They Learn You Win

What happens when inclusion becomes controversial—and how do learning leaders respond?In this episode, David sits down with Geoffrey Roche, a nationally recognized voice on workforce equity and belonging, to unpack the current political and cultural climate around DEI. Together, they explore how companies are adapting (or retreating), the human cost of policy changes, and the urgent role Learning & Development must play in safeguarding workplace culture.Geoffrey shares firsthand insight from his work in healthcare and education, including how organizations are reframing DEI through new language, new strategies, and grassroots action. At the core of this conversation is a challenge to L&D leaders: show up, speak up, and never lose sight of the people behind the programs.Join us as we discuss:– Why belonging can't be a line item—it has to be a leadership mindset– The real-life impact of policy rollbacks on marginalized workers– How to reframe equity work without watering it down– What L&D teams can do to protect culture and promote inclusion amid uncertainty

What does it take to design impactful learning for the people doing the most essential work?In this episode, David welcomes Dani Johnson, Co-Founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research, to unpack the findings of her latest report: Developing Frontline Workers: Focus Where It Counts. Together, they explore why so many companies are misaligned when it comes to supporting deskless workers—and how L&D leaders can shift from check-the-box compliance to strategic enablement. Dani breaks down a three-part framework for frontline development (license to operate, current performance, future readiness) and shares how the most effective teams are getting laser-focused on outcomes that matter to the business.Join us as we discuss:– Why frontline workers still aren't getting the development they need– How “being a detective” helps L&D teams identify skill gaps and solve real business problems– The case for reducing compliance bloat and running leaner, smarter learning ops– What it really means to measure what the business measures

What does it really mean to run L&D like a business—and is that even the right goal?In this episode, David sits down with Ryan Austin, CEO of Cognota, to challenge the clichés and dig into what it actually takes to make Learning & Development a strategic partner. From shifting governance models to aligning with real business outcomes, Ryan shares how L&D can evolve from a support function to a source of measurable impact.They also explore how AI is reshaping operations, the pitfalls of over-indexing on metrics like completion rates, and why chasing ROI might be missing the point.Join us as we discuss:– Why “run L&D like a business” needs a serious rethink– The difference between being a partner vs. an internal service provider– How L&D leaders can earn their seat at the table through alignment and access to data– The smart way to integrate AI in learning ops without scaling bad habits

What happens when a seasoned academic steps into the world of corporate training?In this episode, we're joined by Silvi Mercier, Strategic Training Manager at Fluke Europe, as she discusses the cultural and structural differences between academic and corporate learning environments, and how she's had success in both. Drawing from her experience across classrooms and corporations, Silvi explores the transferable skills trainers bring from education into L&D, the challenge of measuring training impact—especially with external audiences—and the role of feedback loops and AI in optimizing learning outcomes.Join us as we discuss:The three skills that overlap from academia to corporate trainingLeaning on customer verbatims, and using AI to parse and leverage themWhy L&D should take a page out of Marketing's playbook

In this episode, we sit down with Melony Johnson as she takes us on her incredible journey from the classroom to becoming a strategic leader in Learning and Development at Toshiba. She shares her insights on how L&D can evolve into a key business partner, driving success across the organization. Melony dives into the importance of aligning learning with business strategy, creating impactful learning experiences, and the essential roles of leadership development and succession planning. If you're looking to elevate L&D within your company and build a future-ready workforce, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Join us as we discuss: How to align L&D with business strategy to drive organizational growthCreating synergy between performance and learning to boost engagementDemocratizing leadership development to uncover hidden talent and build a future-ready workforce

Training in the restaurant industry isn't just about teaching new skills—it's about creating a culture of growth and retention. In this episode, David chats with Kailey Skinner and Aku Patel from Biscuitville to explore how their innovative training program is reshaping the way employees are developed and promoted. From reducing workplace injuries to increasing guest satisfaction, their strategic use of technology and internal promotions has made a huge impact. We discover how their bold approach is setting a new standard for the industry—and how you can apply these lessons to your own business.Join us as we discuss:The role of technology in transforming training programsHow internal promotions lead to better employee retentionStrategies to improve food safety and reduce workplace incidentsThe future of training at Biscuit Ville and beyond

Most LMS implementations fail to meet expectations, but Akamai found a way to succeed. In this episode, we're joined by DJ Jaeger, Senior Team Manager for Global Technical Training at Akamai Technologies, as she reveals the exact strategy that helped them scale their learning platform without the usual chaos.Discover the secrets behind selecting, implementing, and scaling an LMS that drives real impact. DJ dives deep into Akamai's 'crawl, walk, run' methodology, a strategic approach that allowed them to gradually expand their platform over the past four years. She shares key challenges faced along the way—from technical integrations to stakeholder buy-in—and explains how her team future-proofed the LMS to stay ahead of evolving business needs.Join us as we discuss:Choosing an LMS that aligns with business goalsNavigating technology integrations and IT collaborationEngaging stakeholders across sales, IT, and training teamsTurning skeptics into LMS advocatesBuilding a scalable learning ecosystem that evolves with the company

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Sorber, Director of Learning Design and Analysis at Sport Clips, to explore how AI is shaping the future of haircare training. Jonathan shares how tools like ChatGPT streamline course creation while augmented reality helps stylists master product knowledge and enhance consultations.They discuss innovative possibilities like using AR to show clients potential haircut results and AI-driven personalization for onboarding. Jonathan emphasizes how blending technology with the human touch can elevate both stylist expertise and client experiences.Join us as we discuss:How AI tools like ChatGPT are streamlining training content creation at Sport Clips.The impact of augmented reality and gamification on learning and engagement for stylists.Balancing AI-driven innovation with human-led development in learning and development.

Virtual Reality is quickly becoming training's greatest ally, and with AI leading the way, it's revolutionizing employee development—faster, more effective, and truly transforming how we train the workforce of tomorrow.In today's episode, we're joined by Andy Trainor, former Chief Learning Officer at Walmart and now the CEO of SkillsVR North America. Andy takes us behind the scenes of Walmart's groundbreaking use of Virtual Reality (VR) in Learning and Development (L&D). He explains how VR is not just a trend, but a game-changer, boosting training efficiency and reducing turnover rates. From immersive high-stakes training like active shooter drills to enhancing soft skills and customer service, Andy dives into VR's practical power.We also discuss:How VR Oculus goggles can cut training times from weeks to minutes, dramatically boosting efficiency.Real-world VR modules, including the "wet wall" and active shooter scenarios, that reduce waste, turnover, and even save lives.How AI is enhancing VR training, making it more personalized, engaging, and cost-effective.

How can turning data literacy into a second language revolutionize learning and engagement in your organization?In this episode, we're getting the inside scoop from Zsolt Olah, Senior HR Data Analyst at Intel, on how to unlock the true power of data in L&D. Zsolt reveals his innovative approach to data literacy, showing how data can spark real action and change. He shares practical tips for overcoming data fears and turning it into a seamless tool for boosting engagement. Plus, he dives into why business partnerships are the secret sauce for making data truly impactful in learning.Join us as we discuss:How data as a language can drive actionable decisions and enhance engagement.The importance of data literacy in understanding the motivations behind the numbers.Why it's crucial to start small and build data-driven initiatives incrementally through collaboration.

On today's episode, we're breaking new ground with our first-ever in-person interview, featuring the amazing Melissa Lapiane, the Training Manager of Freedman's Home Improvement! Melissa is a true thought leader in learning and development (L&D) and brings a ton of experience and practical tips to this conversation. If you're looking to take your employee training to the next level, you're in for a treat.Melissa also shares her exciting vision for the future of L&D, full of ideas to inspire and empower your team. Whether you're in L&D or leading a team, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Together we discuss:How to truly connect with and engage your audience for lasting impact,Practical ways to keep training relevant and effective, no matter the size of your L&D teamWhy microlearning is changing the game for employee training.

How can the rise of AI and intuitive skills revolutionize learning and development while keeping human engagement front and center?In today's episode, we chat with Alexandra, Head of Functional Learning & Culture at Kraft Heinz, about how technology is transforming workplace learning. She shares sharp insights on evolving internet skills and the role of human practice in harnessing AI's full potential. Alexandra and David dive into how managers can create a vibrant learning culture, the art of clear communication, and the power of small, incremental wins. Plus, they explore strategies for aligning learning with business goals and tackling the all-important "What's in it for me?" question to keep learners fired up.Join us as we discuss:The captivating shift from Boolean searches to intuitive Google queries and its connection to today's AI, highlighting the need for tech skills evolution through practice.How to engage managers as learning partners and arm them with tools that supercharge post-training application and team performance.Why focusing on the learner's perspective and connecting their contributions to business objectives boosts engagement and motivation.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Dr. Stella Lee, Director of Paradox Learning, as we debate over the world of AI. Discover why the rush for innovation calls for stronger regulations and explore AI's transformative potential, from automating simple tasks like writing emails to navigating complex environments with autonomous vehicles.Dr. Lee shares how AI is reshaping learning and development, revolutionizing assessments, and fostering critical thinking. Her AI literacy framework offers a roadmap for understanding AI's broader societal impacts and preparing for a future defined by human-AI collaboration.In this episode, we discuss:The effects of rapid AI deployment without adequate regulation and the implications of machines making high-stakes decisions.The challenges of implementing driverless buses in South Korea and insights from Stella's AI literacy framework, emphasizing societal impacts and ethical considerations.How AI is transforming education and reshaping the workforce, highlighting the importance of retraining displaced workers and ensuring ethical AI adoption.

Today we sit down with industry expert Danny Klein to discuss the impact of inflation on the restaurant sector and the evolving perception of value in fast food establishments. Danny sheds light on the role of technology, such as kiosks and robotics boosting efficiency, while addressing the broader implications of labor costs. The challenges we are facing with rising prices, causing us to focus on the importance of internal promotions for cutting costs and fostering career growth, Flexibility and adaptability have never been more important to navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of the restaurant industry.Join us as we discuss:How rising prices are reshaping customer behavior and the need for restaurants to reassess their value propositions.The role of kiosks and AI in optimizing operations, enhancing employee roles, and improving efficiency. The financial benefits of internal promotions and providing growth opportunities to keep the workforce motivated and aligned with brand values.

Today, we're joined by John Leh, CEO of Talented Learning, to shed light on the often-overlooked but vital role of customer education in business success. John underscores the importance of aligning training with business goals, tackling the complexities of globalizing customer education, and the promising future of embedding learning into everyday work environments. He also explores the pivotal role of AI in personalized learning, highlighting how effective customer education not only boosts loyalty and advocacy but also drives significant positive impact on the bottom line.Join us as we discuss:The connection between learning and development and customer experience, and how external groups are hiring experts directly.The potential for L&D to become a revenue generator through strategic customer education The future of integrating learning into daily work, the role of AI in personalized learning, and showing tangible results to justify training investments.

In today's episode we sit down with Kelly Palmer, the Chief Strategy Officer at Southern New Hampshire University. Kelly, brings her extensive experience in skills development to the table as they explore the ever-evolving nature of skills in the modern workplace.Together, they address the challenges of maintaining relevant skills in a rapidly changing environment, the role of technology and AI, and the necessity for ongoing professional development.Join us as we discuss:How skillsets have been slowly outshining the significance of traditional degrees in the face of rapidly evolving job demands.The challenges within organizations to adjust their hiring criteria and the communication gap between universities and employers.How the future of online education could lead to the closure of many traditional universities due to lack of adaptability.

From the role of AI in corporate settings to the potential of virtual reality, our host, David, is joined by special guest Lefteris Ntouanoglou the Founder & CEO of Schoox, to dig into the realistic applications and common misconceptions of technology in the workplace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and corporate development. Together, they dive into the critical issue that plagues many organizations: the misalignment between the continuous nature of learning and the often non-continuous approaches to improve performance management.Join us as we discussHow technology, particularly AI, could revolutionize how we identify skills gaps and tailor learning.The role of AI in corporate settings to the potential of virtual realityThe complex terrain of AI, corporate training, and the small, calculated steps organizations can take towards future learning and development

Listen in as we speak with  Vincent Lebunetel, the Co-founder of Boostrs, to unpack the crucial role of measurement in learning and development.. In this discussion, we tackle  the challenges that professionals face in the analytical side of HR, especially those who might find data analytics rather intimidating. With the emergence of Gen AI, the stakes are higher than ever for integrating analytics into our HR practices.Join us as we discussDealing with Data and the challenges of embracing analytics for L&D in the workplace.How AI and natural language processing are revolutionizing the way we think. The importance of understanding and upskilling HR in the wake of Gen AI advancements

We sit down with Felicia White, Director of Scooter's Coffee. We discuss the practical application of learning strategies in business, and focusing on the quick-service industry. She shares her experiences implementing effective training and engagement techniques at Scooter's Coffee. We also explore how these strategies enhance employee skills and contribute significantly to business growth and customer satisfaction. Felicia emphasizes the importance of adapting training to meet diverse customer needs and the role of technology in modern learning environments.Key takeaways from this episode:Innovative methods like 'quick upsell' for practical sales training.The impact of tailored training on customer service and employee engagement.Exploring the future of training with a blend of human interaction and technology use.

We sit down with Charles Jennings, managing director at Duntroon Consultants and a renowned expert in learning and development, to explore the complex relationship between skills development and organizational performance. Charles discusses the nuances of building high-performing teams and organizations, challenging the conventional wisdom prioritizing skill accumulation and collaborative team dynamics. We also talk about the role of AI in reshaping learning strategies and the potential pitfalls if not aligned with a performance-centric mindset.Key Points:Charles emphasizes the limitation of focusing solely on skills acquisition, arguing for a more holistic approach that integrates skills within the broader context of team dynamics and organizational objectives.The dialogue underscores the need for shifting from a traditional learning-centric approach to a performance-oriented mindset, advocating for learning strategies that directly contribute to tangible organizational improvements.Charles predicts challenges in effectively integrating AI into learning and development, stressing the need for a paradigm shift in operational models beyond conventional content-centric methodologies.

Listen in as we talk with Brent Kedzierski, Chief Industrial Advocate at HumanWRKS. He talks about the evolving landscape of learning strategy and the challenges organizations face in developing and implementing coherent learning strategies that are aligned with their business goals. Brent also highlights the crucial role of learning leaders in shaping and executing these strategies while also adapting to industry-specific needs and future trends in workforce development. Brent brings a wealth of experience, discussing integrating learning strategies with overall organizational strategy and the importance of professionalizing the learning function.Key discussion points include:The gap between theoretical learning strategies and their practical application in various industries.The critical role of learning leaders in aligning learning and business strategies.Future trends in learning, including the impact of technology and the need for personalized learning solutions.

Listen as we talk with Kevin M. Yates, the L&D Detective and founder and president for Meals in the Meantime. He speaks about the intricate world of Learning and Development. We also discuss the challenges and strategies of measuring the impact of training programs and how they contribute to human and business performance. Kevin shares his insights from over three decades in the industry, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and the evolving role of instructional design in L&D. Join us as we discuss:The role and identity in L&D focus on the unique concept of the "L&D Detective" and the significance of job titles.The complexities of measuring training effectiveness and the connection between training, human performance, and business outcomes.The future of L&D, including the use of AI and the necessary professional skills and mindsets for advancing in this ever-evolving field.

David Wentworth and special guest, Mike Martin Principal Partner at Changency, Inc dive into the evolving landscape of learning and development in the professional world, particularly emphasizing the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions. They discuss the dynamic balance between leveraging technology and nurturing human connections, especially in a post-pandemic era. The conversation explores how organizations can maximize the impact of in-person learning experiences and the potential role of AI in automating certain aspects of learning to focus more on human-centered activities.Key points include:The importance of face-to-face interaction in learning and development post-pandemic.Strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of in-person training and events.The future role of AI in learning and development and its impact on human interaction.

The saying “the numbers don't lie” might be true when it comes to certain settings, but when it comes to measuring learning analytics, numbers are not the end all be all. If that's the case, how can we measure the impact of L&D initiatives?Learning and development expert Dani Johnson shares her insights on how to better successfully measure the impact of L&D. In her 15 years of experience as an analyst and as Co-Founder of RedThread Research, Dani talks about the different obstacles that Learning Analytics face when it comes to development, accurately capturing impact, and evolving alongside new technology. Join us as we discuss:Traditional LMS vs. new technologyLeadership prioritizing new data, showing the impact of learning initiatives Measuring learning when it comes to more complex jobsThe limitations of using ROI as a measurement

Everyone knows the difference a good coach can make, but when it comes to fully knowing what their purpose and process is within an organization there is less understanding. What is a good coach and how will they provide value to my team?With over 25 years of experience working with talent management, leadership, hiring, and learning, David welcomes Claude Werder, Senior Vice President and Principal Analyst at Brandon Hall Group, to the show. Claude shares all the benefits of coaching, how personalization is vital, how it is different from mentoring, and how it will continue to grow and benefit organizations for the future. Join us as we discuss:The improvements made in an organization from personalized coaching The differences between Coaching vs. MentoringWhat makes an effective coach and what their outcomes should beTechnology's role in the coaching process with automation

“What's in it for me?”This may sound like a selfish question, but it should be top of mind for Learning and Development (L&D) leaders when it comes to employee engagement and retention. Why? Because that's what your employees are asking themselves with every new initiative you roll out, and if they don't like the answer, you might lose them altogether. To help us better understand how L&D impacts employee engagement and retention, David welcomes Schoox's Chief People & Culture Officer, Matthew Brown, to the show. The duo dives into employee loyalty, the need for reciprocal loyalty from organizations, and the importance of investing in broader skills for employees.Join us as we discuss:The results of investing in employee development:Creating individualized development plans to help with retentionUnderstanding what drives people in L&DTaking L&D assessment results into account when making business decisions

For the longest time, organizations invested in Learning Management Software (LMS) to meet the learning and development needs of their employees. Then, all of a sudden, everyone started talking about the need for a Learning Experience Platform (LXP). But are LMS and LXP really that different?Although they often get mistaken for one another, LMS and LXP are different, and while both can be helpful for your organization, you need to understand each platform to use it best. To help find the signal through the noise surrounding these types of platforms, David welcomes Fiona Leteney, Senior Analyst at Fosway Group, to the show. Fiona has long been on the cutting edge of the LMS/LXP discussion, predicting a shift in how learning systems were approached as early as 2017. Join us as we discuss:Importance of integrating programs with communication platformsHow learning experience differs from learner experienceBest ways to shortlist LXPs for your organization's needsState of the digital experience in cohort-based learning programsLarger issues in education that extend beyond LMS and LXP

Should L&D professionals take lessons from… video game streamers?It may seem an odd question, but with the rise in AI and digital tools, so many learning experiences are now being designed without an eye toward how humans actually learn. Those who understand online content consumption and user experience design will be at a massive advantage. These are areas that today's guest, Lan Tran, understands very well. As the Director of Learning Design and Technology at McDonald's—a company as diverse as it is massive—Lan is dedicated to creating learning materials that are customized to local cultures to meet the needs of their people.Join us as we discuss:The unique approach to learning McDonald's uses to serve its vast employee baseHow our struggles, motivations, and engagement factors contribute to effective L&DThe impact of different organizational models on learning design effortsCreating a culture of reflection and practice (even with limited time)

Learning experiences should never be stale, predictable, or cookie cutter. They should be meaningful and people-first, because when your people learn, your organization wins—and the business results follow.That's what we believe, and on They Learn You Win, that's how we'll approach the world of learning and development. Host David Wentworth is joined by colleagues and industry experts to highlight new technology that is blowing our socks off (or just blowing smoke), discuss the latest issues and trends, and put a spotlight on those who are doing L&D so well that it makes us jealous.Join us on They Learn You Win: where L&D meets people.