Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders

Jason Berry, Director of Talent Management of Nolan Transportation Group, joins us to explore how L&D is evolving into a more data-driven, business-aligned function. He shares how teams are proving impact through metrics, adapting team structures with AI and shifting from training delivery to performance enablement.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.07:05 Proving L&D impact through data and ROI.09:30 Using AI to streamline content creation.10:20 Shifting to smaller, more agile L&D teams.11:10 Embedding leadership development into company culture.12:00 Measuring learning against business outcomes.17:05 Building internal networks to drive career growth.18:10 Promoting your work to increase visibility.21:00 Learning through networks, not just content.24:20 Being intentional with time and priorities.Resources Mentioned:Jason Berryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-r-berryNolan Transportation Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nolan-transportation-ntg/"Dare to Lead" by Brené Brownhttps://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/"I Can Fit That In" by Erin Coupe  https://www.erincoupe.com/i-can-fit-that-inThanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

AI, agility and business alignment are reshaping the role of L&D. Karen Massey, Senior Director of Training and Qualification of AWP Safety, joins us to discuss how L&D teams can create measurable business impact. She shares how organizations are embedding AI tools into everyday workflows, why L&D must operate as a strategic partner, and how leaders can use data and metrics to connect learning initiatives to real performance outcomes.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.02:40 L&D is shifting toward proving business value through metrics that connect learning to performance outcomes.03:30 AI is acting as a performance accelerator, helping employees upskill faster and become more productive.04:15 Changing performance through learning requires a holistic organizational approach aligned with business goals.05:30 L&D teams are moving from order takers to strategic partners who diagnose business needs before recommending solutions.07:00 Organizations are embedding AI tools like Copilot to help employees access information and insights directly.08:10 L&D must help employees learn how to use AI tools effectively rather than simply deploying the technology.18:05 Agility and resilience are essential skills for talent development professionals in a rapidly changing environment.20:10 Resistance to change often comes from habits of thinking and behavior that leaders must first recognize.25:05 L&D leaders should proactively connect learning initiatives to performance metrics before executives ask for proof of value.Resources Mentioned:Karen Masseyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/masseykaren/AWP Safetyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/awpsafety/Microsoft Copilothttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilotBend, Don’t Break: A Modern Guide to Thriving in Times of Change https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXLSS93GAssociation for Talent Development (ATD)https://www.td.orgThanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlig ht: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

We’re joined by Adrienne Smith, Manager of Global Learning and AI Development at Samsara, to discuss how AI is reshaping L&D and what the rise of agentic AI means for learning teams.Adrienne explains the shift from generative AI tools to agentic AI systems that can take action across multiple tools and workflows. She shares practical advice on where L&D teams should start, how to identify the right tasks for automation and why governance and ethics will become one of the most important responsibilities for learning leaders.We also explore how L&D roles may evolve into learning or agent architects, ensuring AI-driven learning experiences remain aligned with organizational goals, sound learning science and responsible data use.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.05:02 L&D’s shift from order taking to being a strategic business partner that’s aligned with organizational goals.06:15 The difference between generative AI and agentic AI; moving from prompt-based responses to goal-driven systems that take actions across tools.08:10 Why agent building is becoming more accessible as new tools reduce the need for extensive coding.11:55 Start with high-friction, low-variability tasks when identifying opportunities to build AI agents.14:10 Departments may begin deploying their own agents, requiring L&D to rethink its role as a learning architect or agent architect.16:45 Ethics and governance will become a defining capability for L&D professionals working with AI.18:10 Teams must slow down initially to learn AI tools, and experimentation is essential for adoption.21:00 Building an AI agent to automate weekly onboarding communications.23:05 AI should augment human expertise, not replace foundational L&D skills and learning science.Resources Mentioned:Adrienne Smithhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/adrmsmith/Samsarahttp://www.linkedin.com/company/samsara/"Co-Intelligence" by Ethan Mollick https://www.amazon.co.za/dp/059371671XEthan Mollick Newsletter "One Useful Thing"https://www.oneusefulthing.orgROI Institute (Jack & Patti Phillips)https://roiinstitute.netThe Kirkpatrick Modelhttps://www.kirkpatrickpartners.com/the-kirkpatrick-model/Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

In this episode, Kimberly Hill, Senior Director of Global Client Learning at Nielsen, joins us to explore how global client education drives business impact. Nielsen’s learning strategy has evolved alongside shifting media consumption habits. We dive into in-person training, virtual delivery, microlearning and digital credentials, and discuss how modern L&D must balance accessibility, accountability and measurable impact. We also explore leadership, mentorship and why grit may be the most essential workplace skill today.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.05:05 Effective client learning goes beyond software training to teaching data storytelling.07:20 Empathy and patience are foundational skills for trainers working with customers.12:25 The shift from live-only delivery to virtual and on-demand learning accelerated during the pandemic.14:10 Microlearning and short-form content meet modern attention spans.15: 00 Certification, knowledge checks and digital badges increase accountability and retention.17:25 Digital credentials create FOMO and drive product adoption and engagement.19:15 Internal certifications should influence promotion and career mobility.23:10 Perseverance is one of the most critical workplace skills today.29:05 Angela Duckworth’s work on grit underlines how determination outperforms raw talent.Resources Mentioned:Kimberly Hillhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-hill-b4881215/Nielsen https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielsen/"Grit" by Angela Duckworthhttps://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/Kolbe Assessmenthttps://www.kolbe.comThanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

Laura Dermody, Ph.D., Director of Platform and Solutions of Boston Consulting Group, joins us to discuss the accelerating pace of change in L&D and how organizations must balance foundational learning science with emerging AI capabilities.Drawing from her experience across K–12, higher education, ed tech and global consulting, Laura shares how workforce upskilling, AI literacy, personalization and data architecture are reshaping corporate learning. This episode reinforces that while tools evolve rapidly, human-centered design and critical thinking remain essential. Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.11:10 Context matters in learning — content becomes valuable when it meets an immediate need.12:15 AI may not be the most fundamental shift, but the pace of change in learning and design is exponential and overwhelming.13:05 While tools evolve, foundational learning science and frameworks like backward design and Kirkpatrick remain relevant.15:10 Organizations investing heavily in AI tools are not seeing ROI without workforce upskilling and human-centered implementation.16:15 The half-life of skills is shrinking, reinforcing the need for continuous workforce development.17:05 Personalized learning at the n-of-1 level is aspirational but requires strong data architecture and ethical data use.19:10 The future of learning lies in embedding development into the flow of work rather than isolating it inside an LMS.25:25 AI literacy is becoming essential across roles — understanding what AI can and cannot do is now foundational.27:30 Critical thinking and liberal arts–based skills remain crucial in navigating rapid technological change.Resources Mentioned:Laura Dermodyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurawdermody/Boston Consulting Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group/MIT Article on AI ROIhttps://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/scaling-ai-results-strategies-mit-sloan-management-reviewTLDR AI Newsletterhttps://www.tldr.tech/aiNate’s Substackhttps://substack.com/@natolambert?utm_source=global-searchASU+GSV Summithttps://www.asugsvsummit.com/Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

Adam Morettin, Group Vice President of Learning and Development of U.S. Renal Care, joins this episode to explore how L&D leaders can create meaningful, measurable impact in highly regulated healthcare environments. He shares how personal purpose fuels his work, why AI and snackable learning are reshaping the learning and development space, and how targeting behavior change is more important than content completion. From microlearning to engagement metrics, Adam explains how L&D must evolve from creative storytelling to measurable business outcomes.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.05:30 AI accelerates content creation and reshapes L&D workflows.06:20 Snackable learning meets the need for fast, targeted development.07:30 Five-minute learning moments can replace hour-long sessions.08:00 AI-powered coaching introduces conversational learning experiences.11:20 Learning must be personal, emotional and targeted to stand out.14:30 Learning experiences must burn lasting impressions, not just transfer information.19:00 Leadership programs tied to engagement data drive measurable results.27:00 Real ROI shows up in sustained behavioral change.30:00 Innovation often comes from peer networking and vendor collaboration.Resources Mentioned:Adam Morettinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-morettin-887240b5/U.S. Renal Care | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/us-renal-care-inc./U.S. Renal Care | Websitehttps://www.usrenalcare.comThanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

Mary Pelusi, Director of KPMG, shares how AI is reshaping the learning and development sector and what it means for facilitators and leaders. She discusses the rise of generative AI, the shift toward microlearning and the role of the modern facilitator. From ethical AI frameworks to experience orchestration, Mary explains how L&D can embrace innovation while staying grounded in human connection.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.06:00 AI is not just another tool but a transformational shift across content creation and personalization.07:30 The real opportunity is augmenting facilitators, not replacing them.09:00 AI can streamline prep, analyze feedback and create targeted improvement plans.11:00 Microlearning fits into the small cracks of the day and respects learner attention.12:00 Responsible AI use requires structured frameworks like Think Prompt Check.19:00 Modern facilitators must move from lecture style to experience orchestration.21:00 Strategic questioning, storytelling and psychological safety drive engagement.27:00 AI should enable creativity while human leadership remains essential.28:00 Radical candor balances personal care with direct challenge.Resources Mentioned:Mary Pelusihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-pelusi/KPMG | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kpmg-us/KPMG | Websitehttps://kpmg.com/“Applying AI in Learning and Development” by Josh Cavalierhttps://www.amazon.com/Applying-Learning-Development-Platforms-Performance/dp/1960231529“Radical Candor” by Kim Scotthttps://www.amazon.com/-/es/dp/1250235375Training Magazinehttps://trainingmag.comTRACOM Grouphttps://www.tracom.comThanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

On this episode, Liz Ramon, Director of Talent Management of Castle Group, joins us to discuss how learning and development continues to evolve and why L&D plays a critical role in developing confident leaders, adaptable workforces and practical learning experiences that drive performance. Liz shares her career journey into L&D, the shift toward microlearning and learning in the flow of work, and what skills matter most for leaders navigating constant change.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.02:10 L&D focuses on practical and relevant learning experiences that can be applied immediately.05:35 Microlearning and on-demand content reshape how people learn, driven by learner expectations for fast, targeted information.07:50 L&D must meet multiple generations where they are, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.08:15 Capturing institutional knowledge becomes critical as tenured employees exit the workforce.08:40 Learning increasingly happens in the flow of work, supported by technology but still grounded in human connection.08:55 Leaders are expected to coach and mentor more, especially emerging leaders who lack prior experience in people leadership.11:10 Strong mentorship accelerates growth by developing not only skills but also confidence, judgment and empathy.15:20 Adaptability and self-awareness are essential skills that help leaders stay relevant and build trust during constant change.Resources Mentioned:Liz Ramonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-ramon/Castle Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/castle-group/Association for Talent Development (ATD) https://www.td.orgTraining Industryhttps://trainingindustry.comTraining Magazine Conferencehttps://www.trainingconference.com"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36072.The_7_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_PeopleThanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

Alissa Weiher, Senior Director of Organizational Development, Engagement and Retention of UCHealth, reflects on her 20-year career in learning and development. She shares how L&D has evolved from tactical training to a strategic function shaped by AI, data and cross-functional collaboration while keeping the human experience at the center of change.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.02:49 Career paths into L&D often begin through hands-on training.03:48 L&D evolves from tactical support to strategic influence.05:15 Direct relationships strengthen learning insight and decision-making.08:17 Learning functions as part of the total rewards experience.09:24 AI changes how work is designed and performed.11:14 Human judgment remains essential alongside AI.21:02 Learning agility enables effective navigation through change.28:28 L&D leadership requires ongoing self-development.Resources Mentioned:Alissa Weiherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alissaweiher/UCHealth | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/uchealth/UCHealth | Websitehttps://www.uchealth.org/Association for Talent Development (ATD)https://www.td.orgLearning Geeks podcasthttps://www.learninggeekspodcast.com“Leading the Learning Function” by MJ Hall and Laleh Patelhttps://www.amazon.com/Leading-Learning-Function-Techniques-Organizational/dp/1950496619Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

On this episode, Adam Bocken, Vice President of Training and Development of Margaritaville, shares how L&D teams can adapt as learning expectations shift toward speed, accessibility and continuous development. Drawing on nearly two decades with the brand, Adam discusses delivering a consistent guest and team member experience across a global hospitality organization while navigating rapid changes in technology, AI and course creation.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.01:54 Training contributes to consistent experiences.03:48 Many careers in L&D begin through hands-on training opportunities.07:01 Learning content creation has shifted significantly over time.09:25 Access to on-demand learning expands how and when people learn.10:32 AI is changing how work gets done rather than eliminating roles.11:44 Careful judgment is required when using AI-generated information.17:24 Adaptability supports growth in fast-changing environments.28:12 Training is most effective when treated as an ongoing process.Resources Mentioned:Adam Bockenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/abocken/Margaritaville | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/margaritaville/Margaritaville | Websitehttps://www.margaritaville.com/Harvard Business Reviewhttps://hbr.orgThe Predictive Index | Websitehttps://www.predictiveindex.com/SHRMhttps://www.shrm.org“Good to Great” by Jim Collinshttps://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996“Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidarahttps://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment