Talent Talks

Why do most companies lack real skills visibility even after investing heavily in training? In this episode, learning strategist and skills-mapping expert Shannon Tipton joins us to explore why most organizations still can't connect the skills they're building to the outcomes they need.  We dig into where skills mapping falls apart in practice — from onboarding and internal mobility to the metrics...

Why do so many managers feel unprepared to develop their teams when it's a core part of their role? In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Al Dea to explore why managers are the missing link in developing talent and how we can equip them to make sure learning happens organically in the flow of work. From simple practices like "bullpen" sessions to building a culture of everyday develo...

What if the biggest problem in L&D right now isn't a lack of learning but too much of it? In this episode we chat to Lavinia Mehedintu, co-founder of Offbeat, to explore why more content doesn't always lead to better performance. From challenging the "content creation factory" model to making the case for saying no, we unpack what it really takes to simplify learning without losing impact. Along t...

In this episode, we sit down with self-described "L&D Detective" Kevin M. Yates to uncover what it really takes to prove the impact of learning. We explore why traditional L&D metrics only tell part of the story, how to design training around business performance, and why L&D professionals need to think like performance consultants rather than order takers. Kevin also shares practical questions th...

In this episode, we talk to Donald Taylor, one of the most influential voices in global L&D and a long-time authority at the intersection of learning and technology. From the dangers of the "AI efficiency trap" to why L&D teams need to move beyond being a content house, we explore where AI genuinely adds value, where it creates risk, and how learning leaders can stay relevant as expectations shift...

As work continues to transform, L&D in 2026 is being forced to rethink how it supports people on the job. In this episode, we sit down with David Kelly - longtime industry analyst and influential L&D thinker - to dig into our Annual TalentLMS Benchmark Report. We unpack why learning debt is rising, why legacy L&D models are breaking under modern work demands, how AI should raise the ceiling of hum...

You've heard of Quiet Quitting—but what about Quiet Cracking? We talk to leadership expert Lia Garvin about the growing number of employees who are still showing up but quietly coming undone. Drawing on data from the TalentLMS survey that coined the term, we explore what's driving this pressure — from AI disruption to economic instability — and how companies can respond. Plus, Lia shares practical...

What if your team's most valuable skills aren't written down and the people who have them don't even realize it? In this episode, learning strategist Julia Phelan joins us to unpack knowledge mapping — a practical way to uncover hidden employee skills. Learn how mapping your organization's knowledge can streamline onboarding, open avenues for internal mobility and create a more transparent company...

When resources are tight but the demand for learning is high, strategy matters more than spend. In this episode, we're joined by Michelle Parry-Slater, author of The L&D Practitioner's Handbook and Director at Kairos modern learning. We explore how L&D teams can build learning programs that actually drive business results. By focusing on context over content, building relationships through 'strate...

Most onboarding processes focus on paperwork over people. Amin Fard, CEO at Preppio and co-author of The Onboarding Playbook, explains how to design backward from "wow" moments that turn new hires into company advocates. We explore why hybrid onboarding can outperform in-person, measuring what actually matters, and creating connection from day one. We also draw insights from TalentLMS's latest onb...

Why do so many workplace training programs fail to drive real change? In this episode, we sit down with Julie Dirksen, Learning and Design Consultant and author of Talk to the Elephant, to explore why people often can't learn or struggle to apply what they've learned. We unpack the psychology of behavior change and dig into what makes instructional design truly effective — from the role of social...

How do you keep employees engaged when everything's in flux? Rob Catalano, Co-Founder and Chief Engagement Officer at WorkTango, joins us to unpack the secrets behind effective employee engagement — especially during times of change. Drawing on original Organizational Change research from TalentLMS x WorkTango, we explore how L&D can steady the ship, why communication is your best retention tool,...

The future of workplace training is here — so how can L&D pros prep for new challenges on the horizon? Brent Skinner, future of work expert, joins us to reveal what to expect in the new year and beyond. Informed by the past, we'll explore learning in the flow of work, how to unify silos, and why in the age of breakneck technology, age-old human skills are more in demand than ever. Bonus: key insig...

What's the secret that separates an accidental manager from an inspiring leader who uplifts the workplace? We sit down with trailblazing former Deloitte Exec and Leadership Coach, Neena Newberry, to unravel the biggest myths holding future leaders back—and how to avoid falling into the same traps. Discover why more training isn't always the answer, how to deliver feedback that lands, and what busi...

Excessive employee turnover, looming deadlines, and tight budgets. Common business challenges that great L&D programs can tame. In this special episode, we hear first-hand from training trailblazers Kim Bellini and Randy Schumacher, both TalentLMS Training Excellence Awards recipients. We cover the unique ways that L&D can be your business' biggest champion, learn their secrets to an effective tra...

A strong learning culture fuels knowledge sharing and personal development. But how? Andy Lancaster, CLO of Reimagine People Development and award-winning author, helps us uncover the path to creating a workplace where employees are inspired to own their growth journey. Plus: from NASA to killer whales, we look at the power of community learning and how it will transform today's workplaces.   For...

Is reskilling the solution to the rapid decline in skill longevity? If so, how can both organizations and employees flip negative mindsets to ones of curiosity and optimism? Boston Consulting Group MD, Sagar Goel, reveals his strategies to combat a progressive skill deficit and win the game of talent. Plus: Goel gives SMBs his top tips to keep their employees' skills current.   For further resourc...

How can we escape the fear of failure and celebrate experimentation rather than just the result? In this episode, Nikhil Arora, shares his tips on how to commit to a growth mindset in both personal and professional life. He opens up about the importance of depersonalizing failure and why he thinks vulnerability is an essential leadership quality. We also learn what organizations can do to keep a c...

Are we witnessing the end of in-person training in real time? And why is the best learning content similar to the conversations we have with our friends? Gary Cookson, L&D expert, author, and consultant, joins us to answer these questions and more. We dive into what training in the hybrid workplace means for L&D pros, the importance of building social ties into learning, and why the model calls fo...

Is the secret to embracing business change an all-age workforce? And what are the skills that Gen Z need to outpace AI? We get the answers with generational expert, historian, and business advisor, Dr. Eliza Filby. Plus, we talk declining attention spans and their effect on training, whether age-based stereotypes hold any truth, and why we need to rehumanize ourselves at work.   For further resour...

How can L&D overcome the 3 biggest challenges facing companies today? Why is L&D failing to get approval from the C-suite? Dr. Keith Keating, the award-winning author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor" joins us to answer these questions. Plus, we cover how to create a culture where L&D's value isn't just a number and the critical importance of positioning yourself one step ahead of tech trends.   F...

What's the number one strategy to tap into existing skills—without spending on outside help? And are you overlooking internal talent? Edie Goldberg, consultant to Fortune 500 companies, HR expert, and author of The Inside Gig, joins us to share some insightful truths about the world of internal mobility. Together we cover what goes into creating successful pathways for your people and how open-min...

What are the 5 key elements of relevant training? And what's the 1 training metric that could lose L&D pros their jobs? In this episode we invite L&D consultant, Instructional Designer, and fellow podcaster, Dr. Heidi Kirby to share her experience and give us actionable advice on course creation. Plus, Heidi reveals why training should be on point, not just on trend, and, surprisingly, why sometim...

What does the surge of generative AI mean for the future of L&D? And how will the roles of L&D pros be reimagined in response? Season two of 'Keep it Simple' kicks off with Director of Paradox Learning, AI strategist, and eLearning expert, Stella Lee. Together with Lee, we'll unpack why picking the right AI tools is like shopping for a car and reveal the dos and don'ts of upskilling an AI-literate...

What are the biggest truths and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workforce? How can managers adapt their leadership style to play to the strengths and weaknesses of the next generation? In this episode, we talk to Forbes contributor, author, and generational expert, Mark Perna. We examine how businesses can make the most out of a multi-generational workforce, why Gen Z is the 'benchmark' generati...