The Learnit Lounge

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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. 53: The Meaning Crisis: Why Your Best People Are Quietly Checking Out | Waylen Leopoldino

    6D AGO

    53: The Meaning Crisis: Why Your Best People Are Quietly Checking Out | Waylen Leopoldino

    This week on The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with seasoned HR leader Waylen Leopoldino to unpack one of the most vital, and elusive, topics in work today: meaning. From public sector lessons to actionable frameworks, Waylen and Mickey dig into how the workplace has shifted from a transaction to a source of purpose, and what organizations and individuals can do to cultivate belonging, contribution, and growth. Whether you’re an HR leader, people manager, or simply hungry for more purpose in your day-to-day, this conversation brims with stories, insights, and tools to help you (and your team) find deeper satisfaction and drive at work. Waylen draws on 17+ years in HR to reveal what really keeps talent engaged, how leaders can build trust and psychological safety, and why meaning is a shared responsibility between organizations and employees. If you’re ready for practical steps, candid advice, and an honest look at what’s working, and what isn’t, in organizational culture today, don’t miss this episode. In this episode, you’ll learn: The seismic shift in what “meaningful work” actually means, and why it matters more now than everThe “three Cs” framework—how Community, Contribution, and Challenge help spark lasting fulfillment at workWhy psychological safety is the absolute foundation of a meaningful culture (and how to build it)Tactics for managers and peers to connect daily duties to the bigger missionRituals, symbols, and small acts that dramatically boost team connection, trust, and motivationWho “owns” meaning at work: The honest answer behind the organization vs. individual debateThe uncomfortable truth about leadership development—and why the right people still miss out Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins 00:54 – Introducing guest Waylen Leopoldino and today’s focus: meaning at work 02:16 – Why is meaning at work important right now? 03:07 – Generational shifts: trends Waylen has seen in public sector HR 05:32 – The evolution of what “good” work looks like (benefits, purpose, recognition) 07:29 – The “Three Cs” model: Community, Contribution, Challenge 09:13 – How company culture shapes the experience of meaningful work 10:14 – Psychological safety as the necessary foundation 13:34 – Practical steps for managers to connect daily work to mission 16:31 – Mandate vs. organic leadership: how intention affects impact 18:39 – Waylen’s story: building teams through genuine, personal connection 20:23 – The power of rituals, symbols, and stories in creating meaning 24:57 – How small gestures (like coffee or snow cones) fuel trust and safety 26:47 – Is meaning an employer’s job, or the employee’s? 28:55 – Waylen’s top leadership lesson: why learning must be continuous, not a checkbox 31:53 – The uncomfortable reality: leadership programs attract the wrong participants 34:36 – How to connect with Waylen 35:54 – Final reflections and next episode preview About Waylen Leopoldino: Waylen Leopoldino brings over 17 years of progressive HR experience, primarily in the government sector, where he has led the design and implementation of employee and organizational development programs. Waylen specializes in real-time organizational assessments, fostering cultures of psychological safety and engagement, and building environments where people feel their contributions matter. He is recognized for his ability to connect with teams on a human level—turning everyday interactions into opportunities for meaning and growth. Resources & Mentions: Waylen Leopoldino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waylenleopoldino/Article referenced: Forbes: Building Meaningful Workplaces by Wes Adams: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/people/wesadams/ Waylen’s email for direct inquiries: waylenl@gmail.com Podcast Contact Information: Learnit Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    36 min
  2. 52: It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm: Reclaim Your Attention Now | MaryLou Kayser

    MAY 5

    52: It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm: Reclaim Your Attention Now | MaryLou Kayser

    What happens when our attention, choices, and sense of self are shaped—not by conscious intention—but by invisible digital forces? In this eye-opening episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with MaryLou Kayser, author of It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm, to explore how algorithms are subtly scripting our lives and what it really takes to reclaim our humanity (and sanity) in a world run by screens. From digital burnout to regained presence, MaryLou shares personal stories and provocative insights that challenge leaders to rethink not just their own tech habits, but also how they cultivate attention and meaning at work. Packed with both caution and hope, this episode offers a roadmap for anyone—leaders, parents, or everyday professionals—seeking to slow their scroll, sharpen their thinking, and choose intentionally in the age of AI. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why our “algorithm-shaped” world quietly hijacks your attention (and what to do about it)How to strike a disciplined, human-centered balance with tech, without tossing your phone in the riverThe surprising story behind MaryLou’s new book, and why these problems are so universalPractical habits for reclaiming focus, creativity, and presence in a distracted landscapeWhy real leadership means admitting you don’t always have the answers, and what you gain when you doHow to future-proof your thinking, connect with colleagues across generations, and redesign both your inner and outer world for more meaning and less mindless scrolling Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and episode overview 01:14 – Introducing MaryLou Kayser, and her book 04:05 – The “algorithmic world”: how digital forces shape us 07:29 – Everyday impact: when doom-scrolling takes over 08:42 – The meaning behind “It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm” 10:42 – Personal accountability vs. blaming the system 13:15 – Real-life moments: phones, attention, and muscle memory 15:07 – Why do we lose attention in the digital world? 18:17 – Tech across generations: the workplace challenge 20:10 – Should we quit tech? Building guardrails instead 23:01 – The AI debate: fear, adaptation, and self-worth 26:22 – MaryLou’s top strategies for regaining focus 32:05 – Biggest leadership lessons MaryLou has learned 34:29 – An uncomfortable truth about leadership development 37:54 – Where to find MaryLou and what’s next About MaryLou Kayser: MaryLou Kayser is a writer, producer, podcaster, and educator whose work explores what it means to remain deeply human in an algorithm-shaped world. Her mission: help people recognize when their attention and sense of self are quietly molded by unseen digital forces, so they can reclaim the authorship of their own lives. Drawing on her decades of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, and parent, MaryLou’s signature blend of storytelling and insight delivers both warning and wisdom for anyone trying to navigate (and not get lost in) the future of work and life. Resources & Mentions: It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm by MaryLou KayserMaryLou Kayser’s websiteMaryLou Kayser on LinkedInMaryLou on InstagramReferenced book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt“Van down by the river” SNL sketch (Chris Farley) YouTube Clip Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    41 min
  3. 51: The Feedback Mindset That Separates Great Leaders From Everyone Else | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD

    APR 28

    51: The Feedback Mindset That Separates Great Leaders From Everyone Else | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD

    Ever wish feedback felt less like friction—and more like a springboard? In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, breaks down how to turn even the toughest feedback into forward momentum. Drawing from research and her own leadership journey, Mickey reframes feedback as a tool for development, not a verdict. Learn how to invite feedback before you need it, find actionable patterns, and process even the most emotional comments with clarity and professionalism. Plus, discover the game-changing “feed forward” philosophy from Dr. Joe Hirsch, and hear the powerful story of how one hard comment transformed an entire mentoring program. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why feedback is a mirror—not a mandate—and how to use it for honest self-reflectionThe right moment and strategic ways to ask for feedback (hint: don’t wait for the post-mortem)The real difference between outliers and patterns, and when you should (and shouldn’t) actWhy processing feedback takes time, and how to build in an intentional pauseHow to use Dr. Joe Hirsch’s “feed forward” approach to transform feedback into future growthWhat happened when one difficult comment changed the course of an entire mentoring program Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge 00:43 – Redefining feedback: not critique, but jet fuel 01:13 – The myth of feedback as a verdict vs. seeing it as data 01:58 – Feedback is a mirror, not a mandate 02:09 – How and when to invite feedback proactively 02:31 – Asking better questions: “what surprised you?” “what would you change?” 02:48 – Looking for patterns, not just outliers 03:24 – Feedback is emotional—why you need to pause 03:52 – Introducing Dr. Joe Hirsch’s “feed forward” philosophy 04:43 – Why feed forward conversations are less threatening, more developmental 05:43 – Story: The mentoring program and the hard feedback that changed everything 06:24 – Redesigning programs: practical impact of listening deeply 07:04 – Feedback as fuel: it’s not a judgment, it’s a jump start 07:18 – Building your own feedback rituals: start small, ask better questions 07:35 – Behind every great career move—there’s a truth teller 07:52 – Closing: Your next action, and why feedback matters 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 blend research, real talk, and humor, making learning stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher ed leadership, coaching professionals and guiding students to graduation. Today, whether facilitating, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her mission remains the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having. Resources & Mentions: Mickey’s LinkedInDr. Joe Hirsch’s podcast: I Wish I KnewLearnit Website Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    8 min
  4. 50: Unlearn to Grow: The Hidden Key to Lasting Leadership Development | Shandretta Solomon

    APR 21

    50: Unlearn to Grow: The Hidden Key to Lasting Leadership Development | Shandretta Solomon

    When it comes to learning that actually changes how we work—not just what we know—how do you move from “theory” to habit? In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PHD, sits down with Shandretta Solomon, veteran State of California training leader and manager of the Emerging Professional Program, for a candid look at how to make learning truly stick. They unpack why lasting behavior change is the true measure of training success, what makes unlearning and reprogramming so difficult, and how both internal motivation (think “WIIFM”) and good old-fashioned compliance shape how people grow. From real-world insights on getting buy-in for change to practical tips on reflection, measurement, and closing the “last mile” gap between classroom and reality, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you create learning that lives beyond the training room. Whether you’re leading teams, designing programs, or just trying to better yourself, you’ll find inspiration, honesty, and plenty of humor as the conversation covers everything from “the naughty list” (compliance) to the systems that may be holding your leaders back. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to define and measure “learning that sticks” in the real world—not just in theory or survey scoresThe challenge (and necessity) of unlearning old habits before making a changeWhy internal and external motivators both matter—and how to tap into “what’s in it for me?”Strategies for helping learners cross the “last mile” from classroom to behavior, including reflection and intentional debriefsThe vital role supervisors and systems play in reinforcing learning, and why it’s not just about individualsShandretta's top leadership lessons: when to reprogram, when to unlearn, and why the system—not the person—is sometimes to blame Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge 01:00 – Meet Shandretta Solomon & her L&D journey 01:17 – What does “making learning stick” really mean? 04:04 – The vital importance of unlearning and reprogramming 06:52 – How motivation (WIIFM & compliance) affects training success 10:07 – Connecting the “WIIFM” to real change 13:01 – The “last mile of learning” (theory to behavior) 14:52 – Why training must use real-world scenarios 17:06 – Best practices for reflection and debriefing 19:53 – Why soak time matters for post-training impact 22:26 – Measuring impact: surveys, behaviors, and what really works 24:52 – Sustainment, feedback, and manager buy-in 26:31 – Embedding learning into appraisals and culture 28:04 – Shandretta's biggest leadership lesson: the power of unlearning 29:23 – The uncomfortable truth: When the system, not the leader, needs fixing 31:45 – How to connect with Shandretta & episode wrap-up About Shandretta Solomon Shandretta Solomon brings over 27 years of experience serving the State of California, with 20 years dedicated to training, facilitation, and leadership development. Currently, she manages the Emerging Professional Program—a cohort-based initiative focused on personal and career growth for new talent. Shandretta's expertise spans designing impactful learning experiences, leading complex training initiatives, and championing change in entrenched systems. Her trademark: blending real-world insight with empathy and practical tools to help teams truly grow. Resources & Mentions: Shandretta's contact info Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    34 min
  5. 49: Why Meaning Matters More Than Perks at Work | Dr. Brian Arnold

    APR 14

    49: Why Meaning Matters More Than Perks at Work | Dr. Brian Arnold

    Why Clarity—and Meaning—Matter More Than Perks at Work When it comes to engagement, perks are easy. But what really fuels motivation, innovation, and trust at work? Meaning. In this thoughtful episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Dr. Brian Arnold—consultant, adjunct professor, and author of The Humane Technologist newsletter—for a deep dive into why meaning at work matters more than ever. Together, they break down the difference between authentic clarity and performative mission statements, unpack the links between motivation and meaning, and reveal how psychological safety and vulnerability drive real connection and growth in today’s organizations. From building systems that foster genuine learning to navigating the coming wave of humane technology and AI, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and next steps for leaders, L&D professionals, and anyone who’s ever wondered: “Does my work really matter here?” In this episode, you’ll learn: Why many people resist conversations about meaning at work—and what to do about itWhat “clarity is kindness” really means for leadership, team connection, and motivationHow rituals, rules, and systems can reinforce (or undermine) a culture built around meaningWhat psychological safety and vulnerability look like in the real world of workThe subtle but massive difference between performance-driven and meaning-driven learningHow to think about technology changes—especially AI—without losing sight of humanity Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge podcast & episode scene-setting 01:29 – Meet Dr. Brian Arnold: media arts, leadership, humane technology 03:33 – Why do some people resist talking about meaning at work? 04:21 – Clarity, ambiguity, and the struggle to define what matters 06:26 – Leadership’s role in defining and communicating purpose 08:28 – Why “clarity is kindness” in organizational life 09:11 – What meaning-driven workplaces look, sound, and feel like 10:05 – Psychological safety vs. blame, and the power of vulnerability 13:14 – How to design L&D environments that unite meaning and performance 16:28 – Organic learning, motivation, and the future of work 17:28 – The connection between perceived scarcity, meaning-making, and motivation 19:54 – Why pay and perks only go so far—what fills the gap 20:00 – Quiet quitting, loss of motivation, and failed systems 21:55 – Leadership, management, and the dual challenge of meaning 22:41 – Humane technology: design for people first, not just productivity 25:46 – The future of work: technology amplifies culture 29:20 – Two actionable tips for making meaning at work 30:53 – Dr. Arnold’s most important leadership lesson 31:33 – The uncomfortable truth about knowing everything as a leader About Dr. Brian Arnold Dr. Brian Arnold is a consultant, adjunct professor, and creator of The Humane Technologist newsletter. With a unique career spanning media arts, higher education leadership, and the development of humane emerging technologies, Brian’s passion lies in designing tech and cultures that serve real people. He’s led as chair of the inaugural National University AI Council, executive director of the Universal SELF Conference, and has experience as an editor for Nickelodeon Animation Studios. Resources & Mentions: Brian Arnold’s LinkedInThe Humane Technologist Newsletter Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    34 min
  6. 48: The Human Edge: Why AI Can't Replace What Makes You Irreplaceable | Lorne Novolker

    APR 7

    48: The Human Edge: Why AI Can't Replace What Makes You Irreplaceable | Lorne Novolker

    AI, The Human Advantage & Uncomfortable Truths in Leadership with Lorne Novolker AI is transforming the workplace at a breakneck pace—but what does it mean for human skills and real organizational value? On this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Lorne Novolker, a renowned executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, to dig deep into why developing "the human advantage" is every organization's most urgent challenge in the age of AI. Lorne shares hard-earned insights from decades of leading digital transformations and consults on the strategic balancing act facing today’s leaders: investing in bleeding-edge tech versus growing the human skills that truly set organizations apart. Together, Mickey and Lorne unravel common myths, surface overlooked risks, and offer human-centered strategies to make change initiatives genuinely stick—plus, Lorne reveals what most leaders get wrong about transformation (and how to fix it). From failed AI projects to the myth of one-off leadership training, this episode is packed with unfiltered takes, actionable frameworks, and a vision for workplaces where human and AI strengths truly complement each other. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why this current “AI moment” feels both familiar and fundamentally different from past tech transformationsThe biggest mistakes companies make with AI adoption—and why so many initiatives fail to deliver valueHow to practically define, develop, and measure the “human advantage” in an increasingly AI-driven worldChange management truths: why humans resist, what really motivates buy-in, and how to avoid another failed initiativeThe overlooked power of combining leadership development with real-world stretch assignments and coachingWhat leadership development gets wrong (and how to make it stick—at every level, not just for execs) Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge Podcast & guest introduction 05:55 – How Lorne helps organizations (and Learnit) redefine the human advantage 08:02 – Building a practical framework for human capability in the AI era 10:14 – Why companies invest in AI faster than in people—and the risks 13:05 – The true benefit: it’s not AI alone, it’s AI + people 15:47 – Change management, failed initiatives, and why clarity matters 16:45 – Headcount reduction vs. augmenting human capability: a strategic crossroads 18:26 – Why change management in the AI era is harder (and more important) 19:39 – Setting real goals for AI projects: What’s the purpose? 21:49 – The ONE thing Lorne would change about how organizations prepare for the future 24:43 – The two-way street: How humans enable AI—and vice versa 26:02 – Rethinking talent strategies when AI is “part of the team.” 31:09 – Lorne’s most significant leadership lessons (and learning from mistakes) 34:48 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development—what’s missing 36:54 – Final takeaways, connecting with Lorne, keeping the conversation going About Lorne Novolker Lorne Novolker is a globally recognized entrepreneur, executive, board director, and award-winning consultant known for helping organizations turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. He’s built his reputation by guiding companies through digital transformation, anticipating market trends, and leading successful teams from startup to enterprise scale. Lorne is a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship, employee enablement, and the future of work—specializing in how organizations can leverage the human advantage as technology accelerates. Resources & Mentions: Lorne Novolker’s websiteLorne Novolker on LinkedInWorkquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working by Steve Cadigan Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    39 min
  7. 47: The Ego Fear Loop: How Your Leadership Blind Spots Are Sabotaging Every Strategy | Tim Ohai

    MAR 31

    47: The Ego Fear Loop: How Your Leadership Blind Spots Are Sabotaging Every Strategy | Tim Ohai

    Strategic plans rarely fail because of bad ideas—they fail when execution breaks down. In this episode, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Tim Ohai, visionary consultant and author of The Zen of Strategic Execution, to unpack what most leaders get wrong about execution, decision-making, and organizational culture. Tim shares breakthrough concepts around the psychology of leadership, how decision environments shape culture, and why clarity—not endless planning—is the superpower behind true high performance. From practical frameworks to mindset shifts, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to move beyond “firefighting” and start leading with intentionality and impact. Tim and Mickey explore how trust, clarity, and empowerment drive great decisions—even when leaders aren’t in the room. They tackle why most employees don’t know the company’s strategy, how ego and fear bias organizational choices, and what leaders can do to create healthy, high-performing teams. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting, these insights will help you level up your strategic execution and make professional development feel like a conversation worth having. In this episode, you'll learn: Why true strategy is about decision-making, not planning.How organizational culture is an output of decision environments—and how clarity fuels everything.The framework behind trust-based accountability vs. fear-based accountability, and how it shapes execution.What the “ego-fear loop” is, and how to build environments that encourage psychological safety and curiosity.The practical steps for running a 90-day execution sprint and the crucial art of deprioritization.How the Zen mindset breaks down complex challenges and helps leaders master both self and team environments. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Learnit Lounge Podcast and Mickey Fitch-Collins 00:49 – Meet Tim Ohai: consultant, coach, author, speaker 03:38 – Why most leaders are never taught to execute strategy 05:17 – Decoding strategy as a decision-making science 08:00 – Culture as an outcome of decision-making (not a driver) 09:30 – Clarity, empowerment, engagement: the wheel of execution 11:21 – Harvard stat: 95% of employees don’t know the company strategy 12:30 – Ego-fear loop and its impact on organizational decisions 15:03 – Senior executive meetings: the scope of disruption and clarity 17:20 – Why organizations avoid hard conversations and conflict 18:29 – Psychological safety and incentives for curiosity 20:02 – Business best practices vs. mindset work 21:13 – Great leadership is about creating environments for decision-making 22:45 – Alan Mulally’s Ford turnaround: learning culture in action 23:36 – Why “Zen” thinking matters in strategic execution 25:03 – Breaking down self-awareness and situational mastery 28:23 – The 90-Day Execution Sprint: moving from plans to decisions 30:25 – The critical importance of deprioritizing 34:14 – Tim’s biggest leadership lesson: “It’s not about me” 35:48 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development and execution 36:50 – Where to find Tim’s book and connect with him online About Tim Ohai Tim Ohai is a consultant, coach, author, speaker, and founder who specializes in helping leaders uncover what blocks their teams from unleashing their full potential—and then enables real, tangible change. With an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology and a focus on leadership development, Tim has authored/co-authored several books, including World Class Selling, Sales Chaos, The Power of Problems, and The Zen of Strategic Execution. He co-founded the Ubuntu Mission, a nonprofit teaching leadership and entrepreneurship in disadvantaged communities, and currently calls Hawaii home. Resources Referenced: Tim Ohai’s websiteTim Ohai’s book: The Zen of Strategic ExecutionTim Ohai’s podcast: How to Not Execute Your Strategy Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    39 min
  8. 46: Connection Before Content: The Training Shift Leaders Are Missing | Sarah Machat

    MAR 24

    46: Connection Before Content: The Training Shift Leaders Are Missing | Sarah Machat

    Inclusive leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about designing learning environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. In this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is joined by Sarah Machat, VP of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. Together, they dive deep into what truly makes learning experiences inclusive, busting myths and sharing actionable strategies pulled from nonprofit, corporate, and social work settings. Sarah explains how continuous quality improvement, accessibility, and belonging intersect—and why “connection before content” should lead every training. From practical metrics to pivoting under resistance, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone who wants to design learning programs that build trust and unlock authentic engagement. Packed with tools, real-world examples, and a future-focused mindset, this episode will sharpen your approach to inclusive L&D and remind you why leading like a human really matters. In this episode, you’ll learn: How inclusive learning differs from accessibility—and why belonging is the secret ingredientThe practical steps for designing training that fits diverse audiences (from shift workers to office teams)Key metrics and signals for measuring whether your inclusive training is actually landingStrategies for navigating resistance from stakeholders and balancing competing prioritiesThe “connection before content” principle—and simple ways to create safety, trust, and engagement in any sessionAdvice for new L&D professionals facing rapid change, plus pillars of flexibility and human-centered design Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to The Learnit Lounge Podcast and Sarah Machat 00:59 – What inclusive L&D means in practice 04:03 – Designing training to fit unique audience needs 05:19 – Inclusion vs. accessibility: the Venn diagram 07:00 – Real-world considerations for shift workers, nontraditional staff 08:32 – Entry-level metrics: engagement, attendance, qualitative feedback 09:53 – Gathering feedback through evaluation and informal conversations 12:16 – Pillars of inclusive learning experience design 17:11 – Facing resistance: balancing speed and inclusive considerations 20:05 – Human-centered approach, nervous system regulation, connection before content 23:35 – Connection before content explained, impact on facilitation 25:52 – Mindsets and advice for new L&D professionals: flexibility, ongoing learning 28:37 – Biggest leadership lesson: learning to ask for help and support 30:47 – The uncomfortable truth: endless potential for learning in every leader 32:17 – How to connect with Sarah Machat 33:39 – Final words and podcast feedback invitation About Sarah Machat Sarah Machat is the Vice President of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. She leads agency-wide quality improvement, learning and development, compliance, and risk management programs, ensuring compliance with governmental, contractual, and accreditation requirements. Sarah started her journey at St. Anne’s as a social work intern and later honed her skills in Diversity & Inclusion and L&D at the Walt Disney Company. She returned to St. Anne’s in 2017, successfully guiding two reaccreditation cycles and championing a data-informed, improvement-focused culture. Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from USC and a BA in Psychology from UC Irvine. Resources & Mentions: Sarah Machat’s LinkedInSt. Anne’s Family Services websiteLearnit.com Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    34 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Learnit
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Learnit
  • Show Website
    The Learnit Lounge