L&D Must Change

L&D Must Change is a podcast dedicated to people development professionals (L&D, TD, OD, etc.) who want to make an impact. Through conversations with L&D colleagues passionate about changing our profession for the better and the occasional solo episode, Jess Almlie will uncover practical strategies we can all use to make a positive difference in the world of work. Let's learn from each other and collectively raise the bar for the work we do!

44. Facilitating Engagement Isn't Enough with Brian Washburn 12/10/2025

44. Facilitating Engagement Isn't Enough with Brian Washburn 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 alone doesn’t equal effective training The four-step facilitation model and how to use it every time Moving SMEs from knowledge dumps to true facilitation Simple, non-gimmicky activities that prove people “get it” Handling silence, tough questions, and tech failures with confidence Adapting facilitation for virtual rooms and global cultures About Brian Washburn Brian Washburn is an author, a sought-after speaker, and an experienced instructional designer who has been working in the field of learning and development for more than two decades. Brian’s work has been published in TD magazine, the monthly trade magazine for the Association of Talent Development (ATD), and he was named a Top Young Trainer by Training Magazine in 2011. Brian’s first book, What’s Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training, was published by ATD Press in June 2021. Modeled on the original periodic table of elements, the book explores a wide range of approaches to organizational training needs and new ideas and ways to organize the design of learning programs. His second book, Instructional Design on a Shoestring, was released in January 2024, and will be provided to each participant in this train-the-trainer program. Brian holds an MA in Organizational Development from Antioch University. Find and Connect with Brian Washburn Website: Book: Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: Additional Links from the Episode by Jane Vella (Online Training That's Better Than In Person) by Kassy Laborie and Thomas Stone (Designing and Measuring On Purpose) /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/39222400

43. What AI Means for Your L&D Job with Josh Cavalier 11/26/2025

43. What AI Means for Your L&D Job with Josh Cavalier 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 Analysts.” The shift from building courses to orchestrating human AI performance. Core skills for L&D to double down on: performance consulting, business acumen, data and analytics, and learning science. Which L&D tasks AI will automate. What AI-related layoffs are really funding. How the AI ecosystem flows from platforms like Microsoft, Google, and Workday down into L&D tools. The risks of shadow AI usage and protecting organizational IP. Cross-functional AI operations to enable responsible adoption Simple, safe ways to start with AI in content creation and get your “AI reps” in. Why strategic curiosity, not fear, is L&D’s best response to AI. About Josh Cavalier Josh Cavalier is on a mission to bridge the gap between Learning & Development professionals and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. His own "aha!" moment arrived in late 2022 when an AI generated a remarkably effective educational video script on his prompt, instantly revealing its potential to revolutionize learning. Drawing on 30+ years of experience, including leading Lodestone Digital to radically improve clients' edtech implementations, Josh now guides organizations through the complexities of AI integration. Through JoshCavalier.ai, he directly addresses the concerns and opportunities facing L&D. Forget the fear of job loss – Josh argues AI necessitates a shift in roles, amplifying the need for human expertise and insight. He cuts through the myth of "automatic" AI, emphasizing that L&D professionals are crucial collaborators in the process. His focus? Pragmatic strategies and tools that help teams navigate the AI ecosystem, understand human-machine partnership, and significantly increase their AI skills. Josh makes complex AI accessible and actionable. His training, popular YouTube channel, and the fun, interactive live show "Brainpower" reach thousands, offering easy-to-use methods for working with AI. Committed to the L&D community, he consults, runs workshops, and shares his strategic insights at major industry events (DevLearn, Learning Solutions, ATD ICE), empowering professionals to leverage AI for hyper-personalized learning and greater organizational impact. Find and Connect with Josh Cavalier Website: YouTube Show: Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/39078460

42. Organizing L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen 11/12/2025

42. Organizing L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen 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 Discuss Why learning is a means—not the goal The five L&D “chessboards” and choosing must-win areas Escaping order-taking with clear roles and decision rights Training internal clients to work with L&D Replacing learning objectives with performance objectives (or adding both) RIS stakeholder segmentation: Risk, Importance, Size Lean habits to fix the back-office mess Service levels: economy to “royal class” support The annual L&D Cleanup Day (March 12): what to stop, start, or sustain Using LMS data to kill underused content Practical scripts and examples for setting expectations with the business About Guus van Deelen Guus van Deelen has held multiple roles in the L&D field, from L&D manager in global multinationals to strategic consultant helping organizations reposition and optimize their L&D departments. He is on a mission to make L&D more "streetwise." designing L&D that truly drives results. Not just delivering more training, but measurable impact on people, performance, and business outcomes. Guus helps L&D teams to create learning strategies, governance models, and talent development frameworks. He is also the author of the book, Organizing L&D for Results. Find and Connect with Guus van Deelen Website: as mentioned in the episode Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/38884610

41. The Secret to Learning That Lasts with Katrina Kennedy 10/29/2025

40. LIVE! Securing Influence and Credibility in the C-Suite with David L. Jackson III and Dr. Alaina Szlachta 10/15/2025

40. LIVE! Securing Influence and Credibility in the C-Suite with David L. Jackson III and Dr. Alaina Szlachta 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 Why L&D often gets overlooked by executives, and how to change that. How to “speak the language” of business leaders to gain trust and influence. The importance of identifying your organization’s core metric and aligning initiatives around it. Using listening tours to understand executive priorities and build credibility. The “big three” focus areas for small or solo L&D teams: strategy, governance, and infrastructure. How data storytelling can open doors and secure a real voice in the C-suite. Practical examples of turning small wins and pilot programs into strategic momentum. About David Jackson III (DJ3) David L. Jackson III (DJ3) is currently the Director of Talent Pathways and Learning for HealthPoint CHC. He is also a recognized thought leader in scaling impact for solo and small L&D teams. Some of his areas of specialty include aligning learning with business strategy, optimizing corporate learning ecosystems, and developing strategic learning frameworks. He's is a frequent speaker at industry-leading conferences, where he shares practical, action-oriented strategies to help L&D professionals move from survival to strategic impact. DJ3 is passionate about empowering learning leaders with actionable insights, focusing on helping organizations maximize resources, enhance learning maturity, and drive measurable business outcomes. About Dr. Alaina Szlachta Dr. Alaina Szlachta is the founder of By Design Development Solutions, an expert consulting firm specializing in assessment development and data strategy for learning leaders. Drawing on her background as a researcher and public health educator, she partners with learning business owners to integrate data and measurement systems into their daily operations. She is also the author of the ATD Press book, "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," a resource written to make M&E easier and more accessible for anyone - regardless of their expertise. Find and Connect with David Jackson III (DJ3) Website: Find and Connect with Dr. Alaina Szlachta Website: Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: Subscribe to Jess's Weekly Newsletter: Additional Links Related to This Episode Book: /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/38466150

39. Lead the Change, Don’t Absorb the Burnout with Holly Burkett 10/01/2025

38. Build Learners, Not Libraries with Irma Horvath 09/17/2025

38. Build Learners, Not Libraries with Irma Horvath 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 Discuss Why “learning how to learn” beats endless training The secret sauce: goals + reflection A simple “test–teach–test” formula that works How to make learning feel safe (and stick) Small experiments that spark big culture change Finding champions to spread new ways of learning Turning boring compliance into curiosity-driven growth About Irma Horvath Irma Horvath is a teacher by heart, a coach by craft, and an L&D leader by choice. She began her career as a teacher and teacher trainer, a path that took her across the world from Spain and the UK to Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Dubai, and Denmark. Along the way, she founded Morea Training, helping organizations design meaningful learning experiences, and later joined the leadership team at Drops, where she helped pioneer ways to make a fully remote team high-performing. Today, Irma leads Learning & Development at Kahoot!, driving global capability-building initiatives with a strong focus on making learning relevant, applicable, and part of everyday work. She’s a PCC-certified solution-focused brief coach and a passionate advocate for empowering people to take ownership of their development. Her mission is simple: create learning that sticks, drives change, and builds cultures where growth is part of how people work - not a box to tick. Find and Connect with Irma Horvath Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Newsletter: Website: Book: Additional Links as Mentioned in This Episode Article featuring Irma: Get your copy of Jess's new book now! Jess's book, is now available wherever books are sold. It's your handbook for creating the change needed to work more strategically and intentionally, in lockstep with the business. ! /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/38105775

37. Order Taker No More! with Jess Almlie 09/03/2025

37. Order Taker No More! with Jess Almlie The tables have turned! In this episode, Jess Almlie steps into the guest chair as Sarah Cannistra interviews her about her brand-new book, L&D Order Taker No More. Together, they explore why the learning and development profession must shift from being transactional “order takers” to strategic business partners, and how small, intentional steps can create massive impact. Sarah and Jess discuss Why L&D must urgently move from transactional order-taking to strategic partnership, especially in the age of AI The critical mindset shift from “helper” to “partner” and how it changes every conversation Barriers that keep L&D stuck in order-taking mode, and how we unintentionally reinforce them Practical strategies for transformation, including internal and external playbooks The art of the strategic “yes” and “no” to stay focused on high-impact work How reflective questioning can shift stakeholder expectations and outcomes The continuum between order taker and business partner, and why progress comes in increments, not overnight leaps Insights from Jess’s research with dozens of L&D leaders across the field About Jess Almlie Not only is she the host of the L&D Must Change Podcast and author of the book, L&D Order Taker No More!, but Jess Almlie is also a former Vice President of Learning and a dynamic leader in the learning and development field. She is passionate about empowering L&D professionals to increase our impact by evolving from order takers to strategic business partners. With three decades of experience and a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, Jess helps organizations solve talent challenges and improve performance through consulting, coaching, and workshops. Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Newsletter: Website: Book: About Sarah Cannistra Sarah Cannistra is a passionate Learning and Development (L&D) leader and career coach dedicated to helping others grow. She also leads Learning and Development at Rippling. In addition, Sarah is the host of The L&D Career Club Podcast, a top 200 career podcast dedicated to helping professionals break into and thrive in the L&D field. Find and Connect with Sarah Cannistra Website: Book: Podcast: Special Book Offer from Jess As mentioned in the show, if you read Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! as a group, Jess will come to a one hour virtual Q&A so your group can dive deeper together. All you need to do is reach out to Jess when you're ready. today! /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/37897465

36. Measuring Talent Intangibles with Colin J. Hahn 08/20/2025

36. Measuring Talent Intangibles with Colin J. Hahn How do you measure what you can’t easily see? For L&D and talent development pros, measuring improvement in skills like leadership, collaboration, and communication is a constant challenge. It isn't as easy as measuring technical outputs like sales numbers, quality scores, or production time. We often find ourselves wondering where to begin and how to proceed. In this episode, Jess and Colin J. Hahn explore why this problem keeps resurfacing followed by three highly practical ways to measure these intangibles. From operational definitions to breaking big questions into estimable parts and observing corresponding behavior, they share tools and stories to help you bring the unseen into focus, creating the clarity needed to show business impact. Jess and Colin Discuss Why measuring intangibles is a constant challenge for L&D/TD Using operational definitions to give context and clarity Breaking intangible skills into estimable parts Applying order-of-magnitude thinking to speed decision-making Watching for outcomes that signal intangible strengths A manufacturing case linking leader behavior to retention and productivity A simple first step to tackle your next measurement challenge About Colin J. Hahn Colin J. Hahn, Ph.D., CPTD is an experienced Organizational Development leader who specializes in improving performance through data-driven talent development. In his 15 years of talent development experience, he has led programs that have generated more than $2M in annual impact and improved performance in over 95% of participants. At FranklinCovey, he coaches global clients to align learning strategies to business goals and use data to show the operational impact of their work. Find and Connect with Colin J. Hahn Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Subscribe: Book: Don't miss out on any tips or tricks for improving our profession! for a weekly email including an article, information on the latest podcast, upcoming webinars or conferences where you can find Jess, and more. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/37749185

35. Conducting Tiny Experiments in L&D with Anne-Laure Le Cunff 08/06/2025

35. Conducting Tiny Experiments in L&D with Anne-Laure Le Cunff What if the best way to change and develop isn’t with big plans, but "tiny experiments"? Neuroscientist and author Anne-Laure Le Cunff joins Jess to explore how small, low-risk actions can unlock powerful learning, creativity, and change. Whether you’re an L&D leader navigating uncertainty or designing experiences for others, Anne-Laure offers a fresh, science-backed mindset shift. You’ll walk away with new tools to beat perfectionism, escape outdated scripts, and turn curiosity into real progress, one tiny experiment at a time. Jess and Anne-Laure Discuss Why tiny experiments beat big goals in uncertain environments How to redesign your L&D workflow and projects using curiosity, not willpower A simple tiny experiment formula: “I will [action] for [duration]” How L&D pros can test new ideas without full-scale rollouts Helping learners build agency through their own tiny experiments The surprising downsides of goals and default cognitive scripts Tools for reflecting on progress, including the “Plus, Minus, Next” method The mindset shift from “success vs. failure” to “learning vs. learning more” About Anne-Laure Anne-Laure Le Cunff is an award-winning neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ness Labs, where her weekly newsletter is read by more than 100,000 curious minds. Her research at King’s College London focuses on the psychology and neuroscience of lifelong learning, curiosity, and adaptability. Her book, Tiny Experiments, is a transformative guide for living a more experimental life, turning uncertainty into curiosity, and carving a path of self-discovery. Previously, she worked at Google as an executive on digital health projects. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Financial Times, WIRED, and more. Find and Connect with Anne-Laure Website (Newsletter and more): Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Newsletter: Website: Book: 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. and be sure to for weekly articles and book updates. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/37549980

34. When Promotions Aren't Possible with Al Dea 07/23/2025

34. When Promotions Aren't Possible with Al Dea What can you do when an employee insists on a promotion, but you don't have one to give? Jess and Al Dea dive into one of the most pressing challenges in today’s workplace: how to keep top talent engaged and growing when promotions are scarce, or not the answer at all. They explore the psychology behind promotion expectations, the systemic gaps in career development, and how L&D teams and managers can lead a smarter, more human-centered approach to growth. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, real-world examples, and a new way to think about employee development. Jess and Al Discuss Why promotion obsession is a symptom, not the root cause How managers can use curiosity to uncover what employees actually want and/or need Why transparency, honesty, and small actions matter more than grand gestures The hidden influence of educational systems on career expectations Systemic steps L&D can take to redefine development company-wide The power of “going first” with your own team as a testing ground Real-life examples from companies using language and culture to shift the narrative Practical ways to start redefining growth without needing a promotion About Al Dea Al Dea is a talent and leadership development consultant, facilitator, and speaker. He is the Founder of The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership development firm that helps organizations develop leaders to improve engagement and performance. Al works at the intersection of the future of work, talent, and leadership development. His insights have been published in outlets such as Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also the host of The Edge of Work podcast, which explores the future of work, talent and leadership, and a LinkedIn Top Voice in the Future of Work and Leadership. Previously, Al worked at organizations such as Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Find and Connect with Al Dea Website: Podcast: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Blog: (Weekly Emails) Website: Book: Now Available! Jess's book, , published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold (official release date is September 2, 2025). To learn more and 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/37299165

33. Let Learning Roam Free with Anamaria Dorgo 07/09/2025

33. Let Learning Roam Free with Anamaria Dorgo What if learning didn’t need to be controlled to be powerful? In this episode, Jess sits down with Anamaria Dorgo, a learning and community consultant and founder of L&D Shakers, to explore what happens when we let learning unfold organically. From redefining the role of L&D to creating emotionally rich, immersive learning experiences, Anamaria challenges traditional models and invites us to embrace “scandalous learning” and the power of community. Tune in to discover how to decentralize learning, build learning ecosystems, and design experiences that leave a lasting impact. Jess and Anamaria Discuss What it means to “let learning roam free” Why communities of practice are so powerful How L&D can shift from being content controllers to learning enablers Best practices for launching an internal community Creative approaches to measuring community impact The concept of “scandalous learning” Why every L&D leader needs a “scandalous learning playground” About Anamaria Dorgo Anamaria is a Learning and Community Consultant, Learning Experience Designer and Facilitator. She's bringing over 10+ years of experience in HR and L&D, and combines it with 6+ years of building collective learning spaces, in the form of communities of practice. She co-hosts the Mapping Ties podcast, where internal community builders share their work, and writes the IRrEGULAR LEtTER: a newsletter about community + experience design + learning, with a dash of experimental vibes. Find and Connect with Anamaria Dorgo Newsletter: Podcast: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Blog: (Weekly Emails) Website: Book: Additional Links from the Show L&D Shakers Community Newsletter: on LinkedIn Now Available! Jess's book, , published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold (official release date is September 2, 2025). To learn more and 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/37104560

32. When Customer Education and L&D Collide with Debbie Smith 06/25/2025

32. When Customer Education and L&D Collide with Debbie Smith L&D and customer education are similar, but not the same. There is a lot L&D can learn from this parallel profession. In this episode, Debbie Smith joins Jess Almlie to reveal the secrets of successful customer education that L&D should adopt as their own. They discuss why learners should feel empowered, not controlled whether or not those learners are external customers. As well as how L&D can adopt the data-driven, outcome-focused mindset that customer education requires. Jess and Debbie discuss The top priorities of customer education vs. L&D. The differences in designing for voluntary vs. captive audiences. Applying Mayer's 12 principles of multimedia design combined with cognitive load theory. Using adoption paired with company drivers and goals as measures for success. Tracking patterns of behavior change long term. Focusing on long-term business impact. About Debbie Smith Debbie is the Senior Director of Visier University and president of CEDMA (Customer Education Management Association). She is a Customer Education (CE) leader with extensive experience in CE strategy, certification, instructional design, eLearning design and development, customer experience, and project management. As a member of the CE community, she is a sought-after mentor and thought leader in the growth and evolution of the industry. She has led large and small teams at various SaaS companies and serves on a number of customer advisory boards. She has contributed to two books, multiple podcasts, and webinars. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Find and connect with Debbie Smith Website: Website: Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: Additional Links from the Show Article: Article: Now Available! Jess's book, , published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold! To learn more and 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/36907060

31. Context Over Content with Candice Mitchell 06/11/2025

31. Context Over Content with Candice Mitchell Too often, training misses the mark because it skips the most important step. In this episode of L&D Must Change, Candice Mitchell joins Jess Almlie to unpack why context should always come before content in L&D. Candice shares practical strategies for uncovering business needs, building credibility, and shifting away from the traditional order-taker mindset. From gathering macro trends to asking the right stakeholder questions, she illustrates how deeper context leads to faster and more relevant learning solutions. Tune in for a lively, honest conversation full of actionable insights and a few nerdy laughs along the way. Jess and Candice discuss Flipping our ratio of context to content creation by spending more time understanding business context than creating the content. A diversified process to gather context in any organization. Overcoming time constraints with the stakeholder who doesn't want to allow for time to gather context. Reframing requests in business terms vs. L&D terms. How to demonstrate value through small wins and consistent communication. Avoiding common pitfalls when responding to training requests. About Candice Mitchell Candice Mitchell is the founder of Talent Development Nerds and the creator of the Talent Development Academy® which is a strategic learning program that helps L&D professionals become indispensable partners to the business. She’s a fractional Chief Learning Officer and trusted advisor to companies building capability from the ground up. Candice is known for cutting through the noise with practical, business-first advice and a healthy dose of tough love. Her work spans strategy, change, performance, and culture, and she’s on a mission to make L&D more impactful, more respected, and more energizing, for everyone involved. Find and connect with Candice Mitchell Website: LinkedIn: Instagram (so much fun!): Podcast: Development Nerds – available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube link: YouTube link: Candice's Impact Toolkit: Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Book: Coming Soon! Jess's book, will be published by ATD Press later this year. 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/36694200

30. Think Like a Marketer with Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann 05/28/2025

30. Think Like a Marketer with Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann What happens when L&D professionals start thinking like marketers? In this episode, Jess Almlie talks with Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann about how adopting a marketing mindset can transform learning experiences. From learner personas to emotional storytelling and irresistible content design, they share real-world strategies and small shifts with big impact. Discover how to connect more deeply with learners and elevate engagement through their new book, Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro. Jess, Mike, and Bianca discuss The benefits of L&D adopting a marketer mindset How to apply key marketing concepts for L&D such as creating learner personas, developing learner journeys, and crafting emotionally resonant content. Using the SURE framework (Simple, Useful, Resonant, Easy to scan/process) when writing descriptions, designing content, and communicating with learners Small shifts in approach that lead to big impact on learner engagement and content effectiveness Leveraging marketing tools like platforms and analytics Using learners' subconscious decision making to drive outcomes About Mike Taylor With over two decades of experience as a learning consultant, Mike has been a driving force behind transformative instructional design and organizational performance. Known for his captivating speaking style and influential newsletter, Mike is dedicated to making learning more engaging, accessible, and effective. As a faculty member in Franklin University's Graduate Instructional Design and Technology program, he bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, equipping future learning professionals with the skills to excel in today's dynamic landscape. Mike's innovative approach and infectious passion are redefining the way we think about learning. About Bianca Baumann Bianca Baumann is a seasoned L&D strategist with more than 15 years of experience in L&D. She is passionate about consulting on effective, new solutions to serve learners’ needs. She has helped dozens of organizations improve their onboarding and reskilling programs. Baumann speaks at international conferences and is a facilitator at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Find and connect with Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann Mike Taylor's Website and Newsletter: Bianca Baumann Website: Think Like a Marketer Website: Book: Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/36519435

29. Flipping the Script on Your L&D Career with Sarah Cannistra 05/14/2025

29. Flipping the Script on Your L&D Career with Sarah Cannistra Think you need a fancy job title to land your dream L&D role? Think again. In this episode of L&D Must Change, Jess sits down with Sarah Cannistra, L&D career coach, author of Land Your Next L&D Role, and passionate advocate for breaking out of the "one and done" career mindset. Together, they unravel why L&D professionals often don't apply their own learning philosophies to their own career growth and how to change that. If you’re an L&D pro ready to rethink your path and future-proof your career, this conversation is your new roadmap. Sarah and Jess Discuss How L&D professionals tend to approach our career development with a "one-and-done" mindset, contradicting how we view learning for others. Expanding our career journey from chasing job titles (title vision) to identifying impact. Using your own L&D "niche" as a north star for career decisions. How to find and define your L&D niche. Viewing your resume as a marketing document vs. a laundry list of activities. How to use your resume to stand out from the crowd. Using a Boolean search to find relevant roles beyond job titles. About Sarah Cannistra Sarah Cannistra is a passionate Learning and Development (L&D) leader and career coach dedicated to helping others grow. She began her career in sales, where she thrived in understanding clients’ needs and guiding them to their perfect homes. As she moved into management, Sarah discovered an even greater passion, coaching and developing people. She built training programs, shadowing opportunities, and learning resources for her team, finding deep fulfillment in their growth. Her career path shifted entirely when she attended a leadership development session and realized that facilitating learning was the work she was meant to do. That moment led to her first role in L&D—offered to her on the spot—despite having no formal background in the field. Less than two years later, Sarah became the Director of Corporate Training for an organization of over 2,500 employees. Since then, she has led the learning function at five organizations, created hundreds of training programs, hired over 100 L&D practitioners, and served more than 20,000 learners. Since 2020, through coaching, courses, and communities, she has helped over 1,000 people transition into L&D careers, guiding them to find, land, and grow in roles they love. Sarah is also the host of The L&D Career Club Podcast, a top 200 career podcast dedicated to helping professionals break into and thrive in the L&D field. Find and Connect with Sarah Cannistra Website: Book: Podcast: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: Additional Links from the Show Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/36222690

28. Maturing the L&D Function with David James 04/30/2025

28. Maturing the L&D Function with David James 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 L&D to mature beyond providing learning. How most of the L&D profession is operating at a low level of maturity, stuck in reactive and proactive models. Why shifting stakeholder expectations and organizational mindsets is essential for maturing the L&D function. An overview of the 5 levels of a new L&D maturity model: Reactive, Proactive, Impacting, Strategic, and Transformative. Using this maturity model as both a vision and roadmap for the future. The potential a maturedL&D function has to close a $6.5 trillion skills gap. About David James David James is the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning and a highly respected voice in the Learning & Development industry. With a focus on harnessing technology to drive impactful learning strategies, David is recognised as one of the top 10 global influencers in the L&D space. His expertise lies in helping organisations modernise their approach to workplace learning, ensuring measurable results and business alignment. David is also the host of , which has amassed over 500,000 downloads and ranks in the top 1% of podcasts globally. With nearly 30,000 LinkedIn followers, he continues to shape the conversation around L&D innovation and best practices, drawing on his deep experience, including his time as Director of Learning, Talent & Organisational Development at The Walt Disney Company. Find and connect with David James Podcast: Take the Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Coming soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later on September 2. 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/36059755

27. Rethinking Performance Feedback with Dr. Sandra Mashihi and Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack 04/16/2025

27. Rethinking Performance Feedback with Dr. Sandra Mashihi and Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack 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 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: i, Websites: Sandra - , Ken - Book: Find and Connect with Jess Almlie Website: 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/35998445

26. AI Isn't a Tool; It's a Team Member with Josh Penzell 04/02/2025

26. AI Isn't a Tool; It's a Team Member with Josh Penzell 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 improve creativity. Developing our skills working with AI, instead of spending time figuring out how to use AI. Thinking about AI as a student and our L&D participants as teachers. How AI provides an entirely new infinity point of what's possible, busting through current scarcity models and resource restrictions. Shifting from the traditional L&D approach focused on creating optimized, one-size-fits-all learning experiences to one that enables individualized learning. About Josh Penzell Josh Penzell is the VP of AI-Driven Transformation at ELB Learning and Founder and Chief Transformation Officer at Imagination Applied. He helps organizations rethink how they integrate AI—not as a tool, but as a collaborative force that enhances learning, leadership, and innovation. With a career spanning Amazon Alexa, Zillow Rentals, and Skillsoft, Josh brings a unique perspective that blends corporate strategy with his background as a musical theater director. This fusion of disciplines led to the creation of TheaterThink®, a methodology that applies storytelling, improvisation, and systems thinking to help businesses navigate change, drive transformation, and make AI work for humans, not against them. A sought-after speaker at industry events like ATD, Learning Technologies, and Training Industry conferences, Josh is also one of the 14% of qualified autistic professionals in corporate leadership. He is a strong advocate for neurodiversity, AI ethics, and adaptive leadership, helping organizations shift their mindset from AI as a disruptor to AI as an enabler. Find and connect with Josh Penzell Email: AI Assistant: Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: 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 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/35829560

25. L&D in the Startup World with Tom Bowen 03/19/2025

25. L&D in the Startup World with Tom Bowen 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 discuss The main focus areas for L&D in a startup. Key skills needed for those working in the fast-paced startup environment. The need to identify and prioritize all the "fires" according to which will mitigate future issues. How a startup's rapid growth requires the ability to scale processes and systems quickly. Pairing risk and volatility against the potential for large impact. Behaviors L&D can learn from the startup world. About Tom Bowen Tom Bowen has been in the talent development world since 2008 and has predominantly focused on the education and tech sectors. He is a "serial startup guy" and really thrives in creating order in the chaos that often comes with a rapidly growing organization. He is most recently at , a blockchain infrastructure startup valued at over $10B, where he leads all things people impact and change management. Often described as a divergent thinker, Tom enjoys challenging the status quo and finds the highest ROI activities are the ones where people are finding new ways to gain leverage with their time and energy and unlock their potential. Find and connect with Tom Bowen Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/35616690

24. What L&D Can Learn From Product Management with Rashi Kakkar 03/05/2025

24. What L&D Can Learn From Product Management with Rashi Kakkar 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. Rashi and Jess discuss: Shifting L&D from a project-based to a product-based mindset Organizing L&D teams around stages in the employee journey rather than siloed functions Embracing iterative development, frequent user testing, and ongoing refinement Conducting regular user discovery sessions to understand needs and challenges instead of waiting for training requests to arrive on our desks Tracking impact longitudinally, across the employee journey, not just from individual interventions About Rashi Kakkar Rashi Kakkar has two clear professional drivers: Creating human-centered products, experiences, and services and achieving organizational success and growth by unlocking human potential As a global lead within McKinsey’s Leadership Center of Excellence, Rashi is dedicated to building large-scale institutional capability through a skills-first approach. At McKinsey, she has advised Fortune 100 clients on complex strategic, operational, and organizational challenges. Rashi has successfully driven digital transformations, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and redesigned operating models, all grounded in a foundation of human-centered qualitative and quantitative research. She has also led multiple enterprise-wide agility and innovation programs to deliver impactful results. Before joining McKinsey, Rashi worked at a boutique design thinking firm, where she developed expertise in human-centered design, experience and service design, and innovation. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable experience as a professional sports agent, specializing in talent management, sponsorship sales, and licensing and merchandising. Outside of her professional endeavors, Rashi is passionate about writing as a way to refine her thinking. She authors a bi-weekly newsletter with over 1,300 subscribers and has published more than 80 opinion pieces in leading global publications. An avid golfer, former varsity tennis player, and newly minted pickleball enthusiast, Rashi balances her professional pursuits with an active lifestyle and a love for sports. Find and connect with Rashi Kakkar Newsletter: LinkedIn: BlueSky: Threads: X (Twitter): Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/35384680

23. Is It Time to Ditch Your LMS? with Sarah Mercier 02/19/2025

23. Is It Time to Ditch Your LMS? with Sarah Mercier 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, designed to solve persistent LMS problems XCL's ability to eliminate user logins while still tracking detailed analytics, provide flexible content types, centralize data, improve user experience, and offer cost savings How XCL solves challenges related to accessibility About Sarah Mercier Sarah Mercier, MBA, CPACC, specializes in innovative learning technology and strategic implementation of learning solutions. She is an advocate for learner-centered design and is known for her ability to translate highly technical concepts and research to real-world practice. As CEO of Build Capable, she leads a team of learning technology experts. Sarah is an author and the editor of Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and business events on topics such as learning experience design, accessibility, xAPI, and learning ecosystems. Find and connect with Sarah Mercier Website: Email: Book: Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Additional links from the episode XCL Tool: 7 Taps Microlearning: Article: LXP vs. LMS: What Are The Differences? Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the 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. /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/35214460

22. Designing and Measuring on Purpose with Chris Taylor 02/05/2025

22. Designing and Measuring on Purpose with Chris Taylor 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 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: Find and connect with Jess Almlie Website: Newsletter: Additional links from this episode /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/35019250

21. Should L&D be Adding, Subtracting, or Changing? with Lavinia Mehedintu 01/22/2025

21. Should L&D be Adding, Subtracting, or Changing? with Lavinia Mehedintu 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 impact as well as how to support and empower our L&D community colleagues while we change. In this episode: Shifting L&D's approach from adding to subtracting content. The need for L&D to take a systems thinking approach. L&D skills that can be applied beyond workshops. Reframing L&D's identity around goals vs. activities. Why understanding the business builds credibility and enables strategic conversation. Making cross-functional "friends" as a strategy for business success. The importance of support systems and community when building new skills, overcoming organizational resistance, and navigating change. About Lavinia Mehedintu: Lavinia Mehedintu has over 11 years of experience designing learning experiences across higher education, start-ups, and large enterprises. After leading an L&D team, she noticed a gap in resources tailored to L&D professionals' growth and found traditional approaches lacking the impact she was seeking. This inspired her to create Offbeat, a community where L&Ds explore their evolving roles amidst a rapidly changing world. Five years later, Lavinia combines experience design, behavior change, and technology at Offbeat to help L&Ds grow and consults with companies of all sizes on learning and behavior change initiatives. Find and connect with Lavinia Mehedintu here: (L&D Community) Find and connect with Jess Almlie here: Subscribe to the Website /episode/index/show/867b7e50-8f3b-4a65-8e91-8cec582c2357/id/34841005

20. The Intersection of L&D and Change Management with Jody Lumsden 01/08/2025

19.What It Takes to Hire and Develop an L&D Team with Laurel Schulert 12/11/2024

18. Do You Have Trainer Bias? With Jay Johnson 11/27/2024

17. The Simple Power of Book Discussions with Jeannine Lanoux 11/13/2024

16. Data Literacy and Business Acumen for L&D with Dr. Alaina Szlachta 10/30/2024

15. What's a Digital Coach Anyway? with Chris King 10/16/2024

L&D Must Change

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