rules:Takeaways * Experiential learning is a valuable approach to training and development, as it engages participants and allows for self-discovery. * Team building activities can be effective for all levels of an organization, including the C-suite, and can help build morale and develop leadership skills. * Designing team building activities involves surfacing specific behaviors, debriefing the activity to discuss its importance, and relating it back to the real world. * Differentiating between team bonding, team building, and team development is important, as each serves a different purpose and has different outcomes. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryDr. Regan Patrick discusses learning myths and misperceptions and how to crush them. He shares his personal learning journey and the importance of lifelong learning. One of the biggest myths he addresses is the idea of learning styles, which is not supported by science. He explains the need to combat these myths and provides strategies for overcoming resistance to change. Dr. Patrick also recommends the book 'Grit' by Angela Duckworth, which emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in learning.Takeaways* Learning styles, the idea that individuals have preferred styles of learning, is a myth that is not supported by science.* Lifelong learning is essential in a constantly changing world, and educators should inspire a mindset of continuous learning in their students.* Addressing resistance to change requires awareness of biases and alternative viewpoints, as well as strategies to help individuals overcome them.* Learning preferences exist, but tailoring instruction to specific learning styles can have negative impacts on learning outcomes. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Duane Lester interviews Matthew Hurtt from the Leadership Institute. They discuss the importance of facilitating discussions and moving away from traditional sit-and-get training methods. Matthew shares his experience in designing a facilitated discussion session and how it created value for the participants. He emphasizes the need to respect individual experiences and address specific problems faced by the attendees. Matthew also talks about overcoming roadblocks and the importance of buy-in from the team. The conversation concludes with Matthew providing his contact information for those interested in connecting with him.Takeaways* Facilitating discussions can create more value for participants compared to traditional sit-and-get training methods.* Respecting individual experiences and addressing specific problems faced by attendees can lead to more meaningful and relevant training.* Overcoming roadblocks and gaining buy-in from the team are crucial for implementing innovative training approaches.* Designing facilitated discussions allows for crowdsourcing solutions and leveraging the expertise of participants. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Join Duane Lester and special guest Jason Edson in this episode of "Lessons from Learning Leaders" as they share six game-changing tips for creating engaging training sessions.Discover how accepting the truth, storytelling, interactivity, visuals, the perfect environment, and practical handouts can transform your training approach. Whether you're an educator, trainer, or simply interested in learning and development, this episode is a must-listen. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast, Duane Lester and Bob Pike engage in a heartfelt conversation. Bob Pike shares his life experiences, including a recent celebration of his life, his battle with illness, and his legacy in the field of talent development. Bob emphasizes the importance of living one's values, adding value, and making a difference in the lives of others. He encourages listeners to put God first and prioritize their families while continuing to empower and inspire others. The podcast reflects on the power of storytelling and the potential for personal growth and transformation at any stage in life. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

In the previous episode, we discussed the basics of ChatGPT and its potential impact on the learning industry. In this episode, we dive deeper into the topic and explore the practical applications of ChatGPT in corporate training.Bob and Duane share their experiences of incorporating ChatGPT in their training programs, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned. They also discuss the future of ChatGPT in the learning industry and how it is likely to shape the way we design and deliver training.Whether you are a learning and development professional or simply interested in the latest trends in technology and education, this episode of Lessons from Learning Leaders is not to be missed. Tune in now to learn from two of the industry's most experienced professionals as they share their insights on ChatGPT and its impact on the future of training. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Are you a learning and development professional looking to level up your skills? Join Bob Pike and Duane Lester on the "Lessons from Learning Leaders" podcast as they discuss the benefits of using ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, in your professional development toolkit, and learn how to leverage its capabilities to enhance your learning strategies and stay ahead of the curve. Tune in now for valuable insights and actionable tips! Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Join Bob Pike and Duane Lester as they bring you the latest insights and expert advice from the world of learning and development. In this episode of 'Lessons from Learning Leaders', they delve into the topic of getting the most out of training conferences. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, this podcast is for you. Bob and Duane have over 50 years of combined experience in the industry and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping others achieve their professional goals. Tune in as they provide valuable tips and strategies for making the most of your conference experience, including networking opportunities, how to get the most value from your sessions, and making meaningful connections with other attendees. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and become a more effective and successful learning and development professional. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Continuing our discussion from last episode, Bob breaks down the last four mistakes trainers make. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Bob and Duane walk through the first three mistakes trainers make when designing and delivering learning materials to learners. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

What should a learning professional look for when considering getting certified to deliver another organization's training? In this episode, The Trainer's Trainer Bob Pike explains what he wants to know before paying for a new training, and what every trainer should consider before going to deliver it. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

In the initial episode, legendary Learning Leader Bob Pike shares some of his most embarrassing moments in his career and explains why they happened and how you can avoid embarrassing yourself. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe