Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders

Leigh Anne Lankford
  • 5.0 (14)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders — the podcast where we learn from leading minds in the L&D space. Each week, we’ll dive into the details of what it takes to thrive in learning and development, as guests from different corporate contexts and sectors share their expertise and experience. If you’re dedicated to staying on top of optimized growth, transformative industry technologies and all things training, then this is the show for you!

  1. Why L&D is Now Your Company’s Competitive Advantage with Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of L&D Cares

    2D AGO

    Why L&D is Now Your Company’s Competitive Advantage with Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of L&D Cares

    To celebrate our 100th episode, Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of L&D Cares, joins us to discuss the three shifts redefining L&D in the AI age, why the content factory model is ending and what it means for leaders to truly create value in the workforce. Brandon is the award-winning author of “L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age” and a frequent keynote speaker and executive advisor, helping organizations redesign work, leadership and learning for the AI era.  He, also, co-authored an article series with Markus Bernhardt worth bookmarking, The AI-Powered Workforce: A CEO’s Roadmap to Competitive Advantage. If today's conversation sparked ideas about AI and workforce strategy, this is a great next read. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:03 We are in a period of asymmetric acceleration: learning moving into the workflow, the collapse of the course as the primary unit of value and L&D taking a seat in redesigning the work operating model.  06:10 L&D is exiting the content business and entering the workforce capability business. 08:12 Learning must be continuous, embedded and democratized but governed — every company needs to become a learning company to survive AI transformation.   10:17 L&D must reclaim its seat at the table.  13:07 Value creation is not about better learning — it’s about better performance for the workforce and being held accountable for business outcomes.  18:14 Managers are no longer order-takers for training; they are responsible for the conditions under which intelligence flows and for designing how decisions get made. 22:22 Skill strategies succeed because of culture, not technology.  28:09 The uncomfortable question every L&D leader should ask: if your L&D function disappeared tomorrow, what would actually break in the company? Resources Mentioned: Brandon Carson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncarson/ L&D Cares - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ld-cares/ The AI-Powered Workforce: A CEO’s Roadmap to Competitive Advantage - https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/the-ai-powered-workforce-a-ceo-s-roadmap-to-competitive-advantage L&D Cares website - http://www.ldcares.org/ "L&D's Playbook for the Digital Age" by Brandon Carson - https://www.amazon.co.za/L-ds-Playbook-Digital-Age/dp/1952157587 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

    35 min
  2. Building Future-Ready Cultures Through Strategic L&D with Rapti Khurana of PortlyAI

    APR 21

    Building Future-Ready Cultures Through Strategic L&D with Rapti Khurana of PortlyAI

    Rapti Khurana, Talent Squad Advisor of PortlyAI and former VP of Talent Engagement and Development of the NFL, discusses the shift from content-centric to capability-centric L&D, what the future of learning looks like and why combining scale with intimacy is the defining challenge for learning leaders today. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:05 The biggest shift in L&D is the move from content-centric to capability-centric thinking — learning leaders are now at the table with HR to shape talent strategy.  06:10 Organizations are living in paradox; people want bite-size asynchronous learning in the flow of work while simultaneously craving connection, community and coaching.  10:20 Human connection drives resilience, innovation and curiosity in organizations — the more it is leveraged in learning design, the stronger the culture.  11:15 The future of L&D is hyper-personalized, experiential and human-centered, and coaching will become an integrated part of learning strategy.  12:05 The future of L&D combines scale with intimacy, using AI and technology to personalize learning while preserving the conditions for reflection, conversation and human connection.  15:07 Rapti draws mentorship from talent leaders, business leaders, cross-functional peers and junior team members equally.  19:08 The most important skills right now are a cluster of adaptability, curiosity, business acumen, strategic thinking and learning agility. 22:10 Rapti recommends the book “Immunity to Change” for its insight that sustainable change requires shifting mindset, identity and behavior, not just building skills. Resources Mentioned: Rapti Khurana https://www.linkedin.com/in/raptim/ PortlyAI https://www.linkedin.com/company/portlyai/ NFL https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-football-league/ Josh Bersin http://www.joshbersin.com Chief Learning Officer Magazine http://www.chieflearningofficer.com Learning Forum https://learning.uclg.org/learning-forum Workforce Magazine http://www.workforce.com Gartner http://www.gartner.com McKinsey Quarterly http://www.mckinsey.com/quarterly "Immunity to Change" by Robert Kegan and  Lisa Laskow Lahey  https://www.amazon.com/Immunity-Change-Potential-Organization-Leadership/dp/1422117367 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

    24 min
  3. Keeping the Human in L&D While Embracing AI with Dr. Darick Bryant of Clean Harbors

    APR 14

    Keeping the Human in L&D While Embracing AI with Dr. Darick Bryant of Clean Harbors

    Dr. Darick Bryant, Director of Learning and Organizational Development of Clean Harbors, joins us to discuss how AI is reshaping L&D, why empathy has become an essential leadership skill and how organizations can use learning as a strategic retention tool for the next generation of workers.  Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:10 With over 24,000 employees across the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and India, Dr. Bryant leads all leadership development initiatives for one of the largest environmental and industrial services companies in the country.  05:05 Dr. Bryant came to L&D from an operational background — he didn't know the field existed until a VP of HR invited him to pursue a training director role, which later sparked a master's degree and a doctorate in strategic leadership. 07:15 L&D professionals are unicorns — they see potential in people that others, including the individuals themselves, cannot yet see.  08:10 The biggest change in L&D has been the evolution of learning modalities — balancing in-person, virtual and self-paced delivery to meet individual needs across a large, dispersed workforce.  12:20 AI will continue to accelerate in L&D, but the more pressing opportunity is using learning as a retention strategy for Millennials and Gen Z as Gen X approaches retirement and succession planning becomes critical. 20:04 Empathy and emotional intelligence are no longer soft skills — they are essential competencies, and leaders who lose sight of the humans they are leading create significant organizational risk.  22:07 When leading neurodiverse individuals, research provides a starting point but direct observation of the individual is essential — empathy must adjust as people grow and change.  27:10 Diversity, equity and inclusion are broader than ethnicity or race. True inclusion means placing people with different experiences and perspectives together so everyone has the same opportunity to grow.  31:05 Dr. Bryant recommends “Leaders Made Here” by Mark Miller for its focus on building a sustainable leadership pipeline and creating a culture that develops leaders at every level. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Darick Bryant https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darick-bryant-55b7511ab/ Clean Harbors | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-harbors/ Clean Harbors | Website http://www.cleanharbors.com “Leaders Made Here” by Mark Miller https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626569819/ Harvard Business Review http://www.hbr.org LinkedIn Learning http://www.linkedin.com/learning John Maxwell Podcasts http://www.johnmaxwell.com 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

    35 min
  4. Redefining L&D’s Role in an AI-Driven World with Amanda Archer of Advocate Health

    APR 8

    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: Amanda Archer https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaarchermsidt/ Advocate Health | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/advocate-health/ Advocate Health | Website https://www.advocatehealth.com ATD (Association for Talent Development) https://www.td.org Training Magazine https://www.trainingmag.com Clifton StrengthsFinder https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) https://www.myersbriggs.org Brandon Hall Group https://www.brandonhall.com Dare to Lead by Brené Brown https://www.brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead 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

    35 min
  5. Proving L&D Impact With Data and Metrics with Jason Berry of Nolan Transportation Group

    MAR 31

    Proving L&D Impact With Data and Metrics with Jason Berry of Nolan Transportation Group

    Jason Berry, Director of Talent Management of Nolan Transportation Group, joins us to explore how L&D is evolving into a more data-driven, business-aligned function. He shares how teams are proving impact through metrics, adapting team structures with AI and shifting from training delivery to performance enablement. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 07:05 Proving L&D impact through data and ROI. 09:30 Using AI to streamline content creation. 10:20 Shifting to smaller, more agile L&D teams. 11:10 Embedding leadership development into company culture. 12:00 Measuring learning against business outcomes. 17:05 Building internal networks to drive career growth. 18:10 Promoting your work to increase visibility. 21:00 Learning through networks, not just content. 24:20 Being intentional with time and priorities. Resources Mentioned: Jason Berry https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-r-berry Nolan Transportation Group https://www.linkedin.com/company/nolan-transportation-ntg/ "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/ "I Can Fit That In" by Erin Coupe   https://www.erincoupe.com/i-can-fit-that-in 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

    30 min
  6. Driving Business Impact Through L&D Metrics with Karen Massey of AWP Safety

    MAR 24

    Driving Business Impact Through L&D Metrics with Karen Massey of AWP Safety

    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. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:40 L&D is shifting toward proving business value through metrics that connect learning to performance outcomes. 03:30 AI is acting as a performance accelerator, helping employees upskill faster and become more productive. 04:15 Changing performance through learning requires a holistic organizational approach aligned with business goals. 05:30 L&D teams are moving from order takers to strategic partners who diagnose business needs before recommending solutions. 07:00 Organizations are embedding AI tools like Copilot to help employees access information and insights directly. 08:10 L&D must help employees learn how to use AI tools effectively rather than simply deploying the technology. 18:05 Agility and resilience are essential skills for talent development professionals in a rapidly changing environment. 20:10 Resistance to change often comes from habits of thinking and behavior that leaders must first recognize. 25:05 L&D leaders should proactively connect learning initiatives to performance metrics before executives ask for proof of value. Resources Mentioned: Karen Massey https://www.linkedin.com/in/masseykaren/ AWP Safety https://www.linkedin.com/company/awpsafety/ Microsoft Copilot https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot Bend, Don’t Break: A Modern Guide to Thriving in Times of Change https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXLSS93G Association for Talent Development (ATD) https://www.td.org Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlig ht: 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

    29 min
  7. Preparing L&D Teams for Agentic AI with Adrienne Smith of Samsara

    MAR 17

    Preparing L&D Teams for Agentic AI with Adrienne Smith of Samsara

    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. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:02 L&D’s shift from order taking to being a strategic business partner that’s aligned with organizational goals. 06:15 The difference between generative AI and agentic AI; moving from prompt-based responses to goal-driven systems that take actions across tools. 08:10 Why agent building is becoming more accessible as new tools reduce the need for extensive coding. 11:55 Start with high-friction, low-variability tasks when identifying opportunities to build AI agents. 14:10 Departments may begin deploying their own agents, requiring L&D to rethink its role as a learning architect or agent architect. 16:45 Ethics and governance will become a defining capability for L&D professionals working with AI. 18:10 Teams must slow down initially to learn AI tools, and experimentation is essential for adoption. 21:00 Building an AI agent to automate weekly onboarding communications. 23:05 AI should augment human expertise, not replace foundational L&D skills and learning science. Resources Mentioned: Adrienne Smith http://www.linkedin.com/in/adrmsmith/ Samsara http://www.linkedin.com/company/samsara/ "Co-Intelligence" by Ethan Mollick https://www.amazon.co.za/dp/059371671X Ethan Mollick Newsletter "One Useful Thing" https://www.oneusefulthing.org ROI Institute (Jack & Patti Phillips) https://roiinstitute.net The Kirkpatrick Model https://www.kirkpatrickpartners.com/the-kirkpatrick-model/ 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

    32 min
  8. From Live Training to On-Demand Learning with Kimberly Hill of Nielsen

    MAR 10

    From Live Training to On-Demand Learning with Kimberly Hill of Nielsen

    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. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:05 Effective client learning goes beyond software training to teaching data storytelling. 07:20 Empathy and patience are foundational skills for trainers working with customers. 12:25 The shift from live-only delivery to virtual and on-demand learning accelerated during the pandemic. 14:10 Microlearning and short-form content meet modern attention spans. 15: 00 Certification, knowledge checks and digital badges increase accountability and retention. 17:25 Digital credentials create FOMO and drive product adoption and engagement. 19:15 Internal certifications should influence promotion and career mobility. 23:10 Perseverance is one of the most critical workplace skills today. 29:05 Angela Duckworth’s work on grit underlines how determination outperforms raw talent. Resources Mentioned: Kimberly Hill https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-hill-b4881215/ Nielsen https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielsen/ "Grit" by Angela Duckworth https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/ Kolbe Assessment https://www.kolbe.com 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

    33 min
See All (96)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders — the podcast where we learn from leading minds in the L&D space. Each week, we’ll dive into the details of what it takes to thrive in learning and development, as guests from different corporate contexts and sectors share their expertise and experience. If you’re dedicated to staying on top of optimized growth, transformative industry technologies and all things training, then this is the show for you!

Information

You Might Also Like