L&D Must Change

Jess Almlie

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!

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August 19 · 58 min
61. Simplifying Leadership Development with Matt Gjertsen
Leadership development has become far too complicated. In this episode, Jess and Matt Gjertsen strip away the jargon and return to the fundamentals busy managers can actually use. They explore the Minimum Viable Manager mindset, three core skills every leader needs, and why iteration matters more than perfection. You'll also hear how L&D can help employees navigate the career change into management, make feedback a daily habit, and combine high-impact in-person experiences with digital learning to create lasting behavior change. Jess and Matt Discuss Why leadership development has become unnecessarily complicated How first principles thinking can simplify manager development The Minimum Viable Manager mindset and the power of iteration Three essential manager skills: building trust, setting expectations, and giving feedback How a clear definition of done prevents the delegation doom loop Why managers should ask for feedback before giving it Why becoming a manager is a career change, not a promotion How L&D can help employees decide whether management is right for them Why in-person learning still matters for behavior change How to reframe leadership development as a facilitated conversation About Matt Gjertsen Matt Gjertsen is the founder of BUILT, a leadership-development company focused on helping technical professionals become exceptional people leaders. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Matt spent nine years as an instructor pilot before leading training and development at SpaceX. With two decades of experience developing high-performing teams, he now helps organizations strengthen their managers, improve performance, and prepare leaders to solve complex challenges. Find and Connect with Matt Gjertsen LinkedIn Website: BUILT Leaders Book: Minimum Viable Manager Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
August 5 · 55 min
60. The Brain Science Behind Better Learning Design with Lauren Waldman
Our learning design could be better if we understood how the brain is taking in and processing what we share. It would help us to know what's effective, and what's having the opposite effect. In this episode, Jess sits down with learning scientist Lauren Waldman to explore why neuroscience should be a foundational skill for every L&D professional. They discuss how memory really works, why most training never reaches long-term memory, how cognitive overload undermines learning, and practical ways to design experiences that work with the brain instead of against it. Jess and Lauren discuss Why every L&D professional should understand how the brain learns The difference between content delivery and the biological process of learning How working memory limits affect learning design Why repetition and retrieval are essential for long-term memory How cognitive overload prevents learners from retaining information Practical ways to reduce distractions and guide learner attention Designing learning that supports focus instead of competing for it Using neuroscience to confidently push back on stakeholder requests that hinder learning A simple design question every L&D team should ask before building training About Lauren Waldman Lauren Waldman is a learning scientist, founder of Learning Pirate, and one of the leading voices bringing neuroscience into the world of learning and development. With advanced neuroscience studies from Harvard, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Michigan, she helps organizations design learning experiences that align with how the brain actually learns. Lauren is a sought-after keynote speaker known for challenging conventional thinking and making brain science practical, engaging, and impossible to ignore. Find and Connect with Lauren Waldman LinkedIn Learning Pirate Website: https://www.learningpirate.com/ Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess Additional Links from This Episode L&D Must Change Episode 22: Designing and Measuring on Purpose with Chris Taylor L&D Must Change Episode 45: Ensure Learning is Worth the Expense with Melanie Martinelli
July 22 · 56 min
59. L&D Has a Data Problem with Nolan Hout
What if the biggest thing holding L&D back isn't AI, but our data? Jess sits down with Nolan Hout to explore why Learning is often "data poor," why completion metrics aren't enough, and how stronger partnerships unlock the business data that proves impact. They discuss AI, measurement, ROI, cost efficiency, and practical ways to connect learning initiatives to business outcomes. If you want L&D to influence business decisions instead of simply reporting training activity, this conversation is a great place to start. Jess and Nolan Discuss Why L&D is often "data poor" compared to other business functions The difference between learning activity and business impact Why SCORM data limits meaningful measurement How AI amplifies both good and bad data practices The business metrics L&D should pursue with stakeholders Why measurement begins before training starts Building partnerships to gain access to business data Using AI to create better business hypotheses Rethinking cost per learner and learning ROI Reinvesting AI efficiencies into higher-impact learning experiences About Nolan Hout Nolan Hout is the Senior Vice President of Growth at InfoPro Learning. He has more than 15 years of experience in learning, talent development, and workforce transformation, and helps global organizations align learning strategies with real business outcomes. He's also the host of The Talent Equation podcast, where he interviews leading voices in leadership, AI, and the future of work. Find and Connect with Nolan Hout LinkedIn Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
July 8 · 54 min
58. Secrets to Optimizing L&D with Brad Batesole
What if L&D has been optimizing all the wrong things? Jess sits down with Brad Batesole, founder of Madecraft and former LinkedIn Learning leader, to explore why learning often feels harder than it should. They discuss designing learning that matches how people actually consume content, advocating for resources in budget-conscious organizations, using AI to personalize rather than replace learning, and setting realistic stakeholder expectations that move L&D beyond checking boxes toward creating meaningful business impact. Jess and Brad Discuss Why L&D often optimizes for cost, completion, and volume instead of learning effectiveness. How poor learner experiences create compliance instead of engagement. Why workplace learning should mirror how people naturally consume content outside of work. Designing for "interstitial time" with short, meaningful learning experiences. Layering just-in-time, durable, and long-tail learning to support real skill development. How L&D can advocate more effectively for budget by connecting learning to business outcomes. Setting realistic expectations with stakeholders when resources limit what's possible. The role of AI in personalization, practice, and learner support without replacing human expertise. Why experimentation should be treated as a necessary investment for L&D teams. Small changes L&D teams can make today to create learning people actually want to use. About Brad Batesole Brad Batesole co-founded Madecraft in 2018 after two decades at the forefront of online learning. At Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning, he created top-performing marketing courses that amassed over 20 million views and built a LinkedIn following of 96,000 professionals. An internationally recognized speaker and storyteller, Brad advocates for learning strategies that match how people consume content today. Find and Connect with Brad Batesole LinkedIn Madecraft Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
June 24 · 55 min
57. Tech Anxiety in the AI Era: You Are Not Alone with Betty Dannewitz
Does the pace of new technology have you in a bit of a spiral? If the amount of tech and learning about tech coming at you these days is making you question your skills, your role, and the value of your expertise, or if you simply feel like you cannot possibly keep up, you are not alone. In this conversation with Betty Dannewitz of "If You Ask Betty," we dig into what Betty calls tech-induced imposter syndrome: the spiral that happens when a new tool makes you question your own value. You will walk away with practical, research-backed strategies to tame your inner critic, build confidence through action, and rethink how you design learning experiences so your learners can do the same. Jess and Betty Discuss Why tech adoption is a confidence problem just as much as a skills problem, and what L&D needs to do differently as a result What tech-induced imposter syndrome actually is and why even experienced L&D pros are not immune Betty's story of a 3-day ChatGPT spiral that had her searching for jobs at Target (and what snapped her out of it) Practical tools to tame your inner critic when it's activated by technology Why confidence comes from action, not before it, and how to build "receipts" of your own capability How to stop losing the comparison game on LinkedIn and take control of your digital presence How to design learning experiences that build learner confidence early, before the fear takes hold Why measuring your value by speed is a losing game against AI, and how to reframe your human strengths around judgment, context, ethics, and relationships What it really looks like to be "in cahoots" with AI rather than in competition with it About Betty Dannewitz Betty Dannewitz is a speaker, learning innovator, and the founder of "If You Ask Betty" and host of the podcast by the same name. She has spent more than two decades helping organizations create better learning experiences through leadership development, immersive technologies, and innovative learning strategies. She's also a sought-after voice on topics like imposter syndrome, human-centered leadership, and the future of workplace learning. Find and Connect with Betty Dannewitz LinkedIn Website: https://ifyouaskbetty.com/ Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
June 10 · 52 min
56. LIVE from ATD 2026: Working with SMEs with Jeff Daigle and Tami Reiss
If your SME projects keep stalling, it's possible the SME isn't the problem. Recorded LIVE at the ATD 2026 International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, this special episode brings together influence strategist Tami Reiss and Sr. L&D Manager Jeff Daigle to tackle what can be one of the most universal frustrations in our field: working with subject matter experts. Together, Jess, Tami, and Jeff dig into why content overload kills clarity, how to position L&D as a true business partner, and what it actually looks like to stop persuading SMEs and start aligning with them. Plus, hear Jeff's rare perspective as someone who has sat in the SME seat himself. Jess, Tami, and Jeff Discuss Why SME projects stall when L&D focuses on collecting content instead of defining clear learner outcomes The critical difference between persuasion and alignment, and why alignment gets SMEs to actually show up, engage, and champion your work How Jeff, as a former field SME, felt pressure to share everything, and what good L&D partnership looked like from that side of the table Practical strategies for earning and keeping SME time, including doing your homework before meetings and following through on every promise, even small ones The "need-to-know vs. nice-to-know" framework and why nothing the SME shares should ever get thrown away How to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to build draft structures before meeting with SMEs, shifting their role from content creator to expert editor and reviewer Where SME partnerships are headed in the future About Tami Reiss Tami Reiss is a global speaker and trainer specializing in strategic influence and leadership communication. She has worked with professionals across industries to help them gain buy-in, lead without authority, and communicate with clarity. Tami is the creator of Just Not Sorry, author of a book on management, a respected authority on communication, and the voice behind the Confident Communicator GPT, a tool for leaders building executive presence and strategic influence. Find and Connect with Tami Reiss LinkedIn Website: https://tamireiss.com/ About Jeff Daigle Jeff Daigle is a Senior Learning & Development Manager based in Kenner, Louisiana. He bridges big‑picture strategy and real‑world execution, helping organizations turn complex goals into clear, practical learning that drives performance. Jeff specializes in competency‑based talent development, organizational frameworks, and technical training, with a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. Known for his approachable style, he supports people while thoughtfully challenging them to grow, believing the best development happens when clarity, trust, and high expectations come together. Find and Connect with Jeff Daigle LinkedIn Find and Connect with the host, Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
May 27 · 51 min
55. Beyond AI Content Tools: L&D's Strategic Role with Megan Torrance
Most L&D teams are using AI to write content faster, but the business doesn't care. Megan Torrance, founder of Torrance Learning and author of the upcoming AI Implementation Guide for L&D, joins Jess to make the case that L&D professionals are sitting on a goldmine of untapped superpowers, and it's time to use them where it matters most: inside the business's core AI strategy. From the AI Implementation Canvas to the WISE at AI framework, this episode will change how you see your role in your organization's AI future. Jess and Megan Discuss Why L&D's current AI conversation (content generation, authoring tools) is largely invisible and irrelevant to the rest of the business The unique "superpowers" L&D brings to organizational AI strategy: workflow analysis, broad internal networks, and skilled questioning The AI Implementation Canvas: a 14-dimension framework across 4 categories that gives L&D a structured way to start strategic AI conversations How an empty dimension on the Canvas is actually data, and why silence signals a potential blind spot The three AI impact zones (L&D productivity, learner experience, and organizational transformation) and why L&D needs to push into zone three Why relationship power, not hierarchy, is L&D's path to being called upstream on AI initiatives Practical strategies for building those relationships: proactive curiosity, attending town halls, and asking "what else is going on in your world?" The WISE at AI framework (Wisdom, Inclusivity, Safe and Secure, Equitable, Accountable, Transparent) and how to operationalize it inside your organization About Megan Torrance Megan Torrance is the CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, where she leads a team of learning experience designers and engineers in reimagining workplace learning. Her firm has served Fortune 1000 companies, major research universities, global professional associations, and federal agencies for more than two decades. Megan brings a strategic vision that helps TorranceLearning bridge vision with execution—delivering innovative, data-informed, and learner-centered solutions. Megan is active in the L&D community, frequently speaking at conferences and writing many articles. She has also written 3 books: Agile for Instructional Designers (2019), Data and Analytics for Instructional Designers (2023), and her newest book which comes out at the beginning of June 2026, The AI Implementation Guide for L&D. Find and Connect with Megan Torrance Website: https://www.torrancelearning.com/ LinkedIn Newest Book: The AI Implementation Guide for L&D (June 2026) Book: Data and Analytics for Instructional Designers (2023) Book: Agile for Instructional Designers (2019) Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
May 13 · 1 hr 5 min
54. Running L&D Like a Business with Tracie Cantu
Most L&D teams are not struggling because they lack talent or effort. They are struggling because of the system they are operating in. In this episode, Jess sits down with L&D strategist Tracie Cantu to talk about why L&D's credibility problem is really an operating model problem, and what it looks like to fix it. They cover everything from governance and portfolio management to getting involved in strategic conversations, empowering others to create content, and the three-pillar Learning Operations Blueprint that can help any L&D team operate with the same rigor and intention as the business it serves. Jess and Tracie Discuss Why L&D's traditional operating model is now a liability, not just a limitation What "running L&D like a business" actually means (and what it does not mean) Reframing governance and operational rigor as a superpower, not bureaucracy The difference between the business as your customer and employees as your consumers Portfolio management for L&D: making data-driven decisions about where to invest resources The Learning Operations Blueprint and its three pillars: people, process, and technology Why standardizing your intake process is the highest-leverage first step Becoming a connector and problem-solver across the organization Why over-indexing on content creation keeps L&D teams stuck Empowering SMEs to create content so L&D can focus on higher-impact work A simple first step any team can take: mapping current processes together About Tracie Cantu Tracie Cantu, MHRM, CPTD is an enterprise L&D strategist with 20+ years of experience building and transforming learning operations at scale. She has led learning functions across aviation, government, retail, and tech, including Director of Learning Technology at Whole Foods Market (Amazon) and Head of Learning Ecosystems at Meta, before stepping into fractional executive work and advising global organizations across financial services, legal, healthcare, and beyond. Her work is grounded in a single premise: L&D's credibility problem is an operating model problem. As Chief Learning Strategist of Your CLO, she works with senior L&D leaders and the executives they report to on the infrastructure, technology strategy, and measurement systems that make learning functions perform like the business units they serve. Tracie is an international speaker and a regular presence at Learning, HR, and EdTech conferences. Her writing has appeared in publications such as TD Magazine, Federal News Network, and Training Magazine. Her book, Running L&D Like a Business: Drive Value with Learning Operations, published through ATD Press. Find and Connect with Tracie Cantu LinkedIn Book: Running L&D Like a Business: Drive Value With Learning Operations Website: yourclo.net Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
April 29 · 1 hr
53. AI in L&D: Overreliance, Resistance, or Exuberance? with Timothy Frost
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 overdoing it or falling behind, this conversation will help you find your footing. Jess and Timothy Discuss The "tri-linked crossroads" of AI in L&D: exuberance, resistance, and overreliance Why AI should be treated as a tool that enhances work, not replaces people The real reason behind resistance: fear, overwhelm, and reluctance to learn new tech How overreliance on AI can reduce learning quality and critical thinking The risk of turning L&D into a "churn and burn" content factory with AI Practical ways AI improves efficiency like brainstorming, email triage, and idea generation Why not all AI tools are equal and how to choose the right one for the job How to push back on executive pressure for cost savings without rejecting AI A simple framework for leading AI adoption: define the why, analyze data, design learning How to get started with AI through small, practical experiments The shift toward in-the-moment, personalized learning powered by AI Why L&D must focus on working with AI, not just using it About Timothy Frost Tim Frost is a digital learning and performance consultant who partners with organizations to solve real business problems, not just build training. With a background in education and enterprise healthcare, he specializes in transforming complex systems into intuitive, high-impact learning experiences. His work sits at the intersection of strategy, technology, and design, helping organizations modernize their learning ecosystems, improve adoption, and create experiences people actually want to engage with. Find and Connect with Timothy Frost LinkedIn ATD Central Florida Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
April 15 · 57 min
52. The Role of L&D in Frontline Success with JD Dillon
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 ready to build strategies that actually fit how frontline work gets done. Jess and JD Discuss Why L&D has historically overlooked the frontline workforce The gap between corporate learning strategies and frontline realities Moving from training to a broader enablement mindset Why frontline managers are the most critical leverage point The limits of traditional leadership development programs How peer connection drives real learning for managers Designing support based on the job, not L&D assumptions Why task focused support beats program based design The importance of getting on the floor and doing the work How to make learning content more authentic and useful Supporting people who train others but do not identify as L&D The opportunity to build stronger community in frontline environments About JD Dillon JD Dillon began his career on the frontline, gaining firsthand experience leading teams in theme parks, movie theaters, and contact centers. These roles shaped his understanding of how people learn, perform, and succeed in fast-paced business environments. Over the past 25 years, JD has become the leading voice in frontline enablement. He has held roles in operations, marketing, and talent development with global organizations, including Disney, AMC, Kaplan, and Axonify. JD has shaped technology, content, and services used by millions of frontline workers around the world in industries like retail, grocery, food service, hospitality, logistics, financial services, and more. JD is a respected author, content creator, and keynote speaker with a passion for helping people do their best work every day. He advises organizations on frontline performance strategy, ecosystem architecture, and AI-enabled solutions. JD's first book, The Modern Learning Ecosystem, is a personal, practical, hilarious take on L&D's role in today's workplace. His latest book, The Frontline Enablement Playbook, is a blueprint for rethinking how organizations equip, engage, and empower their deskless workers. Find and Connect with JD Dillon LinkedIn New Book: The Frontline Enablement Playbook First Book: The Modern Learning Ecosystem Website: jddillon.com Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
April 1 · 55 min
51. Rethinking Microlearning with Robyn A. Defelice
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 intentional decision making How microlearning exposes weak design and stakeholder habits The three different meanings of "microlearning" and why misalignment happens How to push back on stakeholders while staying learner focused Why microlearning is not just shrinking content The role of shared language in successful learning projects How the Microlearning Readiness Framework (MLR) helps teams assess capability When microlearning works best as pre-work, reinforcement, or extension Why microlearning should complement, not replace, other learning formats Practical first steps to start using microlearning more effectively About Robyn A. Defelice Robyn A. Defelice, PhD, is a learning strategist, consultant, and speaker who transforms how L&D professionals approach their craft. With 25 years spanning startups to Fortune 500s, manufacturing to healthcare, government to higher education, she helps practitioners integrate the art, science, and business of learning to become strategic partners in their organizations. She is the founder of RADLearning, co-author of "Microlearning: Short and Sweet" (ATD Press), and author of the newly released, "Maximizing the Power of Microlearning" (ATD Press). For over a decade, she has partnered with ATD on research into training development times, informing how organizations approach capacity and capability planning. Her favorite moments? When L&D teams discover their untapped potential and realize just how much impact they can have. Find and Connect with Robyn A. Defelice LinkedIn Website: https://www.radlearning.com/ 1st Book: Microlearning Short and Sweet New Book: Maximizing the Power of Microlearning Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
March 18 · 54 min
50. Design Learning Beyond Courses with Mark Britz
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 truly have. Jess and Mark Discuss The shift from controlling learning through courses to influencing learning through environment design. Why creating content can subtly reinforce control instead of capability. The power of organizational design in shaping behavior. How efficiency-driven systems can unintentionally create disconnection and limit learning. The case study that proves most performance problems are not training problems. How social tools like Slack and Teams can act as an MRI for your culture, revealing trust, power, and communication patterns. What learning in the flow of work really means. The learning that emerges when people are trusted to solve problems. Auditing your own L&D processes to identify where you may be reinforcing control. About Mark Britz Mark is the Director of Event Programming & Content at The Learning Guild and author of Social By Design: How to create and scale a collaborative company. Across roles in education, corporate, and start-up settings—as a teacher, instructional designer, social strategist, and performance consultant - his focus has been consistent: reshape systems to reduce friction, foster connection, and support learning through work, not around it. Find and Connect with Mark Britz LinkedIn Website: www.markbritz.com Book: Social by Design: How to create and scale a collaborative company The Learning Guild Learning Leadership Conference DevLearn Conference & Expo Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
March 4 · 42 min
49. World Learning Content Cleanup Day with Ger Driesen
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 creation and neglect maintenance The concept behind World Learning Content Cleanup Day The idea of learning hygiene as a professional standard How to evaluate content using relevance, usage, accuracy, and risk Using LMS data to inform cleanup decisions The retire by default mindset shift Refreshing, rewriting, or retiring content strategically What heat illness training in Alaska can teach us about relevance How cleanup builds credibility with stakeholders Navigating resistance and "killing your darlings" conversations Turning a one day event into an ongoing process Simple ways any L&D pro can get started About Ger Driesen Ger Driesen started working in L&D in 1990 and has taken on almost every L&D role there is during his career. He's served as a L&D consultant, a learning designer, an L&D manager, a Trainer/facilitator, a teacher for L&D at a university of applied sciences, a writer, and speaker. As the Learning Innovation Leader at Newspring, Ger launched the World Learning Content Cleanup Day (#WLCCD) in 2023. He is the co-founder and independent learning and leadership consultant for Challenge Leadership Development Academy. Ger is based in the Netherlands and also known as the Dutch L&D trend catcher. Find and Connect with Ger Driesen LinkedIn World Learning Content Cleanup Day Overview and Video Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
February 18 · 1 hr 2 min
48. Choosing the Right L&D Tech with Becky Willis
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 management, not performance impact "Dinosaurs on wheels" and how AI gets bolted onto outdated systems The difference between AI at the core vs AI for content creation only Why you should start with a business problem, not a platform wish list Red flags in vendor demos and the questions to ask anyway What actionable data should look like, including BI-style analytics Personalization, skills, and collaboration as real engagement drivers How L&D accidentally kills engagement by overwhelming learners Using pilots, especially with IT, to reveal gaps and build allies How to show value and earn budget even with clunky tech Tying learning to KPIs like quality, safety, and time-to-proficiency About Becky Willis Becky Willis is a modern learning strategist, speaker, and author who focuses on learning strategy, technology, and engagement. As a founder and chief learning officer at Tractus Learning, she helps businesses design, develop, and improve their learning solutions. She is a thought leader in the field of learning platforms and ecosystems and cares deeply about leveraging technology to create personalized, adaptive, and continuous learning experiences to drive better outcomes for businesses. Find and Connect with Becky Willis LinkedIn Tractus Learning Website: https://tractuslearning.com/ Book: 7 Steps to Learning Engagement Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
February 4 · 54 min
47. Robots vs. Humans: Storytelling and AI with Stephanie Hubka
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 exposes the gap between knowledge transfer and human connection Stephanie's "light switch" moment when ChatGPT matched her outline, but stripped the soul from the learning Why storytelling builds trust, openness, and the vulnerability learners need Common objections like "I'm not confident" and "I don't have the right story" and how to move past them Borrowing stories ethically, including when to ask permission and when to anonymize Using the SOL framework to pick stories that spark, overcome, underscore, or link The difference between adding a story and designing through story Story-based structures like scenarios and choose-your-own-adventure learning Four storytelling archetypes (superpowers) and how to match your style to your audience A practical workflow: human start, AI middle, human end A simple next step: start a story journal you can pull from anytime About Stephanie Hubka Stephanie Hubka wants to live in a world where learning is human at its core and anchored by experiences that celebrate joy, curiosity, and genuine connection. As the managing partner of Protos Learning, LLC she provides strategic leadership on professional learning and organizational performance solutions to companies around the world. Stephanie is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and is Dare to Lead Trained. She is a sought-after facilitator and keynote speaker, and her work has been published in industry publications including TD Magazine. She is the co-author of 3-2-1 Launch!: The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Talent Development Podcast. Stephanie is a longtime ATD volunteer and proudly served as the president of the Metro DC chapter of ATD in 2016 and as a National Advisor for Chapters from 2017-2022. Stephanie's passion for training is equaled only by her love of exploring the globe; an avid traveler, she has visited all 7 continents, more than 70 countries, and all 50 US states. Find and Connect with Stephanie Hubka LinkedIn Website: Protos Learning ATD Blog Article: AI Isn't Human, But Storytelling Is TD Magazine Article: Channel Your Sorytelling Superpower (Free to ATD Members) Book: 3-2-1 Launch! The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Talent Development Podcast Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess
January 21 · 45 min
46. Using PIPs for Development, Not Discipline with Amy Kay Watson
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 early wins. You'll leave with concrete ways L&D can equip managers to partner in accountability conversations and diagnose root causes. PIPs can be positive turning points, but only with a different approach. Jess and Amy Discuss Why PIPs often function as compliance tools instead of learning frameworks, and the downstream damage to trust, morale, and capability The "reformer's trap": why managers default to policing behavior under pressure (and what to do instead) How cultures fall into the "nice trap," confusing kindness with lack of structure and boundaries A developmental PIP model built on three pillars: Justice, Goals, and Efficacy Justice in practice: using transparent performance data ("Do you see what I see?") to reduce threat response and enable learning Goals that build capacity: shifting from deficit lists to resourced targets using the Job Demands–Resources (JDR) lens Efficacy: restoring agency by designing early, achievable wins to rebuild confidence and momentum L&D's three big opportunities: train managers as diagnostic "regulators," claim PIPs as a learning tool, and align with HR/Legal to avoid mixed messages The smallest high-impact starting point: be clear about standards because clarity really is kindness How to handle the hard reality: what changes when someone won't engage, even with support and partnership About Amy Kay Watson Amy Kay Watson, M.Div., MCC, is a Master Certified Coach and a sought-after speaker in empathy-driven leadership and performance improvement. She helps purpose-driven professionals balance accountability with compassion, especially in high-pressure, high-stakes roles. With a background spanning chaplaincy, corporate management, over 200 culture-shaping retreats, and over 3,600 coaching hours, Amy brings rare insight and practical wisdom to every stage and conversation. Find and Connect with Amy Kay Watson LinkedIn Website: amykaywatson.com Article: It's Time to Reboot Accountability Special offer for listeners (quiz): rebootleader.com Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap
January 7 · 59 min
45. Ensure Learning is Worth the Expense with Melanie Martinelli
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 of diagnosing the real performance problem The difference between learner satisfaction and business impact (Level 1 vs. Level 3) What "learning transfer" actually means: application back on the job The 12 Levers of Transfer (trainee, training design, and organizational factors) How to use a "transfer audit" to find the biggest barriers for that specific program Why you shouldn't try to pull all 12 levers at once (perfectionism kills transfer) Active learning vs. active practice—and why practice gets cut first Designing for constraints: what to do when training time is limited Why investing in "before and after" support beats polishing course content The "Certificate of Implementation" tactic that drives supervisor support About Melanie Martinelli Melanie Martinelli combines her entrepreneurial spirit with her 20 years of experience in L&D to help build memorable & results-based learning experiences. In her role as CEO of the Institute for Transfer Effectiveness and Founder of Going Beyond Training, she applies strong business acumen, rich practical experience across cultures & a deep understanding of what makes learning transfer happen to support her clients in being more strategic in their L&D initiatives. Find and Connect with Melanie Martinelli LinkedIn Institute for Transfer Effectiveness Book: What Makes Training Really Work Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Introducing the L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Development Blueprint Want to know how your L&TD team can stop reacting to requests and start operating as a true strategic business partner? The L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Development Roadmap shows you exactly where your team is today and provides a clear, practical path to change how you work, build credibility with leaders, and deliver measurable business impact. Learn more and reach out to Jess Almlie to bring this tool to your team.
Dec 10, 2025 · 59 min
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 LinkedIn Website: Endurance Learning Book: What's Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training Book: Instructional Design on a Shoestring Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Additional Links from the Episode Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction The Bob Pike Group Malcolm Knowles Adult Learning Theory On Teaching and Learning: Putting the Principles and Practices of Dialogue Education into Action by Jane Vella Endurance Learning Training Activity Cookbook L&D Must Change Podcast Episode 08 with Kassy Laborie (Online Training That's Better Than In Person) Interact and Engage! 75+ Activities for Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars by Kassy Laborie and Thomas Stone L&D Must Change Podcast Episode 22 with Chris Taylor (Designing and Measuring On Purpose)
Nov 26, 2025 · 58 min
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 LinkedIn Website: JoshCavalier.ai YouTube Show: Brainpower: Your Weekly AI Training Show Book: Applying AI in Learning & Development: From Platforms to Performance Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Business Acumen Checklist
Nov 12, 2025 · 49 min
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 LinkedIn Website: guusvandeelen.nl Free resources for L&D Pros as mentioned in the episode Book: Organizing L&D for Results Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner

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