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L&D Must Change · 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

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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

Find and Connect with Jess Almlie

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