Redefining L&D’s Role in an AI-Driven World with Amanda Archer of Advocate Health
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.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
03:05 Amanda's path to L&D started in early childhood education before landing in corporate learning — she didn't know instructional design was a career until she was already doing it.
06:25 Amanda describes herself as an extroverted introvert who thrives both in creative design work and in front of a room — a rare combination in L&D.
08:10 AI is pushing L&D away from content creation and toward true business consulting, helping organizations think about behavior change and not just e-learning delivery.
11:05 The shift back to performance consulting is one of the most exciting developments in L&D right now, moving teams from support function to strategic partner.
12:20 L&D professionals will either become genuine business consultants or risk becoming irrelevant as AI takes over content creation within the next two to three years.
13:15 The pendulum is swinging, so AI will drive more in-the-flow-of-work learning, but human connection will eventually bring people back to in-person facilitation.
18:05 Amanda's most influential mentor taught her that you cannot make everybody happy — a lesson she still applies to feedback, leadership and team culture today.
24:10 Adaptability is the most critical skill right now, with Amanda's team maintaining high engagement scores and low turnover through two double-in-size mergers.
31:20 Amanda recommends Brené Brown's Dare to Lead for its focus on vulnerability and authenticity as the foundation of effective leadership.
Resources Mentioned:
ATD (Association for Talent Development)
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.
#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment