The Learning+ Podcast

Jess Almlie, a learning and development leader and author of 'L&D Order Taker No More,' dives into transforming L&D from a service-based role into a strategic partner. She discusses the harmful habits that keep L&D stuck in a transactional mindset and emphasizes the importance of curiosity over immediate solutions. Jess shares techniques like pausing before responding and using self-reported data as a powerful indicator of change. Her insights on building trust with stakeholders and measuring impact are invaluable for anyone in the L&D space.

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Nebel joins Vidya to explore how learning science can reshape the entire talent cycle, from onboarding and leadership development to retention and even exits. They discuss why effective learning often feels effortful, how spaced retrieval strengthens real-world performance, why autonomy is more about perception than freedom, and how alumni can remain a powerful part of the talent system. A grounded, practical conversation for L&D and talent leaders thinking about how learning really happens at work.Connect with CynthiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-nebel/ Website: https://www.learningscientists.org/cindy-nebel Book (Uniting Learning Science and Talent Management: Org Scholars): https://www.learningscientists.org/talent-management Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

This episode explores a simple but powerful shift: learning modes, not learning styles. Vidya sits down with Dr. Kuva Jacobs to unpack why certain learning myths persist, what they reveal about unmet needs, and how reframing them opens more practical paths for design. They discuss metacognition, mode-shifting, environment as a design variable, and how AI is changing what learning designers focus on. Rather than debunking and moving on, this conversation looks at what comes next… and how we design learning that helps people think better, adapt, and apply skills with confidence.Connect with Kuva LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuvaj/ Website: https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/ References Blog Post: https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/post/from-styles-to-modes-the-missing-skill-in-modern-leadershipConnect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this solo episode, Vidya dives into the real work of performance consulting… beyond courses, content, and completion rates. She explores why most behavior change dies in the “messy middle”, where systems, workflows, incentives, and culture collide. This is a practical, honest look at how L&D can move from delivering training to shaping conditions where performance actually improves. No buzzwords. No grand transformation speeches. Just grounded ways to remove friction, partner with managers, design for real work, and measure change where it matters most… on the job.Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya speaks with Connie about what it really means to be visible in today’s professional world. Together, they unpack why visibility is no longer vanity but service, and how consistency, authenticity, and self-awareness shape lasting credibility. Connie shares practical ways to overcome imposter thoughts, start from your strengths, and define success on your own terms. A grounded, insightful conversation on showing up with purpose… not for attention, but for impact.Connect with ConnieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniemalamed/ ReferencesFree Email Course on VisibilityArticles:- How to Increase Your Visibility as a Learning Professional- Visibility Strategies for Introverts to Stand Out Professionally - Psychological Barriers To Career Visibility And What You Can Do About It - Developing Thought Leadership as a Learning ProfessionalConnect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What if learning isn’t about knowledge at all, but about what people care about? In this episode, Vidya speaks with Nick Shackleton-Jones, author of How People Learn and one of L&D’s most provocative voices. Nick argues that learning is an affective process - memory and behavior are shaped by emotion, not logic. They explore why compliance training often fails, why arguments rarely change people but experiences do, the difference between real resources and disguised modules, and how AI might both eliminate and transform learning.Connect with NickLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/ ReferencesHow People Learn by Nick Shackleton-Jones: https://a.co/d/ji8Ca4FThe Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://a.co/d/5M7D3xY Iowa Gambling Task: https://youtu.be/9lR1Fwqt0G8?t=865 5Di: https://shackleton-consulting.com/5di-toolkit/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Guy Wallace, a pioneer who has been championing performance-first thinking in L&D for over four decades. Guy shares why most performance problems aren’t training problems, why only 5-15% of people can learn out of context, and why pilot testing should be designed to break your training, not validate it. He also explains why top performers often know the truth better than leadership, and why sometimes the smartest move is to cancel a training project altogether. Packed with sharp insights and practical wisdom, this conversation challenges us to look beyond courses and focus on what really drives results: performance.Connect with Guy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guywwallace/ Free Professional Resources: https://guywwallace.wordpress.com/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Mark Sheppard, senior learning advisor and respected voice in the L&D community. Mark brings sharp insights into why L&D so often becomes a band-aid for broken systems - and what it takes to break free of that cycle. From the danger of chasing credibility over impact, to the emotional labor L&D silently absorbs, to why real change starts with diagnosis instead of deliverables, this is a candid conversation about courage, systems, and the future of learning. If you’ve ever wondered whether L&D is solving the right problems, this episode will give you questions - and the courage - to rethink your role.Connect with MarkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksheppard/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Caner Akova about what it really takes to drive performance in the workplace, and why delivering content isn't enough. They explore why L&D needs to design for friction, not just information, and how influence and stakeholder alignment can make or break learning efforts. From rethinking how we run pilots to tying outcomes to business metrics, the conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what actually creates change. They also discuss what AI can’t do… and why the human side of L&D still matters.Connect with CanerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/canerakova/ Newsletter: https://unriddled.substack.com/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David JamesWhat does real L&D maturity look like in 2025? In this episode, Vidya speaks with David James (CLO of 360Learning and host of the Learning & Development Podcast) about his L&D Maturity Model - and what it takes to move from reactive training to strategic, business-aligned learning. They explore how to earn credibility, partner with stakeholders, close skills gaps, and harness AI to drive performance. If you’re rethinking your learning strategy or aiming to increase L&D’s organizational impact, this episode is for you.Connect with DavidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/ The Learning & Development Podcast: https://360learning.com/solution/learning-and-development-podcast-by-david-james/ Referenced Guus Van DeelenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guusvandeelen/details/experience/Book - Organising L&D for Results: https://www.amazon.com/Organizing-results-Managing-Learning-Maximum/dp/9462724407Jess AlmlieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/Book - L&D Order Taker No More: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Order-Taker-No-More-Strategic-ebook/dp/B0F83XBBCVLaura Overton & Michelle Ockers (The L&D Leader book to be published later this year)https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraoverton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/