28. Maturing the L&D Function with David James
L&D Must Change
Imagine a world where L&D is a driving force behind business transformation, not just a provider of training. In this episode, David James, former Disney L&D leader and current CLO of 360Learning shares why realizing this vision requires L&D to mature beyond reactive and even proactive operational models. He introduces a new L&D maturity model that lays out a clear roadmap for that shift and explains why this evolution is more urgent than ever. This conversation offers both inspiration and a practical starting point for what’s next. Jess and David discuss The need for...
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27. Rethinking Performance Feedback with Dr. Sandra Mashihi and Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack
L&D Must Change
Good feedback fuels performance and behavior change. Poor feedback does the opposite. It’s one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit, yet one of the hardest to get right. In this episode, Dr. Ken Nowack and Dr. Sandra Mashihi unpack why feedback often fails, and how L&D can help leaders build the skills to deliver it in ways that actually drive results. From the neuroscience of feedback to practical models like the 3E framework and 4-quadrant approach, Ken and Sandra offer L&D professionals a clear path to elevating feedback across the organization. What You'll...
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26. AI Isn't a Tool; It's a Team Member with Josh Penzell
L&D Must Change
Everyone’s talking about AI—but are we thinking about it the right way? In this special one-year anniversary episode, I finally dive into the AI conversation with Josh Penzell, who challenges us to see AI not as a tool, but as a teammate. This conversation isn’t about learning prompts—it’s about shifting mindsets and imagining what’s possible when we stop trying to make faster horses and start building something entirely new. Josh and Jess Discuss Using AI as a collaborative team member and not a tool. Working with AI as a brainstorming partner to reduce cognitive load and...
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25. L&D in the Startup World with Tom Bowen
L&D Must Change
When does the L&D function form in an organization? What's the first order of business when it does? Today's guest, Tom Bowen, is known as the L&D pro who can get an L&D function up and running in the startup world and he's done that job over and over again. He even calls himself a "serial startup guy" for L&D. In this episode, Tom will share what it's like to be the first L&D pro hired into a small start-up business including when he's usually brought in, what he does first, and what makes working in L&D in the startup world unique. Jess and Tom...
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24. What L&D Can Learn From Product Management with Rashi Kakkar
L&D Must Change
There's nothing I love more than when someone takes on an L&D role from another industry and becomes immediately confused as to why our profession functions the way it does. It provides an immediate opportunity for new ideas and conversation. This was the case for today's guest, Rashi Kakkar, when she moved from a career consulting in product management into an L&D leadership role. The result was a marriage of the two professions. One where the best pieces from each were elevated and the confusing bits eliminated. It turns out L&D can learn a lot from product management. ...
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23. Is It Time to Ditch Your LMS? with Sarah Mercier
L&D Must Change
How do you feel about your LMS? If you're like most you may have a love + hate relationship with the platform. Today's guest, Sarah Mercier, found herself working with client after client trying to solve clunky LMS issues, so she threw out the LMS playbook and created an alternate tool. What does that mean for you? Well, you just might not need your LMS any longer. Sarah and Jess discuss: The evolution of learning platforms Ongoing issues with traditional LMS systems like complexities in user access, content delivery, and data fragmentation The creation of the new, XCL tool,...
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22. Designing and Measuring on Purpose with Chris Taylor
L&D Must Change
It's time to clarify the purpose of our learning programs with our stakeholders, and I mean really clarify. Not just write the learning outcomes and create an evaluation form, but zero in our stakeholders' real needs and expectations. According to today's guest, Chris Taylor, CEO of Actionable.co, taking the reins to clearly define the purpose behind the request should drive everything else we do from design through measurement. Armed with a few practical questions, a strategy for continuous alignment, and clear measures to define our next steps, we can uplevel the effectiveness and...
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21. Should L&D be Adding, Subtracting, or Changing? with Lavinia Mehedintu
L&D Must Change
It's time for L&D to both amp up our toolbox and become a tad more critical of our own work. Instead of adding content, we need to think about subtracting it or better yet, make changes that enable performance. Too often we prioritize activities over goals. Lavinia Mehedintu is known for this type of progressive thinking about the work of L&D, but she also believes in the necessity and power of supporting each other through changes in our profession that may feel risky. Join us in this conversation where we discuss some of the challenges L&D must address to have a greater...
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20. The Intersection of L&D and Change Management with Jody Lumsden
L&D Must Change
L&D and change management may be different professions, but they are deeply interconnected. In today's episode, Jody Lumsden shares how the intersection of these two approaches benefits everyone involved. This episode covers: How L&D practitioners add value to change management initiatives. Key change management models that can enhance L&D effectiveness. The importance of zooming out to see the bigger picture of the change beyond training requests. Aligning the timing of learning/training interventions with the change curve. L&D as an advocate for the "people side"...
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19.What It Takes to Hire and Develop an L&D Team with Laurel Schulert
L&D Must Change
Hiring and developing the best L&D team isn't easy. Determining needed roles, writing a clear JD, selecting the appropriate amount of prior expertise needed, and working with recruiters (who may or may not "get" what L&D does) all add to the complexity. Then, there's the issue of developing the teams we have - ensuring team members continue advancing their L&D skills and expertise. We need to keep pushing team members (and ourselves) outside of our comfort zones to make a bigger impact! Join Jess Almlie and guest Laurel Schulert as they discuss these challenges and more...
info_outlineIn the last year, Abigail Wheeler Charlu (Abby) interviewed 50 L&D professionals in a variety of roles to learn more about the L&D landscape. She was curious about what people do in this profession, the breadth and depth of different roles, the skills and knowledge in each. In this episode, she shares her key takeaways and insights as well as a bit about her subsequent thoughts on how L&D needs to change as a result.
Tune in to hear Abby and Jess discuss the results of Abby's informal research study including:
- Why study all these L&D roles?
- The breadth of the L&D profession
- The many opportunities for specialization within L&D
- The wide variance of L&D titles
- The critical need to clearly tie L&D to business objectives
- The emergence of internal talent marketplaces
- Common knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success in L&D
- Advice for those looking to transition in L&D roles
Abigail Wheeler Charlu (Abby) is a program manager, learning strategist, and performance consultant with over 9 years of leading end-to-end learning and leadership development programs. She leverages strong skills in research methods, relationship building, project management, marketing, facilitation, and analytics to enable skills development, drive change, and uplevel performance.
Abby holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology and has deep experience supporting global teams. She is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and impact and is on a mission to equip individuals, teams, and organizations with the skills they need to thrive in this human era of work.
Currently, Abby is a Program Manager and Lead Learning Experience Designer at AROSE Group, a boutique leadership and organizational development consulting company where she designs and delivers custom leadership development programs and supports the creation and execution of thought leadership and industry knowledge.
Find and connect with Abby here:
- Listen to the 50 Interviews: Surveying the L&D Landscape (podcast)
- Website: AROSE Group
Find and connect with Jess Almlie here:
- Subscribe to the L&D Must Change Newsletter
- Website: Learning Business Advisor Consulting