The Learning Shift Podcast

Learn. Grow. Inspire. (LGI)

This isn’t your typical business podcast—and definitely not your average “learning and development” chat. We’re breaking down what it really takes to help people grow at work—with sharp insights, real talk, and zero jargon. For HR rebels, bold managers, and leaders who want impact (not eye-rolls). learngrowinspire.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 07/03/2025 ·  Bonus

    The Core of Agile + Lean Change Management

    This short episode provided discusses Lean Change Management and Agile Change Management, contemporary approaches that apply principles from Lean Startup methodology and Agile development to organizational transformations. These methods emphasize iterative development, continuous feedback loops, and stakeholder collaboration, advocating for smaller, more frequent changes over traditional, rigid, large-scale plans. While beneficial for flexibility and risk management, they also face challenges such as the inherent human resistance to change and the difficulty of implementing cultural shifts in large or traditional organizations. The sources highlight practical tactics like change canvases and lean coffee sessions for introducing these approaches, emphasizing the importance of genuine conversation and transparency for successful change adoption. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

  2. 06/11/2025

    Culture Is a Leadership Skill, Not an HR Checkbox

    If you’re still treating cultural awareness like a nice-to-have, you’re already behind. In today’s global work reality, cross-cultural fluency is the leadership edge. Featured Book: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer Big Idea: The way people communicate, give feedback, and make decisions varies wildly across cultures—and most leaders are missing the cues that matter. Discussion Beats: * Erin Meyer’s framework: What the 8 culture dimensions reveal—and how to spot them in your team * How U.S.-style directness can come across as rude—or weak—in other cultural contexts * The feedback trap: Why your “constructive” comment may land as an attack * Simple ways to flex your leadership style without losing who you are Summary: This book is a must-read for any leader working across cultures—or even just across departments. Meyer outlines eight dimensions of culture (like communication style, feedback norms, decision-making approaches) that shape how people show up at work. Through rich examples and clear models, she helps leaders identify blind spots and adapt without losing authenticity. Whether your team is global or just generationally diverse, this book builds fluency in nuance. Closing Takeaway:Culture isn’t something you memorize. It’s something you learn to listen for. Start tuning in. Core message: Culture isn’t surface-level. It shows up in how we speak, decide, and disagree—and the best leaders learn how to translate, not flatten. A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

    Culture Is a Leadership Skill, Not an HR Checkbox

  3. 06/05/2025

    The OG Playbook for Influence Still Holds Up

    Decades later, Dale Carnegie’s principles still unlock powerful influence. But this isn’t about being charming—it’s about understanding human nature. Featured Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Big Idea: Influence is earned through empathy, consistency, and the ability to make people feel seen—not managed. Discussion Beats: * Why influence starts with genuine interest—and how to spot when you’re faking it * The power of names, listening, and small affirmations * What today’s leaders can learn from Carnegie’s rules (and what we should leave behind) * The difference between manipulation and authentic influence—and how to stay on the right side Summary: Yes, it’s a classic—and yes, it still holds up. Carnegie’s advice centers on timeless human truths: people want to feel seen, respected, and valued. His principles (like remembering names, listening actively, avoiding criticism) might seem basic, but they remain wildly underutilized in today’s fast-paced, transactional workplaces. Read with a modern lens, this book is less about charm and more about empathy in action. Closing Takeaway: People will follow you when they feel valued by you. Start there. Core message: If you want influence, start by making people feel important. That’s not soft—that’s strategic. You don’t need a title to lead—you need trust, clarity, and the guts to go first. This session is for the middle movers, the quiet instigators, and the cross-functional players who are done waiting for permission. 👉 Join us for Influence Without Authority — Mastering the Psychology of Buy-In.Save your seat → A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

    The OG Playbook for Influence Still Holds Up

  4. 05/24/2025

    Stop Trying to Convince—Start Co-Creating

    If you’re spending too much energy selling your ideas and still not getting buy-in, it might be time to stop persuading—and start partnering. Featured Book: Leading Without Authority by Keith Ferrazzi Big Idea: In today’s flatter organizations, your ability to lead is directly tied to your ability to collaborate. Authority isn’t granted—it’s earned through trust. Discussion Beats: * What “co-elevation” means and why it’s better than collaboration * How to build a mission-based alliance—not a transaction-based one * The mistake of waiting for permission, and what to do instead * Tools to transform passive stakeholders into active champions Summary:Ferrazzi introduces the concept of “co-elevation”—a practice of pulling people into shared ownership of a mission, regardless of reporting lines. He challenges the outdated top-down model and makes a compelling case for influence through connection, trust, and shared accountability. The book is filled with conversation starters, mindset shifts, and modern leadership behaviors that prioritize partnership over persuasion. It's particularly useful for hybrid or decentralized teams. Closing Takeaway:True influence isn’t about control—it’s about commitment. And that’s built through shared goals, not top-down direction. Core message: Stop waiting for permission to lead. Authority isn’t given—it’s earned through trust, relationships, and shared mission. You don’t need a title to lead—you need trust, clarity, and the guts to go first.This session is for the middle movers, the quiet instigators, and the cross-functional players who are done waiting for permission. 👉 Join us for Influence Without Authority — Mastering the Psychology of Buy-In.Save your seat → A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

    Stop Trying to Convince—Start Co-Creating

  5. 05/15/2025

    No Title, No Problem

    You don’t need a job title to lead. You need trust, timing, and the ability to make people care. This episode is for the ambitious folks moving ideas forward without a mandate. Featured Book: Influence Without Authority by Allan R. Cohen & David L. Bradford Big Idea: Influence is a relationship game, not a power play. And the key to winning it? Reciprocity. Discussion Beats: * The “currencies of exchange” model—and how to build influence by offering value * How to map power and motivation when you have zero formal authority * Why pushing harder backfires—and how to build buy-in the slow, strategic way * Tactical steps to start small and grow your influence footprint in any organization Summary:This book lays out a practical framework for gaining cooperation when you don’t hold the formal power to compel it. Cohen and Bradford introduce the concept of “currencies” in influence—things like information, access, support, recognition—and explain how to strategically exchange them to build credibility and momentum. It’s full of realistic scenarios and emphasizes relationship-building over manipulation. Think of it as a tactical guide for anyone navigating matrixed orgs or cross-functional roles. Core message:You don’t need a title to lead—you need to understand what people value, and how to trade for it ethically. Closing Takeaway: You don’t need authority to lead change. You need connection, curiosity, and a plan. You don’t need a title to lead—you need trust, clarity, and the guts to go first.This session is for the middle movers, the quiet instigators, and the cross-functional players who are done waiting for permission. 👉 Join us for Influence Without Authority — Mastering the Psychology of Buy-In.Save your seat → A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

    No Title, No Problem

  6. 05/01/2025

    Inclusion Isn’t a Checkbox—It’s the First Step to Innovation

    Every company wants creativity and agility—but most are skipping the one ingredient that unlocks both: inclusion. If people don’t feel safe to be themselves, they’ll never take the kind of risks innovation demands. Featured Book:The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark Big Idea: Psychological safety isn’t one thing—it’s four stages. If you want a high-performing team, you have to earn each one in order. Discussion Beats: * What the “4 stages” really are—and how to know which one your team is stuck in * Why inclusion isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of performance * How to move a team from compliance to contribution (and then to real challenge) * Practical ways to help someone feel safe to disagree with you Closing Takeaway:You can’t have innovation without dissent. And you can’t have dissent without safety. Start by making space for every voice—not just the ones that sound like yours. Summary: Clark breaks down psychological safety into four progressive stages: Inclusion Safety, Learner Safety, Contributor Safety, and Challenger Safety. The model is clear, actionable, and meets leaders where they are—especially those working to build safety in environments that haven’t always had it. Each stage comes with real examples, leadership behaviors, and cultural signals that either move a team forward or keep them stuck. If The Fearless Organization makes the case for safety, this book gives you a step-by-step to build it. Core message: Psychological safety isn’t a binary. It’s built in layers—and each one must be earned through behavior, not policy. This isn’t about making people comfortable. It’s about making it safe to be real.If you want honesty, creativity, and high performance—you need psychological safety. And you can’t delegate that. You model it. 👉 Join the next LGI SuperSession: Psychological Safety — It Starts With Me.Reserve your spot → Thanks for reading Learn. Grow. Inspire.! This post is public so feel free to share it. A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

  7. 04/28/2025

    Lead with Courage or Don’t Bother Leading at All

    Leadership isn’t about being liked. It’s about creating spaces where people feel brave enough to show up fully—and vulnerable enough to grow. That means going first, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Featured Book: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Big Idea: Courageous leadership is what creates trust. And trust is what fuels performance, belonging, and retention. Discussion Beats: * Why vulnerability isn’t weakness—and how to model it without oversharing * What “rumbling with hard conversations” looks like in a real work week * The difference between armored leadership and grounded confidence * How to spot fear-based behavior in yourself and your team—and what to do about it Summary: This isn’t a book about psychological safety per se—but it is a manifesto for the kind of leadership that makes safety possible. Brené Brown blends research with real-world stories to argue that courage, vulnerability, and emotional exposure are non-negotiable leadership skills. She introduces tools like “rumbling with vulnerability,” living into your values, and learning to rise after setbacks. It’s deeply human and immediately useful. Core message: You can’t create trust without courage. Leaders who avoid discomfort avoid growth—for themselves and their teams. Closing Takeaway:Your team’s courage starts with yours. Go first. Model it. Protect it. That’s the job. This isn’t about making people comfortable. It’s about making it safe to be real.If you want honesty, creativity, and high performance—you need psychological safety. And you can’t delegate that. You model it. 👉 Join the next LGI SuperSession: Psychological Safety — It Starts With Me.Reserve your spot → Thanks for reading Learn. Grow. Inspire.! This post is public so feel free to share it. A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

  8. 04/15/2025

    How to Make People Speak Up- Even When It's Hard

    The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson is the foundational book on psychological safety in the workplace. Edmondson makes a powerful case: if people don’t feel safe to speak up, your organization is leaving potential on the table. Through case studies across industries, she shows how fear-based silence kills performance, learning, and innovation. The book outlines what psychological safety is (and isn’t), how to measure it, and the specific leadership behaviors that build or erode it. It’s part research, part playbook—and it belongs in every manager’s hands. Core message: People won’t learn, grow, or contribute unless they feel safe to take interpersonal risks—and it’s your job as a leader to create those conditions. We keep saying we want people to “bring their whole selves” to work—but how often do we actually make that safe? Today, we unpack what psychological safety looks like in practice—not in posters. Featured Book: The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson Big Idea / Premise: Psychological safety isn’t about being nice—it’s about being clear, curious, and committed to the truth, even when it’s messy. Discussion Beats: * Why “it’s a safe space” isn’t enough—and how teams actually test safety * What leaders do (or don’t do) that kills trust in under 60 seconds * What Amy Edmondson means by “a learning organization”—and why that’s every manager’s job * 3 signs your team isn’t safe (even if no one’s saying it out loud) Closing Takeaway: You don’t build psychological safety by announcing it. You build it by showing people what happens when they tell you the hard stuff. This isn’t about making people comfortable. It’s about making it safe to be real.If you want honesty, creativity, and high performance—you need psychological safety. And you can’t delegate that. You model it. 👉 Join the next LGI SuperSession: Psychological Safety — It Starts With Me.Reserve your spot → Thanks for reading Learn. Grow. Inspire.! This post is public so feel free to share it. A quick note on how this content was created:To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

    How to Make People Speak Up- Even When It's Hard

  9. 04/12/2025

    Human First, Leader Second

    If you’ve been told leadership means being tough, neutral, or unshakably professional—this episode is your permission slip to let that go. Because real leadership? It starts with showing up as a whole, flawed, listening human. Featured Book: The Psychological Safety Playbook by Karolin Helbig & Minette Norman Big Idea: Psychological safety isn’t just a culture goal—it’s a leadership practice. And the most powerful way to build it isn’t through process or perks. It’s through consistent, human behavior. Discussion Beats: * Why psychological safety isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s a core leadership responsibility * The cost of “pretend professionalism” and how it shuts down contribution * 25 actionable behaviors that build trust—starting with small, often missed moments * How self-awareness, curiosity, and humility outperform charisma in creating safe teams Summary: This book is the tactical companion to the theory of psychological safety. Helbig and Norman distill the concept into 25 real-world behaviors that help any leader—regardless of title—create safer, more inclusive, more courageous teams. It’s not abstract. It’s not fluffy. It’s deeply human and refreshingly actionable, making it a must-read for managers who want to lead through presence, not pressure. Closing Takeaway: You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to create the kind of space where others feel safe enough to find them with you. Core Message: Being human is your leadership superpower. Use it to build safety, trust, and team performance—one moment at a time. This isn’t about making people comfortable. It’s about making it safe to be real. If you want honesty, creativity, and high performance—you need psychological safety. And you can’t delegate that. You model it. 👉 Join the next FREE LGI SuperSession: Psychological Safety — It Starts With Me on April 24th 2025. Space is extremely limited. Reserve your spot → A quick note on how this content was created: To bring you thoughtful and timely insights, parts of this article were created with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and refined by a human (that's us!). We use technology to support clarity and creativity — but the heart of our content is always guided by experience, learning, and purpose. As always, we encourage you to explore these ideas with curiosity and critical thinking. If something sparks a question or you want to dig deeper, we’re here to keep the conversation going. Get full access to The Learning Shift at learngrowinspire.substack.com/subscribe

    Human First, Leader Second
  • 9 Episodes

About

This isn’t your typical business podcast—and definitely not your average “learning and development” chat. We’re breaking down what it really takes to help people grow at work—with sharp insights, real talk, and zero jargon. For HR rebels, bold managers, and leaders who want impact (not eye-rolls). learngrowinspire.substack.com

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