The Learnit Lounge

Learnit

This is The Learnit Lounge, a podcast brought to you by Learnit. In each episode, we sit down with HR and L&D leaders to explore how learning programs have sparked real change—unlocking growth, building trust, and transforming the way their teams work. Hosted by Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, a leading facilitator and learning designer at Learnit, this podcast brings you the stories behind successful learning strategies—direct from the people driving them. Learnit is a live learning platform that’s helped over 2 million professionals thrive inside some of the world’s most respected companies. If you're looking for a partner to help you do the same, our contact info is in the show notes. Welcome to The Learnit Lounge—where learning leads to measurable impact.

  1. 39: Lead With Stories, Not Spreadsheets | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD.

    6D AGO

    39: Lead With Stories, Not Spreadsheets | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD.

    Winning teams don’t move forward on metrics alone—they move with compelling stories that spark action. In this energizing solo episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, reveals the secret to making dashboards and data come alive for executives and stakeholders. If you’ve ever sweated over a report only to have it fall flat in the boardroom, this episode will change the way you communicate impact. Mickey walks you through turning data into narratives that influence decisions, drive business outcomes, and inspire real organizational change. You’ll hear why storytelling trumps spreadsheets, how to tailor your message for different leaders, and the three questions every dashboard should answer. If your dashboards don’t spark action, Mickey tells you why—and exactly what to do about it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why executives don’t care about your completion rates (and what they actually want instead)How to use the “What happened / So what / Now what?” framework to turn dashboards into storiesThe surprising metric that matters most: trust and confidence, not just outputsHow segmenting your audience (CFOs vs. sales leaders) maximizes impactWhat Mickey learned from distilling 15 metrics into 1 powerful slide—and what changed afterWhy leading with narrative sparks action, while leading with spreadsheets leaves people cold Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge Podcast, and this week’s topic 00:43 – Why executives need stories, not just reports 01:12 – The limits of Kirkpatrick, NPS, and completion rates 01:33 – What leaders really want to know from your data 01:38 – The power of trust and confidence as a learning metric 01:52 – Storytelling as an “engine of change” (Keith Ferrazzi’s Open360 model) 02:09 – Building dashboards with narrative first 02:15 – The “What happened / So what / Now what?” framework 02:33 – Segmenting your dashboard for different leadership roles 02:42 – Mickey’s pivotal dashboard moment: From overload to clarity 03:12 – The three questions every story-driven dashboard answers 03:20 – What happened once Mickey changed her storytelling approach 03:40 – Why great dashboards catalyze action, not just analysis 03:48 – If your dashboard isn’t sparking action, it isn’t done 04:01 – The ultimate goal: Drive the business forward, not build reports 04:10 – Closing: How to tell better stories and spread the impact About Mickey Fitch-Collins Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops are equal parts research, real talk, and humor, creating learning experiences that actually stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection. Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading a panel, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her goal stays the...

    4 min
  2. 38: Building Learning Ecosystems With Limited Resources | Rachel Walerstein

    JAN 27

    38: Building Learning Ecosystems With Limited Resources | Rachel Walerstein

    Winning cultures aren’t built with big budgets—they’re built on creativity, partnership, and a deep belief in people. In this idea-packed episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives deep with nonprofit learning strategist Rachel Walerstein, who unpacks how organizations can design powerful learning programs—even when resources are scarce. From navigating outdated tech and low-risk tolerance to advocating for staff development in grant applications, Rachel shares real stories, honest struggles, and actionable strategies for anyone designing training in the nonprofit sector. Discover how to build ecosystems (not just events) that nurture growth, drive impact, and put people first—no matter your budget. Whether you’re in a nonprofit, small business, or just want your learning programs to stick, this episode delivers human-centered tips and hard-won wisdom you won’t want to miss. In this episode, you’ll learn: The unique challenges nonprofits face in designing learning programs with limited budgets—and creative ways to overcome them Why investing in employee development (not just compliance training) matters for organizational impact How to become a true strategic partner—and get the L&D team into budget conversations The power of partnerships: designing learning with, not for, your people How to scope, launch, and adapt training when funding and priorities can shift overnight The uncomfortable truths (and myths) about leadership development—and what’s missing from most programs Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Learnit Lounge Podcast, & episode intro 00:48 – Meet Rachel Walerstein and her nonprofit learning journey 02:57 – The biggest challenges in nonprofit L&D: outdated systems and risk aversion 05:47 – Why culture and ethos matter before you design anything 07:07 – How budgets reflect values—and why L&D needs a seat at the table 08:58 – Rachel’s “hot take”: Learning teams should consult on grant writing and budgets 11:12 – Common myths about nonprofit training (and why “one and done” never works) 12:44 – The critical role of managers and peers as learning partners 15:45 – Why ecosystem thinking changes everything in nonprofit L&D 19:00 – How learning initiatives get scoped out (and how it’s different from corporate) 21:13 – The power—and limits—of participatory design in nonprofits 24:10 – How delays and funding uncertainties shape nonprofit L&D 25:43 – The role of partnerships: Internal, external, and advocacy 29:33 – Rachel’s top leadership lesson: Talk less, listen more 33:20 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development and emotional intelligence 35:55 – Mickey’s wrap-up and where to connect with Rachel About Rachel Walerstein Rachel Walerstein is a learning strategist, facilitator, and Director of Professional Learning at UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, where she leads innovative programs to grow nonprofit talent and build thriving, inclusive cultures. With a PhD in English from the University of Iowa and roots in education, Rachel brings a human-centered approach to L&D—including deep engagement with Chicago’s nonprofit and arts communities. She’s served on multiple boards including the Center on Halsted Auxiliary Board and the Guild Literary...

    38 min
  3. 37: Build Confidence, Build Performance | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD.

    JAN 20

    37: Build Confidence, Build Performance | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD.

    Learning isn’t just about skills. It’s about confidence, belief, and the stories that shape us. In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into why confidence is the most overlooked—and powerful—outcome of any learning program. Drawing on research, real-life examples, and memorable stories, Mickey explores how learning builds not just know-how, but true belief in yourself and your peers. You’ll hear how fostering agency, psychological safety, and storytelling can create a ripple effect of change in teams and organizations. Plus, Mickey shares practical tools for measuring belief, designing for confidence, and making learning stick—so you can turn insight into action, and action into impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why belief and confidence are foundational to real learning—not just traditional metrics like ROIHow storytelling captures the true impact of learning and makes growth visibleThe importance of psychological safety and peer feedback in building “Teamship” and collective confidenceWhy measuring confidence (not just skills) is a leading indicator for performance and retentionActionable ways to design learning experiences that foster trust, agency, and growth mindsetHow to collect and leverage stories to sustain a culture of learning and transformation Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge: big picture of learning transformation 00:42 – Why belief is the true outcome of learning 01:13 – The critical role of confidence as a lever for change 01:43 – How agency and psychological safety unlock transformation 02:28 – Building collective confidence through “Teamship” 02:56 – Real stories vs. testimonials: how change really happens 03:30 – A powerful story of learning, self-belief, and tough conversations 04:45 – The “aha” moment: belief in action 05:10 – How to start measuring belief and designing for confidence 05:39 – Tools to build a culture of storytelling and agency 06:08 – Why confidence predicts performance—and why it keeps people from leaving 06:29 – A call to share your stories and be part of The Learnit Lounge community 06:41 – Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn About Mickey Fitch-Collins Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops are equal parts research, real talk, and humor, creating learning experiences that actually stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection. Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading a panel, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her goal stays the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having. Resources & Mentions: Learnit: a...

    7 min
  4. 36: Design Learning That Drives Real Change | Sarah Lundy

    JAN 13

    36: Design Learning That Drives Real Change | Sarah Lundy

    Winning teams—and learning cultures—aren’t built on checklists. They’re built on curiosity, clarity, and intentional design. In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD. is joined by Sarah Lundy, seasoned L&D leader and “forever learner,” for a candid look at what it takes to make blended learning programs that actually work. Together, they unpack today’s most common pitfalls (hello, box-checking and “smile sheets”), explore what alignment with business goals really feels like, and share the human-centered tactics that make digital, in-person, and on-the-job learning click—for any industry. From manufacturing floors with zero laptops to hybrid cohorts craving belonging, this episode brims with real stories, practical tools, and fresh thinking for L&D pros, people leaders, and anyone intent on making learning stick. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the definition of “blended learning” has evolved—and why the old classroom vs. eLearning debate misses the mark The keys (and warning signs) for evaluating if your learning programs are truly working—or if you’re just “training for training’s sake” Why defining success upfront is essential for behavior change, not just satisfaction surveys Creative strategies for making virtual, digital, and in-person experiences truly equitable—even for remote or non-desk teams The crucial role of leaders in championing (and measuring) learning outcomes on the job Insider advice for new L&D leaders about audience research, accessibility, and what shortcuts to avoid Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge, today’s topic and guest intro 02:36 – Defining blended learning: past vs. present 04:39 – How to spot when blended learning is working (or not) 06:18 – Why alignment with the business is non-negotiable 08:35 – The high cost of unchecked, misaligned training 09:41 – Measuring learning: Beyond smile sheets, toward behavior change 12:14 – Why (and how) to involve leaders post-training 14:13 – Applying the 70-20-10 model… and why it may need an update 16:44 – Making digital/virtual training feel human, especially for non-office teams 19:39 – How manufacturing and “deskless” workforces demand creative L&D 22:23 – Are we overestimating people’s self-directed learning ability? 23:43 – Is in-person learning a “luxury” now? Considering fairness and equity 25:36 – Masterclass: How to facilitate hybrid training that feels inclusive 28:23 – Sarah’s best advice for first-time blended learning designers 30:36 – Leadership lesson: trust and relationships move mountains 31:59 – The uncomfortable truths and hidden biases in leadership development 34:33 – Connect with Sarah Lundy and episode wrap-up About Sarah Lundy Sarah Lundy is a passionate learning and development leader with a decade of experience designing impactful programs across multiple industries, most recently manufacturing. A self-described “forever learner,” Sarah is pursuing her master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology while bringing fresh curiosity and human-centered thinking to every audience she serves. Her approach blends research, real talk, and a deep belief in putting people—and their lived realities—at the center of professional growth. Sarah lives in Northern Nevada with her...

    36 min
  5. 35: From Content to Context: The Real Shift in Learning | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD.

    JAN 6

    35: From Content to Context: The Real Shift in Learning | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD.

    Catalogs stuffed with good intentions don’t drive real learning–context does. In this solo, insight-packed episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, breaks down why the most effective L&D strategies happen in and around actual work—not inside a rigid course directory. Mickey draws on her experience as a human skills facilitator and learning designer to debunk the myth that content is king, and show why supporting real decisions in real workflows is the secret to powerful learning. From resilience training requests that masked deeper decision fatigue, to tools like GPTs, prompts, and coaching resources built in the flow of work, this episode is a hands-on guide for HR, L&D, and people-centric leaders craving relevant, actionable impact. Discover why designing for “just-in-time” moments creates behavior change faster than traditional curriculum—and get inspired to help your people lead, act, and solve in real time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why course catalogs often miss the mark—and how to transform “graveyard content” into living supportThe difference between designing for knowledge vs. designing for decisionsHow to uncover what’s actually preventing your team’s growth (hint: it’s not always mindset)What building frictionless workflows and in-context learning really looks likeHow decision trees, GPT-powered prompts, and fast coaching tools fuel behavior changeWhy workshops should support everyday action—not take center stage Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge Podcast intro 00:42 – Why great learning experiences aren’t found in catalogs 01:10 – Content isn’t king anymore—context is 01:18 – Shifting the design question: knowledge vs. decisions 01:48 – Learning’s new role: enablement at the moment of need 02:16 – Embedding learning in the workflow, not outside of it 02:28 – A real-world example: team resilience request revealed decision fatigue 03:05 – Solution: decision trees, prompts, GPTs, and speed coaching 03:17 – Informal learning = fast behavior change 03:34 – The right place for workshops in a modern learning strategy 03:54 – Context drives relevance—friction reveals opportunity 04:01 – Final takeaway: design for the moment, not the module About Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops are equal parts research, real talk, and humor, creating learning experiences that actually stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection. Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading a panel, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her goal stays the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having. Resources & Mentions: span...

    4 min
  6. 34: From Learning to Doing: The Shift Leaders Need Now | Jordana Cole

    12/30/2025

    34: From Learning to Doing: The Shift Leaders Need Now | Jordana Cole

    The future of learning and development is already here—and it’s about so much more than basic content delivery. In this dynamic episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is joined by leadership futurist and ShiftWell AI co-founder Jordana Cole for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to move from “learning” to “doing” inside organizations. Together, they bust persistent myths about L&D, reveal why so many programs fail to drive actual behavior change, and explore how learning leaders can become true business partners. Packed with frameworks, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, this episode is your playbook for making learning stick and fueling sustainable growth. Whether you’re ready to drop learning objectives for session goals, want tips on bridging cross-functional silos, or need new ways to measure the real ROI of your work, this is the episode for you. Expect plenty of “hot takes,” practical tools, and inspiration to shift your L&D mindset. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to move from a “learning” to a “doing” paradigm in L&D – and why most programs miss the mark on behavior change.The biggest red flags that signal when learning won’t stick—and how to fix them with practice and true relevance.Why L&D leaders must act as product owners and strategic business partners (plus, how to get into ALL the right conversations).A 4-question framework to transform your program design and ensure learning meets real business outcomes.The power of cross-functional cohorts, and how to drive shared accountability for learning, growth, and culture change.Measures that matter: going beyond smile sheets to track real shifts in behavior, stories, and business impact. Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet your host and today’s guest, Jordana Cole 01:41 – Shifting from training delivery to behavior change 04:07 – The “doing paradigm” explained: why knowledge isn’t enough 05:19 – How ShiftWell got its name—and the story behind it 06:10 – Why L&D programs fail to create real change 08:29 – Four essential questions to guide effective program design 09:35 – Red flags that learning won’t stick (and how to spot them) 10:57 – Why practice is non-negotiable for behavior change 13:33 – Moving L&D from order taker to business partner 14:03 – How to get a seat at the strategic table 18:15 – Building shared ownership and accountability for learning 19:45 – Using cohorts to break silos and drive alignment 23:42 – The right metrics: what to measure beyond satisfaction 27:12 – A real-world example of designing for frontline teams 31:04 – The irreplaceable value of stories and qualitative data 32:08 – Jordana’s biggest leadership lesson—and what she’s learned about influence 34:02 – The uncomfortable truth about “leadership development” 36:38 – How to connect with Jordana and learn more About Jordana Cole Jordana Cole, PCC, is the co-founder and Chief Product & Research Officer at ShiftWell AI, a platform blending applied positive psychology, behavior change, and AI to help every employee reach their absolute best. With more than a decade leading L&D and talent programs across nonprofits and Fortune 50 companies, Jordana’s superpower is bridging human potential research...

    39 min
  7. 33: Co-Create the Future: How Real Partnerships Drive Change | Mickey Fitch-Collins

    12/23/2025

    33: Co-Create the Future: How Real Partnerships Drive Change | Mickey Fitch-Collins

    Winning partnerships aren’t built in a vacuum—they thrive on trust, transparency, and true co-creation. This solo episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast dives deep with host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, as she turns the spotlight on a crucial—and often missed—leadership lesson: Don’t just support your business, co-create with it. Drawing from both research and personal experience, Mickey unpacks why learning and development (L&D) teams must shift from acting as vendors to becoming embedded partners. You’ll discover how traditional approaches—intake forms, stakeholder sign-off, “building in isolation”—fall short, and what it really takes to unlock buy-in, build trust, and lead change that sticks. Whether you lead HR, L&D, or oversee organizational strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice, frameworks, and candid stories that’ll help you solve the right problems, faster.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  The critical distinction between collaboration and true co-creation in organizational change Why building solutions “for” business partners often backfires—and how to build “with” them from the start How to run upstream discovery with leaders, set clear success metrics, and stress-test ideas before launch The pitfalls of standalone intake forms vs. live, participatory design processes A real story of rebuilding a training program with the business—and seeing results multiply overnight Mickey's practical calls to action for learning leaders who want to become trusted, strategic partners  Timestamps:  00:00 – Welcome to the Learn-It-All™ podcast and episode intro  00:42 – The trap of acting like a vendor (and how to break it)  01:28 – Why “intake forms” and isolated solutions miss the mark  02:03 – Co-creation starts upstream: defining outcomes, obstacles, and expectations  02:23 – The difference between real intake workshops and passive sourcing  02:32 – Setting joint success metrics—and why it matters  02:34 – Keith Rossi’s “stress test” approach for quality and speed  02:57 – Mickey's story: Redesigning a manager bootcamp (and what went wrong/right)  03:38 – Discovering real pain points through co-design  03:53 – Seeing traction increase through shared ownership  04:02 – Why acting like a co-founder outpaces acting like a contractor  04:13 – Practical steps: Co-discover, co-design, co-own  04:28 – Subscribe for more episodes and be part of the conversation  04:53 – How to connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins and leave feedback    About Mickey Fitch-Collins  Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops are equal parts research, real talk, and humor, creating learning experiences that actually stick.  Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection.  Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading a panel, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her goal stays the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and...

    5 min
  8. 32: The Human-Centered Strategy Your Team Needs | David Styers

    12/16/2025

    32: The Human-Centered Strategy Your Team Needs | David Styers

    Unlocking People Power: Why Training Is the Ultimate Team Advantage. What really keeps top performers loyal—and how do managers move beyond “widgets and cogs” to see their teams as humans first? In this energizing episode of the Learnit Lounge podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD sits down with David Styers—veteran leadership developer and Director of Learning & Leadership Programs at the League of American Orchestras—to tackle one of the toughest realities in HR and L&D: how to get managers to truly prioritize training for their teams.  From busting stubborn myths to sharing actionable ways to get development on the agenda (and in the budget), this episode will change the way you think about learning at work. David draws on 30+ years of experience, sharing stories about human-centered leadership, cohort learning, and the power of “stay interviews” to drive retention and culture.  Whether you’re a manager, solo HR pro, or lifelong learner, you’ll walk away with fresh tactics and inspiration for making professional growth a strategic focus—no matter your industry.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  The biggest misconceptions managers hold about training—and the real ROI of professional development Why a human-centered workplace outperforms a product-driven one How to embed learning into the entire employee lifecycle—from job description to annual review Practical strategies for making training stick (not just sit at the bottom of the desk drawer) Cohort learning and its hidden power to boost team bonding and retention How to advocate for your own growth—even if you’re facing budget constraints or managerial resistance  Timestamps:  00:49 – Why convincing managers to prioritize training is an evergreen challenge  03:25 – Common myths about the value, cost, and time required for training  04:54 – Recruitment, retention, and recognition: Training as a people-centric tool  06:15 – Moving from “widget” thinking to a human-centered workplace  07:07 – How to bake professional development into job descriptions and budgets  09:03 – Creating a continuous feedback and training cycle  10:00 – Overcoming the “no time” objection—and creative ways to fit learning in  12:28 – The power of “stay interviews” vs. exit interviews  13:40 – Redefining what counts as learning (articles, podcasts, workshops, etc.)  14:49 – The importance of post-training reflection and follow-through  15:33 – Team strategy: Customizing, cohorting, and building connection through group learning  18:24 – Training as a retention tool: The link between relationships and engagement  19:44 – How to make your business case for development—and prepare for tough conversations  22:27 – Proactively using professional development funds before they disappear  25:55 – Addressing manager fears about losing talent due to growth  28:13 – The most significant leadership lesson David has learned  29:55 – The uncomfortable truth: Who gets access to leadership development and why  32:03 – Connect with David Sayers on LinkedIn  About David Styers  David Styers is the Director of Learning and Leadership Programs at the League of American Orchestras, based in New York City. With over three decades at the forefront of executive and civic engagement, David’s career spans nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors—including roles as Managing Director for Ascent Leadership Networks and Director of Learning & Development at the Presidio Trust. He specializes in design thinking (University of...

    34 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

This is The Learnit Lounge, a podcast brought to you by Learnit. In each episode, we sit down with HR and L&D leaders to explore how learning programs have sparked real change—unlocking growth, building trust, and transforming the way their teams work. Hosted by Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, a leading facilitator and learning designer at Learnit, this podcast brings you the stories behind successful learning strategies—direct from the people driving them. Learnit is a live learning platform that’s helped over 2 million professionals thrive inside some of the world’s most respected companies. If you're looking for a partner to help you do the same, our contact info is in the show notes. Welcome to The Learnit Lounge—where learning leads to measurable impact.