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.

Mike Grabarek, Associate Director of Corporate Learning and Development of SS&C Technologies, reflects on his career journey, from aerospace engineering to shaping the future of L&D. Mike discusses pivotal lessons from GE’s Crotonville institute, the evolution from one-and-done training to today’s learning ecosystems, and the role of experimentation, communication and mentoring in driving leadership success. Mike also shares how technology such as AI and just-in-time tools is transforming the learning landscape and why human connection remains central to leadership development.

Frankie Robinson, Learning and Enablement Strategist of TrainingPros, shares her journey from classroom teaching to corporate L&D, the power of trust in driving training impact, and how AI is transforming the way organizations deliver learning. She also highlights the importance of building stakeholder buy-in and using innovative tools like custom GPTs to create realistic practice scenarios.

In this episode, Leigh Hurst, Relationship Manager of TrainingPros, shares insights from her 30+ years of experience in learning and development, elaborating on the impact of combining corporate, nonprofit and academic work to create meaningful change. She also speaks about her passion for client partnerships and how her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor inspired her to found a nonprofit that has saved lives through creative awareness campaigns.

Michelle Lentz, Principal and Lead Strategist of AI and Change Management at Innovate-Elevate Strategies, LLC, joins us to discuss the intersection of AI and Learning and Development, offering practical insights on overcoming fear, building trust and using AI as a tool rather than a crutch. With 20 years of experience in HR and L&D, Michelle helps organizations shape their AI strategies with a human-first approach, focusing on ethics, governance and employee engagement.

On this episode, Zachary Beasley, Director of Enterprise Learning of Synovus, shares his journey into L&D, his vision for the future, and the skills that matter most in today’s workplace. Zachary discusses how AI, predictive tools and simulation-based training are influencing the industry while emphasizing the importance of curiosity, critical thinking and human connection. He also highlights the role of mentorship, the potential of global learning solutions and the value of multiple sources when making informed decisions.

Kari Borroel,  Executive Director, Head of Operations Quality Learning and Development, GxP Learning, of AstraZeneca, shares her journey into L&D, the changes shaping the industry and her vision for the future of learning transformation. Kari reflects on the impact of AI, the importance of aligning learning with business strategy and the essential skill of flexibility in a rapidly evolving environment.

On this episode, Mary Beth Thornton, Director, Organizational Learning and Development of AdventHealth, discusses the evolution of L&D through the lens of skills, business partnership and the integration of AI. She reflects on her career journey, from higher education to enterprise learning, and highlights the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Mary Beth also shares her thoughts on mentoring, the future of personalized learning and the resources she turns to for growth.

Tom Lahoud, SVP, Learning Advisor Senior Lead, HR of Citi, discusses his career path in learning and development, the evolving relationship between L&D and HR, and emerging trends shaping the future of workplace learning. He shares his perspectives on adaptive and experiential learning, workforce reskilling and the critical skills learning professionals need to become trusted advisors.

Vince Eugenio, Director of Learning and Development Distribution of Harbor Freight Tools, shares his journey from teaching industrial arts to leading large-scale learning initiatives. Vince discusses the skills and mindsets needed to thrive as a senior L&D leader, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and the importance of accountability and strategic alignment in driving organizational performance.

Tori Pauling, Sr. Manager, Program Development and Management of Marmon Holdings, Inc., leads strategic initiatives for the Business Acumen Center, supporting a diverse portfolio of manufacturing businesses. With a background in communications and executive learning, she focuses on turning complex ideas into scalable programs that drive measurable business outcomes. In this conversation, she outlines how L&D can evolve from a support function to a strategic partner by aligning learning with profitability, designing for real-world application and using frameworks like the Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning.

Matt Smith, Vice President of Learning and Development of Curana Health, shares how his team is shaping scalable learning solutions while aligning closely with business needs. With a background in consulting and a passion for coaching, Matt brings a holistic approach to L&D that balances operational value with human impact. At Curana Health, which is the largest provider of senior living primary care services in the US, Matt focuses on enabling people to work better through thoughtful, strategic learning experiences.