They Learn You Win

David talks with Matthew Meyers, Global Talent and Learning Manager at Western Union, about treating learning as a business within your organization. Matthew shares his approach to getting that coveted "seat at the table"—not by waiting for an invitation, but by starting your own business and solving real problems for executive leaders. Drawing from his experience at T-Mobile and Western...

How do you build a learning ecosystem that can scale across a fast-growing, highly diverse workforce? In this episode, David talks with Claire Moore, Chief Learning Officer of the International Carwash Association, Inc., about the evolution of training in the carwash industry—from informal, shadow-based onboarding to scalable, professional development programs. Claire shares how she’s helping oper...

How do you design learning programs that work for a young, fast-moving, high-turnover workforce? In this episode, David talks with Cole Bastian, Sr. Director, Learning and Culture at HOA Brands (Hooters), about how his team transformed a traditional training model into a fully digital, dynamic learning ecosystem. Cole shares how his team eliminated printed materials (saving $250K annually), introd...

What does effective on-the-job training actually look like? In this episode, David sits down with Paul Smith, Head of Coworker Development at Baker Construction and author of Learning While Working: Structuring Your On-the-Job Training. Paul shares how his team turns real-time job experiences into meaningful development—without pulling people off the floor. They dive into how Baker Construction ba...

How do you scale leadership training that actually changes behavior? In this episode, David is joined by Stephanie Ketron, VP of Learning & Development at Westgate Resorts, who shares what it takes to move beyond check-the-box training and into culture-shaping leadership development. Stephanie opens up about her shift from content delivery to capability building, and how she equips leaders to...

What does it take to build a high-performance learning culture in a fast-paced, distributed workforce? In this episode, David is joined by Katie Tonda, Senior Director of Talent & Development at Goosehead Insurance, who shares her playbook for making learning a daily habit, not just a checkbox. Katie unpacks how her team brings consistency, coaching, and clarity to over 50 locations—and why cu...

How do you deliver consistent, high-impact training across dozens of franchise locations—when your workforce is young, mobile, and constantly rotating? In this episode, David sits down with Gina Elliott, Sr. Director of Franchise Operations at Altitude Trampoline Parks, to discuss how she led a full digital learning transformation across more than 90 locations. From ditching PDFs to rolling out a...

What happens when inclusion becomes controversial—and how do learning leaders respond? In this episode, David sits down with Geoffrey Roche, a nationally recognized voice on workforce equity and belonging, to unpack the current political and cultural climate around DEI. Together, they explore how companies are adapting (or retreating), the human cost of policy changes, and the urgent role Learning...

What does it take to design impactful learning for the people doing the most essential work? In this episode, David welcomes Dani Johnson, Co-Founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research, to unpack the findings of her latest report: Developing Frontline Workers: Focus Where It Counts. Together, they explore why so many companies are misaligned when it comes to supporting deskless workers—an...

What does it really mean to run L&D like a business—and is that even the right goal? In this episode, David sits down with Ryan Austin, CEO of Cognota, to challenge the clichés and dig into what it actually takes to make Learning & Development a strategic partner. From shifting governance models to aligning with real business outcomes, Ryan shares how L&D can evolve from a support func...

What happens when a seasoned academic steps into the world of corporate training? In this episode, we’re joined by Silvi Mercier, Strategic Training Manager at Fluke Europe, as she discusses the cultural and structural differences between academic and corporate learning environments, and how she’s had success in both. Drawing from her experience across classrooms and corporations, Silvi explores t...

In this episode, we sit down with Melony Johnson as she takes us on her incredible journey from the classroom to becoming a strategic leader in Learning and Development at at a global IT organization.  She shares her insights on how L&D can evolve into a key business partner, driving success across the organization. Melony dives into the importance of aligning learning with business strategy,...

Training in the restaurant industry isn’t just about teaching new skills—it’s about creating a culture of growth and retention.  In this episode, David chats with Kailey Skinner and Aku Patel from Biscuitville to explore how their innovative training program is reshaping the way employees are developed and promoted. From reducing workplace injuries to increasing guest satisfaction, their strategic...

Most LMS implementations fail to meet expectations, but Akamai found a way to succeed. In this episode, we’re joined by DJ Jaeger , Senior Team Manager for Global Technical Training at Akamai Technologies , as she reveals the exact strategy that helped them scale their learning platform without the usual chaos. Discover the secrets behind selecting, implementing, and scaling an LMS that drives rea...

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Sorber , Director of Learning Design and Analysis at Sport Clips, to explore how AI is shaping the future of haircare training. Jonathan shares how tools like ChatGPT streamline course creation while augmented reality helps stylists master product knowledge and enhance consultations. They discuss innovative possibilities like using AR to show clients pote...

Virtual Reality is quickly becoming training's greatest ally, and with AI leading the way, it’s revolutionizing employee development—faster, more effective, and truly transforming how we train the workforce of tomorrow. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Andy Trainor, former Chief Learning Officer at Walmart and now the CEO of SkillsVR North America. Andy takes us behind the scenes of Walmart’s g...

How can turning data literacy into a second language revolutionize learning and engagement in your organization? In this episode, we’re getting the inside scoop from Zsolt Olah, Senior HR Data Analyst at Intel , on how to unlock the true power of data in L&D. Zsolt reveals his innovative approach to data literacy, showing how data can spark real action and change. He shares practical tips for...

On today’s episode, we’re breaking new ground with our first-ever in-person interview, featuring the amazing Melissa Lapiane, the Training Manager of Freedman’s Home Improvement ! Melissa is a true thought leader in learning and development (L&D) and brings a ton of experience and practical tips to this conversation. If you’re looking to take your employee training to the next level, you’re in...

How can the rise of AI and intuitive skills revolutionize learning and development while keeping human engagement front and center? In today’s episode, we chat with Alexandra, Head of Functional Learning & Culture at Kraft Heinz, about how technology is transforming workplace learning. She shares sharp insights on evolving internet skills and the role of human practice in harnessing AI’s full...

Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Dr. Stella Lee , Director of Paradox Learning , as we debate over the world of AI. Discover why the rush for innovation calls for stronger regulations and explore AI's transformative potential, from automating simple tasks like writing emails to navigating complex environments with autonomous vehicles. Dr. Lee shares how AI is reshaping learning and devel...

Today we sit down with industry expert Danny Klein to discuss the impact of inflation on the restaurant sector and the evolving perception of value in fast food establishments. Danny sheds light on the role of technology, such as kiosks and robotics boosting efficiency, while addressing the broader implications of labor costs. The challenges we are facing with rising prices, causing us to focus on...

Today, we’re joined by John Leh , CEO of Talented Learning , to shed light on the often-overlooked but vital role of customer education in business success. John underscores the importance of aligning training with business goals, tackling the complexities of globalizing customer education, and the promising future of embedding learning into everyday work environments. He also explores the pivotal...

In today's episode we sit down with Kelly Palmer, the Chief Strategy Officer at Southern New Hampshire University. Kelly, brings her extensive experience in skills development to the table as they explore the ever-evolving nature of skills in the modern workplace. Together, they address the challenges of maintaining relevant skills in a rapidly changing environment, the role of technology and AI,...

From the role of AI in corporate settings to the potential of virtual reality, our host, David, is joined by special guest Lefteris Ntouanoglou the Founder & CEO of Schoox , to dig into the realistic applications and common misconceptions of technology in the workplace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and corporate development. Together, th...

Listen in as we speak with  Vincent Lebunetel, the Co-founder of Boostrs, to unpack the crucial role of measurement in learning and development.. In this discussion, we tackle  the challenges that professionals face in the analytical side of HR, especially those who might find data analytics rather intimidating. With the emergence of Gen AI, the stakes are higher than ever for integrating analytic...