Adapting to Change: Surviving the Rapid AI Transformation in the Workplace

AI is reshaping learning and development faster than any of us expected. So how do we adapt? And what skills will matter most as tools, workflows and expectations keep changing in the workplace?

In this episode, Matt speaks with Josh Cavalier, an AI and L&D expert with more than two decades of experience helping organizations modernize the way they design learning. Josh is also the author of Applying AI in Learning and Development, a practical guide for teams looking to build confidence, capability and structure around AI-powered work.

Josh shares real-world insights on handling rapid change inside organizations, understanding how AI affects creative and instructional output, and building the skills to keep up. He explores how the role of L&D is shifting, why integrity matters more than ever, and what it looks like to create a personal AI training plan for 2026.

You'll also hear how to identify your 'sources of truth' so you can keep up with changes in your industry and in AI without getting overwhelmed, plus why having access to multiple AI models can dramatically improve the quality of your work.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:55 – 02:17 Introduction to Josh’s book
• 02:17 – 05:37 How do we apply AI to the jobs that we do?
• 05:37 – 08:13 How do we keep up and use AI in the day-to-day?
• 08:13 – 13:41 Why adaptability is paramount with AI
• 13:41 – 17:49 How AI has raised the bar in work
• 17:49 – 19:39 AI as an enabler for creativity
• 19:39 – 25:08 Maintaining your integrity
• 25:08 – 28:48 Avatars vs humans in video
• 28:48 – 30:30 The HUMAN framework
• 30:30 – 34:25 Faster? Or faster and better?
• 34:25 – 37:08 Josh’s final take

Important links and mentions:

• Find Josh’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Learning-Development-Platforms-Performance
• Visit Josh’s website: https://www.joshcavalier.com/
• Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/
• Learn more about The HUMAN framework: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/human-framework-for-ai-training-videos/