Capability Edge

This is a story of quiet confidence and big impact. In this episode, I talk with nonprofit learning strategist Heather Burright about the real impact Learning & Development can have—beyond the slide deck. We dive into how she accidentally fell in love with instructional design, the power of raising your hand for opportunities, and how to earn respect in a field where you’re often told to "just...

Most L&D teams get this completely backward. They lead with training instead of business strategy—and then wonder why nothing changes. In this episode, we’re flipping the script. I’ll walk you through the exact 5-step method I use—called the L&D Satellite View —to align learning with business priorities. This isn’t about running more workshops. It’s about positioning L&D as the functio...

Danny Del Vecchio: From Cabana Boy to Video Content King of LinkedIn — a story of grit, growth, and getting paid to be yourself online What if your lowest moment was actually the beginning of your best chapter? In this episode, I’m joined by Danny Del Vecchio, the video content strategist behind some of LinkedIn’s most recognizable creators. But before the consistent $30K months and shout-outs fro...

In this kickoff episode of the Strategic L&D for Business Impact series, we’re getting straight to the heart of what it really means to be strategic in learning and development. If you’re tired of being seen as a support function—if you’re done with L&D being the first to get cut when budgets shrink—this episode will challenge how you think, and change how you show up. We’ll dig into: The...

Ever wonder how someone goes from grubbing weeds in New Zealand to running a global L&D software company? This episode of Development Nerds dives into the wildly unexpected career journey of Paul Matthews, mechanical engineer turned desert explorer turned learning strategy pioneer. We talk gorilla encounters (yes, really), sheep logic, overland expeditions, and how Paul’s engineering brain spa...

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell peels back the layers of the Talent Development Academy (TDA) to reveal why it's a game-changer for learning and development professionals. From exclusive frameworks and expert guidance to a supportive community that truly understands your challenges, TDA offers more than just another training course—it's your secret weapon for proactive leade...

Ever had a job so random that it had nothing to do with where you ended up? Christopher Lind has had several. From assembling anchors and selling Camel Cigarettes to building corporate learning programs that made more money than the company’s products , Christopher’s career has been anything but traditional. In this episode of Development Nerds , he shares: 🔥 The job that convinced him business t...

You can have the best learning strategy in the world, but if you can’t execute, it doesn’t matter. L&D professionals are expected to drive learning across entire organizations, yet we rarely have direct authority over the people, budgets, or KPIs we need to influence. We have to lead without authority, gain buy-in from multiple stakeholders, and execute learning initiatives in environments whe...

What happens when you go from squeegeeing a locker room floor for $3.85 an hour to leading Learning & Development strategy at a Fortune 500 company? Jess Almie knows firsthand. Her journey from babysitting her nine younger siblings to shaking up the L&D industry is nothing short of fascinating. In this episode, Jess gets real about the pivotal moments, career detours, and hard-won insights...

So, you want to be a leader in L&D, but you don’t have a big title, a team, or decision-making power? Here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence. And influence is something you can build, no matter your role. Some of the most powerful people in organizations aren’t executives—they’re the trusted voices, the ones who shape conversations and drive action. And in Lear...

How do you go from working at Disney to running your own leadership consulting firm ? Yogi Mueller’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless curiosity. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 How he accidentally found his way into L&D (and never looked back) 🔹 The hardest year of his career & what it taught him about leadership 🔹 The power of mentorship —why every leader needs bo...

Things will go wrong in L&D. Budgets get cut. Projects stall. Stakeholders resist. The real test of leadership isn’t if you face challenges, it’s how you respond to them. In this episode, we’re breaking down: 🔹 Why leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges but navigating them 🔹 The three leadership mindsets that help you thrive under pressure 🔹 A step-by-step approach to handling difficult...

What does it take to rewrite your story? Dr. Keith Keating has lived it. From dropping out of high school and working in fast food to becoming a CLO, an academic advisor for an Ivy League university, and an author, his journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and sheer determination. In this episode, Dr. Keith shares his unconventional career path, the power of learning, and how L&D professi...

Are You Leading in L&D, Or Just Taking Orders? The Mindset Shift You Need Too many Learning & Development (L&D) professionals are stuck in a support role , waiting for permission to lead. But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about your title—it’s about your impact . If you're tired of being brought in at the last minute to "execute training" instead of driving business strategy , thi...

Burnout doesn’t just happen to people in toxic workplaces—it can happen even when you’re deeply passionate about your work. That was the case for Kelsea Warren, who, after years in mental health and therapy, found herself drained, exhausted, and questioning whether she could keep going. In this episode, Kelsea shares how she made the bold decision to pivot, aligning her career with her values to b...

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell challenges the conventional wisdom in the L&D world by asking: Which truly carries more weight—real-world experience or certifications? Dive into a conversation that goes beyond credentials to explore how the right mindset and the ability to apply knowledge effectively can set you apart as a leader in learning and development. Discover pra...

Join us in this episode of Development Nerds as David Gilbert shares his unconventional career journey— from working at a deli restaurant at age 14 to becoming a successful voice actor. Discover how he found his 'Emerald City' and learn actionable insights on pushing your own boulder up the right hill. This is one you won't want to miss! David Gilbert is a seasoned voice actor with a compelling jo...

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep into the crucial decisions around choosing the right Learning and Development (L&D) qualifications that will genuinely propel your career forward. Explore the common mistakes professionals make when selecting courses and discover the power of integrating knowledge from fields beyond traditional L&D to stand out as a strategi...

Join us as Tara Rynders (MFA BSN BA RN) (she/her) reveals the transformative power of play and care in the workplace, sharing her deeply personal journey from nurse to artistic healer and how a simple act of receiving care redefined her life's mission. Tara Rynders, she/her, RN, MFA, BSN, BA aka "the dancing nurse" is a speaker, storytelling, researcher, and a dancer. Rynders has been a registered...

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell cuts through the noise to reveal the certifications, degrees, and communities that can truly accelerate your career in Learning and Development. From industry-recognized credentials like ATD and SHRM to specialized programs and invaluable professional networks, discover what really makes a difference. Plus, hear Candice's insights on why the r...

In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Tim Slade to explore his unique journey from a high school concession stand to a successful instructional design entrepreneur. Discover the secrets behind his transformation, the lessons learned from his unexpected career shifts, and his empowering advice on harnessing imposter syndrome as a superpower. Tim Slade is an accomplished speaker, author,...

Wondering if certifications are really the key to success in learning and development? In this episode, Candice Mitchell breaks down the different paths to L&D, from newcomer to career switcher, and reveals what truly matters for career growth. Don't miss her no-fluff Are certifications the golden ticket to a thriving career in learning and development, or just an expensive piece of paper? In...

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep with Nicholas Plotnicoff, a multifaceted professional who transitioned from gaming and eyewear to AI innovation. Discover how Nicholas faced career-defining challenges, overcame setbacks in the crypto market, and leveraged resilience and mentorship to find success in AI business development. Nicholas Plotnicoff is a versatile profes...

In a rapidly evolving workforce, standing still is the same as falling behind. Join Candice Mitchell in this eye-opening episode as she reveals why Learning and Development is the ultimate competitive advantage for 2025. Packed with compelling statistics, real-life examples, and actionable strategies, this episode is your wake-up call to start investing in your people today for a successful tomorr...

In this episode of Development Nerds, Clay Gill takes us on a ride through his "squiggly" career path, revealing how embracing frustration and understanding neurodivergence can unlock hidden potential. Discover his transformative approach to career fulfillment and actionable strategies for real, meaningful change. About the guest: As a mindset coach with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve had the...