Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders

Marc Donelson , Director of Curriculum Development of Spectrum , discusses his path into learning and development, the evolution of technology in the field and the skills today’s learning professionals need to thrive. Marc reflects on early career moments that shaped his leadership approach and shares perspectives on the future of L&D, including AI, invisible learning and the importance of str...

Gregg Summers , Field Director in Learning and Development of Sysco , shares how frontline-focused L&D can support complex supply chain operations while keeping people development at the center of the business. He reflects on two decades with the company, the shift from sales leadership into learning and how his team builds capability among warehouse teams, delivery drivers and frontline leade...

On this episode, Chrissy Medeck , Senior Director, Organizational Development (Learning and Leader Institute) of Ascension , discusses how modern learning environments support career growth and organizational performance. Chrissy outlines the shift from classroom-based training to virtual and on-demand learning, and reflects on how the pandemic accelerated this change. The conversation also covers...

On this episode, Yusuf Sadrud-Din , Manager of Learning and Development of Whistle Express Car Wash , shares how L&D is shifting toward learner-centered design, stronger business alignment and performance support, while reflecting on mentorship, soft skills and continuous professional growth. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:13 Continued professionalization of L&D places the learner a...

Markus Bernhardt , Principal of Endeavor Intelligence , details how to turn AI activity into measurable business change. Known for his evidence-driven approach and “The Two-Wave Transformation” model, Markus explains how leaders can distinguish between tactical AI adoption and deeper structural change. He also introduces one of his latest research areas, “The Last Inch Challenge,” focusing on the...

Josh Cavalier , Founder and CEO of JoshCavalier.ai , joins this episode to share insights on how AI is reshaping the L&D profession. He delves into lessons learned over his 30 years of experience in L&D, sharing his view on how technology is transforming instructional design, content creation and performance consulting. He explores how L&D teams can adapt to the rise of AI-driven ecosy...

Rebecca Alimorong , Senior Director, Global Learning Experience of Robert Half , discusses her journey from legal assistant to learning leader, emphasizing adaptability, creativity and the human-centered future of learning. She shares how data storytelling, AI tools and mentoring shape modern L&D, and offers insights on leadership grounded in purpose and connection. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introd...

Robert Panetti , Revenue Enablement Program Manager of Avetta , joins us to examine how AI is reshaping L&D, why curation is overtaking creation and how sales enablement benefits from concise, performance-focused training. He discusses mentoring, the role of human judgment in quality control, and practical ways teams can pair automation with context to drive meaningful learner outcomes. Key Ta...

David Chestnut , Principal Director of Talent Strategy and Agentic Reinvention of Accenture , shares actionable insights into the shifting landscape of L&D, emphasizing the rise of AI-powered agents as digital coworkers and outlining practical frameworks for leaders adapting to these changes. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:49 The focus of L&D is now on behavior change, not just deli...

On this episode, Lori Fancher , Relationship Manager of TrainingPros , shares lessons from a career spanning corporate training, performance consulting and L&D leadership. Lori explains how relationship management, consultant partnership and disciplined processes drive consistent results and award-winning outcomes. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:53 Culture and performance consulting ext...

Mike Grabarek , Associate Director of Corporate Learning and Development of SS&C Technologies , reflects on his career journey, from aerospace engineering to shaping the future of L&D. Mike discusses pivotal lessons from GE’s Crotonville institute, the evolution from one-and-done training to today’s learning ecosystems, and the role of experimentation, communication and mentoring in drivin...

Kelley Kalbas , Relationship Manager of TrainingPros , shares insights from nearly two decades of connecting clients with top L&D consultants. Drawing on her background in instructional design and corporate training, Kelley discusses what makes consultants successful, why client relationships matter and how learning leaders can continue to grow in the field. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction....

Frankie Robinson , Learning and Enablement Strategist of TrainingPros , shares her journey from classroom teaching to corporate L&D, the power of trust in driving training impact, and how AI is transforming the way organizations deliver learning. She also highlights the importance of building stakeholder buy-in and using innovative tools like custom GPTs to create realistic practice scenarios....

In this episode, Leigh Hurst , Relationship Manager of TrainingPros , shares insights from her 30+ years of experience in learning and development, elaborating on the impact of combining corporate, nonprofit and academic work to create meaningful change. She also speaks about her passion for client partnerships and how her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor inspired her to found a nonpro...

Michelle Lentz , Principal and Lead Strategist of AI and Change Management at Innovate-Elevate Strategies, LLC , joins us to discuss the intersection of AI and Learning and Development, offering practical insights on overcoming fear, building trust and using AI as a tool rather than a crutch. With 20 years of experience in HR and L&D, Michelle helps organizations shape their AI strategies with...

On this episode, Zachary Beasley , Director of Enterprise Learning of Synovus , shares his journey into L&D, his vision for the future, and the skills that matter most in today’s workplace. Zachary discusses how AI, predictive tools and simulation-based training are influencing the industry while emphasizing the importance of curiosity, critical thinking and human connection. He also highlight...

Kari Borroel ,  Executive Director, Head of Operations Quality Learning and Development, GxP Learning, of AstraZeneca , shares her journey into L&D, the changes shaping the industry and her vision for the future of learning transformation. Kari reflects on the impact of AI, the importance of aligning learning with business strategy and the essential skill of flexibility in a rapidly evolv...

On this episode, Mary Beth Thornton , Director, Organizational Learning and Development of AdventHealth , discusses the evolution of L&D through the lens of skills, business partnership and the integration of AI. She reflects on her career journey, from higher education to enterprise learning, and highlights the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Mary Be...

Tom Lahoud , SVP, Learning Advisor Senior Lead, HR of Citi , discusses his career path in learning and development, the evolving relationship between L&D and HR, and emerging trends shaping the future of workplace learning. He shares his perspectives on adaptive and experiential learning, workforce reskilling and the critical skills learning professionals need to become trusted advisors. Key T...

Vince Eugenio , Director of Learning and Development Distribution of Harbor Freight Tools , shares his journey from teaching industrial arts to leading large-scale learning initiatives. Vince discusses the skills and mindsets needed to thrive as a senior L&D leader, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and the importance of accountability and strategic alignment in driving organizati...

Tori Pauling , Sr. Manager, Program Development and Management of Marmon Holdings, Inc. , leads strategic initiatives for the Business Acumen Center, supporting a diverse portfolio of manufacturing businesses. With a background in communications and executive learning, she focuses on turning complex ideas into scalable programs that drive measurable business outcomes. In this conversation, she out...

Melissa Davis , Vice President of Organization Development and Communications at Pfizer , joins us to discuss the evolution of L&D across industries, the importance of intentional learning design, and strategies for building resilience during transitions. With over two decades in HR and organizational development, Melissa reflects on her journey through six companies in five industries, from h...

Matt Smith , Vice President of Learning and Development of Curana Health , shares how his team is shaping scalable learning solutions while aligning closely with business needs. With a background in consulting and a passion for coaching, Matt brings a holistic approach to L&D that balances operational value with human impact. At Curana Health, which is the largest provider of senior living pri...

Kim Troxell , Head of Commercial Learning and Development of AbbVie , shares how nearly three decades of experience across commercial, international and leadership roles has shaped her approach to driving impact through L&D. Drawing on her time leading teams in Ireland and Denmark and her passion for developing talent, Kim outlines how personalization, microlearning and AI are shaping the futu...

On this episode, Ben Sieke , Director of Talent Development and Learning at Delta Dental Ins. talks about how human-centered learning strategies are evolving in the age of AI. Ben shares his unexpected path from musician to learning leader, offering insights into building scalable learning cultures, leveraging emerging technology and designing development programs that deliver measurable business...