Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders

Chris Johnson, Learning and Development Manager of Toyota North America , joins us to discuss how companies can leverage educational technology and social media style microlearning without causing learning anxiety. He emphasizes the skills the workforce needs to confront a changing working landscape and the value of networking and learning from L&D peers. Key Takeaways: (04:38) The relevance o...

In this episode, Rama Iyer , Senior Director of Corporate Leadership Development at Spectrum , discusses leadership development, the evolving role of HR and the power of mentorship. Key Takeaways:  (02:27) The impact of great leadership as a competitive advantage. (03:31) Why HR is unique: “There are no formulae to deal with people.” (04:05) The profound impact leaders have on culture and people’...

In this episode, Stephanie Fritz , EdD, Senior Director of Leadership Development at S&P Global , discusses the evolving role of L&D, drawing from her background in organizational psychology. Stephanie discusses the growing importance of adaptability and mental health support and highlights the skillsets leaders will need to develop. She emphasizes the necessity for workers and leaders to...

On this episode, Theda Riggins-Crawford , Director of Global Learning and Development of Manhattan Associates , discusses her career journey, insights on evolving trends in L&D and the importance of being people-centered in the industry. Theda also shares valuable resources for those wishing to develop in the field.   Key Takeaways: (02:13) Transitioning from tax reporting to a caree...

In this episode, Crystal Richards , Senior Director of Executive Development at TIAA , discusses her unique journey in learning and development.  She covers changes in executive programs, the shift to virtual learning and the importance of building cohesive leadership cohorts. Key Takeaways: (00:47) Background and role at TIAA. (03:00) The shift from face-to-face to virtual learning. (05:56)...

Jessica Sieminski , Director of Learning and Performance at  Nationwide , joins us in this episode to discuss how L&D professionals and the industry can evolve and leverage AI and technology. She highlights the critical skills humans will need to succeed in a future where using AI for work becomes as common as using a calculator or computer. She emphasizes the importance of critical think...

In this episode, Theresa Zeller , Global Head of Learning Creation at Merck (known as MSD outside the US and Canada), joins us to share her journey in the L&D space. She highlights the pivotal changes and emerging trends that are shaping corporate learning, including the growing influence of technology, business alignment and personalized learning.  Key Takeaways: (03:48) The transformati...

Steve Bullington , Director of Solution Engineering Talent Development at Salesforce , joins us in this episode to discuss ongoing shifts in L&D. The combination of the younger generations’ characteristics and technological advancements requires a new approach to training. L&D professionals must leverage everything from AI integration to personalized on-demand training to meet newer genera...

In this episode, Rico Maranto , Senior Manager, Leadership Development of WM (formerly Waste Management), discusses the transition from command-and-control leadership to a human-centered mindset, and the role of AI in transforming employee development.  Rico shares his journey into leadership development, highlights challenges in the workforce and provides insights into how organizations can...

In this episode, Nicole Sandoval , Senior Director of Learning and Development at European Wax Center , explores new developments in L&D, from continuous microlearning to AI-powered personalized learning pathways. She explains how the European Wax Center is tapping into the younger generation's desire to share knowledge and collaborate. They have developed a platform where expert employees sha...

In this episode, Tomislav Vujec , Director of Learning at Red Hat , explains the role of L&D in today’s corporate strategy and its future. He emphasizes that L&D should help companies achieve their goals, assist board members in making informed decisions about strategies and workforces and train leadership to make decisions equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and tools for succes...

On this episode, Tim Kinsey, Director of Curriculum Development and Creative Learning Media at Cox Communications , explains that in the age of AI, the future of L&D lies in skill development and mentorship. He highlights the need for leaders and professionals to develop and combine business knowledge, intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking and radical candor to achieve business, professi...

On this episode, we’re joined by Nicolle Billmyre , Senior Director of Talent and Organizational Development at Crossmark .* She discusses the significant changes in learning and development over the past few years, including the rise of AI, the growing need for personalized, transformative learning and the learning techniques suited to each generation. Nicolle also touches on her approach to tale...

In this episode, Dr. Jaimie Krause , Director of Learning and Development at Indeed , joins us to discuss the role of L&D in driving business outcomes, the importance of aligning training solutions with business strategy and the present and future of AI in learning. Jaimie explains her approach to maximizing the impact of L&D to achieve business ROI through data fluency, business acumen, s...

In this episode, Lisa Christensen , Director of Learning Design Center of Excellence at McKinsey & Company , explains how hyper-personalized learning is within reach thanks to GenAI. However, she highlights that L&D professionals must focus on delivering the right content at the right time to avoid “flooding” learners with unnecessary material. She also emphasizes that success is no longer...

The future of leadership and development is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on experiential learning, mindfulness and mentorship. Renny Bloch , Director of Global Learning and Leadership Development COE at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. , joins us to discuss these trends, share his journey and offer insights from over twenty years in the field.  Renny explores the importance of psycholo...

On this episode, we’re joined by Roger Petho , Director of Talent Management at Kyndryl . Roger discusses his journey into talent management, the significant influence of technology on HR practices and the importance of business acumen in driving successful talent strategies. Key Takeaways: (02:55) Roger shares his early interest in psychology and how it led him to a career in talent management. (...

In this episode, we welcome Danielle Willinger , Senior Manager of Instructional Design at GALLO . Danielle talks about her journey in learning and development, the evolution of instructional design and the future of the industry, particularly the impact of AI and agile methodologies. Key Takeaways: (01:33) Danielle’s background in L&D and her experience across various industries. (03:39) The...

In this episode, Kevin Farrell , Director of Learning Experience Design of US Retail Markets at Liberty Mutual Insurance , joins us to talk about his journey into learning and development, the evolving role of data and AI in the field and the future of L&D. Key Takeaways: (01:33) Transitioning from the business side to L&D at Fidelity Investments. (04:18) Being drawn to L&D by natural...

In this episode, Christopher McCormick , Senior Director of Talent, Development and Inclusion at Gilead Sciences . Christopher discusses his journey from theater to talent management, the impact of the pandemic on learning and development and the future of personalized employee experiences with AI. Key Takeaways: (01:27) Introduction to Christopher and his role at Gilead Sciences. (02:42) The impo...

In this episode, Suneeta Mishra , Senior Director of Learning and OD at Equifax , joins us to talk about her extensive career in L&D, discussing significant changes, the future of L&D and the role of AI. Key Takeaways: (02:30) Suneeta’s journey from HR generalist to L&D professional and her passion for skill development. (03:44) Suneeta’s passion for creating learning cultures that nur...

In this episode, Tammy Vetter , Assistant Vice President of Learning and Organizational Effectiveness of MedStar Health , touches on the significant contributions to leadership development and organizational effectiveness, discussing the transformative impact of AI and the importance of human-centered leadership. Key Takeaways: (01:27) Leadership development and the rollout of a new platform for 3...

On this episode, Jennifer Padilla-Lewis, Senior Director, Learning Portfolio of Infor, discusses her journey in the learning and development sector, evolving methodologies in corporate education and the transformative impact of technology on learning delivery. Key Takeaways: (01:40) Infor's focus on industry-specific solutions.  (02:01) Jennifer’s team curates a prescriptive learning journey...

On this episode, Brandy Ford , AVP and Manager of Strategic Learning and Projects and Analytics at FM Global , joins us to share her journey in the Learning and Development space, her passion for education and her insights into the evolving landscape of corporate training and analytics. Key Takeaways: (00:00) The critical importance of analytics in L&D and the challenge of integrating business...

In this episode, Maryna Melnik , Head of Learning and Development at DataArt , joins us to discuss her deliberate career path in L&D, the transformative impact of AI and future trends in corporate education. Key Takeaways: (01:25) Maryna’s career journey from schoolteacher to L&D leader. (05:31) The significant impact of GenAI on L&D processes and automation. (07:45) The importance of...