The Learning Culture Podcast

In today's episode, we sit down with Lisa Hammack for an insightful conversation that delves deep into the pivotal role of frontline managers and the dynamics of supporting team success. Lisa reflects on her pioneering work at Oracle, where she developed the Global Sales Leader Academy amidst a significant shift from on-premises to cloud-based solutions. The conversation explores leadership forums, town halls, and how involving everyone in strategic decisions fosters a robust learning culture. From innovative sales training and skill development to creating a culture that values growth and transparency, Lisa emphasizes practical strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention.We dive into the challenges and triumphs of building leadership training programs, managing upward expectations, offering genuine career growth, and the importance of continuous learning. Tune in as we unpack these themes, offering valuable lessons for leaders and managers alike.

Today, we are joined by Tekeisha Zimmerman, who leads Professional Development for the People Team at Expedia. In this episode, Tekeisha shares her journey in a role intentionally created to foster growth among talent development professionals. Tekeisha also reflects on her transformative experience at Amazon, where she honed her skills in a high-pressure, customer-centric environment, learning valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and leadership. We discuss the importance of stability during times of organizational change, the emotional impact of leadership transitions, and how empathy and communication play crucial roles in navigating these shifts. Additionally, Tekeisha opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the need for intentionality and empathy in leadership, inspired by her experiences and passions.Don't miss this episode filled with practical insights and inspiring stories that will leave you eager to foster a learning culture within your own organization.

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic Al Dea. Al is a seasoned expert in leadership development and the founder of his own consultancy, The Edge of Work. In this episode, we dive deep into Al's journey from attending conferences with his father at a young age to becoming a thought leader in the corporate and consulting world.We explore the essence of leadership, the importance of fostering a collective mindset, and the challenges of aligning individual and organizational values. Al shares his unique insights on creating environments that encourage team-based behaviors, the pitfalls that can stifle effective leadership, and the significance of maintaining a sense of agency within teams.We'll also get personal as Al reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his career, the power of kindness, and the mentors who have influenced his path. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced executive, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on how to lead with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.Relax, sit back and enjoy!

In today's episode, we speak with Courtney Nall, a distinguished leader with profound insights into organizational change, leadership, and learning theory. Together, they explore the transformative power of feedback, the importance of self-efficacy, and the value of genuine collaboration in both professional and personal domains.Additionally, Courtney delves into her passion for ultra marathon running and its surprising parallels to the work environment, highlighting the importance of community and perseverance.Join us as we uncover valuable strategies for fostering personal and professional growth, leveraging feedback for realistic self-assessment, and cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and authentic leadership culture. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode promises to offer practical insights and inspiration for your own journey.Sit back and enjoy!

We have the pleasure of diving into a compelling conversation with Lizzy Kizer, an expert in Workforce Development and Change Management. We'll explore the innovative strategies her organization employs, from partnerships with educational institutions to hands-on training programs that cater to a diverse, global audience.Lizzy offers a nuanced look at how cultural and educational shifts are broadening career narratives, emphasizing the significance of trade schools alongside traditional college paths. We'll also delve into her personal learning philosophy, the challenges of delivering timely and relevant training in a fast-paced industry, and the importance of creating strong partnerships with stakeholders.Whether you're intrigued by workforce development, passionate about continuous learning, or just looking to gain deeper insights into effective change management, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives. Stay tuned for an engaging discussion that underscores the power of patience, persistence, and practical problem-solving in fostering a dynamic and resilient workforce!Lizzy Kizer LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Today we're joined by a special guest, Micheal Boulter. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the innovative approaches transforming the landscape of training and development in the workplace. We explore the concept of Embedded Trainers, where trainers work hand-in-hand with frontline operators to enhance job performance and provide real-time feedback.Our discussion also ventures into the realm of game-based learning, sharing insights from Micheal's experience with designing educational games that mirror real-world challenges and enhance problem-solving skills. We'll learn about the iterative process behind these games, the necessity of simplicity, and the powerful lessons derived from post-game debriefs.Together, we'll examine the balance between developing leaders and retaining top talent and discuss innovative methods to integrate social and facilitated learning within organizations.Sit back and enjoy!Michael Boulter LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

Join us in this episode as we uncover new pathways to illuminate ignorance and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving workplace. Today, we sit down with Rebecca Stern, an enthusiastic leader at Udemy who is breaking new ground in AI-driven learning and talent development. Together, we delve into the ever-constant nature of change, the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, and the powerful concept of agency in leadership.Rebecca shares her experiences from her early days in organizational psychology to her current role at Udemy, emphasizing data-driven practices, leadership humility, and continuous learning. Tune in to explore how Rebecca navigates the challenges of embracing change, leveraging AI in innovative ways, and fostering growth through personal and professional reflection. Plus, get insights on how fostering agency and genuine relationships can transform leadership and development programs.Sit back and enjoy!Rebecca Stern LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Tami Rosen, an influential figure at Pagaya, where she now thrives in an externally focused role, bridging internal strategies with external stakeholders. Join us as Tami delves into her unique approach to performance standards, networking, and the evolving demands of leadership.We explore the revolutionary shift from traditional performance reviews to a continuous learning cycle that fosters reflection, collaboration, and honest feedback. Tami also shares personal insights into her journey of learning agility, adapting to new roles, and the importance of patience and connection in leadership. Plus, discover how a lesson from "My Octopus Teacher" documentary can transform our understanding of management and growth.Tune in for a conversation packed with valuable lessons on evolving leadership, navigating change, and building impactful relationships.Tami Rosen LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn

In today's episode, we sit down with Anna Tilley to dive deep into the complexities of navigating change in the corporate environment. Anna shares her insights on the emotional toll that 'doing more with less' takes on employees and the importance of giving them space to process changes. We'll explore the disconnect between senior leadership and employees during transitions, Anna's efforts to launch a "Women in Technology" program, and her vision for evolving the learning and development department into a strategic partner. Anna also emphasizes the importance of resilience over traditional change management and discusses the concept of anti-fragility—a mindset aimed at growing stronger through adversity.This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and employees alike, as Andrew and Anna discuss everything from fostering continuous improvement mindsets to addressing leaders' pain points and creating environments that encourage vulnerability and reflection. Tune in to learn how to navigate change with empathy, patience, and a focus on personal growth.Andrew Barry LinkedInAnna Tilley LinkedIn

In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating world of learning and innovation with our brilliant guest, Julie McGovern. Julie shares deep insights into the transformation from traditional education methods to the self-driven inquiry essential in today's workplace. We'll explore the power of curiosity, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and how an open mind can unlock incredible opportunities.Julie reveals her journey through the Digital Learning Institute and her strategic implementation of AI tools to revolutionize the learning process. From the nuanced roles of AI in instructional design to real-world applications like Quantified AI and Sauna Labs, she brings a wealth of knowledge on transforming tedious tasks and enhancing learner experience with adaptive technologies.We'll also dive into Julie's personal philosophy on learning zones, striking the perfect balance between comfort, growth, and stress to maximize development. Along the way, we’ll uncover the importance of refining AI prompts, the iterative nature of working with AI, and the value of collective learning and experience sharing.Stay tuned as we discuss the future of AI in learning, practical strategies for AI integration, and how to maintain the essential human touch in an increasingly automated world.Julie McGovern LinkedInAndrew Barry LinkedIn