
ATD Accidental Trainer
ATD Accidental Trainer is an ATD podcast featuring bimonthly interviews with industry experts who share stories and tips about how to grow your training career. Hosted by Alexandria Clapp, ATD Accidental Trainer covers trends, strategies, and actionable information for talent development professionals.
Latest episodes

Oct 5, 2021 • 30min
Martha Soehren on Why Mentors are Integral to Career Success
Executive Development Advisor and Coach Martha Soehren has thrived in the field of talent development for decades and she didn't rise to the top by herself; mentors and champions played a big part in how Martha got ahead. She relays tips for our listeners on how to pick the right mentors and how to work with them for maximum benefit. Martha Soehren

Sep 20, 2021 • 32min
Reinventing Leadership with Leah Clark
In this episode of The Accidental Trainer, Senior Director of Leadership Development at GP Strategies Leah Clark joins us to discuss how leaders are reinventing themselves. We also chat about what talent development professionals can do to develop their future leaders, how leaders can help to retain employees during the Great Resignation, and much more. Leah Clark GP Strategies

Sep 8, 2021 • 44min
Kimo Kippen Discusses Why Today is a Pivotal Moment for L&D
Founder of Aloha Learning Advisors Kimo Kippen joins the podcast to discuss why today is learning and development's day in the sun. We chat about the swift adoption of learning platforms, the transformation of workplace environments, and his co-founded volunteer organization L&D Cares. Aloha Learning Advisors Kimo Kippen L&D Cares Forward-Focused Learning

Aug 25, 2021 • 29min
Developing an Employee-First Culture with Brandi Nicole Johnson
DoorDash's Head of Learning and Development Brandi Nicole Johnson discusses how DEI is the first thought in developing their workplace culture. She shares tips on how to create an inclusive, employee-first culture whether that's for in-person, virtual or hybrid work environments. Brandi Nicole Johnson Brandi on LinkedIn DoorDash

Aug 18, 2021 • 17min
Bonus Episode: What to Expect at ATD21 and Beyond
ATD's Director of Conferences and Events Apryl Savino, Vice President of Learning Courtney Vital and Director of Marketing Kristen Fyfe-Mills, all join me for this episode of The Accidental Trainer. We get a peek into what to expect at ATD21, our education courses and certificate programs, and discuss why ATD21 remains the best talent development conference to advance your career. ATD21 ATD Education Offerings

Aug 11, 2021 • 32min
Transitioning From Teaching to Training with Elizabeth Fine
In this episode of The Accidental Trainer, global learning partner Elizabeth Fine reaches out to fellow former K-12 teachers looking to transition into the field of training and talent development. The Jr High Dropout on Apple Podcasts The Jr High Dropout on Spotify Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Jul 28, 2021 • 20min
Clark Quinn on How Learning Sciences Underpins Instructional Design
Executive Director of Quinnovation and ATD author Dr. Clark Quinn joins us for this episode of The Accidental Trainer to discuss his new book, Learning Science for Instructional Designers. We cover how learning science underpins all instructional design work, fills the gaps in learning theories as well as grounds those theories. Don't miss this cognitive-heavy episode with our very own learning doctor. Resources Clark's Book Quinnovator on Twitter Quinnovation.com, Clark on LinkedIn

Jul 14, 2021 • 20min
Melody Wilding Discusses How Sensitive Strivers Are an Asset to Any Team
Executive and Leadership Coach and Author Melody Wilding joins The Accidental Trainer podcast for a captivating discussion on sensitive strivers and leaders. What are sensitive strivers? How do you know if you are one? What sort of things can be a benefit and a hindrance to being a sensitive striver? Learn all this and more in this episode. Resources Sensitive Strivers Melody's book, Trust Yourself Melody's website Overcome Imposter Syndrome The New Power Skill: Empathy, from ATD

Jun 30, 2021 • 30min
Reach For Your Impossible Possibilities with Crystal Kadakia
Join us for an inspirational episode with CEO of the Learning Cluster Design Group and OD Consultant Crystal Kadakia. Crystal joins us to discuss how to realize your impossible possibility and create a future path you didn't fully believe was in your reach. We also chat about when to say "no" and how empowering it can be, life during COVID, and appreciative inquiry. Resources Crystal Kadakia's consulting Crystal's email Learning Cluster Design website Crystal Kadakia on LinkedIn Crystal's speaking site Crystal's author page on ATD

Jun 16, 2021 • 27min
Job Searching Tips with Career Sherpa Hannah Morgan
In this episode of the Accidental Trainer, Career Sherpa and job search strategist Hannah Morgan gives us expert advice on conducting the most effective job search in 2021. We chat about growth opportunities, video interviews, resume updates, and the separation of work and personal life. Resources CareerSherpa.net Career Sherpa (Hannah) on Twitter Hannah on LinkedIn