The Learning Culture Podcast

Send us a textWelcome to another enlightening episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Stephani Okamoto, a veteran in global learning and development with over 23 years of experience at Microsoft, joining us. Stephanie has made waves in transforming corporate cultures, particularly with her work under the "Model Coach Care" framework emphasizing inclusive leadership, empathy, and care.In this episode, Stephanie delves into her current role at ServiceNow, where she implements a growth strategy centered around "Grow Self, Grow Team, and Grow Business." She talks about the critical role of managers, the importance of self-awareness, and fostering a collaborative, trust-based environment aligned with company goals.We explore her journey battling imposter syndrome, her advocacy for intellectual humility, and her mantra, "Don't let anybody dull your sparkle." Additionally, we discuss how humor and psychological safety contribute to a positive and creative work culture.Whether you're a leader striving to enhance your team's performance or someone seeking personal growth, Stephanie's insights will leave you inspired. Stefani Okamoto LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textWelcome to another enlightening episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! In today's episode, we sit down with the inspirational Ingrid Hu Dahl, a founder, CEO, and expert in leadership and inclusion. Ingrid delves deep into her unique framework for listening, highlighting the importance of empathetic, non-judgmental engagement to foster creativity and growth. Together, we explore the intricate connections between ego, fear, and early judgment, and how these elements can stifle idea development and leadership effectiveness.Ingrid shares her wisdom on behavior change, emphasizing the necessity of adopting a beginner's mindset and the power of play in the learning process. She stresses the importance of storytelling, particularly personal narratives, as a tool for understanding and growth in both personal and professional contexts. From the challenges of writing her forthcoming memoir to navigating her multicultural identity, Ingrid's journey is full of insights for leaders striving to build inclusive and empathetic teams.Tune in as we dive into the world of leadership, identity, and the transformative power of listening and storytelling.Ingrid Hu Dahl LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textWelcome to another insightful episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! In today's episode, we sit down with Jennifer Butler, a passionate advocate for leadership growth and human development.  Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of creating impactful learning environments, whether through dramatic initiatives or practical, everyday experiences. Jennifer emphasizes breaking traditional expertise boundaries, fostering internal networks, and balancing the pursuit of perfection with the embrace of vulnerability.This episode is rich with real-world examples, from innovative approaches to leadership development to overcoming challenges of exclusion and political baggage in professional settings. Jennifer's unique insights on integrating storytelling with data, celebrating achievements, and crafting personalized development journeys make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership and personal growth.Join us as we uncover the keys to building a learning culture that drives both individual and organizational transformation. Tune in for a conversation that promises to inspire and uplift, providing actionable takeaways to implement in your own leadership journey.Jennifer Butler LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textWelcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Learning Culture Podcast! Today we're diving deep into the transformative power of self-compassion in leadership with our special guest, Massimo Backus. Massimo, a pioneer in advocating for more human-centric leadership, shares insights from his upcoming book, "Human First, Leader Second." Together, we explore the radical shift away from the myth of perfection and control, toward embracing vulnerability and kindness in both personal and professional realms.Join us as we discuss the value of self-compassion, the misconceptions of traditional leadership, and how acknowledging our critical inner voices can lead to profound personal growth. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how embracing our humanity can lead to stronger, more resilient leadership. So, tune in, get inspired, and discover how self-compassion can revolutionize not only your leadership approach but your entire perspective on life.Massimo Backus LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textIn today's episode, we sit down with Lisa Hammack for an insightful conversation that delves deep into the pivotal role of frontline managers and the dynamics of supporting team success. Lisa reflects on her pioneering work at Oracle, where she developed the Global Sales Leader Academy amidst a significant shift from on-premises to cloud-based solutions. The conversation explores leadership forums, town halls, and how involving everyone in strategic decisions fosters a robust learning culture. From innovative sales training and skill development to creating a culture that values growth and transparency, Lisa emphasizes practical strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention.We dive into the challenges and triumphs of building leadership training programs, managing upward expectations, offering genuine career growth, and the importance of continuous learning. Tune in as we unpack these themes, offering valuable lessons for leaders and managers alike.

Send us a textToday, we are joined by Tekeisha Zimmerman, who leads Professional Development for the People Team at Expedia. In this episode, Tekeisha shares her journey in a role intentionally created to foster growth among talent development professionals. Tekeisha also reflects on her transformative experience at Amazon, where she honed her skills in a high-pressure, customer-centric environment, learning valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and leadership. We discuss the importance of stability during times of organizational change, the emotional impact of leadership transitions, and how empathy and communication play crucial roles in navigating these shifts. Additionally, Tekeisha opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the need for intentionality and empathy in leadership, inspired by her experiences and passions.Don't miss this episode filled with practical insights and inspiring stories that will leave you eager to foster a learning culture within your own organization.

Send us a textIn today's episode, we speak with Courtney Nall, a distinguished leader with profound insights into organizational change, leadership, and learning theory. Together, they explore the transformative power of feedback, the importance of self-efficacy, and the value of genuine collaboration in both professional and personal domains.Additionally, Courtney delves into her passion for ultra marathon running and its surprising parallels to the work environment, highlighting the importance of community and perseverance.Join us as we uncover valuable strategies for fostering personal and professional growth, leveraging feedback for realistic self-assessment, and cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and authentic leadership culture. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode promises to offer practical insights and inspiration for your own journey.Sit back and enjoy!

Send us a textToday I have the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic Al Dea. Al is a seasoned expert in leadership development and the founder of his own consultancy, The Edge of Work. In this episode, we dive deep into Al's journey from attending conferences with his father at a young age to becoming a thought leader in the corporate and consulting world.We explore the essence of leadership, the importance of fostering a collective mindset, and the challenges of aligning individual and organizational values. Al shares his unique insights on creating environments that encourage team-based behaviors, the pitfalls that can stifle effective leadership, and the significance of maintaining a sense of agency within teams.We'll also get personal as Al reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his career, the power of kindness, and the mentors who have influenced his path. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced executive, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on how to lead with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.Relax, sit back and enjoy!

Send us a textWe have the pleasure of diving into a compelling conversation with Lizzy Kizer, an expert in Workforce Development and Change Management. We'll explore the innovative strategies her organization employs, from partnerships with educational institutions to hands-on training programs that cater to a diverse, global audience.Lizzy offers a nuanced look at how cultural and educational shifts are broadening career narratives, emphasizing the significance of trade schools alongside traditional college paths. We'll also delve into her personal learning philosophy, the challenges of delivering timely and relevant training in a fast-paced industry, and the importance of creating strong partnerships with stakeholders.Whether you're intrigued by workforce development, passionate about continuous learning, or just looking to gain deeper insights into effective change management, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives. Stay tuned for an engaging discussion that underscores the power of patience, persistence, and practical problem-solving in fostering a dynamic and resilient workforce!Lizzy Kizer LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textJoin us in this episode as we uncover new pathways to illuminate ignorance and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving workplace. Today, we sit down with Rebecca Stern, an enthusiastic leader at Udemy who is breaking new ground in AI-driven learning and talent development. Together, we delve into the ever-constant nature of change, the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, and the powerful concept of agency in leadership.Rebecca shares her experiences from her early days in organizational psychology to her current role at Udemy, emphasizing data-driven practices, leadership humility, and continuous learning. Tune in to explore how Rebecca navigates the challenges of embracing change, leveraging AI in innovative ways, and fostering growth through personal and professional reflection. Plus, get insights on how fostering agency and genuine relationships can transform leadership and development programs.Sit back and enjoy!Rebecca Stern LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textToday we're joined by a special guest, Micheal Boulter. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the innovative approaches transforming the landscape of training and development in the workplace. We explore the concept of Embedded Trainers, where trainers work hand-in-hand with frontline operators to enhance job performance and provide real-time feedback.Our discussion also ventures into the realm of game-based learning, sharing insights from Micheal's experience with designing educational games that mirror real-world challenges and enhance problem-solving skills. We'll learn about the iterative process behind these games, the necessity of simplicity, and the powerful lessons derived from post-game debriefs.Together, we'll examine the balance between developing leaders and retaining top talent and discuss innovative methods to integrate social and facilitated learning within organizations.Sit back and enjoy!Michael Boulter LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode, we sit down with Tami Rosen, an influential figure at Pagaya, where she now thrives in an externally focused role, bridging internal strategies with external stakeholders. Join us as Tami delves into her unique approach to performance standards, networking, and the evolving demands of leadership.We explore the revolutionary shift from traditional performance reviews to a continuous learning cycle that fosters reflection, collaboration, and honest feedback. Tami also shares personal insights into her journey of learning agility, adapting to new roles, and the importance of patience and connection in leadership. Plus, discover how a lesson from "My Octopus Teacher" documentary can transform our understanding of management and growth.Tune in for a conversation packed with valuable lessons on evolving leadership, navigating change, and building impactful relationships.Tami Rosen LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Send us a textIn today's episode, we sit down with Anna Tilley to dive deep into the complexities of navigating change in the corporate environment. Anna shares her insights on the emotional toll that 'doing more with less' takes on employees and the importance of giving them space to process changes. We'll explore the disconnect between senior leadership and employees during transitions, Anna's efforts to launch a "Women in Technology" program, and her vision for evolving the learning and development department into a strategic partner. Anna also emphasizes the importance of resilience over traditional change management and discusses the concept of anti-fragility—a mindset aimed at growing stronger through adversity.This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and employees alike, as Andrew and Anna discuss everything from fostering continuous improvement mindsets to addressing leaders' pain points and creating environments that encourage vulnerability and reflection. Tune in to learn how to navigate change with empathy, patience, and a focus on personal growth.Andrew Barry LinkedInAnna Tilley LinkedIn

Send us a textIn today's episode, we delve into the fascinating world of learning and innovation with our brilliant guest, Julie McGovern. Julie shares deep insights into the transformation from traditional education methods to the self-driven inquiry essential in today's workplace. We'll explore the power of curiosity, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and how an open mind can unlock incredible opportunities.Julie reveals her journey through the Digital Learning Institute and her strategic implementation of AI tools to revolutionize the learning process. From the nuanced roles of AI in instructional design to real-world applications like Quantified AI and Sauna Labs, she brings a wealth of knowledge on transforming tedious tasks and enhancing learner experience with adaptive technologies.We'll also dive into Julie's personal philosophy on learning zones, striking the perfect balance between comfort, growth, and stress to maximize development. Along the way, we'll uncover the importance of refining AI prompts, the iterative nature of working with AI, and the value of collective learning and experience sharing.Stay tuned as we discuss the future of AI in learning, practical strategies for AI integration, and how to maintain the essential human touch in an increasingly automated world.Julie McGovern LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

We are joined by Laurel Schulert, a dynamic leader at SAP Concur with a rich background in education and performance consulting.In this episode, we delve into the crucial role of personal agency in career advancement and the unique skills educators bring to corporate roles.Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricacies of leadership, the significance of providing autonomy and choice in learning, and the importance of humanity in the workplace. Laurel also offers invaluable insights on team dynamics, effective hiring practices, and the strategic role of L&D as a business partner.Tune in for actionable advice on fostering engagement, enhancing productivity, and driving meaningful change within your organization. Don't miss this compelling discussion that promises to inspire and equip emerging leaders in the Learning and Development space.Laurel Schulert LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

We're thrilled to dive deep into the worlds of leadership, empathy, and career transitions with our esteemed guests, Jennifer Brush and Callan Swaim..We'll explore their shared experiences in travel and hospitality, emphasizing the significance of understanding diverse customer needs and creating memorable guest experiences. The episode also touches upon the challenging effects of COVID-19 on organizations, highlighting innovative strategies and cultural awareness crucial for navigating these unprecedented times. With references to influential works such as "The Power of Moments" by the Heath Brothers, and Erin Meyer's "Culture Map," our discussion promises to inspire and inform.Join us as we uncover the power of human-centered leadership, the importance of showing rather than telling, and the delicate balance of maintaining community and collaboration in professional development.Jennifer Brush LinkedInCallan Swaim LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Michael Brick to explore the transformative power of learning within companies and educational settings.Micheal sheds light on the distinction between formal and informal learning, the critical role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering authentic leadership, and his experiences teaching leadership studies at the University of Maryland.We'll delve into the profound impact of ERGs on workplace culture, the benefits of cohort-based learning, and the necessity of executive sponsorship in driving effective learning initiatives. Michael also shares valuable insights on the importance of self-awareness, the challenges of discussing identity, and the role of failure in leadership development.Join us for a deep dive into building adaptable, resilient leaders and creating supportive, inclusive environments at work and beyond.Michael Brick LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

In today's episode, we dive deep with Kara Skorepa, a national account manager at Bullhorn. Kara's journey is nothing short of inspiring—faced with managing a diverse array of 60 customers post-acquisition, she turned challenging situations into success stories with sheer perseverance and compassion. From dealing with upset clients due to previous overselling to leveraging CRM systems like Bullhorn and Salesforce, Kara's adaptive approach and human touch transformed customer relationships.Join us as Kara shares her strategies for turning negative experiences into positive ones, the value of storytelling in customer management, and the importance of continual learning and self-kindness in the workplace. We'll also explore how she balances meticulous organization with personal touches, and how she has harnessed the unique strengths of her team to achieve remarkable outcomes.Sit back and enjoy.Kara Skorepa LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Today, we have a special guest, the renowned "Team Whisperer" Lia Garvin, who brings her extensive experience from tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Google to the table.In this episode, we dive into Lia's groundbreaking three-part ops playbook designed to revolutionize team dynamics and business operations. She shares invaluable insights on the importance of implementing this playbook, ensuring team support versus simply focusing on outputs, and fostering an ownership mindset across organizations.Lia also sheds light on her transition from Google to launching her own business, driven by a mission to support smaller enterprises. Additionally, we'll discuss the critical role of managers as coaches and the power of open-ended questions in driving team success.Tune in for a conversation packed with practical strategies, real-world examples, and a look at the evolving cultures within tech companies as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in creating a thriving, cohesive team environment.Andrew Barry LinkedInLia Garvin LinkedIn

In today's episode, Andrew sits down with Keith Weightman, RVP of Sales at Bullhorn, to dive into the essence of authentic engagement in both social media and sales. Keith shares his insights on the detrimental effects of robotic responses and highlights the importance of genuine conversations. Together, they explore the concept of "reps getting reps" – gaining as many experiences as possible to excel in sales – and discuss the challenges of training managers, especially underinvestment in this critical area.With a focus on active listening and problem-solving, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for sales professionals and leaders alike. So, tune in, as Andrew and Keith unpack the secrets to creating meaningful engagement and driving success.Andrew Barry LinkedInKeith Weightman LinkedIn

Today, we dive deep with David Hurwitt, founder of Troove, into the evolving landscape of career paths, the pressing need for individualized guidance in educational environments, and the pivotal role of adaptive intelligence in today's workplace.With a 30-year career that transitioned from traditional roles in large companies to impactful positions in startups focused on renewable energy and now education, David shares his expansive insights on finding meaningful work, the importance of agility, and the power of a mission-oriented approach in business and personal growth.Today, we're exploring how David's innovative platform, Troove, aims to radically transform how students connect with their ideal educational and career paths by emphasizing a good social and academic fit, and how these strategies can also inform smarter hiring practices in any field.Join us as we discuss the necessity of resilience, curiosity, and adaptability in overcoming professional challenges and making visionary decisions that pave the way to success.Andrew Barry LinkedInDavid Hurwitt LinkedIn

In today's inspiring conversation, we sit down with Emmy Sobieski, a Wealth & Career Coach with a powerful message about the transformative power of a beginner's mindset. Raised with contrasting views on scarcity, Emmy learned to navigate through life with resilience and an abundance perspective that has significantly influenced her success story.We'll explore the impact of mental frameworks on everything from everyday decisions to professional portfolio management on Wall Street, where Emmie champions the amalgamation of extensive research and high-risk strategies that led her to run one of the most successful funds globally.We'll touch on the important factors that contributed to Emmy's success, including her risk-taking nature, her unique investing strategies, and her unwavering belief in always learning how to learn. We'll also discuss the three B's of making money in any career venture: Break In, Build Equity, and Break Out.So, stay with us for this dynamic episode as we uncover the truth about success, the importance of setting monumental goals, and why every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Andrew Barry LinkedInEmmy Sobieski LinkedIn

Today's episode features an enlightening conversation with our distinguished guest, Adriana Romero. Together, we dive deep into the intricacies of Sales Enablement, the journey from understanding a product to illuminating its real-world impact on customers and the team behind it.In this rich discussion, Adriana shares her wealth of knowledge, from the critical role of communication in enabling sales teams, to her personal mantra of letting go of full control and encouraging trust within organizations. We also explore her transformative advice to her younger self, urging an openness to mistakes and new experiences.With anecdotes on her own shift from Salesforce to OpenText, Adriana brings to light the common principles of productivity irrespective of audience differences. You'll gain insights into fostering a learning culture, not only for individuals but also for front-line managers—a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of sales organizations.Join us for a session that's as much about embracing our human elements in sales as it is about the systematic approaches to enablement.Adriana Romero's LinkedInAndrew's LinkedIn

In today's enriching episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the insightful Alex Zikakis, an Enablement Leader at Seismic. Alex brings to the table a fascinating comparison between nurturing skills in our children through Lego building and fostering strategic thinking within the competitive corporate landscape. We'll unpack the idea of coaching, whether it's for parents, guardians, or frontline leaders, delving into the art of enabling individuals for success both in the playroom and the boardroom.Alex and I will explore the challenges posed by remote work, market conditions, and the constant need for adaptability. We discuss the importance of shifting from short-term achievements to embracing a mindset tailored for long-term growth, and we'll tackle the practicalities of developing a competency model that hones key skills for remarkable performance.So whether you're a parent teaching resilience through colorful bricks, a manager guiding a team, or simply an avid learner looking for your next insight—you're in the right place. Andrew's LinkedInAlex Zikakis LinkedIn

In this gripping second part of our conversation with Brandon Fluharty, we dive deeper into the journey of self-mastery and the high stakes of performance.If you tuned in last time, you know Brandon is not just an expert in transforming professional performance; he's a beacon for those seeking to harmonize their work with their deeper purpose. Today, we'll continue to explore the essential practices that Brandon attributes to his incredible success, including the disciplined protection of time, energy, and attention, and how these contribute to daily wins.With valuable insights into his upcoming book, "Purposeful Performance," Brandon isn't just theorizing; he's living proof that a good personal operating system can make all the difference. So buckle up for a thought-provoking ride—and remember, if you're looking to make sustainable changes in your life, start by being patient with yourself and celebrating those small, purposeful victories.Andrew's LinkedInBrand Fluharty LinkedIn

In this episode, we have a special guest, Brandon Fluharty, a former Revenue Generator with years of experience in sales and the Founder of Be Focused. Live Great. This captivating conversation with Brandon is split into two parts because of the wealth of insights he shares.In part one, Brandon talks about his journey into sales and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. He discusses the importance of embracing natural human interaction over traditional sales tactics and the shift from a labor-based to a knowledge-based economy. We learn about his perspective on creating value and the concept of being a revenue creator beyond just sales professionals.Join us in part one of this insightful conversation with Brandon Fluharty as we uncover the transformational lessons and experiences that have shaped his approach to sales, learning, and personal development.Andrew's LinkedInBrand Fluharty LinkedIn

Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your headphones, because the Learning Culture Podcast is back in action for Season 2!

Decisions that impact your success are often made without you. Having a personal brand means owning the narrative of what others say about you when you're not around.This week's Learning Nugget comes from a conversation about owning and honing personal brands with Andrea Wojnicki.Andrea is a communication coach, Consumer Psychology expert, and self-proclaimed obsessive over understanding "why you said what you just said."This obsession has driven her career. She worked in marketing at Kraft Foods before earning a Doctorate of Business Administration in Marketing at Harvard Business School (her dissertation was on word-of-mouth!).Fueled by deliberate practice and her insatiable desire to understand, Andrea created Talk about Talk, a learning platform to help executives boost their confidence and improve their communication skills.Whether you run your own business or play a vital role on a team, it's important to be in control of your narrative.Please sit back, relax, and enjoy my episode with Andrea Wojnicki.Andrea Wojnicki LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Welcome back to the Learning Culture Podcast!This week's Learning Nugget comes from a conversation with Karthik Puvvada. KP is a no-code builder, community leader, writer, podcast host, angel investor, and growth advisor for startups.He has become the famed “Build In Public” expert across the internet, publishing resource after incredible resource on the topic to help founders and creators leverage this framework and build an audience on the internet.The Build In Public Podcast features ambitious founders and creators chatting with KP about all things build-in-public.The Build In Public Hub is his media site to inspire and teach founders and creators to join the movement.Our conversation gets to the heart of KP's inspiration and expertise.There isn't anybody out there that I've met who understands and can talk about these ideas so eloquently. KP packages his years of experience into digestible lessons for those exploring the world of building in public.Please sit back, relax, and enjoy my episode with KP.KP LinkedInAndrew LinkedIn

Welcome back to the Learning Culture Podcast!This week's Learning Nugget comes from a conversation with Jeff Gothelf. This is a memorable snippet that captures the importance of storytelling as an essential leadership trait.Jeff is the co-creator of the methodology for Lean UX, and he's the author of the award-winning book of the same name (among many others). His work has informed the way thousands of companies approach software and product design.Our conversation revolved around his book, Forever Employable, which chronicles Jeff's transition from employee → agency owner → independent operator. Jeff applied his storytelling skills at every step of his journey toward thought leadership and the lessons from our conversation show how we can do the same. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this Learning Nugget with Jeff Gothelf.Jeff LinkedInAndrew LinkedIn

Welcome back to the Learning Culture Podcast! This week's Learning Nugget comes from a conversation with Scott Jeffrey Miller.Scott is an entrepreneur and a Senior Advisor of Thought Leadership for Franklin Covey, a world leader in consulting and training.His recent years have been dedicated to defining what it means to be recognized as a Thought Leader (hint: it takes more than just declaring yourself one).He's also a best-selling author and the host of the Franklin Covey-sponsored podcast called On Leadership with Scott Miller - a place from which Scott has been able to mine the wisdom of renowned business titans, authors, and thought leaders.Master Mentors is Scott's book detailing 30 of those conversations, a key insight for each of them, and prompts to apply them in your own pursuit of mastery.This conversation is an exploration of how Scott refined all the different transformational insights he has heard in his years interviewing these incredible personalities.Tune in to learn about:How to earn the title of Thought LeaderWhy you should focus on your Smallest Viable MarketThe importance of tough questionsDistilling transformational insights and sharing themI guarantee there is something in this episode for you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this Learning Nugget episode with Scott Jeffrey Miller.Scott's LinkedIn Scott's WebsiteAndrew Barry LinkedIn

This week's Learning Nugget comes from an episode with Stephanie Dua.It's all about developing a bias toward action, nurturing latent passions for learning, and creating professional environments for humans to thrive.Stephanie is the Co-Founder and President of Begin, an early-learning company with products like HOMER, the only learning program proven to increase reading scores with just 15 minutes a day.Beyond her expertise in learning, education, and entrepreneurship, she has an extensive background in public service:Former CEO of NYC Dept. of Education's fund for public schoolsWorked in various non-profit roles with the Carnegie Corporation, Robin Hood FoundationSenior advisor to the Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationShe's also a wife and a mother. So much of our conversation (and her inspiration for HOMER) draws on Stephanie's career experiences, her upbringing, and her everyday life.Tune in to learn about:Stephanie's decision-making confidence and how to hone your own.How to use headwinds and obstacles as inspiration.Effective time management and the unsustainability of sprinting.The qualities of a successful public servantIntegrating "work" and "life," not "balancing."Sit back, relax, and enjoy this Learning Nugget episode with Stephanie Dua!Stephanie's LinkedInAndrew's LinkedIn

Drumroll please

This episode from the vault is with Nat Eliason -- a writer, founder of Growth Machine, and an all-around, self-described internet thinkboi.He's also a massive proponent of self-directed, or non-traditional learning.His career, while starting from a traditional perspective, took a non-traditional and self-directed turn. He and I explore some of the key components of that journey, such as:the far transfer of skills,constructing your own curriculum,learning out loud, andproof of work.Nat is a popular guy; lots of people that are familiar with his work bring up writing, running an online business, or growing his SEO agency. But not many people have picked his brain on the topic of education. And boy, is he a wellspring of knowledge when it comes to education.Tune in for an in-depth, unfiltered episode on self-directed learning and the future of education. Topics covered:The challenges of change and non-attachmentThe innate human desire for certainty and securityEmbracing uncertainty and self-directed learningThe importance of creating guardrailsThe value of practical experience versus certificationsMuch, much more.Without further ado, please sit back, relax, and enjoy my episode with Nat Eliason.Guest LinksNat's TwitterNat's WebsiteNat's YoutubeGrowth MachineNat's LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Today's episode is about the mental friction that holds back a sale, why sellers struggle with it, and Sean Adams' approach to overcoming it.Sean is the Head of Sales and Partnerships at Iorad, a platform that helps you create tutorials quickly and easily. He's also a big part of the enablement and sales community on LinkedIn.Selling through Sean's eyes is about understanding circumstances, not features. For sellers who have never truly been in their customers' shoes, that's a tall order.He and his team at Iorad approach that challenge with the Jobs To Be Done framework. This conversation became a practical discussion of how to apply the framework to the sales process.This is a Learning Culture Podcast bread-and-butter kind of episode.It's filled with stories and tactical insights that you can bring into the fold of your work today.With that, sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Sean Adams.Sean's Adams LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Last week, Paul Slack of Vende Digital walked us through a masterclass on marketing in 2023. Here's the link to that episode if you missed it.Today we're back for part 2, breaking down the barriers between sales and marketing — a challenge that I know hits home for lots of our listeners.Paul is a former sales guy that now runs a digital marketing and demand generation company, so he is well-informed from both perspectives.We agree that enablement plays a valuable role in bringing these two functions together for the greater good of the company, and Paul gets incredibly tactical in this episode about how to set up sales and marketing for success.Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode with Paul Slack.

Paul Slack joins the Learning Culture Podcast this week for an episode on how to succeed in B2B marketing in 2023.Paul is the CEO of Vende Digital, a digital marketing and demand generation company that works with B2B companies.For the last several months Paul and I have gone back and forth on LinkedIn. I finally got him on the podcast to share his clear and fresh view on marketing.Here's a quick glimpse. There is a correct mindset to adopt when creating content for and interacting with buyers:The buyer has access to perfect informationThey are able to learn what they need on their ownThey can make rational decisionsPart 1 of this conversation is about deeply exploring this somewhat counterintuitive approach, as well as exploring the spaces where marketing and sales overlap.Part 2 (tune in next week) will be all about breaking down the barriers between marketing and sales.Make sure your pen is full of ink — I furiously took notes during this chat, so I'm sure you'll find lots of practical takeaways, too.With that, enjoy this Learning Culture Podcast episode with Paul Slack!Paul Slack  LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Jon Selig is a sales trainer who uses the comedy writing process to help clients deliver memorable messages in sales conversations.He teaches not a sales methodology … but a way for sellers to more deeply understand prospects and the problems they solve for them, then come up with pattern-interrupting, creative (and funny) ways to get their attention.This is an invaluable skill for anyone in skills to have.This episode is about demystifying what Jon does and learning tons from him in an unorthodox way.It goes without saying that this was a fun one. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Jon Selig.Jon Selig LinkedInJon Selig WebsiteAndrew Barry LinkedIn

This week's guest is Sheryl Buscheck, the new Director of Global Revenue Enablement at Juniper Networks.We reflect on Sheryl's career and the lessons she has learned leading up to this new role – she's responsible for onboarding and Juniper's Ramp to Productivity Programs.Today's topic is the human challenges of changing your go-to-market strategy. A relevant problem for you listeners, I'm sure.These are all things that come to mind when I talk about learning culture, so it was thrilling to unpack all of this alongside Sheryl and to hear her perspective as a change management professional.For new and returning listeners alike, if you're enthusiastic about helping people navigate change, you're going to get plenty of actionable insights from this episode.Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Sheryl Buscheck.And if we're not connected already, head down the page to find links to Sheryl's and my LinkedIn so we can keep the conversation going.Sheryl Buscheck LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

This week's guest is Sheryl Buscheck, the new Director of Global Revenue Enablement at Juniper Networks. She's responsible for onboarding and Juniper's Ramp to Productivity Programs.The topic of our full upcoming episode is the human challenges of changing your go-to-market strategy. A relevant problem for you listening, I'm sure.These are all things that come to mind when I talk about learning culture, so it was thrilling to unpack all of this alongside Sheryl and to hear her perspective as a change management professional.But in this "Rapid Fire 5" segment, I gather her first thoughts on five key questions related to learning and enablement.Sheryl Buscheck LinkedIn

This week's episode features Katie Pariseau, the Head of Enablement at TrustRadius. She landed in that role a year and a half ago and brings to it lessons from a career that began in social marketing.If you've ever heard Don't Mess with Texas, that's social marketing.Katie worked at an agency whose job is to come up with those kinds of campaigns - advertising that changes behavior for social causes.She and I spent our conversation exploring the lessons she extracted from her fascinating career. As an intern, she interviewed smokers and litterers, uncovered and addressed unconscious behaviors, and fed her insights to the copywriting and creative teams to devise powerful ad campaigns.Tune in for a template- and example-filled episode. Katie and I used our time together to apply her career insights to coaching and enabling people.This was a really fun one for me and I know you'll enjoy it, too. So please sit back, relax, and enjoy my episode with Katie Pariseau.Katie Pariseau LinkedIn

Joining me this week is Katie Pariseau.Katie is the Head of Enablement at TrustRadius. She's been in that role for a year and a half and brings to it lessons from a career that started in social marketing, which  is advertising that changes behavior for social causes. Things like anti-litter campaigns, stopping smoking, and water conservation.Our full upcoming episode is packed with examples, practical things that you can use, and almost templates, with some specific questions that Katie uses as go-to questions. But in this "Rapid Fire 5" segment, I gather her first thoughts on five key questions related to learning and enablement.Katie Pariseau LinkedIn

Welcome to another first-of-its-kind episode! This is a remixed and edited version of a live virtual event I co-hosted with Nikki Schanzer in April. Nikki is a Senior Leadership Development Sales Performance Consultant at LinkedIn, and a dear friend of mine and the show.As enablers, we need to know what it's like to be in the shoes of managers and sales leaders. We need to actually walk a mile in their shoes before we throw just another framework at them.This wasn't just another webinar to chop your vegetables to or scroll along on Twitter while you're listening. This was a nitty-gritty, hands-on experience in which the people who joined left experiencing true transformation.If you weren't there with us, this podcast episode is a perfect way to:Experience the power of the GROW ModelLearn how to structure and implement coaching and mentoringLearn how to provide managers with the tools they need to create an environment of accountability.Get your headphones and your notepad ready — we're going to learn how to scale a culture of coaching at your company together.I highly recommend you share this episode with a friend or a colleague and work through the recording together, making it as interactive as possible.It doesn't have to be a colleague; it can be your partner, your child, your best friend … anybody that wants to learn and grow, and help you do the same.The last thing to do is to check the Selected Links from the Episode below. You'll find:A link to the presentation slide deckA public Google Doc complete with a cheat sheet and our live session attendees' takeaways (feel free to add to it!)Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this special GROW Workshop in Sales Coaching with Nikki Schanzer.Nikki Schanzer's LinkedInPresentation slide deckCollaborative Google Doc

Joining me this week for the first-ever combined panel episode are Kunal Pandya and John Williamson.Kunal is a Senior Director of Global Revenue Enablement at UserZoom and the Founder + CEO of Sales Velocity Labs.John is a Sales and Revenue Enablement Change Agent with an extensive background in sales, most recently working as a Sales Enablement Leader at Analog Devices.Treat this episode as a mastermind - these two gentlemen expertly weave their way through this spiky topic from different angles. Ultimately, we all converge on the same vision and strive to work toward the same goal.This episode went over so well that we're planning to host a live-discussion version of this topic. If that's enticing to you, hop on to my newsletter at curiouslionlearning.com/newsletter.As soon as you get the first email from me, reply and say I'm interested in a workshop with John and Kunal!I had the privilege of sitting back a bit and letting John and Kunal do their thing, and it made for a stellar episode with an interesting and open-ended conclusion.After you listen, head to our newsletter, get that first email from me, and let me know if you're interested in a workshop with these guys.With that, sit back, relax, and enjoy my episode with Kunal and John.Kunal's LinkedInJohn's LinkedIn

Welcome to part two of Elite Human Performance with Brittany Loney. I urge you to go back and watch if you missed part one.In it, I spoke with Brittany, Director of Elite Cognition and Human Optimization for Core One (a company that works with the US Military Special Forces) about her remarkable journey into the world of performance psychology and cognitive neuroscience.We chatted about her origin story and how she ended up working with soldiers that operate in high-consequence arenas to help them develop their potential and work towards elite performance.In this episode, we explore more deeply the psychology and neuroscience that Brittany brings to her work, namely in her framework, ECHO – Elite Cognition and Human Optimization.ECHO is an outstanding training model that progressively builds a soldier (or athlete, or any human) to a level of enduring excellence.It balances high performance with sustainable practices that manage burnout.It considers the underlying physical things (nutrition, habits, productivity, cognitive dominance, integrating with the mission, etc.) we have set as our goal.It is designed to help forge elite teams to keep raising the bar of performance.It's thrilling for me to bring this to you and play a small part in Brittany's expanding influence.Once again, go check out the first episode before you dive in!It's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Brittany Loney.

Brittany Loney joins me this week for part one of a special two-part episode! We were on such a roll, we recorded for almost two hours! Brittany is the Director of Elite Cognition and Human Optimization at Core One.She works with the US Military, specifically, soldiers in very high-risk combat situations. She works with them as groups and individuals to develop their:brain capacity,physical capacity,and emotional capacityto operate at peak performance within those high-risk arenas.In part one we explore Brittany's traumatic college basketball background and how it led her along a learning journey about performance psychology and brain science.She applied her knowledge to other athletes and other sports and eventually found herself working in the US military (where she has been for the past 13 years) and designing an incredible program of packaged expertise called ECHO – Elite Cognition and Human Optimization.In part two (tune in next week!), we'll explore the finer details of the ECHO program and how its foundations align with lots of things we talk about on this show.I recommend getting out a pen and paper or taking notes on your phone, because you'll come across some practical stuff in here to apply at work for the teams that you're responsible for developing and for your own work.This whole episode is about high performance — elite human performance.Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Brittany Loney.Brittaney Loney LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-loney

On this episode of The Learning Culture Podcast, Meganne Brezina, Senior Director of Field Enablement at Seismic, shares her insights on change management.Seismic prioritizes one big initiative every year, focusing on cutting through the noise and being proactive in rolling out new initiatives, achieving messaging alignment, cascading information, and all that good stuff.As a former seller and now an enablement leader, Meganne shares her journey to uncovering the framework for a proper change management approach in enablement and the importance of investing in quality content.Join us as we dive into the importance of coaching as a frontline management aspect, flexibility and adaptability in fast-paced environments, and the need for a common language to scale businesses.Please sit back and relax and enjoy my episode with Meganne Brezina.Meganne Brezina LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganne-brezina

On this episode of The Learning Culture Podcast, Meganne Brezina, Senior Director of Field Enablement at Seismic, shares her insights on change management.Seismic prioritizes one big initiative every year, focusing on cutting through the noise and being proactive in rolling out new initiatives, achieving messaging alignment, cascading information, and all that good stuff.As a former seller and now an enablement leader, Meganne shares her journey to uncovering the framework for a proper change management approach in enablement and the importance of investing in quality content.In this "Rapid Fire 5" segment, I gather her first thoughts on five key questions related to learning and enablement.Meganne Brezina LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganne-brezina

My guest this week is Allison Sword.Allison is the Senior Manager of Revenue Enablement at Restaurant365. She has an incredible track record in the industry in sales enablement and has been around since the beginning.She was a sales leader herself before that, bringing tons of experience to her role.She's also very involved in the WiSE community in Chicago and learned a lot from meeting and networking with people in the space.We sat down and unpacked her experiences and reassembled them into a practical format for all of you listening.Specifically, we talked about onboarding and Alison's take on what she calls “Leader-First Onboarding.”This conversation had been a long time coming with Allison, and I'm glad we got the chance to record it for all of you.So please sit back, relax, and enjoy my episode with Allison Sword.Allison Sword LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-sword

Joining me this week is Allison Sword, the senior manager of revenue enablement at Restaurant365. She has an incredible track record within sales enablement, and has been been around basically since the beginning.  She was a sales leader herself before that and brings so much unique perspective and experience to the role. She's also very involved with the WiSE community in Chicago and has connected and grown a lot through networking with other women in the space.In this "Rapid Fire 5" segment, I gather her first thoughts on five key questions related to learning and enablement.Allison Sword LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-sword/

This week, we have a special episode.Today, I want to share with you an article that I wrote from a review that I did of my first quarter in 2023. I spent the first quarter doing a lot of journaling; it is a new practice that I have taken a lot more seriously this year. And at the end of the quarter, I go away and lock myself up—in this case, in a farm—for 48 hours. And I review all of my notes from the previous quarter and write a synthesis of that.What came out of this particular one was identifying five main themes or pathways that I have found, am walking, and will constantly walk for the rest of my life. I think you'll find them valuable. Well, I hope you do, because I think maybe some of them you'll find valuable, and maybe others you won't. But these five were really essential and will continue to be essential for me to continue walking this path.In the second part of the episode, I talk about how I applied the lessons that I've learned from walking those five pathways to my business. And I share a little bit about our point of view, our purpose, our vision, and a little bit about our strategy too.If you're interested in how we are building this Revenue Enablement as a Service thing, you're really going to enjoy this episode. If you want to read this article, it's up on our blog. Go to https://curiouslionlearning.com/criticalpath. You can check out the full piece of what you're going to hear next, as well as some really cool AI generated images and a lot of other good stuff.With that, it is time for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with me.