Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

In this conversation, I chat with Todd Moran, the Chief Learning Strategist at NovoEd about the future of learning experience. We talked about their evoloution and how NovoEd is changing the game by creating personalized learning journeys. We delved into the importance of human interaction in learning and how tech like NovoEd is using cohort-based learning to drive engagement and create a sense of community among learners. We also discussed the importance of integrating with other HR systems to streamline learning and development and improve data accuracy. We also touched on the power of storytelling in learning and how to leverage it to create more engaging and memorable experiences for learners. We also talked about the critical first steps organizations can take to get started with personalized learning and the importance of picking a critical program to start with. Overall, it was a great conversation, and I highly recommend giving it a listen if you're interested in the future of learning experiences. Show Notes: Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:01:30) Christopher and Todd introduce themselves and the purpose of the podcast They discuss how companies can better engage their employees and upskill their workforce Challenges of Traditional Learning (00:03:30 - 00:10:30) Christopher and Todd talk about the limitations of traditional learning methods and how they fail to engage employees effectively They discuss the importance of a human-centered approach to learning and development The Future of Learning (00:15:00 - 00:23:00) Christopher and Todd talk about how the pandemic has accelerated the need for digital learning solutions They discuss the importance of personalized and adaptive learning experiences The Role of Learning Experience Platforms (00:28:00 - 00:35:00) Christopher and Todd discuss the benefits of learning experience platforms (LXPs) and how they differ from traditional learning management systems (LMSs) They talk about the importance of integrating LXPs with other HR systems Overcoming Resistance to Change (00:42:00 - 00:49:00) Christopher and Todd discuss the challenges of implementing new learning technologies and overcoming resistance to change They talk about the importance of involving employees in the process and demonstrating the benefits of new technologies Measuring the Impact of Learning (00:53:00 - 01:00:00) Christopher and Todd talk about the importance of measuring the impact of learning programs and how to do so effectively They discuss the need for open data systems and the ability to integrate learning data with other HR systems

In this podcast, I'll dive deep into the world of generative AI and what it means for the future of work. We'll explore how this technology is changing the way we approach our jobs and how it has the potential to revolutionize the way we work in the future. But, with great power comes great responsibility, and that's where we come in as learning and development professionals. It's up to us to help our teams understand this technology and use it to their advantage while also being aware of the potential risks and pitfalls that come with it. And, as I touched on in the episode, this topic is not just relevant to the learning and development field but to the larger ongoing workforce trends in the world. With the rise of automation and digital transformation, it's more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for the coming changes. So, let's embrace the power of generative AI while also being mindful of the responsibilities that come with it. By doing so, we can help create a brighter future for ourselves, our teams, and the world of work as a whole. The Rise of Generative AI (0:00 - 9:30) Christopher explains what generative AI is and why it's important. Discusses the growth of generative AI in the workforce. Emphasizes the potential benefits and concerns of this technology. Preparing for Generative AI (9:30 - 21:20) Christopher discusses the need for businesses to start preparing for generative AI now. Provides examples of how generative AI can be used in the workplace. Discusses the importance of upskilling and re-skilling employees to work with generative AI. Managing Concerns and Misuse (21:20 - 30:15) Christopher talks about common concerns regarding generative AI, such as job displacement. Discusses how to manage concerns and prevent misuse of the technology. Highlights the importance of training and development in the context of generative AI. Strategic Workforce Priorities (30:15 - 41:30) Christopher discusses how generative AI will impact strategic workforce priorities. Emphasizes the need for businesses to be proactive in their approach to generative AI. Discusses the importance of using generative AI to improve work processes and skills. Personal Development (41:30 - 52:30) Christopher discusses the potential for generative AI to be used for personal development. Provides examples of how generative AI can be used to improve critical business skills. Emphasizes the need for individuals to take advantage of this technology for their own benefit. Overall, this episode covers the rise of generative AI in the workforce and provides insights on how businesses and individuals can prepare for and manage the impact of this technology. Christopher emphasizes the need for proactive approaches to upskilling and re-skilling, managing concerns and misuse, and using generative AI to improve work processes and personal development.

Join me and my guest, Sean Adams, as we dive into the world of interactive tutorials and explore how they can level up performance improvement in today's dynamic workforce. We chat about the advantages of interactive tutorials over traditional training methods and how they're transforming the way organizations approach learning and development. So, buckle up for an episode jam-packed with practical insights and valuable tips on boosting your organization's L&D game! Show Notes: [00:02:00] Interactive Tutorials 101 Sean shares his journey into the interactive tutorials space and what sparked his passion. We discuss the pain points of traditional training and how interactive tutorials can overcome them. [00:12:00] Turbocharge Performance with Interactive Tutorials Discover how interactive tutorials can elevate employee performance. We share real-world examples of industries and organizations that have reaped the benefits of interactive tutorials. [00:26:00] Knowledge Democracy and Streamlining Learning The significance of making knowledge accessible and easy-to-digest for employees. How interactive tutorials can complement digital adoption platforms and other tools in your arsenal. [00:40:00] Tackling Workplace Burnout with Efficient Support Let's talk about combating employee burnout in the modern workplace. The positive impact of providing quick and accessible support to your team members. [00:52:00] Kicking Off Your Interactive Tutorial Journey Tips on how organizations can start using interactive tutorials without feeling overwhelmed. Identifying FAQs and key areas of need to create laser-focused tutorials. [00:57:00] Harnessing and Sharing Knowledge within Your Organization Challenges organizations face when team members leave or shift roles. The perks of fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Conclusion: So, folks, don't miss out on this fascinating conversation that will leave you inspired and ready to tap into the potential of interactive tutorials. Tune in and find out how to unleash the power of interactive tutorials for performance improvement and make your organization more efficient, engaged, and knowledgeable - especially in the context of ongoing global workforce trends.

In this episode, host Christopher interviews Kristy McCann, the CEO and founder of SkillCycle, about the importance of skills and organizational performance. Drawing from her own experience, Kristy shares her insights on how a lack of skills can negatively impact an organization's performance and ultimately, its legacy. Kristy highlights the need to focus on workflows and to build and develop employee skills, rather than relying on shortcuts and technology like AI and chatbots. She emphasizes that the key to improving organizational performance is to empower employees and to ensure that they have the necessary skills and tools to succeed. Throughout the interview, Kristy and Christopher discuss the challenges organizations face in developing and maintaining skilled employees, as well as the benefits that come with doing so. They highlight the importance of investing time and resources in training and development, as well as the positive impact this can have on an organization's bottom line. Ultimately, Kristy's message is clear: investing in skills development is not only good for employees, but it's also good for business. By prioritizing skills and workflows, organizations can improve their performance, leave a positive legacy, and ultimately, achieve greater success. If you're looking to build a better organization and empower your employees, this episode is a must-listen!

Is the phrase “new normal” a permanent declaration used to accept the status quo or can a “normal” ever be established? In our existential quest for stability and predictability, the constant flux and instability of life can be exhausting. Business leaders often tout constant change as the key to long-term success, but when it comes to learning, this ideology is not as clear-cut. The urge to continuously switch up our software and learning design may bring short-term benefits, but what if these gains ultimately result in a net loss in the long run? These are crucial questions to consider as we strive to strike a balance between progress and stability. In this Learning Tech Talks I have the pleasure of chatting with Patrick Flanagan from Administrate.  Together, we'll delve into the challenges organizations face that constantly switch between learning platforms and explore an often-overlooked solution: forming a long-term partnership with a  provider. Is this the strategy that has the ability to create a sense of normal for our learners given the instability in our world?

Is emotional intelligence (EI) something that can be learned and strengthened or is it an inborn characteristic? Attempting to answer this false dichotomy would only make me look foolish. I’ve had the opportunity to witness transformative EI growth in the many teams I’ve worked with over the years; however, there are s ome who must  work harder than others. More often than not, many have an inborn characteristic but don’t have the ability to recognize it.   In this Learning Tech Talks, I’m hosting Pianpian Xu Guthrie from Amotions, Inc. to dig deeper into EI and go beyond simple definitions to discuss its application for learning leaders as they formulate instructional design to achieve goals and capitalize on efficiencies.

How much undocumented knowledge and skills exists in your organization?  Maybe you haven’t heard of tribal knowledge, but this is a dangerous force commonly found in many organizations. The obvious solution is to try to capture that knowledge. However, an often missed step in that process is to efficiently organize and store that information, connect that knowledge to skills, and ultimately connect the individual employees that manage it. What is your organization doing to capture tribal knowledge? In this episode of Learning Tech Talks, I have the privilege to host David Landreth from Augmentir to talk about the connected worker and how organizations are digitizing their workforce from “hire to retire” and to walk through that process  and investigate some of the insights and opportunities that are  available in a smarter connected collaboration.

Has anyone found that their ‘highly personalized’ digital learning experience is somewhat ‘highly impersonal’? Do you think personalization has been over-marketed or misunderstood? Personally, I would argue it’s a little of both. Learning leaders are often guilty of having unrealistic expectations for their software deployment and regularly overlook the necessary infrastructure for high retention and adoption. Leaders need to espouse the software experience, and it is integral that everyone that is part of the value chain does too. How do we ensure that all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together? In this episode of Learning Tech Talks, I have the privilege to host Krishna Dunthoori, Founder and CEO of Apty, to talk about the value of DAPs in 2023 and to find out where most organizations are on their journey of digital adoption and discuss some of the observable successes and failures of adoption and what strategies can be employed to create personalized and scalable solutions that work.

What are some personal items that you maintain on a regular basis? For a lot of people, it’s their car. I tend to dance a fine line between proactive and reactive maintenance on our family vehicles. I  don’t particularly enjoy active maintenance as some people do, but I  know that if I take care of things by spending the time and money, in the long run, my investment is significantly greater than starting over multiple times. For most of my audience, I don’t really have to sell employee development. We all know the enormous benefits that it provides, yet I  still find colleagues struggling with retaining talent and maintaining engagement with their teams. Is employee development something that is often said but not espoused? In this Learning Tech Talks, I have to privilege to host Ben Brooks from PILOT Inc. to dig deeper into the world of employee development and unwind some of the buzzwords by taking a closer look at some of the more pragmatic strategies that provide impact for organizations and stakeholders alike  in a simple and effective way.

"There's so much room for activities!" - Brennan Huff (Step Brothers, 2008) Engagement is so much more than a like, share, or private message.  As we navigate the future of work, we continue to look for opportunities to maximize engagement in a way that develops authentic relationships and is effective at connecting team members in a remote setting.    Corporate team activities and outings have long been the eye role of anyone who isn't organizing them, or the token suck-up. However, they do work. Even if its only function is to create a common enemy. What sort of remote activities have you hosted or participated in that has blossomed a remote connection?   In this episode of Learning Tech Talks I'm joined by Jordi Figols from Remote Boost to get a bird's eye view of some of the creative ways that organizations can formulate authentic relationships through a multitude of virtual activities and to gain insight into the interpersonal strategies learning leaders employ to engage their teams in a creative and exciting way.