The Learnit Lounge

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...

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 "...

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, h...

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, bust...

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-...

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real skill. In this energizing episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with learning leader Peter Plumlee for a refreshingly honest look at resilience, adaptability, and what it truly takes to thrive in today’s ever-changing, AI-powered workplace. Together, they break down the myths (“just muscle through it!”) and reveal ho...

Winning learning programs aren’t built on urgency—they’re built on mindful habits, strategic defaults, and human connection. In this energizing solo episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into the subtle power of “habit loops” for Learning & Development professionals. Drawing from her real-world experience—and BJ Fogg’s behavioral science—Mickey unpacks ho...

The elephants in the (training) room: why do so many people resist learning and development, and what can leaders do to change that? In this lively, honest episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD sits down with global talent expert and Shiftwell AI co-founder Elena Agaragimova to take on the toughest truths behind learning resistance, leadership, and psychological saf...

Looking to turn generative AI from a looming threat into your next L&D superpower? In this high-energy episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, unpacks the real and present revolution that generative AI is bringing to learning and development. Mickey dives straight into the hopes—and the fears—swirling through L&D, sharing her own journey from skeptical experi...

The world of corporate learning is transforming fast—and nobody knows it better than this week’s guest, Thomas Fenstermacher. On this episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins chats with Thomas about the seismic shifts facing Learning & Development (L&D) professionals today, from the rise of data-driven training to the power (and pitfalls) of AI. Whether you’re an ex...

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...

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 t...

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-...

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 t...

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 m...

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 persis...

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-creat...

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 & Leadersh...

Too often, learning and development leaders miss their shot at true organizational impact by talking about learning metrics instead of what really matters to the business. In this eye-opening solo episode, Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, shares hard-won lessons and strategies for translating L&D concepts into the language that gets executive buy-in—business outcomes, impact, and performance. Y...

Selecting the right learning partner can make or break your organization’s growth journey—but in a flooded marketplace, how do you find “the one”? In this energizing episode of the Learnit Lounge podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD sits down with Anthony White, a seasoned training and development manager, to decode the art and science of choosing an external provider t...

Winning workdays aren’t just about hustle—they’re about boundaries, transition, and reclaiming presence at home. In this energizing solo episode of the Learnit Lounge podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, pulls back the curtain on a game-changing strategy that’s transformed her work and life: the shutdown sequence. Broadcasting from her home office,...

Every decade brings a new tech revolution—but nothing is reshaping work (and learning) like AI.  In this episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD sits down with Josh Cavalier, founder of JoshCavalier AI and author of,  Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance , to unpack how artificial inte...

In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, takes listeners inside the crucial shift every Learning & Development professional needs to make: from being a support order-taker to a true strategic business partner. Mickey pulls back the curtain on why traditional L&D “service” language keeps professionals sidelined, and shares ac...

Great teams aren’t built on age—they’re built on empathy, adaptability, and growth. In this energizing conversation from The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Jenny McKenna, Director of Learning, Culture, and Philanthropy at MG Properties, for a refreshingly real exploration of generational dynamics at work. Together, they break down&n...

How do great facilitators get even better—and why does it matter for every workplace leader? In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Meg Bolger: creator, educator, and passionate advocate for more compassionate, pro-social learning. Together, they dive deep into the art and evolution of facilitation—what it means to “upskill” b...