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.

On this episode, Yusuf Sadrud-Din, Manager of Learning and Development of Whistle Express Car Wash, shares how L&D is shifting toward learner-centered design, stronger business alignment and performance support, while reflecting on mentorship, soft skills and continuous professional growth.

Markus Bernhardt, Principal of Endeavor Intelligence, details how to turn AI activity into measurable business change. Known for his evidence-driven approach and “The Two-Wave Transformation” model, Markus explains how leaders can distinguish between tactical AI adoption and deeper structural change. He also introduces one of his latest research areas, “The Last Inch Challenge,” focusing on the human and organizational gap between AI capability and trust.

Josh Cavalier, Founder and CEO of JoshCavalier.ai, joins this episode to share insights on how AI is reshaping the L&D profession. He delves into lessons learned over his 30 years of experience in L&D, sharing his view on how technology is transforming instructional design, content creation and performance consulting. He explores how L&D teams can adapt to the rise of AI-driven ecosystems and the evolving relationship humans and machines share in workplace learning.

Rebecca Alimorong, Senior Director, Global Learning Experience of Robert Half, discusses her journey from legal assistant to learning leader, emphasizing adaptability, creativity and the human-centered future of learning. She shares how data storytelling, AI tools and mentoring shape modern L&D, and offers insights on leadership grounded in purpose and connection.

Robert Panetti, Revenue Enablement Program Manager of Avetta, joins us to examine how AI is reshaping L&D, why curation is overtaking creation and how sales enablement benefits from concise, performance-focused training. He discusses mentoring, the role of human judgment in quality control, and practical ways teams can pair automation with context to drive meaningful learner outcomes.

David Chestnut, Principal Director of Talent Strategy and Agentic Reinvention of Accenture, shares actionable insights into the shifting landscape of L&D, emphasizing the rise of AI-powered agents as digital coworkers and outlining practical frameworks for leaders adapting to these changes.

On this episode, Lori Fancher, Relationship Manager of TrainingPros, shares lessons from a career spanning corporate training, performance consulting and L&D leadership. Lori explains how relationship management, consultant partnership and disciplined processes drive consistent results and award-winning outcomes.