47. Robots vs. Humans: Storytelling and AI with Stephanie Hubka
L&D Must Change
AI can spit out an L&D outline in seconds, but it cannot create connection. In this episode, Jess Almlie talks with Stephanie Hubka about why storytelling is the missing ingredient in a world of fast, transactional training. They break down how to choose stories with intention using the SOL framework, how to design learning through story using scenarios and choose-your-own-adventure techniques, and how to use AI as a partner without outsourcing the best parts of your craft. You will leave ready to start a story journal and humanize your learning. Jess and Stephanie Discuss How AI...
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46. Using PIPs for Development, Not Discipline with Amy Kay Watson
L&D Must Change
Let's be real. Most Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) don't actually improve performance. They're a legal termination plan in disguise. That doesn't make anyone feel good. But, they don't have to be this way! In this episode, Jess talks with coach and culture consultant Amy Kay Watson about rebooting accountability so performance improvement becomes a true development process instead of a disciplinary paper trail. Amy breaks down why most PIPs don't include learning or development and then shares a practical model built designed to restore psychological safety, clarify standards, and build...
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45. Ensure Learning is Worth the Expense with Melanie Martinelli
L&D Must Change
Your learners loved the course… and then nothing changed. In this episode, Jess talks with Melanie Martinelli (Institute for Transfer Effectiveness) about why L&D’s obsession with “great training” often fails at the only thing that matters: on-the-job application. You’ll unpack the 12 Levers of Learning Transfer, learn how to run a quick transfer audit, and hear a case study where a clunky old e-learning outperformed a shiny new one. All because the ecosystem mattered more than the content. Jess and Melanie discuss Why L&D “falls in love with the solution” instead...
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44. Facilitating Engagement Isn't Enough with Brian Washburn
L&D Must Change
Your learners don’t need another “fun” workshop; they need results. In this episode, Jess and Brian Washburn unpack why engagement alone is a dangerous success metric and how to design for real performance change. Brian introduces his simple four-step facilitation model: Anchor, Content, Application, Future Use, which turns any session into a repeatable, effective learning experience. They explore how to equip SMEs to facilitate (without gimmicks), handle awkward moments like silence or “I don’t know,” and adapt these principles for virtual and global audiences. Why engagement...
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43. What AI Means for Your L&D Job with Josh Cavalier
L&D Must Change
AI isn’t coming for your L&D job... it’s rewriting it. In this episode, Jess and AI-in-L&D veteran Josh Cavalier dig into his provocative “Human Machine Performance Analyst” L&D role, why content creation is still on the table, and how to build the business, data, and learning-science muscles you’ll actually need. They unpack the real story behind AI layoffs, the emerging L&D tech ecosystem, and practical, low-risk ways to get your AI learning and practice reps in today. Jess and Josh Discuss Why Josh believes L&D must evolve into “Human Machine Performance...
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42. Organizing L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen
L&D Must Change
Tired of L&D busywork that doesn’t move the needle? In this episode, Jess and Guus van Deelen dismantle “course factory” thinking and show how to organize L&D for results. They unpack the five L&D “chessboards,” shift focus from learning to performance objectives, and set clear roles and decision rights to escape order-taking. You’ll hear how to segment stakeholders with RIS (Risk, Importance, Size), apply Lean thinking to clean up operations, and run an annual L&D Cleanup Day (yes, on March 12) to kill zombie offerings and refocus on business value. Jess and Guus...
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41. The Secret to Learning That Lasts with Katrina Kennedy
L&D Must Change
What if the key to better learning isn’t more content, but less? In this episode, Jess Almlie sits down with L&D expert Katrina Kennedy to explore how simplifying learning experiences and building in moments of reflection can transform behavior and performance. They unpack practical ways to focus on what really matters: workplace impact, learner ownership, and giving people the time and space they need to make learning stick. Jess and Katrina Discuss Why simplicity beats sophistication in learning design How reflection boosts retention and real behavior change The myth that “more...
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40. LIVE! Securing Influence and Credibility in the C-Suite with David L. Jackson III and Dr. Alaina Szlachta
L&D Must Change
How do learning professionals earn a true voice in the boardroom? In this special episode, recorded live at the Learning Guild’s Learning Leadership Conference 2025 in Orlando, Jess Almlie sits down with Dr. Alaina Szlachta and David “DJ3” Jackson to unpack what it really takes to secure influence and credibility in the C-suite. Together, they explore how aligning with organizational metrics, speaking the language of business, and leveraging data-driven storytelling can transform L&D from a service provider into a strategic powerhouse. Jess, DJ3, and Dr. Alaina discuss ...
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39. Lead the Change, Don’t Absorb the Burnout with Holly Burkett
L&D Must Change
Website: Article: (TD, August 2025) Article: (TD, Jan 2024) Article: (ATD Blog, April 2024) Article: (Chief Talent Officer) Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: Subscribe to Jess's Weekly Newsletter: Additional Links from this Episode L&D Must Change Episode 35:
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38. Build Learners, Not Libraries with Irma Horvath
L&D Must Change
What if the real power of L&D isn’t in the content we deliver, but in teaching people how to direct their own growth? In this episode, Jess is joined by Irma Horvath who leads learning at Kahoot! They explore how shifting from “training delivery” to “learning ownership” creates lasting impact. You’ll hear how to spark curiosity, set goals that guide attention, and make reflection the secret sauce of retention. From small experiments to culture-wide shifts, discover how to help people learn how to learn and why that’s more valuable than any course catalog. Jess and Irma...
info_outlineIt'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 impact of our programs.
In this episode you'll hear:
- Ideas to sustain motivation after training interventions are complete
- How to shine a light on the immediate behavior change impact of learning programs, instead of only looking at lagging, longer-term data
- One key question to define what is really needed and keep stakeholders aligned and on track
- How to avoid over-complicating measurement by mapping out logic paths and measuring at multiple points
- The value of measurement for real time iteration
- Delivery practices proven to illicit behavior change rather than transfer information
About Chris Taylor
Actionable.co CEO, Chris Taylor, works at the leading edge of
learning sustainment and impact measurement for progressive
organizations.
Described once by a client as “a curious blend of Boomer and Gen-
Y”, Chris is often called upon to act as a bridge and translator between generations at work, our new state of constant change, and the impact technology has on team dynamics.
Through Actionable.co, Chris brings empirical evidence and stories to illustrate how, exactly, we measure ROI on corporate learning initiatives, and the systems to ensure every program creates lasting impact. He’s personally consulted to over 400 organizations across 6 countries, in almost any sector you can name.
In addition to being a regular speaker for both public and private events, Chris has penned over 150 articles for dozens of publications, been quoted in The National Post, Toronto Star and Globe & Mail and hosted 90+ thought leader interviews for the iTunes #2 ranked business podcast, The 21st Century Workplace.
Find and connect with Chris Taylor
- Website: Actionable.co
- Twitter (X)
Find and connect with Jess Almlie
- Website: jessalmlie.com
- Newsletter: L&D Must Change
Additional links from this episode