L&D Must Change

Microlearning sounds simple. It's not. In this episode, Jess sits down with Robyn Defelice to unpack why microlearning often fails and what L&D pros are getting wrong. They explore the critical shift from covering content to making intentional decisions, why misalignment derails projects, and how to actually use microlearning as part of a broader learning strategy. If you've ever been asked to "just make it shorter," this conversation will change how you think about design, stakeholders, and impact.   Jess and Robyn Discuss Why L&D must shift from content coverage to intentional decision making How microlearning exposes weak design and stakeholder habits The three different meanings of "microlearning" and why misalignment happens How to push back on stakeholders while staying learner focused Why microlearning is not just shrinking content The role of shared language in successful learning projects How the Microlearning Readiness Framework (MLR) helps teams assess capability When microlearning works best as pre-work, reinforcement, or extension Why microlearning should complement, not replace, other learning formats Practical first steps to start using microlearning more effectively About Robyn A. Defelice Robyn A. Defelice, PhD, is a learning strategist, consultant, and speaker who transforms how L&D professionals approach their craft. With 25 years spanning startups to Fortune 500s, manufacturing to healthcare, government to higher education, she helps practitioners integrate the art, science, and business of learning to become strategic partners in their organizations. She is the founder of RADLearning, co-author of "Microlearning: Short and Sweet" (ATD Press), and author of the newly released, "Maximizing the Power of Microlearning" (ATD Press). For over a decade, she has partnered with ATD on research into training development times, informing how organizations approach capacity and capability planning. Her favorite moments? When L&D teams discover their untapped potential and realize just how much impact they can have. Find and Connect with Robyn A. Defelice LinkedIn Website: https://www.radlearning.com/ 1st Book: Microlearning Short and Sweet New Book: Maximizing the Power of Microlearning   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie   LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess  

What if your real job in L&D isn't to build better courses, but to design better conditions for learning? In this episode, Mark Britz challenges us to step outside the L&D box and examine the larger ecosystem shaping performance every day. Through powerful stories and practical examples, Jess and Mark explore how control, efficiency, and legacy systems can unintentionally block learning. Instead of asking "What training should I create?" you'll be invited to ask, "What environment am I designing?" This conversation will stretch how you see your role and the impact you can truly have.   Jess and Mark Discuss The shift from controlling learning through courses to influencing learning through environment design. Why creating content can subtly reinforce control instead of capability. The power of organizational design in shaping behavior. How efficiency-driven systems can unintentionally create disconnection and limit learning. The case study that proves most performance problems are not training problems. How social tools like Slack and Teams can act as an MRI for your culture, revealing trust, power, and communication patterns. What learning in the flow of work really means. The learning that emerges when people are trusted to solve problems. Auditing your own L&D processes to identify where you may be reinforcing control.   About Mark Britz Mark is the Director of Event Programming & Content at The Learning Guild and author of Social By Design: How to create and scale a collaborative company. Across roles in education, corporate, and start-up settings—as a teacher, instructional designer, social strategist, and performance consultant - his focus has been consistent: reshape systems to reduce friction, foster connection, and support learning through work, not around it.   Find and Connect with Mark Britz LinkedIn Website: www.markbritz.com Book: Social by Design: How to create and scale a collaborative company The Learning Guild Learning Leadership Conference DevLearn Conference & Expo   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess

Is your L&D content closet getting a bit cluttered? When was the last time you cleaned it up? In this episode, Jess sits down with Ger Driesen, founder of World Learning Content Cleanup Day (#WLLCD), to challenge L&D's obsession with creation over maintenance. They explore why outdated learning erodes credibility, how to adopt a "retire by default" mindset, and how a simple annual cleanup can uncover powerful data insights. Let's reduce risk and increase the benefits of our content together with a cleanup celebration.    Jess and Ger Discuss Why L&D teams prioritize creation and neglect maintenance The concept behind World Learning Content Cleanup Day The idea of learning hygiene as a professional standard How to evaluate content using relevance, usage, accuracy, and risk Using LMS data to inform cleanup decisions The retire by default mindset shift Refreshing, rewriting, or retiring content strategically What heat illness training in Alaska can teach us about relevance How cleanup builds credibility with stakeholders Navigating resistance and "killing your darlings" conversations Turning a one day event into an ongoing process Simple ways any L&D pro can get started   About Ger Driesen Ger Driesen started working in L&D in 1990 and has taken on almost every L&D role there is during his career. He's served as a L&D consultant, a learning designer, an L&D manager, a Trainer/facilitator, a teacher for L&D at a university of applied sciences, a writer, and speaker. As the Learning Innovation Leader at Newspring, Ger launched the World Learning Content Cleanup Day (#WLCCD) in 2023. He is the co-founder and independent learning and leadership consultant for Challenge Leadership Development Academy. Ger is based in the Netherlands and also known as  the Dutch L&D trend catcher.   Find and Connect with Ger Driesen LinkedIn World Learning Content Cleanup Day Overview and Video   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess

Choosing the right L&D technology can feel overwhelming when every platform promises transformation. In this episode, Jess and learning strategist Becky Willis cut through the noise to talk about how to evaluate learning tech with a critical eye. They explore how to separate real capability from marketing hype, what AI should actually be doing behind the scenes, and how to make smart technology decisions even when budget or legacy systems get in the way. If tech decisions stress you out, this conversation will help.   Jess and Becky Discuss Why legacy LMSs were built for course management, not performance impact "Dinosaurs on wheels" and how AI gets bolted onto outdated systems The difference between AI at the core vs AI for content creation only Why you should start with a business problem, not a platform wish list Red flags in vendor demos and the questions to ask anyway What actionable data should look like, including BI-style analytics Personalization, skills, and collaboration as real engagement drivers How L&D accidentally kills engagement by overwhelming learners Using pilots, especially with IT, to reveal gaps and build allies How to show value and earn budget even with clunky tech Tying learning to KPIs like quality, safety, and time-to-proficiency   About Becky Willis Becky Willis is a modern learning strategist, speaker, and author who focuses on learning strategy, technology, and engagement. As a founder and chief learning officer at Tractus Learning, she helps businesses design, develop, and improve their learning solutions. She is a thought leader in the field of learning platforms and ecosystems and cares deeply about leveraging technology to create personalized, adaptive, and continuous learning experiences to drive better outcomes for businesses.   Find and Connect with Becky Willis LinkedIn Tractus Learning Website: https://tractuslearning.com/ Book: 7 Steps to Learning Engagement   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess

AI can spit out an L&D outline in seconds, but it cannot create connection. In this episode, Jess Almlie talks with Stephanie Hubka about why storytelling is the missing ingredient in a world of fast, transactional training. They break down how to choose stories with intention using the SOL framework, how to design learning through story using scenarios and choose-your-own-adventure techniques, and how to use AI as a partner without outsourcing the best parts of your craft. You will leave ready to start a story journal and humanize your learning.   Jess and Stephanie Discuss How AI exposes the gap between knowledge transfer and human connection Stephanie's "light switch" moment when ChatGPT matched her outline, but stripped the soul from the learning Why storytelling builds trust, openness, and the vulnerability learners need Common objections like "I'm not confident" and "I don't have the right story" and how to move past them Borrowing stories ethically, including when to ask permission and when to anonymize Using the SOL framework to pick stories that spark, overcome, underscore, or link The difference between adding a story and designing through story Story-based structures like scenarios and choose-your-own-adventure learning Four storytelling archetypes (superpowers) and how to match your style to your audience A practical workflow: human start, AI middle, human end A simple next step: start a story journal you can pull from anytime   About Stephanie Hubka Stephanie Hubka wants to live in a world where learning is human at its core and anchored by experiences that celebrate joy, curiosity, and genuine connection. As the managing partner of Protos Learning, LLC she provides strategic leadership on professional learning and organizational performance solutions to companies around the world.  Stephanie is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and is Dare to Lead Trained. She is a sought-after facilitator and keynote speaker, and her work has been published in industry publications including TD Magazine. She is the co-author of 3-2-1 Launch!: The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Talent Development Podcast. Stephanie is a longtime ATD volunteer and proudly served as the president of the Metro DC chapter of ATD in 2016 and as a National Advisor for Chapters from 2017-2022. Stephanie's passion for training is equaled only by her love of exploring the globe; an avid traveler, she has visited all 7 continents, more than 70 countries, and all 50 US states.    Find and Connect with Stephanie Hubka LinkedIn Website: Protos Learning ATD Blog Article: AI Isn't Human, But Storytelling Is TD Magazine Article: Channel Your Sorytelling Superpower (Free to ATD Members) Book: 3-2-1 Launch! The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Talent Development Podcast   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap Contact Jess

Let's be real. Most Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) don't actually improve performance. They're a legal termination plan in disguise. That doesn't make anyone feel good. But, they don't have to be this way! In this episode, Jess talks with coach and culture consultant Amy Kay Watson about rebooting accountability so performance improvement becomes a true development process instead of a disciplinary paper trail. Amy breaks down why most PIPs don't include learning or development and then shares a practical model built designed to restore psychological safety, clarify standards, and build early wins. You'll leave with concrete ways L&D can equip managers to partner in accountability conversations and diagnose root causes. PIPs can be positive turning points, but only with a different approach.  Jess and Amy Discuss Why PIPs often function as compliance tools instead of learning frameworks, and the downstream damage to trust, morale, and capability The "reformer's trap": why managers default to policing behavior under pressure (and what to do instead) How cultures fall into the "nice trap," confusing kindness with lack of structure and boundaries A developmental PIP model built on three pillars: Justice, Goals, and Efficacy Justice in practice: using transparent performance data ("Do you see what I see?") to reduce threat response and enable learning Goals that build capacity: shifting from deficit lists to resourced targets using the Job Demands–Resources (JDR) lens Efficacy: restoring agency by designing early, achievable wins to rebuild confidence and momentum L&D's three big opportunities: train managers as diagnostic "regulators," claim PIPs as a learning tool, and align with HR/Legal to avoid mixed messages The smallest high-impact starting point: be clear about standards because clarity really is kindness How to handle the hard reality: what changes when someone won't engage, even with support and partnership About Amy Kay Watson Amy Kay Watson, M.Div., MCC, is a Master Certified Coach and a sought-after speaker in empathy-driven leadership and performance improvement. She helps purpose-driven professionals balance accountability with compassion, especially in high-pressure, high-stakes roles. With a background spanning chaplaincy, corporate management, over 200 culture-shaping retreats, and over 3,600 coaching hours, Amy brings rare insight and practical wisdom to every stage and conversation. Find and Connect with Amy Kay Watson LinkedIn Website: amykaywatson.com Article: It's Time to Reboot Accountability Special offer for listeners (quiz): rebootleader.com Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Team Development Roadmap

Your learners loved the course… and then nothing changed. In this episode, Jess talks with Melanie Martinelli (Institute for Transfer Effectiveness) about why L&D's obsession with "great training" often fails at the only thing that matters: on-the-job application. You'll unpack the 12 Levers of Learning Transfer, learn how to run a quick transfer audit, and hear a case study where a clunky old e-learning outperformed a shiny new one. All because the ecosystem mattered more than the content.   Jess and Melanie discuss Why L&D "falls in love with the solution" instead of diagnosing the real performance problem The difference between learner satisfaction and business impact (Level 1 vs. Level 3) What "learning transfer" actually means: application back on the job The 12 Levers of Transfer (trainee, training design, and organizational factors) How to use a "transfer audit" to find the biggest barriers for that specific program Why you shouldn't try to pull all 12 levers at once (perfectionism kills transfer) Active learning vs. active practice—and why practice gets cut first Designing for constraints: what to do when training time is limited Why investing in "before and after" support beats polishing course content The "Certificate of Implementation" tactic that drives supervisor support   About Melanie Martinelli Melanie Martinelli combines her entrepreneurial spirit with her 20 years of experience in L&D to help build memorable & results-based learning experiences. In her role as CEO of the Institute for Transfer Effectiveness and Founder of Going Beyond Training, she applies strong business acumen, rich practical experience across cultures & a deep understanding of what makes learning transfer happen to support her clients in being more strategic in their L&D initiatives.   Find and Connect with Melanie Martinelli LinkedIn Institute for Transfer Effectiveness Book: What Makes Training Really Work   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner   Introducing the L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Development Blueprint Want to know how your L&TD team can stop reacting to requests and start operating as a true strategic business partner? The L&D Strategic Business Partner Team Assessment and Development Roadmap shows you exactly where your team is today and provides a clear, practical path to change how you work, build credibility with leaders, and deliver measurable business impact. Learn more and reach out to Jess Almlie to bring this tool to your team. 

Your learners don't need another "fun" workshop; they need results. In this episode, Jess and Brian Washburn unpack why engagement alone is a dangerous success metric and how to design for real performance change. Brian introduces his simple four-step facilitation model: Anchor, Content, Application, Future Use, which turns any session into a repeatable, effective learning experience. They explore how to equip SMEs to facilitate (without gimmicks), handle awkward moments like silence or "I don't know," and adapt these principles for virtual and global audiences. Why engagement alone doesn't equal effective training The four-step facilitation model and how to use it every time Moving SMEs from knowledge dumps to true facilitation Simple, non-gimmicky activities that prove people "get it" Handling silence, tough questions, and tech failures with confidence Adapting facilitation for virtual rooms and global cultures About Brian Washburn Brian Washburn is an author, a sought-after speaker, and an experienced instructional designer who has been working in the field of learning and development for more than two decades.  Brian's work has been published in TD magazine, the monthly trade magazine for the Association of Talent Development (ATD), and he was named a Top Young Trainer by Training Magazine in 2011. Brian's first book, What's Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training, was published by ATD Press in June 2021. Modeled on the original periodic table of elements, the book explores a wide range of approaches to organizational training needs and new ideas and ways to organize the design of learning programs.  His second book, Instructional Design on a Shoestring, was released in January 2024, and will be provided to each participant in this train-the-trainer program. Brian holds an MA in Organizational Development from Antioch University. Find and Connect with Brian Washburn LinkedIn Website: Endurance Learning Book: What's Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training Book: Instructional Design on a Shoestring Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Additional Links from the Episode Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction The Bob Pike Group Malcolm Knowles Adult Learning Theory  On Teaching and Learning: Putting the Principles and Practices of Dialogue Education into Action by Jane Vella Endurance Learning Training Activity Cookbook L&D Must Change Podcast Episode 08 with Kassy Laborie (Online Training That's Better Than In Person) Interact and Engage! 75+ Activities for Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars by Kassy Laborie and Thomas Stone L&D Must Change Podcast Episode 22 with Chris Taylor (Designing and Measuring On Purpose)

AI isn't coming for your L&D job... it's rewriting it. In this episode, Jess and AI-in-L&D veteran Josh Cavalier dig into his provocative "Human Machine Performance Analyst" L&D role, why content creation is still on the table, and how to build the business, data, and learning-science muscles you'll actually need. They unpack the real story behind AI layoffs, the emerging L&D tech ecosystem, and practical, low-risk ways to get your AI learning and practice reps in today. Jess and Josh Discuss Why Josh believes L&D must evolve into "Human Machine Performance Analysts." The shift from building courses to orchestrating human AI performance. Core skills for L&D to double down on: performance consulting, business acumen, data and analytics, and learning science. Which L&D tasks AI will automate. What AI-related layoffs are really funding. How the AI ecosystem flows from platforms like Microsoft, Google, and Workday down into L&D tools. The risks of shadow AI usage and protecting organizational IP. Cross-functional AI operations to enable responsible adoption Simple, safe ways to start with AI in content creation and get your "AI reps" in. Why strategic curiosity, not fear, is L&D's best response to AI. About Josh Cavalier Josh Cavalier is on a mission to bridge the gap between Learning & Development professionals and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. His own "aha!" moment arrived in late 2022 when an AI generated a remarkably effective educational video script on his prompt, instantly revealing its potential to revolutionize learning. Drawing on 30+ years of experience, including leading Lodestone Digital to radically improve clients' edtech implementations, Josh now guides organizations through the complexities of AI integration. Through JoshCavalier.ai, he directly addresses the concerns and opportunities facing L&D. Forget the fear of job loss – Josh argues AI necessitates a shift in roles, amplifying the need for human expertise and insight. He cuts through the myth of "automatic" AI, emphasizing that L&D professionals are crucial collaborators in the process. His focus? Pragmatic strategies and tools that help teams navigate the AI ecosystem, understand human-machine partnership, and significantly increase their AI skills.   Josh makes complex AI accessible and actionable. His training, popular YouTube channel, and the fun, interactive live show "Brainpower" reach thousands, offering easy-to-use methods for working with AI. Committed to the L&D community, he consults, runs workshops, and shares his strategic insights at major industry events (DevLearn, Learning Solutions, ATD ICE), empowering professionals to leverage AI for hyper-personalized learning and greater organizational impact.   Find and Connect with Josh Cavalier LinkedIn Website: JoshCavalier.ai YouTube Show: Brainpower: Your Weekly AI Training Show Book: Applying AI in Learning & Development: From Platforms to Performance   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner L&D Business Acumen Checklist

Tired of L&D busywork that doesn't move the needle? In this episode, Jess and Guus van Deelen dismantle "course factory" thinking and show how to organize L&D for results. They unpack the five L&D "chessboards," shift focus from learning to performance objectives, and set clear roles and decision rights to escape order-taking. You'll hear how to segment stakeholders with RIS (Risk, Importance, Size), apply Lean thinking to clean up operations, and run an annual L&D Cleanup Day (yes, on March 12) to kill zombie offerings and refocus on business value. Jess and Guus Discuss Why learning is a means—not the goal The five L&D "chessboards" and choosing must-win areas Escaping order-taking with clear roles and decision rights Training internal clients to work with L&D Replacing learning objectives with performance objectives (or adding both) RIS stakeholder segmentation: Risk, Importance, Size Lean habits to fix the back-office mess Service levels: economy to "royal class" support The annual L&D Cleanup Day (March 12): what to stop, start, or sustain Using LMS data to kill underused content Practical scripts and examples for setting expectations with the business About Guus van Deelen Guus van Deelen has held multiple roles in the L&D field, from L&D manager in global multinationals to strategic consultant helping organizations reposition and optimize their L&D departments. He is on a mission to make L&D more "streetwise." designing L&D that truly drives results. Not just delivering more training, but measurable impact on people, performance, and business outcomes. Guus helps L&D teams to create learning strategies, governance models, and talent development frameworks. He is also the author of the book, Organizing L&D for Results. Find and Connect with Guus van Deelen LinkedIn Website: guusvandeelen.nl Free resources for L&D Pros as mentioned in the episode Book: Organizing L&D for Results Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner  

What if the key to better learning isn't more content, but less? In this episode, Jess Almlie sits down with L&D expert Katrina Kennedy to explore how simplifying learning experiences and building in moments of reflection can transform behavior and performance. They unpack practical ways to focus on what really matters: workplace impact, learner ownership, and giving people the time and space they need to make learning stick. Jess and Katrina Discuss Why simplicity beats sophistication in learning design How reflection boosts retention and real behavior change The myth that "more content equals more learning" Practical ways to add reflection(even in one-hour sessions) How to handle stakeholder pushback and focus on outcomes Why reflection isn't just looking back. It's preparing to move forward About Katrina Kennedy Katrina Kennedy, known as the "trainer's trainer," is a facilitator and speaker with 25+ years in learning and development. She has helped thousands of subject matter experts design and deliver engaging learning experiences in a variety of industries. Her forthcoming book, Learning That Lasts; Reflection Activities for Trainers and Designers released on October 21, 2025. Find and Connect with Katrina Kennedy LinkedIn Website: www.katrinakennedy.com Book: Learning That Lasts: Reflection Activities for Trainers and Designers Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Additional Links Mentioned in the Episode Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory The History of Toothpaste (Wikipedia)

How do learning professionals earn a true voice in the boardroom? In this special episode, recorded live at the Learning Guild's Learning Leadership Conference 2025 in Orlando, Jess Almlie sits down with Dr. Alaina Szlachta and David "DJ3" Jackson to unpack what it really takes to secure influence and credibility in the C-suite. Together, they explore how aligning with organizational metrics, speaking the language of business, and leveraging data-driven storytelling can transform L&D from a service provider into a strategic powerhouse.   Jess, DJ3, and Dr. Alaina discuss Why L&D often gets overlooked by executives, and how to change that. How to "speak the language" of business leaders to gain trust and influence. The importance of identifying your organization's core metric and aligning initiatives around it. Using listening tours to understand executive priorities and build credibility. The "big three" focus areas for small or solo L&D teams: strategy, governance, and infrastructure. How data storytelling can open doors and secure a real voice in the C-suite. Practical examples of turning small wins and pilot programs into strategic momentum.   About David Jackson III (DJ3) David L. Jackson III (DJ3) is currently the Director of Talent Pathways and Learning for HealthPoint CHC. He is also a recognized thought leader in scaling impact for solo and small L&D teams. Some of his areas of specialty include aligning learning with business strategy, optimizing corporate learning ecosystems, and developing strategic learning frameworks. He's is a frequent speaker at industry-leading conferences, where he shares practical, action-oriented strategies to help L&D professionals move from survival to strategic impact. DJ3 is passionate about empowering learning leaders with actionable insights, focusing on helping organizations maximize resources, enhance learning maturity, and drive measurable business outcomes.   About Dr. Alaina Szlachta Dr. Alaina Szlachta is the founder of By Design Development Solutions, an expert consulting firm specializing in assessment development and data strategy for learning leaders. Drawing on her background as a researcher and public health educator, she partners with learning business owners to integrate data and measurement systems into their daily operations. She is also the author of the ATD Press book, "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," a resource written to make M&E easier and more accessible for anyone - regardless of their expertise.   Find and Connect with David Jackson III (DJ3) LinkedIn Website: dj3books.com   Find and Connect with Dr. Alaina Szlachta LinkedIn Website: dralainaszlachta.com Book: Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Subscribe to Jess's Weekly Newsletter: L&D Must Change   Additional Links Related to This Episode The Learning Guild The Learning Leadership Conference 2026 Book: Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact by Liz Wiseman

Change isn't an event, it's the air we breathe. In this episode, Jess talks with Holly Burkett about reframing change management as energy management, tackling stacked changes that drain capacity, and recognizing burnout as a workplace issue and not a personal failing. They explore how L&D can read the room on organizational readiness, coach managers to have safe workload conversations, and push for small pilots over all-or-nothing launches. L&D pros have the potential to be powerful change agents.  Jess and Holly Discuss Why change/disruption is the context for learning and performance Stacked changes," fatigue, and how burnout shows up at work Capacity vs. capability: measuring energy to absorb new demands Reframing resistance as a signal of limited capacity Practical levers for L&D: business cadence, pilots, after-action reviews Equipping managers for safe, honest workload conversations Framing tradeoffs in business terms: "Are we willing to risk it?" Self-care, recovery rituals, and modeling boundaries for teams   About Holly Burkett Holly Burkett is an accomplished talent builder, change leader, evaluator, and workplace learning professional with over 20 years experience as a trusted consultant and business advisor. She is passionate about helping leaders and teams build change-ready learning and performance capabilities that foster high engagement, employee wellbeing, and operational excellence. As a Prosci® certified change practitioner, a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coach®, Associate of The ROI Institute, and select member of The Conference Board, she is a sought-after speaker, coach, and facilitator who is invited to speak regularly at international conferences held by ATD, ACMP, ISPI, and the OD Network. Holly is a frequent contributor to many industry resources including ATDs "Handbook for Measuring and Evaluating Training" (2025), ATDs "Organizational Development Handbook "(2023) – where she wrote the Change Management chapter -- and ATDs Handbook of Training and Talent Development (3rd ed, 2022). An enthusiastic life-long learner, foodie, and travel junkie, she also wrote the award-winning book "Learning for the Long Run". She earned a doctorate in Human Capital Development and a Masters in Human Resources and Organization Development.   Find and Connect with Holly Burkett LinkedIn Website: www.hollyburkett.com Article: Become a Change Agent (TD, August 2025) Article: Combatting Change Fatigue (TD, Jan 2024) Article: 5 Essentials for Better Change Management (ATD Blog, April 2024) Article: Building Change Management from the Ground Up (Chief Talent Officer) Book: Learning for the Long Run   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: www.jessalmlie.com Book: Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Subscribe to Jess's Weekly Newsletter: L&D Must Change   Additional Links from this Episode L&D Must Change Episode 35: Conducting Tiny Experiments in L&D with Anne-Laure LeCnuff

What if the real power of L&D isn't in the content we deliver, but in teaching people how to direct their own growth? In this episode, Jess is joined by Irma Horvath who leads learning at Kahoot! They explore how shifting from "training delivery" to "learning ownership" creates lasting impact. You'll hear how to spark curiosity, set goals that guide attention, and make reflection the secret sauce of retention. From small experiments to culture-wide shifts, discover how to help people learn how to learn and why that's more valuable than any course catalog. Jess and Irma Discuss Why "learning how to learn" beats endless training The secret sauce: goals + reflection A simple "test–teach–test" formula that works How to make learning feel safe (and stick) Small experiments that spark big culture change Finding champions to spread new ways of learning Turning boring compliance into curiosity-driven growth About Irma Horvath Irma Horvath is a teacher by heart, a coach by craft, and an L&D leader by choice. She began her career as a teacher and teacher trainer, a path that took her across the world from Spain and the UK to Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Dubai, and Denmark. Along the way, she founded Morea Training, helping organizations design meaningful learning experiences, and later joined the leadership team at Drops, where she helped pioneer ways to make a fully remote team high-performing. Today, Irma leads Learning & Development at Kahoot!, driving global capability-building initiatives with a strong focus on making learning relevant, applicable, and part of everyday work. She's a PCC-certified solution-focused brief coach and a passionate advocate for empowering people to take ownership of their development. Her mission is simple: create learning that sticks, drives change, and builds cultures where growth is part of how people work - not a box to tick. Find and Connect with Irma Horvath LinkedIn Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Newsletter: L&D Must Change Website: jessalmlie.com Book:  L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Additional Links as Mentioned in This Episode Article featuring Irma: Don't Just Upskill Your Employees, Create Lifelong Learners, Strategic CHRO360 David A. Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle The Learning Space by Dr. Becky Zone of Proximal Development Get your copy of Jess's new book now! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner is now available wherever books are sold. It's your handbook for creating the change needed to work more strategically and intentionally, in lockstep with the business. Order your copy today! 

The tables have turned! In this episode, Jess Almlie steps into the guest chair as Sarah Cannistra interviews her about her brand-new book, L&D Order Taker No More. Together, they explore why the learning and development profession must shift from being transactional "order takers" to strategic business partners, and how small, intentional steps can create massive impact. Sarah and Jess discuss Why L&D must urgently move from transactional order-taking to strategic partnership, especially in the age of AI The critical mindset shift from "helper" to "partner" and how it changes every conversation Barriers that keep L&D stuck in order-taking mode, and how we unintentionally reinforce them Practical strategies for transformation, including internal and external playbooks The art of the strategic "yes" and "no" to stay focused on high-impact work How reflective questioning can shift stakeholder expectations and outcomes The continuum between order taker and business partner, and why progress comes in increments, not overnight leaps Insights from Jess's research with dozens of L&D leaders across the field   About Jess Almlie Not only is she the host of the L&D Must Change Podcast and author of the book, L&D Order Taker No More!, but Jess Almlie is also a former Vice President of Learning and a dynamic leader in the learning and development field. She is passionate about empowering L&D professionals to increase our impact by evolving from order takers to strategic business partners. With three decades of experience and a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, Jess helps organizations solve talent challenges and improve performance through consulting, coaching, and workshops.   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Newsletter: L&D Must Change Website: jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner   About Sarah Cannistra Sarah Cannistra is a passionate Learning and Development (L&D) leader and career coach dedicated to helping others grow. She also leads Learning and Development at Rippling. In addition, Sarah is the host of The L&D Career Club Podcast, a top 200 career podcast dedicated to helping professionals break into and thrive in the L&D field.   Find and Connect with Sarah Cannistra LinkedIn Website: https://www.theovernighttrainer.com/ Book: Land Your Next L&D Role: Creating a Career that Works for You Podcast: The L&D Career Club   Special Book Offer from Jess As mentioned in the show, if you read Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! as a group, Jess will come to a one hour virtual Q&A so your group can dive deeper together. All you need to do is reach out to Jess when you're ready. Get your copy of L&D Order Taker No More! today!

How do you measure what you can't easily see? For L&D and talent development pros, measuring improvement in skills like leadership, collaboration, and communication is a constant challenge. It isn't as easy as measuring technical outputs like sales numbers, quality scores, or production time. We often find ourselves wondering where to begin and how to proceed. In this episode, Jess and Colin J. Hahn explore why this problem keeps resurfacing followed by three highly practical ways to measure these intangibles. From operational definitions to breaking big questions into estimable parts and observing corresponding behavior, they share tools and stories to help you bring the unseen into focus, creating the clarity needed to show business impact.   Jess and Colin Discuss Why measuring intangibles is a constant challenge for L&D/TD Using operational definitions to give context and clarity Breaking intangible skills into estimable parts Applying order-of-magnitude thinking to speed decision-making Watching for outcomes that signal intangible strengths A manufacturing case linking leader behavior to retention and productivity A simple first step to tackle your next measurement challenge   About Colin J. Hahn  Colin J. Hahn, Ph.D., CPTD is an experienced Organizational Development leader who specializes in improving performance through data-driven talent development. In his 15 years of talent development experience, he has led programs that have generated more than $2M in annual impact and improved performance in over 95% of participants. At FranklinCovey, he coaches global clients to align learning strategies to business goals and use data to show the operational impact of their work.   Find and Connect with Colin J. Hahn LinkedIn   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: jessalmlie.com Subscribe: L&D Must Change Newsletter Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner   Don't miss out on any tips or tricks for improving our profession! Subscribe to the L&D Must Change Newsletter for a weekly email including an article, information on the latest podcast, upcoming webinars or conferences where you can find Jess, and more. 

What if the best way to change and develop isn't with big plans, but "tiny experiments"? Neuroscientist and author Anne-Laure Le Cunff joins Jess to explore how small, low-risk actions can unlock powerful learning, creativity, and change. Whether you're an L&D leader navigating uncertainty or designing experiences for others, Anne-Laure offers a fresh, science-backed mindset shift. You'll walk away with new tools to beat perfectionism, escape outdated scripts, and turn curiosity into real progress, one tiny experiment at a time.   Jess and Anne-Laure Discuss Why tiny experiments beat big goals in uncertain environments How to redesign your L&D workflow and projects using curiosity, not willpower A simple tiny experiment formula: "I will [action] for [duration]" How L&D pros can test new ideas without full-scale rollouts Helping learners build agency through their own tiny experiments The surprising downsides of goals and default cognitive scripts Tools for reflecting on progress, including the "Plus, Minus, Next" method The mindset shift from "success vs. failure" to "learning vs. learning more"   About Anne-Laure Anne-Laure Le Cunff is an award-winning neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ness Labs, where her weekly newsletter is read by more than 100,000 curious minds. Her research at King's College London focuses on the psychology and neuroscience of lifelong learning, curiosity, and adaptability. Her book, Tiny Experiments, is a transformative guide for living a more experimental life, turning uncertainty into curiosity, and carving a path of self-discovery. Previously, she worked at Google as an executive on digital health projects. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Financial Times, WIRED, and more.    Find and Connect with Anne-Laure Website (Newsletter and more): Ness Labs Book: Tiny Experiments Instagram   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Newsletter: L&D Must Change Website: jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner   Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press on September 2, 2025. Order your copy now and be sure to sign up for the L&D Must Change newsletter for weekly articles and book updates. 

What can you do when an employee insists on a promotion, but you don't have one to give? Jess and Al Dea dive into one of the most pressing challenges in today's workplace: how to keep top talent engaged and growing when promotions are scarce, or not the answer at all. They explore the psychology behind promotion expectations, the systemic gaps in career development, and how L&D teams and managers can lead a smarter, more human-centered approach to growth. You'll leave with actionable ideas, real-world examples, and a new way to think about employee development.   Jess and Al Discuss Why promotion obsession is a symptom, not the root cause How managers can use curiosity to uncover what employees actually want and/or need Why transparency, honesty, and small actions matter more than grand gestures The hidden influence of educational systems on career expectations Systemic steps L&D can take to redefine development company-wide The power of "going first" with your own team as a testing ground Real-life examples from companies using language and culture to shift the narrative Practical ways to start redefining growth without needing a promotion   About Al Dea Al Dea is a talent and leadership development consultant, facilitator, and speaker. He is the Founder of The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership development firm that helps organizations develop leaders to improve engagement and performance. Al works at the intersection of the future of work, talent, and leadership development. His insights have been published in outlets such as Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also the host of The Edge of Work podcast, which explores the future of work, talent and leadership, and a LinkedIn Top Voice in the Future of Work and Leadership. Previously, Al worked at organizations such as Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   Find and Connect with Al Dea LinkedIn Website: www.al-dea.com Podcast: The Edge of Work   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Blog: L&D Must Change Subscribe to Jess's Email List (Weekly Emails) Website: jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner   Now Available! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner, published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold (official release date is September 2, 2025). To learn more and be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join! 

What if learning didn't need to be controlled to be powerful? In this episode, Jess sits down with Anamaria Dorgo, a learning and community consultant and founder of L&D Shakers, to explore what happens when we let learning unfold organically. From redefining the role of L&D to creating emotionally rich, immersive learning experiences, Anamaria challenges traditional models and invites us to embrace "scandalous learning" and the power of community. Tune in to discover how to decentralize learning, build learning ecosystems, and design experiences that leave a lasting impact.   Jess and Anamaria Discuss What it means to "let learning roam free" Why communities of practice are so powerful How L&D can shift from being content controllers to learning enablers Best practices for launching an internal community Creative approaches to measuring community impact The concept of "scandalous learning" Why every L&D leader needs a "scandalous learning playground"   About Anamaria Dorgo Anamaria is a Learning and Community Consultant, Learning Experience Designer and Facilitator. She's bringing over 10+ years of experience in HR and L&D, and combines it with 6+ years of building collective learning spaces, in the form of communities of practice. She co-hosts the Mapping Ties podcast, where internal community builders share their work, and writes the IRrEGULAR LEtTER: a newsletter about community + experience design + learning, with a dash of experimental vibes.   Find and Connect with Anamaria Dorgo LinkedIn Newsletter: IRrEGULAR LEtTER Podcast: Mapping Ties   Find and Connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Blog: L&D Must Change Subscribe to Jess's Email List (Weekly Emails) Website: jessalmlie.com Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner   Additional Links from the Show L&D Shakers Community Newsletter: The Learning Brief Follow L&D Shakers on LinkedIn   Now Available! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner, published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold (official release date is September 2, 2025). To learn more and be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join! 

L&D and customer education are similar, but not the same. There is a lot L&D can learn from this parallel profession. In this episode, Debbie Smith joins Jess Almlie to reveal the secrets of successful customer education that L&D should adopt as their own. They discuss why learners should feel empowered, not controlled whether or not those learners are external customers. As well as how L&D can adopt the data-driven, outcome-focused mindset that customer education requires.    Jess and Debbie discuss The top priorities of customer education vs. L&D. The differences in designing for voluntary vs. captive audiences.  Applying Mayer's 12 principles of multimedia design combined with cognitive load theory. Using adoption paired with company drivers and goals as measures for success. Tracking patterns of behavior change long term.  Focusing on long-term business impact.    About Debbie Smith Debbie is the Senior Director of Visier University and president of CEDMA (Customer Education Management Association). She is a Customer Education (CE) leader with extensive experience in CE strategy, certification, instructional design, eLearning design and development, customer experience, and project management. As a member of the CE community, she is a sought-after mentor and thought leader in the growth and evolution of the industry. She has led large and small teams at various SaaS companies and serves on a number of customer advisory boards. She has contributed to two books, multiple podcasts, and webinars. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences.   Find and connect with Debbie Smith LinkedIn Website: Visier University Website: CEDMA DevLearn Conference 2025   Find and connect with Jess Almlie LinkedIn Website: jessalmlie.com L&D Must Change Newsletter Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner Additional Links from the Show Article: Mayer's 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning Article: Cognitive Load Theory and Instructional Design   Now Available! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner, published by ATD Press, is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold! To learn more and be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join!