The eLearning Champion Pod

In this episode of the eLearning Champions Podcast , AI workflow strategist and instructional design expert Ben Kanspedos, with RK Prasad, CEO and Co-founder of CommLab India, explores what AI can and cannot do for workplace learning. While AI can dramatically accelerate content creation, Ben explains why meaningful learning still depends on human judgment, instructional design, and performance-fo...

What can business leaders learn from one of the biggest transformations in automotive history? In this episode, RK Prasad, CEO and Co-founder of CommLab India, speaks with Akli Aggoune , Vice President of Global Sales and Strategy for PowerDrive Systems at BorgWarner. The conversation is about how successful leaders balance long-term innovation with short-term business realities, create alignment...

What happens when artificial intelligence transforms Learning & Development—but people remain at the center of learning? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast , RK Prasad, CEO and Co-founder of CommLab India sits down with Jeff Hrusko , Learning & Development leader and founder of Compliance Creed, to explore how organizations can embrace AI without losing sight of what makes l...

What does it take to build skills at scale across thousands of employees, multiple countries, and diverse manufacturing environments?   In this episode of the eLearning Champions Podcast , RK Prasad , CEO and Co-founder, CommLab India , sits down with Luz Lozano , HR Director, Americas – Talent & Development at Albéa Group , to explore the realities of learning and talent development on the ma...

What happens when Learning &Development stops acting like a course factory and starts operating like a business transformation engine? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast , we sit down with Matt Haag, Senior Organizational Effectiveness and Learning Leader, to explore how enterprise learning is evolving in the age of AI, rapid change, and business disruption. Matt shares why trad...

What does it take to move B2B sales beyond price conversations and toward real customer value? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast , Marianne Portmann — Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Sales Officer at IGP Powder Coatings — shares how modern sales teams can build trust, strengthen commercial capability, and use AI to become more consultative and customer-centric. From value-based s...

The Power of Curious Conversations at Work What if the biggest barrier to better teamwork, trust, and innovation isn’t a lack of skill—but a lack of curiosity? In this episode, RK Prasad speaks with Kirsten Siggins about the power of curious conversations at work and why listening, asking better questions, and reducing judgment can transform the way teams collaborate. They explore how curiosity st...

Episode 66 | The eLearning Champion Pod | Conversations with a Learning LeaderHow AI empowers and Elevates the Work of Instructional DesignersIn this episode of The eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath sits down with Gerry White, Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University, to explore how AI is transforming instructional design and learning experiences. Gerry shares insights on: How AI e...

What does human-centered learning really mean in today’s AI-driven world? 🤔In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath speaks with Dave Stevens, CLO and Founder of Advanced Learning Strategies, to explore how L&D leaders can balance automation with authenticity. Dave shares:🔵 Why human-centered learning isn’t about efficiency but transformation🔵 The key differenc...

CEO Mindset 10 Questions on World-Class LeadershipWhat makes a world-class leader? In this episode of the E-Learning Champion Podcast, Andrea Petrone — trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and host of The World Class Leaders Show — joins us to explore the CEO mindset and what separates good leaders from great ones. Discover insights on:✅ Building clarity and a legacy-driven vision✅ Driving e...

Building your L&D Team for Business ImpactHow can L&D teams move from being order-takers to true business partners? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna talks to Mary Rappaport, Learning Strategist and creator of The Strategic Playground, about how L&D teams can elevate their role and drive measurable business outcomes.👉 What you’ll learn: How to transform L&...

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Karl Kapp — professor, author, gamification pioneer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor — to explore the power of Action First Learning.🔹 Why starting with doing flips traditional learning on its head🔹 How Action First Learning builds on gamification🔹 Practical, low-cost ways L&D teams can apply this approach🔹 Balancing...

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, we chat with Bret Wardle — game designer turned product and experience strategist, TEDx speaker, and author of Gamification for Product Excellence.🔹 What gamification really means (beyond leaderboards & badges)🔹 Why studying gaming history is essential for L&D professionals🔹 Practical design lessons from game mechanics and psychology🔹...

How can organizations better support frontline workers and managers in today’s fast-changing workplace? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath speaks with JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect at Axonify and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Disney, AMC, and Kaplan, JD shares practical insights on: Why frontline en...

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath talks with Mike Taylor — learning strategist, author, and instructional design expert — about why L&D needs a marketing mindset to truly make an impact. Mike Taylor shares: The $350 billion problem in corporate training How marketing principles can revolutionize learning outcomes The "SURE" framework for writing...

In this episode of The E-learning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath sits down with Violet Zillman — an AI strategist, global workforce leader, and lifelong learner — to discuss the real-world applications of AI in Learning & Development (L&D).🎙️ Topics Covered: How AI enhances onboarding and team performance The role of digital avatars in knowledge transfer Custom GPTs for knowledge a...

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna sits down with Lucy Hutchinson and Anna Shildrick, Co-Founders of The AI Connective and educators with 30+ years of experience. 🌍They explore powerful ideas like: Making learning truly meaningful for employees Why productive struggle fuels deep learning How AI can amplify (not replace) thinking Measuring cognitive growth beyond completion...

In this episode, we’re joined by Randy Conley, Vice President & Trust Practice Leader at Blanchard, and co-author of Simple Truths of Leadership. Randy Conley dives deep into:✅ Why trust is the foundation of leadership✅ What servant leadership really looks like in today’s workplace✅ How to repair broken trust using the 3 A’s: Acknowledge, Apologize, Act✅ Cultural differences in building tr...

Ever felt like virtual training is just a sea of muted mics and blank screens? You're not alone—and today’s guest is here to change that. Welcome to another inspiring episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast! In this conversation, we dive deep with Alicia Hughes, founder of Sparking Up Leadership, to explore how L&D professionals can leverage technology without losing the human spark. Ali...

In this powerful episode of the Elearning Champion Podcast, we sit down with renowned HR expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Paul Falcone to explore how Learning & Development (L&D) teams can support frontline operational leaders through times of crisis and disruption. From navigating post-pandemic burnout to addressing Gen Z’s workplace challenges, Paul shares actionable insig...

Looking to design truly engaging eLearning experiences that drive performance and retention? 🎯In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath is joined by the renowned learning strategist, author, and cognitive scientist Dr. Clark Quinn. With over 40 years of experience in the field, Dr. Quinn unpacks the science of engagement, the power of meaningful practice, and how you can...

Join us on the eLearning Champion Podcast as Sherna Varayath speaks with Dr. Jamie Bissa about the transformative role of AI in Learning & Development (L&D) especially in higher education. Dr. Bissa a leader in curriculum design and instructional technology shares critical insights into: Misconceptions about AI in education. Balancing human-centered pedagogy with AI emphasizing ethical int...

As AI rapidly reshapes the world of learning and development, are we asking the right ethical questions? Join us on the Elearning Champion Podcast as we dive deep into a critical discussion with our guest, George "Alyn" Kinney, on "The Ethical Side of AI in L&D." In this insightful conversation, we explore the profound implications and ethical considerations of integrating...

Are your eLearning courses feeling a bit... linear? 🤔In this insightful episode of the E-learning Champion Podcast, we tackle a common challenge: transforming "click-and-read" content into truly interactive and engaging learning experiences! We're absolutely thrilled to host Tom Kuhlmann, Chief Learning Architect at Articulate, a true ambassador for eLearning and rapid eLearning dev...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Jane Bozarth, Director of Research for the Learning Guild, to explore and debunk common myths prevalent in the L&D world. Jane, with her extensive experience as a veteran trainer and instructional designer, helps us navigate away from unscientific fads like learning styles, generational differences, and personality type instruments in the workplace....