Dr. Hope Eady, Learning and Development Director, Housing Opportunities and Mission Engagement, of Habitat for Humanity International, believes the most important skill in L&D is the ability to think alongside the business as a true consultative partner. Hope shares how she approaches learning as a transformational experience designed to meet people where they are. Leading L&D across nearly 1,000 staff and a global network of affiliates in 60+ countries, her perspective on what it takes to do this work well is expansive and grounded.

Jessica Fraser, Director of Learning of Floor & Decor, joins us to discuss how agile methodologies are reshaping instructional design, why a solid process foundation is the prerequisite for effective AI adoption and what it means to move an L&D team from order takers to strategic partners.

To celebrate our 100th episode, Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of L&D Cares, joins us to discuss the three shifts redefining L&D in the AI age, why the content factory model is ending and what it means for leaders to truly create value in the workforce.

Brandon is the award-winning author of “L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age” and a frequent keynote speaker and executive advisor, helping organizations redesign work, leadership and learning for the AI era.

Rapti Khurana, Talent Squad Advisor of PortlyAI and former VP of Talent Engagement and Development of the NFL, discusses the shift from content-centric to capability-centric L&D, what the future of learning looks like and why combining scale with intimacy is the defining challenge for learning leaders today.

Dr. Darick Bryant, Director of Learning and Organizational Development of Clean Harbors, joins us to discuss how AI is reshaping L&D, why empathy has become an essential leadership skill and how organizations can use learning as a strategic retention tool for the next generation of workers. 

We’re joined by Amanda Archer, Director of Learning Experience at Advocate Health, to discuss how AI is reshaping L&D, why adaptability is the defining skill of this moment and what it really takes to lead a learning team through constant change.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adam Morton, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ian Stevens, Director of Learning and Talent Development of Publicis Sapient, shares his 15-year journey across education and corporate learning, offering a grounded perspective on how L&D continues to evolve amid rapid change. Drawing from experience as a former teacher, facilitator and learning strategist, Ian reflects on what it takes to build resilient, business-aligned L&D functions that balance human connection, adaptability and real-world impact.

Marc Donelson, Director of Curriculum Development of Spectrum, discusses his path into learning and development, the evolution of technology in the field and the skills today’s learning professionals need to thrive. Marc reflects on early career moments that shaped his leadership approach and shares perspectives on the future of L&D, including AI, invisible learning and the importance of strong partnerships with stakeholders.

Gregg Summers, Field Director in Learning and Development of Sysco, shares how frontline-focused L&D can support complex supply chain operations while keeping people development at the center of the business. He reflects on two decades with the company, the shift from sales leadership into learning and how his team builds capability among warehouse teams, delivery drivers and frontline leaders. Gregg also discusses how virtual delivery has expanded reach, why mentoring matters for emerging leaders and why thoughtful questioning is one of the most critical skills in today’s workplace.

On this episode, Chrissy Medeck, Senior Director, Organizational Development (Learning and Leader Institute) of Ascension, discusses how modern learning environments support career growth and organizational performance. Chrissy outlines the shift from classroom-based training to virtual and on-demand learning, and reflects on how the pandemic accelerated this change. The conversation also covers confidence-building and AI-enabled coaching, as well as the importance of mentors, communication and stakeholder management in navigating constant change and sustaining effective learning cultures.