Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to HR and People Strategy? In this eye-opening conversation, I had the pleasure of discussing the power of skills in today's fast-paced business world with Kristy McCann Flynn from SkillCycle who has worked with some of the most innovative companies out there. We dove deep into the crucial role HR plays in shaping a company's culture, retaining top talent, and driving growth. Throughout our talk, we explored how an effective talent strategy can create a highly motivated and skilled workforce, unlocking the true potential of your employees. We shared real-life examples of innovative approaches to programs and connected them to the emerging trends that are shaping the future of the industry. But that's not all! We also tackled the challenges that HR professionals face in this ever-changing landscape and offered actionable insights on how to stay ahead of the curve. From developing a growth mindset and fostering psychological safety to embracing technology and continuous learning, we covered it all. If you're passionate about creating a thriving workplace, fostering collaboration, and maximizing the potential of your team, this conversation is a must-watch! So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and join me on this exciting journey to unlock the secrets of skills in today's business world. You won't want to miss it! Show Notes: 05:23 - Unleashing the Power of Skills Discover the true impact of Skills on employee performance, engagement, and company growth. Learn how the right strategy can transform your organization. 16:14 - The Role of Psychological Safety in L&D Understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment for your employees, and how it can lead to breakthroughs in innovation and collaboration. 27:45 - The Future of HR: New Trends and Technologies Dive into the latest trends and tech that are shaping the world of HR, and how they can help your company stay competitive and agile. 38:59 - Designing programs for Maximum Impact Get insights into crafting programs that resonate with your employees, providing them with the skills and mindset they need to thrive in their roles. 49:24 - Overcoming Challenges in a Rapidly Changing World Explore the hurdles HR professionals face in adapting to the evolving landscape, and how to navigate them with confidence and foresight. 56:00 - Actionable Tips for Implementing a Successful Strategy Practical advice on how to put your plans into action and create a culture of continuous learning and growth within your organization.

In this episode, David James and I explore the future of learning and development. We unpack the role of technology in the ever-evolving landscape of L&D, from traditional learning management systems to new collaborative platforms that promote engagement and interaction. We also dive into the importance of aligning cultural and technical elements when transitioning into new roles or skills, and the impact of generative AI on the field. This conversation challenged me to rethink my own approach to learning and development and consider how I can better support the teams I work with. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of L&D. Don't miss out on the insights and ideas shared in this thought-provoking discussion. Show Notes: 05:50: Addressing burnout and mental health - Discuss the importance of prioritizing employee wellbeing and how organizations can support their employees in managing burnout and mental health. 17:35: The value of collaborative learning - Discuss the limitations of traditional learning models and the benefits of collaborative learning in improving engagement, retention, and performance. 26:40: The role of AI in learning and development - Discuss the potential impact of generative AI on the future of learning and development and how it can be used to create more personalized and effective learning experiences. 42:15: The importance of accountability in learning and development - Discuss the need for learning and development to hold themselves accountable for the effectiveness of their programs and the impact on the organization's performance. 50:10: The role of learning tech in supporting workforce transitions - Discuss how learning technology can be used to support employees through periods of change and transition, and the importance of aligning technical solutions with cultural change.

Are you ready to transform how you think about blending technology and people in the workplace? In this conversation, Justin Lake from Skyfull and I explore the power of empathy and human-centric approaches to work and digital transformation. We'll unpack how prioritizing the employee experience leads to better outcomes for both employees and businesses. The data is clear but we'll unpack stories about companies that harnessed digital tech to gain insights into improving the right employees work behavior, ultimately boosting their performance and satisfaction. We also highlight how personalized learning experiences that empower employees to excel in their roles. But wait, there's more! Find out how investing in technology that supports employees' well-being and mental health can have a profound impact on their lives, while also improving business performance. It's time to challenge the false dichotomy between focusing on people or performance, and embrace a new way of thinking that benefits everyone. This conversation is packed with insights, stories, and practical advice for anyone interested in the future of work, learning, and technology. If you've ever struggled with balancing the needs of your employees with the goals of your organization, you won't want to miss this episode. So, hit play, and let's reimagine the possibilities together! Timestamps: The Importance of Human-centric Technology (08:34) Delve into the significance of focusing on the human aspect when designing technology and its impact on performance and user experience. Empathy and the User Experience (14:52) Learn about the importance of empathy in creating user-centered learning experiences and why it's a game-changer for employee satisfaction. Personalizing Learning through Data (27:18) Discover how leveraging data can provide tailored learning experiences, empowering employees to improve and grow in their roles. Harnessing Mobile Technology for Better Insights (37:45) Hear an intriguing anecdote about a company that used mobile tech to optimize employee training, improving performance and productivity. The False Dichotomy between People and Performance (53:27) Address the common misconception that organizations must choose between focusing on people or performance, emphasizing that the two are interconnected and can benefit each other. The Burden of Change (57:31) Discuss the burden of change employees face in both their work and personal lives and how organizations can help ease the adoption of new technology and processes.

You know what's fascinating? Digital academies. They're fast, dynamic, and impactful, and if you're not using them, you're missing out. I just had a fantastic conversation with someone who gets it. We talked about how digital academies can help you solve tough business problems and shift your company's thinking. We dove into how to get started, the importance of finding a tough business problem, and why marketers make such a tough audience for learning content. We even touched on the beauty of making iterations, and why certainty only happens in reverse. If you're looking for a way to take your learning and development to the next level, this is it. You won't want to miss this episode; it's packed with great insights and actionable advice. So, give it a listen and let me know what you think. Show Notes: [00:03:00] - The Benefits of Digital Academies: Matt explains why digital academies are an effective way to upskill employees and the advantages they offer compared to traditional training methods. [00:14:30] - Overcoming Challenges with Digital Learning: Matt discusses the challenges companies may face when implementing digital learning and how to overcome them. [00:28:15] - Developing a Learning Culture: Matt explains the importance of creating a learning culture in organizations and the role that leadership plays in this process. [00:36:45] - Measuring the Success of Digital Learning: Matt discusses the various metrics companies can use to measure the success of their digital learning programs and the importance of aligning those metrics with business objectives. [00:45:00] - Designing Effective Learning Content: Matt shares his insights on what makes for effective learning content and how companies can create engaging and impactful digital learning experiences. [00:53:00] - Iterative Learning: Matt explains the benefits of iterative learning and how it allows organizations to adapt and evolve their training programs based on feedback and results. [01:00:30] - Starting with a Tough Business Problem: Matt offers advice on how to get started with digital learning by identifying a real business problem that is connected to a defined audience, and how to approach that problem with a learning mindset.

In this podcast, I'll dive into the topic of advanced AI and the risks and ethical concerns that come with it. Now, before you run off thinking that I'm completely against it, hear me out. I truly believe that this technology has the potential to do so much good, but we need to approach it with wisdom and discernment. You see, the pace of change is moving so quickly that it's easy for people to blindly cling to AI without thinking through the potential consequences. On the flip side, others may avoid it altogether, which isn't necessarily the best approach either. We need to find a balance. I'll discuss tangible ways to mitigate the risks of advanced AI while still leveraging its potential, like building jobs for the future, not just for today, and prioritizing digital acumen. As a learning leader, it's crucial to prepare the workforce and prioritize critical thinking skills. And for parents out there, don't wait for your kids to get into a mess - have conversations with them now about the risks and benefits of advanced AI. So, while there are certainly risks and ethical concerns to consider with advanced AI, I'm cautiously optimistic about its potential. Let's work together to use this technology for good while being mindful of the potential consequences. I hope this episode challenges your thinking and encourages you to approach advanced AI with a human-centered perspective. Show Notes Introduction (0:00) The powerful potential of AI technology and the need for caution in its use. Environmental Risks (3:57) The environmental impact of AI's energy consumption and how it can exacerbate climate change. The importance of considering the environmental impact of AI development and use, and mitigating these risks. Well-being Risks (11:57) The risks to mental health and well-being from overreliance on AI technology. The importance of using AI in a way that promotes well-being and mental health, and not relying too heavily on it. Diversity and Equity Risks (19:43) The potential for AI to perpetuate or worsen existing biases and inequalities. The importance of designing and using AI in a way that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Societal & Workplace Readiness (29:40) The need for society and workplaces to be prepared for the changes and challenges brought about by AI. The importance of thinking ahead and building jobs and skills for the future, rather than just the present. Conclusion (37:00) The importance of using AI technology with wisdom and discernment, and being aware of the risks involved. The need for everyone to be part of the conversation and be involved in finding solutions, rather than avoiding or blindly accepting the changes brought about by AI. #AdvancedAI #AIRisks #EthicalAI #TechEthics #HumanCenteredAI

Are you ready to unlock the future of active learning at scale? In this thought-provoking conversation with Kyle Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder of Talespin, I dive into the limitless potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in transforming the way we learn, teach, and grow as professionals. Throughout the discussion, we unravel the misconceptions around VR, emphasizing that it's more than just headsets. We explore how cutting-edge technology can revolutionize learning experiences, transcending traditional limitations and reshaping the way we develop our workforce. By examining the core principles behind active learning and the intricacies of VR applications, we'll challenge the status quo and show you why businesses must embrace these innovative approaches to stay ahead of the curve. As we venture into the realm of prediction and evaluation, we'll uncover the massive potential of VR in quantifying learning impact and delivering tangible business value. Not only will you gain insights into how to approach VR as an investment, but you'll also discover how the right mindset and strategic partnerships can lead to game-changing outcomes. This conversation will make you question everything you thought you knew about VR and active learning. It's a must-watch for anyone looking to revolutionize their learning strategy and unlock their organization's full potential. Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey into the future of learning – you won't be the same after watching this episode! Show Notes: Dissecting the World of Virtual Reality (00:02:15) Dive into the origins and nuances of VR, dispelling common myths, and understanding its true potential in revolutionizing learning experiences. The Power of Active Learning & VR Synergy (00:12:43) Discover the core principles of active learning and explore how combining it with VR can create immersive, transformative educational experiences. Evaluating ROI and Measuring Learning Impact (00:23:07) Unveil the incredible potential of VR in quantifying learning outcomes and delivering tangible business value that justifies the investment. Overcoming Barriers to Adopting VR in Learning (00:34:52) Discuss the challenges organizations face when implementing VR, and learn how to overcome them with the right mindset and strategic partnerships. Real-world VR Success Stories (00:45:28) Get inspired by groundbreaking case studies of organizations that have harnessed the power of VR in learning, and witness the transformative results. Vision for the Future of VR and Active Learning (00:52:47) Look ahead at the exciting future of VR, how it will continue to reshape the way we learn, and the long-lasting impact it will have on businesses and society.

Join me in bonus episode where I'll dive into the world of Generative Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used as a powerful tool to enhance critical thinking, adaptability, empathy, and communication skills. I'll share practical strategies and tactics for leveraging generative AI to become distinctly more human and better equipped for success in the rapidly changing world. Show Notes: Critical Thinking and Decision Making [03:29] How generative AI can help enhance your critical thinking skills Using AI to evaluate your own thought process and decision-making Getting feedback from AI to make better decisions Adaptability [11:10] The importance of adaptability in the face of rapid change Using AI to practice situational adaptability Simulating scenarios to test your adaptability skills and learn from AI-generated outcomes Empathy [15:17] The crucial role of empathy in human interactions Utilizing AI to improve your ability to understand others' emotions and perspectives Practicing empathy with AI-generated prompts Communication [00:22:41] The challenges of effective communication in an ever-changing landscape How generative AI can help improve your writing and communication skills The importance of critically thinking about your inputs and outputs when using AI for communication Conclusion As you reflect on all this, it's important to emphasize that the combination of AI and human skills is a powerful force. AI should be used as a tool to enhance your abilities which requires you to bring your unique creativity and humanity to the table.

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.