Learning Matters

ttcInnovations
Learning Matters

Welcome to the Learning Matters podcast — your go-to source for learning leaders and consultants passionate about professional growth and making a difference in learning and development! Our exclusive content is designed to elevate your expertise in the most innovative ways. Join us for weekly insights on instructional design trends, leadership in L&D, essential training tools, and game-changing staffing strategies. We're here to keep you ahead of the curve and empower you with the knowledge you need to level up your leadership and grow your business! Blending real-life case studies, compelling stories and invaluable insights from industry thought leaders and front-line innovators. Through behind-the-scenes glimpses and interactive Q&A sessions, we curate a dynamic experience that goes beyond inspiration. Get ready for actionable guidance that empowers your team and expands your freelance learning business. We're not just here to inspire; we're your source for practical advice and career-boosting tips, ensuring you create truly impactful learning experiences. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz newsletter to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox: https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/

  1. EP 37: From HRBP to L&D Leader: How Nikki Ward Keeps Learning Simple and Strategic

    9H AGO

    EP 37: From HRBP to L&D Leader: How Nikki Ward Keeps Learning Simple and Strategic

    In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Nikki Ward, a learning and development leader with a rich background in HR and talent strategy. After 15 years at Athena Health, Nikki shares how her journey from HR business partner to head of L&D shaped her people-first approach to training. We dive into: ✅ How to align learning programs with business goals ✅ Using design thinking to simplify and scale L&D ✅ Creating learner personas for better engagement ✅ Trends like AI, learning analytics, and microlearning ✅ How to prove ROI and make training actually relevant Plus, Nikki shares powerful advice on career growth, taking on new challenges, and how leaders can better support their teams’ development. 📌 Connect with Nikki Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiwardhr/ At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    37 min
  2. EP 36: From Ballet to Boardroom: Liz Bruno on Bold Moves, Lifelong Learning, and the Future of L&D

    JUN 5

    EP 36: From Ballet to Boardroom: Liz Bruno on Bold Moves, Lifelong Learning, and the Future of L&D

    In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Liz Bruno, former Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Health and a powerhouse in the L&D world. From her early days as a professional ballet dancer to leading system-wide training programs in healthcare, Liz shares her journey—and the bold mindset that’s guided her along the way. 👉 Topics we cover: ✅ Why aligning L&D with business goals matters more than ever ✅ How to shift from order-taker to strategic partner ✅ The truth about “shiny object” syndrome in learning tech ✅ The divide (and potential) between academic and corporate learning ✅ Why relationships are the key to transformation ✅ The future of L&D: agility, AI, and authentic communication Liz brings a no-nonsense, refreshingly real perspective on what it takes to drive learning that actually moves the needle. 🔗 Connect with Liz Bruno on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbruno/ At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    48 min
  3. EP 35: Building a “Hire to Retire” Culture Through Strategic Learning and Development

    MAY 15

    EP 35: Building a “Hire to Retire” Culture Through Strategic Learning and Development

    In this episode of Learning Matters, Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Sherri Brooks, Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care, to explore how her team is creating a “hire to retire” employee experience through innovative learning strategies. With over 22,000 employees across three states, Dr. Brooks shares how Baptist is: ✅ Making L&D more flexible and accessible for frontline healthcare workers ✅ Revamping leadership development across all levels ✅ Leveraging Skillsoft’s Percipio platform to support upskilling and retention ✅ Partnering with local colleges to reskill Patient Care Assistants into higher-impact roles ✅ Using AI for scenario-based coaching and course development Whether you're in healthcare or just looking to improve employee engagement and retention, this episode is packed with practical, people-first strategies that scale. 📚 Learn more about Dr. Brooks’ book, The Echo: A Call to Greatness: https://drsherribrooks.com📱 Connect with Dr. Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsherribrooks At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    25 min
  4. EP 34: Why Understanding Learner Pain Points Is Key to L&D Success

    MAY 1

    EP 34: Why Understanding Learner Pain Points Is Key to L&D Success

    In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Dasha Crosby, Learning Director at U.S. Bank, to talk about the future of learning and development! With over 15 years of experience in human capital management, talent strategy, and process improvement, Dasha shares why understanding learner pain points is critical for building effective learning strategies—and how communicating the value of learning is just as important as the content itself. We dive into: ✅ How to design learning programs that truly resonate with learners ✅ The importance of data, storytelling, and ROI measurement ✅ How AI and VR are reshaping the future of corporate training ✅ Why accessibility and inclusion must be at the forefront of L&D ✅ Career lessons Dasha would share with her younger self Whether you're an L&D leader, instructional designer, or someone passionate about professional growth, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss! 🔗 Connect with Dasha Crosby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashacrosby/ At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    29 min
  5. EP 33: Forget AI Hype — Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle in L&D

    APR 17

    EP 33: Forget AI Hype — Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle in L&D

    How do you turn learning and development into a business essential and not just a checkbox? In this episode of Learning Matters, we’re joined by Carrie Berg, VP of Learning & Development at Teladoc Health, to talk about what it really takes to build an L&D strategy that delivers real impact. Carrie shares how she’s built programs leaders can’t live without, what metrics matter most, and why newer generations are reshaping the learning landscape. From building culture to leveraging tools you already own, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice for L&D professionals, people leaders, and business strategists alike. 🔍 What you’ll learn: • Why most L&D strategies fall short, and how to build a better one • How to prove ROI with data that actually matters • What Gen Z expects from learning (and how to deliver it) • The truth about AI in L&D — hype vs. real use • How to stretch limited resources without sacrificing impact 📲 Connect with Carrie Berg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-l-berg/ At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    37 min
  6. EP 32: Building a Culture of Learning Through Mentorship

    APR 3

    EP 32: Building a Culture of Learning Through Mentorship

    In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Bette Kidane, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Intermountain Health, to uncover how her team completely redesigned their training strategy—and achieved a 747% ROI in the process. 🔗 Connect with Bette Kidane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bette-rogers-kidane-ms-pmp-crp-cit-9b58776/ What's Inside This Episode? The power of peer mentoring in onboarding and performance How structured on-the-job training created deeper engagement Lessons from a $1.9M/year savings initiative Bette’s take on AI in L&D—and where it fits (or doesn’t) Why coaching is the leadership development trend to watch Bette’s personal journey from shy facilitator to award-winning L&D leader At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    34 min
  7. EP 31: From Training to Transformation: People-Centric Learning Strategies

    MAR 20

    EP 31: From Training to Transformation: People-Centric Learning Strategies

    This week we're joined by Paul Stephenson Director, Learning - Client Relationships at TIAA to discuss his approach to learning and development. The secret is.... people. We cover everything from human connection, to AI, and cohort-based training. Hope you enjoy! 🔗 Connect with Paul Stephenson via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulr4stephenson/ 🔗Check out Pauls books here: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/pr4s 🔗Learn more about TIAA: https://www.tiaa.org/public What's Inside This Episode? People Over Tech: AI is a tool, not a replacement—L&D should always start with people. Measuring Success: Using Six Sigma and real-world KPIs to track training impact. Making Training Less Painful: Test-out options and adaptive learning paths. AI in L&D: Enhancing coaching and leadership training. Onboarding at Scale: How TIAA trains 100+ new hires per quarter efficiently. Doing More with Less: Smart restructuring and redeploying talent. At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Sales team to learn more: https://bit.ly/3RiEfLT

    39 min
  8. EP 30: Staying Agile: How Learning & Development is Evolving with AI and Data

    MAR 6

    EP 30: Staying Agile: How Learning & Development is Evolving with AI and Data

    Ever feel like Learning & Development (L&D) moves at lightning speed? That’s because it does. Businesses are evolving rapidly, and training programs need to keep up. This week on the Learning Matters podcast I sat down with John Polaschek, Head of Global Learning Solutions at ServiceNow. He shared his thoughts on what makes L&D successful today and where it's headed next. Spoiler alert: It’s all about agility, AI, and leveraging data. What’s Inside This Episode? Agility is key – How John and his team stay flexible and responsive to changing business needs. AI in L&D – At first, John was skeptical, but now he sees AI as a game-changer. Learn how tools like Articulate Rise, Capsule, and Synthesia are helping teams develop training faster and more effectively than ever before. Making data work for you – Why L&D teams must go beyond completion rates and smile sheets to truly measure learning impact and make better decisions. Personalized learning at scale – Imagine an AI-powered assistant that schedules the right training at the right time based on your calendar and upcoming projects. That future is closer than you think! The challenge of proving value – Why L&D teams are under more pressure than ever to show real business impact, and how to do it effectively. Major ServiceNow Announcement – ServiceNow has just made over 600 courses available for free to anyone in the world! John shares why this is such a big deal and what’s coming next. At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results. 💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq Resources & Links 🔗 Connect with John Polaschek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaschek/ 🔗 Explore ServiceNow’s Now Learning (Free Courses!): https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/pages/servicenow 🔗 Learn more about TTC Innovations: https://ttcinnovations.com/

    41 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Learning Matters podcast — your go-to source for learning leaders and consultants passionate about professional growth and making a difference in learning and development! Our exclusive content is designed to elevate your expertise in the most innovative ways. Join us for weekly insights on instructional design trends, leadership in L&D, essential training tools, and game-changing staffing strategies. We're here to keep you ahead of the curve and empower you with the knowledge you need to level up your leadership and grow your business! Blending real-life case studies, compelling stories and invaluable insights from industry thought leaders and front-line innovators. Through behind-the-scenes glimpses and interactive Q&A sessions, we curate a dynamic experience that goes beyond inspiration. Get ready for actionable guidance that empowers your team and expands your freelance learning business. We're not just here to inspire; we're your source for practical advice and career-boosting tips, ensuring you create truly impactful learning experiences. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz newsletter to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox: https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/

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