The Learning Geeks Podcast

Longtime friend Deidra Busbee (Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase) joins us to unpack the power of your “learning posse”, or the group of people who challenge you, support you, connect you, and help you learn faster. We discuss how to build this crew intentionally, why it reduces stress and accelerates onboarding, and what roles AI has within the posse or will never replace. It's a thoughtful discussion at the relationships that fuel real growth.   00:00 Cold open and Deidre welcome 02:23 Deidre's Background 07:06 Deidre's Current Role at JP Morgan Chase 09:39 Building a Learning Posse 11:14 Roles in a Learning Posse 20:06 Introducing Bob Bot 3000 21:36 The Role of Human Connection 30:08 Networking Beyond Your Organization 34:53 Wrap up   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

We’ve been talking about skills for years — but how do you make them work? In this episode, we chat with Craig Friedman about his new book, Enterprise Skills Unlocked, and explore how to move beyond common misconceptions to connect learning, data, and business strategy. Craig shares practical insights on turning skills into measurable business impact — and even tells a story about throwing away pennies. Learn more about Craig’s book at https://stccg.com/enterprise-skills-unlocked-2/   00:00 Intro 02:10 Craig's Background and Experience 03:23 Skills-Based Organizations: An Overview 12:07 Defining Skills and Their Importance 17:05 Impact on Learning and Development 20:41 Validating and Assessing Skills 24:07 Strategies for Implementing Skills-Based Learning 29:06 Challenges and Mistakes in Skills-Based Technology 32:57 Final Thoughts and Book Information   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

Jake shares some exciting news for the show - and provides a quick sneak peak behind the curtain on some upcoming episodes.   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.  

We welcome Dr. Tessa Forshaw (Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Rich Braden (founder of People Rocket LLC), co-authors of "Innovation-ish," to challenge the myth that innovation belongs only to Silicon Valley geniuses. After analyzing 80+ innovation frameworks, they discovered that most people don't recognize their own creative problem-solving abilities. We explore practical strategies for helping you see yourselves as innovators, overcoming cognitive caution, and fostering innovation even in traditional organizations. Learn more about the book at https://www.innovationish.com/.   00:00 Cold Open and banter 03:08 Introducing the Book 'Innovation-ish' 03:32 The Journey of Creativity and Innovation 05:56 Improv and Design Thinking 17:22 Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Organizations 19:58 The Challenge of Innovation in Organizations 21:34 Innovation Hesitation and Cognitive Caution 24:16 Balancing Risk and Innovation 26:24 Encouraging Metacognition in the Workplace 28:27 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration 33:05 Teaching Creative Problem Solving 38:17 Conclusion and Book Recommendations   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.  

Allison Horn, Head of Talent Transformation at JP Morgan Chase and former managing director at Accenture, shares insights on navigating new beginnings. The conversation highlights the impact of AI tools like GPT-5 in daily tasks and education, emphasizing the need for critical engagement. They discuss balancing professional growth with technology amidst personal transitions and the evolving workplace culture. Additionally, Allison dives into stories of learning from the past eight years and how generational AI is reshaping creative processes.

Trina Wellendorf, an L&D veteran and leader at Accenture, shares her wealth of knowledge about embarking on a career in Learning and Development. She discusses various career paths and offers practical advice on landing internships. The conversation touches on whether grad school is worth it and emphasizes the importance of staying current with trends like AI in the field. Listen for tips on engaging learners effectively through storytelling and insights on finding companies that prioritize L&D.

Jessica Glazer, an author at McKinsey's Research and Innovation Learning Lab, shares insights from the Learning Trends Perspective Report. She explores the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding responsible AI adoption. The discussion emphasizes the importance of human skills like critical thinking in complementing technological advancements. Additionally, Glazer highlights the need for resilience and adaptability within organizations to navigate continuous change effectively, ensuring both individuals and teams thrive in the future workplace.

Jessica Glazer, a learning design expert at McKinsey with over 20 years in leadership development, joins the conversation to explore key insights from McKinsey's Learning Trends Perspective Report. They discuss three pivotal macro trends shaping the future: fluid development ecosystems that foster collaboration, the importance of responsible AI adoption for transparency and trust, and strategies for nurturing resilience within organizations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for supportive environments to enhance employee experience and effectiveness.

Dive into a lively discussion sparked by a Star Wars trip in Japan! The hosts explore outdated learning practices that should be put to rest and others worth resurrecting. They share insights from field trips, emphasizing hands-on learning through immersive experiences. The conversation critiques traditional e-learning and advocates for personalized approaches. Plus, hear about the resurgence of apprenticeship programs that meet the demands of a booming economy and the innovative use of technology to revive effective learning methods.

What if uncertainty was actually a spark for creativity? In this episode, the three of us explore how reframing ambiguity can lead to innovation, not anxiety. Inspired by the book Navigating Ambiguity, we share personal stories, practical strategies, and a reminder that sometimes the messiest moments lead to the best ideas. Referenced in this episode: Navigating Ambiguity: Creating Opportunity in a World of Unknowns by Andrea Small and Kelly Schmutte Chapters 00:00 Intro and banter 05:01 What is Ambiguity and Uncertainty 09:15 AI's Impact on Ambiguity and Uncertainty 13:33 Personal Experiences with Ambiguity 18:52 Dealing with Uncertainty and Stress 21:13 Practical Examples of Reframing Ambiguity 35:50 Final Thoughts   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.