Performance Matters Podcast

2025 has been a disruptive year for learning and talent, and 2026 promises even more change. In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel sits down with Matt Donovan, GP Strategies Chief Learning and Innovation Officer, to unpack five learning trends that matter most for enterprise L&D and HR leaders. Listen and learn how organizations build capability, integrate AI, and elevate performance so CLOs, L&D, and HR leaders can move faster, smarter, and more sustainably into 2026.

If AI can build a marketing campaign from scratch, what’s stopping it from designing your next training program? Enterprise learning leaders are under pressure to keep pace with AI while still protecting quality, compliance, and culture. This Future Focus episode of Performance Matters asks a simple but urgent question: if AI can run complex work tasks end‑to‑end, what does that mean for how L&D designs, delivers, and measures learning? Theodora Michaelidou, Innovation Learning Consultant from Cyprus and Paul Andrews, Learning Experience Consultant from Shrewsbury, England join the show to explore whether enterprise L&D is truly ready for AI browsers and agentic tools, and how leaders can turn them into safe, adaptive learning and performance support at scale. Why AI Browsers Matter for Learning and Work Traditional browsers like Chrome helped people find information; AI browsers and agentic tools are now helping them complete work. In the episode, Paul Andrews explains that newer “agentic” browsers can plan, click, and navigate on a user’s behalf—more like a digital co‑pilot than a search bar. For L&D and HR, this shift changes how employees seek support and solve problems on the job. Instead of searching a learning portal, they can delegate tasks to an AI that reads policies, compares options, and drafts outputs in real time. If learning teams do not design for this reality, employees will still use these tools, just without appropriate guardrails. From Static Courses to Dynamic AI‑Powered Pathways Much of today’s digital learning is still built around predefined paths: pick a role, follow a linear journey, complete a course. Paul describes how AI can now remix content on the fly, adjusting the experience based on what a learner gets right or wrong and what they need next. Instead of a single branching scenario, an AI‑enabled system can draw from a library of approved assets and assemble a bespoke path in the moment. The result looks more like a modern video game that adapts to how you play than a rigid eLearning module that looks the same for everyone. For global organizations, this also opens the door to GEO‑sensitive experiences that reflect local regulations, markets, and examples while still aligning to a common global framework. An AI layer can pull region‑specific scenarios, terminology, and compliance nuances without forcing L&D teams to rebuild every course from scratch. AI as a Just‑In‑Time Subject Matter Expert One of the most common complaints from business stakeholders is that they invested heavily in training content, but their people still cannot get quick answers when they need them. Theo highlights how AI tools can turn existing content libraries into conversational, just‑in‑time support. By feeding policies, procedures, playbooks, and learning assets into an AI browser or chatbot, organizations can let employees ask questions in natural language and receive targeted guidance grounded in their own content. Crucially, Theo stresses that this must be a human‑plus‑AI model: experts still validate outputs, monitor risk, and refine prompts and guardrails. For regionally distributed workforces, this just‑in‑time approach can also be localized without fragmenting content. A single global knowledge base can be tuned with GEO‑specific rules so that, for example, a retail manager in North America and one in Europe each receive guidance that reflects their local environment. NPCs, Simulations, and More Human Practice The episode also explores how ideas from gaming—especially non‑player characters (NPCs)—are shaping the next generation of learning simulations. Paul explains that NPCs in games already respond dynamically to a player’s behavior, and AI can bring similar responsiveness to learning. Instead of static role‑plays where the “customer” or “leader” always reacts the same way, AI‑driven characters can respond differently based on what the learner says or does. This enables more realistic practice for leadership, coaching, customer experience, and sales, tuned to regional norms and customer expectations. For L&D and HR, this means practice environments that can scale globally while still feeling local—for example, simulating conversations with customers in specific countries or coaching scenarios shaped by local labor practices. Practical Steps for L&D and HR Leaders to Implement AI L&D and HR leaders do not need to rebuild their entire ecosystem to benefit from AI; they need targeted, high‑value use cases. The conversation suggests several practical starting points: Offerings such as GP Strategies’ Learning Experience Design & Innovation services can help organizations experiment safely, define governance, and align AI use with measurable performance outcomes. Key Questions to Ask About AI Readiness The episode ultimately reframes “Is L&D ready for AI?” into more actionable questions. Leaders can use these as a simple readiness checklist: Where are employees already using AI browsers or tools outside official channels? Which content is safe and valuable to expose through AI, and what must remain tightly controlled? How will human experts monitor, validate, and continuously improve AI‑generated outputs? What GEO‑specific considerations—regulation, culture, language—must shape AI use across regions? By treating AI as an extension of learning and performance strategy, not a separate experiment, L&D and HR can move from anxiety to action and ensure AI is rearranging the furniture in ways that actually support capability, culture, and business results. Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to Performance Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform for more Future Focus insights. For more on AI in L&D

Blended Learning 3.0: Personalized, Adaptive, Impactful What if your next learning journey wasn’t just digital or face-to-face, but smart, adaptive, and powered by AI? In this episode of Performance Matters, host Michael Thiel sits down with Patrick Billingsley, Principal Learning Consultant at GP Strategies, to explore how AI is transforming blended learning. From personalized experiences and role-play bots to learning in the flow of work, this conversation reveals the three stages of AI adoption and practical tips for L&D leaders. Tune in and learn how to design smarter, more impactful learning journeys.

Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI: Why Being Deliberately Human Matters In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the workplace, leadership itself is undergoing a profound transformation. This episode of the Performance Matters Podcast dives into how leaders can thrive—not by competing with machines, but by embracing what makes them deliberately human. The Leadership Identity Shift In this thought-provoking episode, Michael Thiel and Nic Gervin explore how artificial intelligence is not just transforming tasks, it’s reshaping the very identity of leadership. As AI automates what was once considered uniquely human, leaders are grappling with a dual sensation: the thrill of possibility and the discomfort of disruption. This shift isn’t just technical, it’s deeply emotional. Leaders must now redefine their value, not in spite of AI, but because of it. From Task Execution to Value Creation Organizations need a powerful mindset shift: leaders must move from executing tasks to creating value. This means embracing emotional intelligence, reframing narratives, and helping teams rediscover their unique human contributions. The future of leadership isn’t about becoming less human. It’s about being deliberately human. Nic Girvan Five Core Human Capabilities for AI-Era Leadership There are five essential capabilities that elevate leadership in a data-saturated, AI-driven world: #1: Business Acumen Understanding how the business truly operates to contextualize AI insights beyond dashboards and reports. #2: Strategic Thinking Envisioning the future, anticipating trends, and crafting pathways through uncertainty with ethical foresight. #3: Enterprise Mindset Thinking beyond silos and fostering collective success by recognizing the broader impact of decisions. #4: Critical & Creative Thinking Blending logic with imagination to challenge AI assumptions and design innovative solutions. #5: Data-Driven Decision-Making Interrogating data with human judgment, storytelling, and ethical reasoning to make meaningful choices. Introducing the VITAL Model The VITAL framework helps leaders remember and apply these capabilities: Viewpoint: Strategic thinking to guide teams with purpose Input: Enterprise mindset that values collective contribution Tinker: Critical and creative experimentation Analyze: Thoughtful, data-driven decision-making Leverage: Business acumen to align AI with real-world dynamics Training for the Future GP Strategies has launched a new immersive training series based on these five capabilities. It’s designed to help leaders build these muscles in real time, whether they’re shaping strategy, leading teams, or navigating AI disruption. Final Thoughts This episode is a call to action for leaders to embrace their humanity as a strategic advantage. As Nic puts it, “AI can replicate tasks, but it can’t replicate you.” Leadership in the age of AI is not about competing with machines, it’s about elevating what makes us uniquely human.

In this special episode, host Michael Thiel explores a story of navigating change at one of the world’s most iconic brands, tracing the path from resistance to readiness. We discover how organizations and individuals move through the discomfort of change to achieve transformation. Joining us are Dr. Cheryl Jackson, Director of the Organizational Design and Change Management Practice at GP Strategies, and Rob Ulrich, Senior Manager of Training and Engagement at Gibson Guitars. Dr. Jackson defines resistance in an organizational context as any pushback or opposition to a change in the environment. It can appear as skepticism, avoidance, or even outward defiance. Resistance is rarely just stubbornness; it usually stems from a fear of the unknown, uncertainty from a lack of trust, a sense of loss, or simply a desire to maintain the status quo. Change is uncomfortable, and people generally avoid discomfort. Crucially, resistance shouldn’t be seen as purely negative. It’s a natural response to a perceived threat. If no resistance is heard during a change, it suggests a broken feedback loop, or that people don’t feel safe to raise concerns. Listening to concerns can actually be very informative and lead to better solutions, ultimately creating stronger advocates for the change once the resistance is addressed. Navigating Change at an Iconic Brand Rob Ulrich shares Gibson Guitars’ journey to implement “the Gibson way of building guitars,” a project focused on standardizing all ways of working. For 130 years, the company operated with a lot of tribal knowledge and social learning, which was hard to maintain when experienced employees moved on. The goal was to shift the mindset from finding new ways to get through the work to refocusing creativity on improving the standard way of doing it. What Resistance Looked Like Resistance at Gibson, though expected, manifested as: Crossed arms and lack of engagement. The belief that the change was a temporary “exercise” that would pass. However, as the team shared more information, employees began raising concerns and questions, which showed they were listening and starting to get involved. Key concerns raised by team members included: Fear the process would be too restrictive and they wouldn’t be able to make necessary, on-the-fly adjustments (especially when working with wood, which has natural variability). Concern about how to capture the wide variety of Gibson models. Long-tenured members resisted change because they played a major role in building the Gibson legacy. A feeling that the change threatened their identity or ownership over their work. Listening and Inclusion Change has to feel like it’s happening with people, not to them. Rob Ulrich Gibson used these questions and concerns to improve the development process and build better, sustainable tools. Rob states the most important thing they did was listening. Actions taken to address resistance and move to readiness included: Inclusion in Development: They intentionally included more team members—both long-tenured and newer employees—in the process of developing the documentation to get their input and buy-in. Sustainability Measures: Implemented processes to ensure long-term adoption, such as team-led training, certification systems, and continuous improvement loops. The Voice Box: Created an internal suggestion box for team members to send suggestions for changes or improvements directly, keeping the employee voice at the heart of the process. Leadership Visibility and Communication: Leaders from the front lines to the C-suite were highly visible, engaged, and involved. They followed the guidance to “communicate early and often” and discussed the changes at town halls, sent encouraging emails, and walked the processes to hear directly from team members. Results and Takeaways These techniques worked because they provided each person with what they needed to feel heard, valued, and respected. The leadership’s visibility and reinforced, authentic communication was powerful. The approach was designed to move people through the change curve from awareness to full adoption. Evidence the change was effective: Team members who were initially hesitant became some of the greatest supporters. Leaders and team members shared excitement about the Standard Ways of Working (SWPs). They experienced reduced training time and better ramp-up to production speed. A team lead noted the standard now allows him to better advocate for his people. A marked increase in feedback and suggestions through the voice box. Rob’s biggest lesson learned was that change has to feel like it’s happening with people, not to them. This was achieved through a combination of change management and internal marketing to invite participation. Organizational Takeaways for Success Dr. Jackson offers three key takeaways for any organization to achieve similar results: Seek out feedback and uncover resistance early: Get feedback during the design of the solution, not just after implementation. If you can change the design, you start with a better solution. Don’t ignore or fear resistance. Intentionally create space for honest, open conversations: Listen with curiosity and empathy, not frustration. Encourage champions and leaders to put themselves in others’ shoes and consider what employees might perceive they are losing. Teach leaders to spot and respond to resistance the right way: Develop their emotional intelligence by building trust, active listening skills, and empathy. This gives leaders the tools they need to support their teams. Ultimately, a strong change management practice helps reduce stress on teams, making life better for employees not only at work but also at home. Remember: Resistance isn’t a wall, it’s a signal. And it might just be your greatest ally in the journey to success.

Matt Donovan joins the show to introduce a transformative approach to instructional design which breaks learning into its smallest meaningful components, like atoms and molecules, rather than traditional course structures. Applying Atomic Design to learning and development isn’t necessarily a new idea, but AI orchestration is now able to make it happen at scale. Learning is no longer built as monolithic courses but as modular, recombinable assets which can be assembled dynamically by AI based on learner needs, context, and performance goals. But it must be used to foster meaningful connections and not just automate content creation. How does this next-generation personalization work? How Where does it leave instructional designers in the process? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this future-thinking episode.

Nic Girvan joins the show to challenge the traditional approach to training budgets and advocates for investing in individual contributors. Nic explores how empowering frontline employees with development opportunities can drive performance, engagement, and long-term growth. Learn about the concept of the corporate lattice, a modern alternative to the outdated corporate ladder, how it supports diverse career paths, deeper expertise, and how people-centered development can transform your culture and prepare your workforce for whatever comes next.

Expert guests Leah Clark and Dr. Cheryl Jackson join the show to discuss how to build a stronger, more adaptable workforce. Join them as they dive into the essential role of resilience and well-being in today’s ever-evolving workplace. With decades of experience in leadership consulting and organizational psychology, Leah and Cheryl share practical strategies and real-world insights on how individuals and organizations can thrive—not just survive—through constant change. Whether you’re a leader navigating transformation or an employee seeking balance, this episode offers actionable tools like the “Four Cs” of resilience—Care, Connection, Communication, and Coping—and explores how trust, culture, and leadership shape our ability to adapt. Learn why investing in well-being during steady times is the key to weathering future storms, and how organizations that prioritize people will gain a lasting competitive edge. Tune in and get inspired to build a workplace where resilience is not just a buzzword, but a way of life.

What happens when AI becomes more than just a tool—and starts acting like a teammate? In this kickoff episode of our new Future Focus series, host Michael Thiel is joined by GP Strategies’ innovation leaders Cara Halter and Theodora Michaelidou to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the learning and development (L&D) landscape. From boosting productivity to enabling scalable coaching and role-play simulations, this episode dives into real-world examples of AI in action—plus what’s coming next. You’ll hear how L&D teams are using AI to co-design content, streamline workflows, and even transcribe and organize sticky-note brainstorms in seconds.  In this episode: Why AI is more than a tool—it’s a “cybernetic teammate” How L&D teams are using AI for research, writing, and scenario design The rise of AI-powered coaching and role-play simulations What’s next: embedded learning, workflow integration, and AI governance Whether you’re an L&D leader, instructional designer, or just curious about the future of work, this episode offers practical insights and a glimpse into what’s possible when AI meets talent transformation. Listen now and subscribe to the Performance Matters Podcast to stay ahead of the curve.

What happens when personal values collide with professional responsibilities? Jeremy Lewis, a senior inclusion trainer at GP Strategies, joins the show to explore how fundamental values can lead to conflicts in the workplace. He highlights the increasing prevalence of disputes rooted in core beliefs, driven by factors such as polarized politics, social media, and heightened awareness of societal issues. Listen and learn how to disagree well, a concept that involves understanding and respecting differing perspectives while engaging in constructive dialogue. He introduces the seven pillars of disagreeing well, drawing from historical practices in debate and negotiation, and provides practical strategies for leaders to manage these dynamics effectively. Through real-life examples and insightful commentary, this episode offers valuable guidance on fostering an inclusive and harmonious work environment, even when values collide.

Are you ready to transform learning experiences and provide genuine performance support? In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel welcomes learning strategists Andrew Joly and Ella Richardson to discuss a pivotal moment in technological advancements and AI: delivering true learning in the flow of work. With AI-driven tools like super coaches and chatbots, along with emerging technologies, organizations can scale impact in the flow of work like never before. Given the current business pressures to drive change and grow rapidly, learning in the flow of work has never been more important. Tune in to discover practical strategies for implementing learning in the flow of work and learn how to leverage technology to design performance support into your technologies and learning experiences.

Are you ready to perform at your highest potential? In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel dives into the world of point-of-need learning with two esteemed guests, Nic Girvan and Jeff Fissel. Discover how accessing knowledge at the moment you need it can transform your professional life. This episode explores strategies and technologies that enhance learning efficiency and flexibility. Tune in to learn how point-of-need learning can help you thrive in today’s dynamic workplace. Listen and uncover how it can lead to increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and greater flexibility for remote workers. Learn about the role of technology, particularly generative AI, in revolutionizing how we access and utilize information. Together, Nic and Jeff emphasize the importance of balancing traditional learning methods with point-of-need strategies to optimize performance and development in the workplace.

Nic Girvan joins the show to delve into the essential topic of nurturing aspiring leaders. Listen as she discusses how to identify potential leaders, the importance of investing in their development, and the challenges they may face. Nic shares valuable insights on the qualities that set aspiring leaders apart and offers practical advice for building a strong leadership pipeline. This episode is packed with real-world examples and strategies to help organizations cultivate the next generation of leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to elevate your leadership development initiatives.

Leah Clark joins the show to delve into a study by GP Strategies which surveyed leaders and individual contributors to assess their readiness for AI integration. The findings reveal high usage and enthusiasm for AI at work, but also highlight concerns about job elimination and ethical implications. The episode emphasizes the importance of leaders fostering open communication, psychological safety, and a growth mindset to successfully navigate AI-driven transformations. There is still some concern about job elimination. We saw that 38% of individual contributors and 42% of leaders have some worry that AI could eliminate their jobs. It’s about creating that environment of psychological safety and growth mindset, so encouraging in yourself as a leader and in others, that sense of experimentation and failure, experimentation and learning, making it okay to use AI and to admit that you’re using it. Leah Clark

The world is becoming much more disruptive. In the past five years, we’ve had two global disruptions and we’re going to continue to see more changes. Matt Donovan The mindset of the younger generation that’s coming into the workforce is one where their definition of a career path is different than what our definition of a career path was back in the day. Chris Davis Organizations feel it’s very important, but they don’t feel they’re getting the return on the investment that they’re putting out there. They’re not getting the proverbial juice for the squeeze. Matt Donovan Be an advocate for all stakeholders of your skilling strategy, it’s L&D, HR, but also the employee. Peggy Durbin In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel dives into the concept of strategic enterprise skilling with industry experts Peggy Durbin, Chris Davis, and Matt Donovan. Listen as they discuss how organizations can future-proof their workforce by adopting a comprehensive skilling strategy. The experts share insights on the importance of aligning skilling initiatives with organizational goals, the benefits of a shared vocabulary, and the need for a flexible approach that accommodates both global coordination and local needs. They also highlight the critical role of HR and learning and development (L&D) in creating a cohesive talent lifecycle that supports career mobility and employee retention. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on best practices for implementing an enterprise skilling strategy, including starting with a focused area and avoiding the pitfalls of trying to “boil the ocean.” The episode features real-world examples, such as the impact of AI on marketing roles and the innovative approaches taken during the nursing shortage in the pandemic. This engaging conversation provides actionable insights for organizations looking to enhance their workforce’s agility and resilience in an increasingly volatile business environment.

The workforce isn’t shrinking, it’s transforming. Traditional hierarchies are giving way to more agile and network structures because the skills of tomorrow often don’t fit neatly into one department or one role. Dr. Cheryl Jackson Dr. Cheryl Jackson joins the show to explore the rapidly evolving skills landscape, driven by automation and AI, and the necessity for organizations to continuously upskill and reskill their workforce. Listen as Dr. Jackson provides insightful distinctions between upskilling and reskilling, shares practical examples, and discusses the challenges and strategies for effective talent management.

Join DEI expert Nic Girvan as she explores the current political climate surrounding DEI programs, the critical role of inclusive leadership, and practical strategies for leaders to foster an inclusive culture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the future of leadership and the tangible benefits of prioritizing DEI in their organization.

Co-Founder, President, and Chief Coaching Officer Lori Mazan from Sounding Board joins the show to discuss the transformative power of leadership coaching. Lori shares her unique journey from social work to becoming one of the early certified coaches, highlighting the evolution of coaching from a remedial tool for “derailed executives” to a developmental strategy for leaders at all levels. Learn about the nuances of coaching versus mentoring, the significant ROI of coaching, and how Sounding Board’s innovative platform is making executive-style coaching accessible to a broader audience.

The specialness of a well-trained AI coach is that it can go to scale… bringing the special aspect of coaching to those who maybe didn’t always have access to it. Kevin Wilde It’s not AI or a human being as a coach. It’s that ‘and also’ proposition. Use AI to give you a head start, but keep the human connection alive. Leah Clark In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel discusses AI’s potential to complement coaching rather than replace it with leadership experts Kevin Wilde and Leah Clark. While AI offers tools for scalable feedback, performance tracking, and tailored development plans, human coaches remain essential for providing emotional intelligence, contextual understanding, and personalized insights. Listen and learn how to blend AI’s efficiency with the irreplaceable nuance of human connection in coaching relationships and how AI tools can enhance coaches’ effectiveness.

We’re drowning in information, but we’re thirsty for insight. Disconnected systems and lack of confidence in data are two sides of the same coin. Mapping your data is like writing the first chapter of your organization’s success story. Centralizing data into a single source of truth doesn’t just streamline processes; it builds confidence in decision-making. Lindsay Pineda and Ashlyn Elick, two seasoned performance consultants from GP Strategies, join the podcast to tackle the most pressing issues businesses face with data. From overcoming data paralysis to bridging organizational silos, this episode offers actionable strategies to turn data chaos into clarity. Learn how implementing governance frameworks, centralizing systems, and aligning data definitions can drive better decision-making and transform raw information into impactful stories that boost performance.