The Learning Curve with Kenny

Charles Thiede, CEO and co-founder of Zapnito, discusses the transformative power of peer-to-peer learning. He emphasizes the importance of trust and culture in fostering knowledge sharing within organizations. Listeners learn how to start small with micro-networks, promoting real-time problem solving. Thiede highlights the synergy of structured learning with informal methods, advocating for collaboration enhanced by digital tools. He also shares resources for cultivating vibrant expert communities and adapting to evolving training landscapes.

Jeremy Blain, a global keynote speaker and digital transformation consultant, dives into the pressing leadership crisis in today's digital age. He highlights that one in three digital strategies fail and emphasizes the need for a shift from leadership fluency to fluidity. Blain advocates for embracing human-centered skills, like empathy, and stresses that mindset is the ultimate tool for transformation. He shares insights on fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability, essential for effective leadership in a rapidly changing landscape.

Ashley Hinchcliffe, an L&D strategist and co-host of the 'Marketing for Learning' podcast, brings a fresh, data-driven perspective to Learning and Development. She discusses the crucial intersection of marketing and L&D, emphasizing how understanding audience insights can transform learning experiences. Ashley advocates for aligning training with business goals and moving past vanity metrics to truly measure impact. With real-world examples, she highlights the importance of rethinking engagement strategies and adopting a marketing mindset to connect better with learners.

Diego Fiche, Global Learning and Development Lead at a Fortune 500 company, is passionate about people-first leadership and narrative-driven learning. He dives into the emotional power of storytelling in L&D, explaining how authentic narratives foster deep connections and enhance retention. Diego discusses how leaders can become effective story-guides and the importance of real-world examples in making stories memorable. He also explores the role of VR and AI in creating immersive learning experiences, emphasizing storytelling's vital place in modern education.

Two industry experts share their views and advice on bridging Academia and Industry. In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny is joined not by one but by two guests: Prof. Peter Konhäusner, VP of Gisma University, and Jeffery Lovejoy, Talent Acquisition Team lead at GotPhoto. During the interview, they help us to understand the challenges for new talent when going from the University to the Industry . Their insights are invaluable to both new talent and L&D professionals. Key Take-aways: Evolving Curriculums: T-shaped skills (broad foundational knowledge + deep expertise) are essential for today's workforce. Digitalization and face-to-face interactions must coexist for optimal learning. Recruitment Challenges: Over-reliance on AI-generated applications can hinder authenticity. Cultural fit, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills are as vital as technical expertise. Partnerships Between Academia and Industry: Collaborations with companies (e.g., Google, Zalando) include hackathons, workshops, and guest lectures. Universities benefit from feedback to refine curriculums, while companies gain early access to talent. Advice for Students: Focus on developing soft skills: empathy, communication, and time management. Gain familiarity with data analytics, emotional intelligence, and hybrid work collaboration. Advice for HR Professionals: Invest in junior talent to ensure a sustainable and innovative workforce. Build relationships with universities to align academic programs with industry needs. 💬 About the guests: Prof. Peter Konhäusner is the VP of the Gisma University of Applied Science and Jeffery Lovejoy is a passionate Talent acquisition Lead. Both Peter and Jeffery have collaborated in the past to address the gap of new talent going from University to Industry. Both are striving to close the gap by critical questioning existing processes and offering new and innovative solutions.

Kayvon Touran expands our understanding of AI applications within the L&D space. In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny is joined by Kayvon Touran, the founder & CEO of Zal.ai who leads us on a journey to explore how AI is revolutionizing the learning and development (L&D) space, particularly through role-playing learning scenarios. Kayvon’s passion and vision for the application of AI for the L&D space truly sets new expectations for the industry. **Interview Takeaways: ** AI Enhances Learning Experiences: AI has evolved from improving efficiency to creating dynamic, personalized, and immersive learning scenarios, especially through role-playing. Active Learning Benefits: AI-driven role-playing boosts engagement and knowledge retention by providing context-specific, interactive simulations that mimic real-world situations. Challenges and Human Oversight: Successful AI implementation requires thoughtful integration, with human involvement to manage biases and validate outcomes. Real-World Applications: AI is already making a significant impact in areas like sales training, reducing onboarding time and improving performance metrics. Strategic AI Adoption: L&D professionals should focus on using AI to enhance learning outcomes rather than adopting it simply because it's trendy. **💬 About the guest: ** Implementing leading edge technologies and leveraging his forward thinking is a space wherein Kayvon thrives. With a strong background in early-stage technology startups the founder of ZAL.ai is using AI to solve challenges in the L&D space.

Explore the challenges of training in manufacturing with expert Eckhart Jensen. In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny sits down with Eckhart Jensen, an HR and training expert with a fascinating career, including key roles at Daimler and now leading HR Act in Singapore. Curious about what it’s like to manage training in a fast-paced manufacturing industry? Eckhart shares his experiences from being the youngest Head of Training and Development in Germany’s chemical industry to navigating the complexities of the Daimler-Chrysler merger. What happens when German engineering meets American business philosophies? Eckhart gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of blending corporate cultures and adapting to new technologies like Industry 4.0. Are you wondering how businesses can stay ahead of the curve in this evolving landscape? Kenny and Eckhart explore how adopting flexible mindsets, leadership on the shop floor, and using innovative methods like Scrum can make all the difference. They also discuss the 70-20-10 rule—did you know 70% of learning happens on the job, 20% through peer interactions, and only 10% from formal training? This episode is packed with practical insights on how organizations can embrace lifelong learning and keep pace with the rapid advancements in manufacturing. If you’re looking for ways to keep your company or career future-proof, this is the episode for you! 💬 About the podcast guest: Eckart is the CEO of HR ACT Pte Ltd, based in Singapore. With a professional HR track record second to none he is a veritable cornucopia of knowledge and insights into HR in the manufacturing industry. His thoughts, ideas and leadership has helped shape several environments in the manufacturing industry.

Host Kenny discusses change management with Gunnar Jaschik, founder and director of True 11. In the latest episode of "The Learning Curve", host Kenny discusses change management with Gunnar Jaschik, the founder and director of True 11 in Singapore. Gunnar shares his extensive experience in change management, spanning over two decades and including roles in human resources and consulting. Gunnar emphasises the importance of understanding desired outcomes and maintaining transparent communication throughout the change process. Effective change management involves engaging people early, keeping them informed, and addressing their concerns to ensure organisational goals are met. The discussion highlights essential components of change management, such as clear direction, transparent communication, and involving all stakeholders. The conversation also explores common challenges, such as resistance to change and sustaining momentum, and stresses the need for continuous support and education. The ADKAR model (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) is advocated as a structured approach, and the necessity of agile, adaptable leadership is underscored to ensure successful change initiatives. 💬 About the podcast guest: Gunnar Jaschik is the Founder and Director at True11, a consultancy that has educated and supported corporate leaders and teams in successfully driving complex organisational change and transformation for more than 20 years.

Host Kenny welcomes Adam Barty, Managing Director of Revium. Hear thought-provoking insights into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the learning and development (L&D) in our latest episode of "The Learning Curve". Host Kenny welcomes Adam Barty, Managing Director of Revium, a leading boutique digital consulting firm specialising in innovative technological solutions. Together, they embark on an insightful discussion exploring AI's transformative potential and its implications for businesses and individuals alike. Adam shares his journey into AI, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements, and discusses practical applications and strategies for leveraging AI's benefits in L&D. Kenny and Adam shed light on breakthroughs in large language models, democratizing access to AI technologies and paving the way for further innovation in areas such as video content creation and personalisation. Join us to explore the practical implications and challenges of integrating AI into learning strategies, offering valuable insights and advice for organisations considering AI adoption. From introductory sessions and policy development to workshops and pilot projects, learn how embracing AI can propel organizations forward in the ever-evolving landscape of L&D. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that promises to reshape your understanding of AI's role in shaping the future of learning.   💬 About the podcast guest:   Adam Barty is the Managing Director of Digital & AI Consultancy Revium and the Co-founder of fintech startup HelpPay. As a recognised thought leader in digital and AI, Adam provides strategic guidance and insights. With a team of around 50 skilled experts, he works with a suite of corporate clients providing guidance and practical expertise across the digital spectrum.

Kenny focuses on the importance of soft skills in the age of AI, featuring an interview with Matthew Doig. This episode of The Learning Curve with Kenny focuses on the importance of soft skills in the age of AI, featuring an interview with Matthew Doig, CEO and Founder of Growthcave. Matthew delves into the shifts, challenges and transformations brought about by AI, highlighting the need for both companies and individuals to prioritise soft skills for success amidst technological advancements. Within our organisations, we need to look more than just what benefits AI will bring us, but also at the people using the AI. In discussion the discussions, Matthew helps Kenny explore the emergence of new job opportunities in areas where AI falls short, highlighting the indispensable role of human capabilities. Matthew identifies essential skills, termed ‘power skills’ for navigating the evolving technological landscape effectively: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. The discussion prompts reflection on what organisations can do to support individuals in honing these uniquely human skills. Tune in to this fascinating episode to find out more.   💬 About the podcast guest:   Matthew Doig is a Human Potential Practitioner who has spent over two decades helping individuals and organisations reach their full potential. As the Founder and CEO of Growth Cave, a Human Potential Development company, he enables people to make the personal and professional transformations necessary to thrive in the Digital Age.