In this episode, John Helmer engages with UK-based artificial intelligence expert Robert Guidi to explore the potential impact of AI on Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in data science and technology policy, Robert has worked across industries to help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, translating complex AI concepts into practical strategies. They discuss whether AI poses an existential threat to the L&D profession or offers new opportunities for growth and innovation. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI in L&D, the challenges of implementation, and the future landscape of learning technologies. They also discuss the book Robert is writing: ‘ChatL&D: A Practical Guide to AI-Powered Performance Support’.

Support the crowd funder for the book here (This link will be live from 4 March 2025)

Timestamps:

• 00:01:09 - Intro

• 00:03:36 - Does the world need another book about AI?

• 00:12:30 - Is AI an existential threat to L&D?

• 00:17:31 - An opportunity for 70/20/10 approaches?

• 00:25:27 - Generic versus specialized software tools

• 00:28:43 - The problem of ‘model drift’

• 00:31:35 - Implementation challenges

• 00:43:23 - Change Management

• 00:45:31 - Agentic AI

• 00:55:29 - Small language models

• 01:05:41 - When will the book come out?

• 01:09:11 - End

Contact Robert Guidi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertguidi

Connect with Us:

• Website: www.learninghackpodcast.com

• Twitter: @johnhelmer

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast

LH #110 Will AI Wipe Out L&D? with Robert Guidi