27. Rethinking Performance Feedback with Dr. Sandra Mashihi and Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack
Release Date: 04/16/2025
53. AI in L&D: Overreliance, Resistance, or Exuberance? with Timothy Frost
L&D Must Change
Many L&D teams are being asked to “train the business on AI”… but what does that really mean? In this episode, Jess and Timothy Frost unpack the tension shaping AI in Learning and Talent Development: overreliance, resistance, and exuberance. They explore how these mindsets show up in your daily work, impact learning quality, and influence how you use AI. They also tackle the growing pressure on L&D teams to lead company-wide AI training and share a more strategic approach grounded in clear goals, data, and real use cases. If you are trying to figure out how to use AI without...
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52. The Role of L&D in Frontline Success with JD Dillon
L&D Must Change
Eighty percent of the global workforce is doing frontline work, yet, most L&D strategies are built from a corporate perspective. That's a mismatch. In this episode, Jess welcomes JD Dillon, author of "The Frontline Enablement Playbook," for a candid conversation about why the frontline workforce requires a fundamentally different enablement approach than the one designed for corporate employees. From rethinking leadership development to getting L&D professionals onto the floor alongside the people they support, this episode is a practical call to action for every talent professional...
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51. Rethinking Microlearning with Robyn A. Defelice
L&D Must Change
Microlearning sounds simple. It’s not. In this episode, Jess sits down with Robyn Defelice to unpack why microlearning often fails and what L&D pros are getting wrong. They explore the critical shift from covering content to making intentional decisions, why misalignment derails projects, and how to actually use microlearning as part of a broader learning strategy. If you’ve ever been asked to “just make it shorter,” this conversation will change how you think about design, stakeholders, and impact. Jess and Robyn Discuss Why L&D must shift from content coverage to...
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50. Design Learning Beyond Courses with Mark Britz
L&D Must Change
What if your real job in L&D isn’t to build better courses, but to design better conditions for learning? In this episode, Mark Britz challenges us to step outside the L&D box and examine the larger ecosystem shaping performance every day. Through powerful stories and practical examples, Jess and Mark explore how control, efficiency, and legacy systems can unintentionally block learning. Instead of asking “What training should I create?” you’ll be invited to ask, “What environment am I designing?” This conversation will stretch how you see your role and the impact you can...
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49. World Learning Content Cleanup Day with Ger Driesen
L&D Must Change
Is your L&D content closet getting a bit cluttered? When was the last time you cleaned it up? In this episode, Jess sits down with Ger Driesen, founder of World Learning Content Cleanup Day (#WLLCD), to challenge L&D’s obsession with creation over maintenance. They explore why outdated learning erodes credibility, how to adopt a "retire by default" mindset, and how a simple annual cleanup can uncover powerful data insights. Let's reduce risk and increase the benefits of our content together with a cleanup celebration. Jess and Ger Discuss Why L&D teams prioritize...
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48. Choosing the Right L&D Tech with Becky Willis
L&D Must Change
Choosing the right L&D technology can feel overwhelming when every platform promises transformation. In this episode, Jess and learning strategist Becky Willis cut through the noise to talk about how to evaluate learning tech with a critical eye. They explore how to separate real capability from marketing hype, what AI should actually be doing behind the scenes, and how to make smart technology decisions even when budget or legacy systems get in the way. If tech decisions stress you out, this conversation will help. Jess and Becky Discuss Why legacy LMSs were built for course...
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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...
info_outlineGood 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 hear:
- How to move beyond feedback systems to personal connections.
- Addressing the gap between leader and employee perspectives on feedback.
- A 4-quadrant model that provides guidelines for personalized performance feedback.
- The neuroscience behind both successful and painful feedback.
- The 3Es of effective performance feedback: Enlighten, Encourage, Enable.
- Cultural considerations for feedback.
About Dr. Sandra Mashihi
Dr. Sandra Mashihi is a distinguished Organizational Psychologist, keynote speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience. She is dedicated to transforming leadership behavior, building high-performing teams, and enhancing workplace relationships. As the founder of Spectra Coaching, Sandra leads with a blend of psychology and practical strategies that have successfully impacted Fortune 500 companies and leaders across industries.
About Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack
Kenneth M. Nowack, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Senior Research Officer of Envisia Learning, Inc. Dr. Nowack received his doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Nowack is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association’s Division 13: Society of Consulting Psychology and was the former Editor-in-Chief of the Consulting Psychology Journal. He is also a member of Daniel Goleman’s Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations.
Find and Connect with Sandra and Ken
- LinkedIn: Sandra Mashihi, Ken Nowack
- Websites: Sandra - www.spectracoaching.com, Ken - www.envisialearning.com
- Book: Performance Feedback Strategies: Driving Successful Behavior Change
Find and Connect with Jess Almlie
Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press on September 2, 2025. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join!