Learning Matters

EP 49: Reinventing L&D: Why Learning Teams Must Think Like a Business in 2026

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

🎙️ In this episode of Learning Matters, Doug sits down with Dr. Eli Bendet-Taicher, Head of Global Learning & Talent Development at Wix, for a powerful conversation about the future of Learning & Development.

Eli shares why L&D teams must think like a business, how to prove ROI beyond smile sheets, and what it really takes to earn a seat at the table. From data-driven decision making to leveraging AI to cut production time in half, Eli offers a blueprint for building a high-impact learning function that drives performance, behavior change, and real business value.

You’ll learn:

• Why L&D must operate like a “boutique business” inside the business

• How to use data and storytelling to influence leaders and secure budget

• What metrics truly matter (and why completion rates aren’t enough)

• How Wix’s internal learning team predicts and solves skill gaps fast

• The role of AI in scaling learning experiences and boosting efficiency

• Why proactive L&D teams will lead the next industry revolution

• Eli’s career journey — from nuclear physics to award-winning L&D leader

Whether you’re an L&D professional, HR leader, instructional designer, or someone passionate about learning strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Eli Bendet-Taicher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eli-bendet-taicher/

At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.

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EP 48: The Future of Learning in Home Care: Interactive, Personalized, and AI-Enhanced

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Marla Franklin, Director of Learning & Development at a major home care provider, to discuss the strategies reshaping training in 2025.

Marla shares powerful insights on:

✔ Customized and interactive learning design

✔ Training across 420+ agency locations

✔ Building scalable leadership models (including her Pieces Model)

✔ Transitioning from live to virtual training in healthcare

✔ Using AI as a first-draft partner in L&D

✔ Creating community and reducing learner isolation

✔ Saving organizations hundreds of thousands through better program design

Whether you’re in home care, corporate learning, or leadership development, this episode delivers practical tips you can use right away.

📌 Connect with Marla Franklin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlafranklin/

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EP 47: Putting People First: A Human-Centered Approach to Learning in a Digital World

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Katie Campbell, Senior Director of Learning and Talent Management at a Fortune 1000 data and financial services company.

Dr. Campbell shares how she’s reimagining leadership development—moving beyond the traditional Nine Box model to create a values-driven, data-informed approach that actually builds stronger leaders.

From embracing AI with a human touch to designing learning experiences that truly align with business goals, Katie offers practical strategies for anyone shaping the future of work and learning.

You’ll hear about:

✅ Rethinking succession planning and leadership pipelines

✅ How to make learning programs more human-centered

✅ Practical ways to drive AI adoption in the workplace

✅ Why values-based assessment beats one-size-fits-all models

✅ Katie’s personal journey—and the advice she’d give her younger self

Whether you’re a learning leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about talent development, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the role of learning in a rapidly changing world.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Katie Campbell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatiecampbell/

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EP 46: The Power of Purpose: How Chick-fil-A Cultivates a People-First Learning Culture

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What does it really mean to lead with purpose?

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Nick Lawrence, Executive Director of People and Culture at Chick-fil-A, to explore how purpose shapes leadership, culture, and learning in today’s workplace.

Nick shares his perspective on why great leadership starts with understanding your why—and how Chick-fil-A’s signature phrase, “my pleasure,” reflects something far deeper than customer service. From cultivating conviction over compliance to balancing technology and humanity in learning programs, Nick offers practical and heartfelt lessons for leaders and L&D professionals alike.

🎙 In this episode:

• Why defining your “why” drives team alignment and performance

• How Chick-fil-A turns customer service into a moral obligation

• The balance between AI, data, and human connection in learning

• Purpose-driven leadership lessons that stand the test of time

💡 Whether you’re an L&D professional, a people leader, or simply someone who wants to lead with more authenticity, this conversation will inspire you to reconnect with your purpose—and help others do the same.

🔗 Connect with Nick Lawrence on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-lawrence-shrm-cp-59b76289/

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EP 45: From Data to Development: How TEKsystems Transformed Talent Strategy

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge chats with Chris Harry, Chief Learning Officer at TEKsystems, about how the global IT services leader is transforming talent development through data, technology, and human connection.

Chris shares how TEKsystems built TalentX, a data-driven platform that brings over 100 data points per employee into one system — creating a “baseball card” view of skills, performance, and career readiness across the company. He also explains how the organization’s 20-week cohort-based learning model is reshaping how employees learn, connect, and grow.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why organizational development, learning, and enablement must operate as one connected ecosystem

✅ How TEKsystems uses data to power mobility, career clarity, and leadership development

✅ What role clarity really means — and why it was the surprising key to transformation

✅ How cohort learning builds stronger community and accelerates performance

✅ Why AI should enhance, not replace, human connection in learning

Tune in to discover how TEKsystems is aligning talent strategy with business goals — and what every L&D leader can learn from their journey.

🔗 Connect with Chris Harry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harry-34646b4/

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EP 44: How L&D Leaders Can Prove ROI and Drive Business Growth

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Heather Torres, Director of Learning and Development at Brown & Brown.

Heather shares why proving ROI is essential for L&D leaders and how aligning learning strategies to business goals transforms L&D from a cost center into a true business driver. She also offers a candid perspective on AI, comparing its adoption to her grandmother’s first cordless phone: intimidating at first, but life-changing once you realize the benefits.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why ROI should be the centerpiece of your L&D strategy

• How to align learning programs with organizational goals

• Real examples of training that delivered 7x–11x ROI

• Practical ways AI can streamline repetitive tasks in L&D

• The importance of meeting learners where they are

• Why confidence, mentorship, and ownership matter in career growth

🔗 Connect with Heather Torres on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hltorres/

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EP 43: Growing Leaders with People-First Learning at AdventHealth

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Dr. Sandee Dunbar-Smalley, Chief Learning Officer at AdventHealth.

Together, they explore:

• Why a people-first mindset is critical for retention and engagement

• How AdventHealth measures leadership effectiveness and growth

• The wide spectrum of leadership programs, from emerging leaders to executives

• The thoughtful adoption of AI in learning, including internal ChatGPT pilots

• The challenges of equity in access and migrating to Workday Learning

• Dr. Dunbar-Smalley’s inspiring journey from occupational therapist to CLO

Whether you’re leading L&D strategy, managing leadership development, or simply curious about the future of workplace learning, this episode is packed with insights.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Dunbar-Smalley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sandra-dunbar-smalley-6a902657/

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EP 42: Future of Work: Why L&D Must Shift from Checkbox Training to Business Impact

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Colin Platt, Senior VP and National Training Leader at Aon, to explore the future of Learning and Development.

Colin shares how Aon is aligning L&D with business strategy, moving beyond checkbox training, and investing in both technical and people skills to help colleagues truly level up. We also discuss how Aon is using AI with tools like AonChat GBT, why leadership buy-in is critical, and what priorities are shaping the next chapter of workplace learning.

🎙️ What’s in this episode:

• Why L&D must align with business goals

• Moving from checkbox training to meaningful impact

• How Aon blends technical expertise with people skills

• Practical ways to overcome learner fatigue

• The role of AI in learning, including AonChat GBT

• Priorities for 2025: onboarding, compliance, and skills development

• Colin’s career journey and advice for young professionals

👉 Connect with Colin Platt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinplatt1/

👉 Or at colin.platt@aon.com

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EP 41: From Power to People: How Dr. Darick Bryant is Redefining Leadership and Learning

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Darick Bryant, Director of Learning and Organizational Development at Clean Harbors, to explore the power of personalized learning, servant leadership, and the evolving role of AI in L&D.

With over 25 years of leadership experience, Dr. Bryant shares how he shifted from a power-driven approach to a people-focused leadership style, why emotional intelligence is just as important as technical skills, and how to create learning pathways that engage, retain, and inspire employees.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

· Why personalized learning strategies drive engagement and retention

· How to measure the real impact of learning initiatives

· Ways to shift employee mindsets toward continuous development

· The role of AI in content creation, coaching, and skill-building

· Why emotional intelligence is essential for today’s leaders

If you’re ready to rethink your learning strategy and embrace a people-first approach, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Connect with Dr. Darick Bryant:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darick-bryant-55b7511ab/

Bryant Training & Consulting – https://www.linkedin.com/company/bryant-training-and-consulting-llc/

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EP 40: Revolutionizing Learning at Kellanova with VR, AI, and Strategic Vision

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Tomissa Smittendorf, Senior Director of Commercial Capabilities at Kellanova, to explore how her team is leading the charge in learning innovation through immersive technology, data-driven strategy, and AI integration.

Tomissa shares how Kellanova is using virtual reality to transform retail sales training, achieving measurable results in engagement and performance. She also discusses the importance of having a strong learning value proposition, building a culture of continuous development, and leveraging AI as a co-intelligence partner. From marketing L&D internally to managing change and well-being, this episode is packed with insights for forward-thinking L&D professionals.

✅ Topics Covered:

• Building a learning strategy that aligns with business goals

• Driving adoption of AI in learning

• Using VR for onboarding and skills development

• Measuring behavior change and learning ROI

• Navigating data overload and telling the “so what” story

• Fostering a people-first learning culture

🔗 Connect with Tomissa Smittendorf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomissasmittendorf/

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EP 39: The Secret to Leadership Success? Grit, Gratitude, and Good Coaching

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Adam Hickman, VP of Organizational and Employee Development at Partners FCU, to explore what truly makes a great leader in today’s workplace.

From his early days cleaning flea markets to leading L&D strategy for a Disney-affiliated credit union, Adam shares his real-world insights on leadership transitions, practical applications of AI in learning, and why grit and gratitude are the keys to long-term success.

We discuss:

✔ What separates good managers from great ones

✔ The overlooked skill of decision-making in leadership

✔ Practical ways AI is transforming L&D today

✔ The truth about hybrid work and generational myths

✔ How to build career pipelines that actually work

✔ Why “coaching” should be at the core of every leadership role

Plus, Adam gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his book Grit and Gratitude and shares advice he’d give his younger self. Whether you're in HR, L&D, or just trying to grow as a leader, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Adam Hickman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamghickman/

Check out his book: Grit and Gratitude: The Science and Art of a Successful Career Life

Catch up on Adam’s writing with Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/people/198032/adam-hickman.aspx

Stay locked in to Adam’s articles with HR Grapevine: https://www.hrgrapevine.com/us/search?keywords=Adam+Hickman

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EP 38: How to Align L&D with Business Strategy for Maximum Impact

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Regina Dunning, US VP of Learning and Organizational Development at SThree, to explore what it takes to build an L&D strategy that truly drives business results.

Regina shares her journey from accidental trainer to strategic learning leader and offers real-world insights into aligning learning with business goals, measuring impact, supporting leadership development, and integrating AI into onboarding programs. If you’re looking for practical tips on showing ROI, building leadership capacity, or embracing skills-based talent management, this conversation is for you.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Aligning L&D with business strategy

• Measuring performance and ROI

• Leadership development challenges and solutions

• Skills-based talent management

• AI in onboarding and training

• Navigating hybrid and virtual learning environments

📍 Learn more about Regina Dunning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginadunning/

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EP 37: From HRBP to L&D Leader: How Nikki Ward Keeps Learning Simple and Strategic

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Nikki Ward, a learning and development leader with a rich background in HR and talent strategy. After 15 years at Athena Health, Nikki shares how her journey from HR business partner to head of L&D shaped her people-first approach to training.

We dive into:

✅ How to align learning programs with business goals

✅ Using design thinking to simplify and scale L&D

✅ Creating learner personas for better engagement

✅ Trends like AI, learning analytics, and microlearning

✅ How to prove ROI and make training actually relevant

Plus, Nikki shares powerful advice on career growth, taking on new challenges, and how leaders can better support their teams’ development.

📌 Connect with Nikki Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiwardhr/

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EP 36: From Ballet to Boardroom: Liz Bruno on Bold Moves, Lifelong Learning, and the Future of L&D

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Liz Bruno, former Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Health and a powerhouse in the L&D world. From her early days as a professional ballet dancer to leading system-wide training programs in healthcare, Liz shares her journey—and the bold mindset that’s guided her along the way.

👉 Topics we cover:

✅ Why aligning L&D with business goals matters more than ever

✅ How to shift from order-taker to strategic partner

✅ The truth about “shiny object” syndrome in learning tech

✅ The divide (and potential) between academic and corporate learning

✅ Why relationships are the key to transformation

✅ The future of L&D: agility, AI, and authentic communication

Liz brings a no-nonsense, refreshingly real perspective on what it takes to drive learning that actually moves the needle.

🔗 Connect with Liz Bruno on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbruno/

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EP 35: Building a “Hire to Retire” Culture Through Strategic Learning and Development

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Sherri Brooks, Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care, to explore how her team is creating a “hire to retire” employee experience through innovative learning strategies.

With over 22,000 employees across three states, Dr. Brooks shares how Baptist is:

✅ Making L&D more flexible and accessible for frontline healthcare workers

✅ Revamping leadership development across all levels

✅ Leveraging Skillsoft’s Percipio platform to support upskilling and retention

✅ Partnering with local colleges to reskill Patient Care Assistants into higher-impact roles

✅ Using AI for scenario-based coaching and course development

Whether you're in healthcare or just looking to improve employee engagement and retention, this episode is packed with practical, people-first strategies that scale.

📚 Learn more about Dr. Brooks’ book, The Echo: A Call to Greatness: https://drsherribrooks.com📱 Connect with Dr. Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsherribrooks

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EP 34: Why Understanding Learner Pain Points Is Key to L&D Success

Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Dasha Crosby, Learning Director at U.S. Bank, to talk about the future of learning and development!

With over 15 years of experience in human capital management, talent strategy, and process improvement, Dasha shares why understanding learner pain points is critical for building effective learning strategies—and how communicating the value of learning is just as important as the content itself.

We dive into:

✅ How to design learning programs that truly resonate with learners

✅ The importance of data, storytelling, and ROI measurement

✅ How AI and VR are reshaping the future of corporate training

✅ Why accessibility and inclusion must be at the forefront of L&D

✅ Career lessons Dasha would share with her younger self

Whether you're an L&D leader, instructional designer, or someone passionate about professional growth, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss!

🔗 Connect with Dasha Crosby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashacrosby/

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EP 33: Forget AI Hype — Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle in L&D

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

How do you turn learning and development into a business essential and not just a checkbox? In this episode of Learning Matters, we’re joined by Carrie Berg, VP of Learning & Development at Teladoc Health, to talk about what it really takes to build an L&D strategy that delivers real impact.

Carrie shares how she’s built programs leaders can’t live without, what metrics matter most, and why newer generations are reshaping the learning landscape. From building culture to leveraging tools you already own, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice for L&D professionals, people leaders, and business strategists alike.

🔍 What you’ll learn:

• Why most L&D strategies fall short, and how to build a better one

• How to prove ROI with data that actually matters

• What Gen Z expects from learning (and how to deliver it)

• The truth about AI in L&D — hype vs. real use

• How to stretch limited resources without sacrificing impact

📲 Connect with Carrie Berg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-l-berg/

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EP 32: Building a Culture of Learning Through Mentorship

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Bette Kidane, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Intermountain Health, to uncover how her team completely redesigned their training strategy—and achieved a 747% ROI in the process.

🔗 Connect with Bette Kidane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bette-rogers-kidane-ms-pmp-crp-cit-9b58776/

What's Inside This Episode?

The power of peer mentoring in onboarding and performance

How structured on-the-job training created deeper engagement

Lessons from a $1.9M/year savings initiative

Bette’s take on AI in L&D—and where it fits (or doesn’t)

Why coaching is the leadership development trend to watch

Bette’s personal journey from shy facilitator to award-winning L&D leader

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EP 31: From Training to Transformation: People-Centric Learning Strategies

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This week we're joined by Paul Stephenson Director, Learning - Client Relationships at TIAA to discuss his approach to learning and development. The secret is.... people. We cover everything from human connection, to AI, and cohort-based training. Hope you enjoy!

🔗 Connect with Paul Stephenson via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulr4stephenson/

🔗Check out Pauls books here: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/pr4s

🔗Learn more about TIAA: https://www.tiaa.org/public

What's Inside This Episode?

People Over Tech: AI is a tool, not a replacement—L&D should always start with people.

Measuring Success: Using Six Sigma and real-world KPIs to track training impact.

Making Training Less Painful: Test-out options and adaptive learning paths.

AI in L&D: Enhancing coaching and leadership training.

Onboarding at Scale: How TIAA trains 100+ new hires per quarter efficiently.

Doing More with Less: Smart restructuring and redeploying talent.

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EP 30: Staying Agile: How Learning & Development is Evolving with AI and Data

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Ever feel like Learning & Development (L&D) moves at lightning speed? That’s because it does. Businesses are evolving rapidly, and training programs need to keep up. This week on the Learning Matters podcast I sat down with John Polaschek, Head of Global Learning Solutions at ServiceNow. He shared his thoughts on what makes L&D successful today and where it's headed next. Spoiler alert: It’s all about agility, AI, and leveraging data.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Agility is key – How John and his team stay flexible and responsive to changing business needs.

AI in L&D – At first, John was skeptical, but now he sees AI as a game-changer. Learn how tools like Articulate Rise, Capsule, and Synthesia are helping teams develop training faster and more effectively than ever before.

Making data work for you – Why L&D teams must go beyond completion rates and smile sheets to truly measure learning impact and make better decisions.

Personalized learning at scale – Imagine an AI-powered assistant that schedules the right training at the right time based on your calendar and upcoming projects. That future is closer than you think!

The challenge of proving value – Why L&D teams are under more pressure than ever to show real business impact, and how to do it effectively.

Major ServiceNow Announcement – ServiceNow has just made over 600 courses available for free to anyone in the world! John shares why this is such a big deal and what’s coming next.

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Resources & Links

🔗 Connect with John Polaschek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaschek/

🔗 Explore ServiceNow’s Now Learning (Free Courses!): https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/pages/servicenow

🔗 Learn more about TTC Innovations: https://ttcinnovations.com/

EP 29: Top Takeaways from a Year with Learning Matters: Highlights from 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode we take a look back on some of our favorite moments from this year of the Learning Matters Podcast. We want to thank all of our incredible guests that spent time sharing their incredible journeys and insights on the world of corporate learning. We can't wait to see you next year!

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EP 28: DevLearn 2024: 20 Years of Leading the Way in L&D

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0500

This week we take a trip to Vegas for this year's DevLearn Conference. This marks 20 years of the industry-leading learning technologies event shaping the future of L&D.

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EP 27: Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week we're joined by Dr. Alaina Szlachta to discuss her new book "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring".

Pre-order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Evaluation-Shoestring-Alaina-Szlachta/dp/1957157720

Year after year, talent development professionals report that lack of time, lack of support or partnership from stakeholders, and limited budgets are key barriers to measuring and evaluating their learning programs. Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring offers TD professionals a process to measure what matters to the organization with the tools and resources they have available. M&E pro Alaina Szlachta applies the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to provide guidance, quick tips, and shortcuts for making measurement easier while still demonstrating the value and impact of organizational learning.

With this book, you will learn to ask the right questions, brainstorm metrics to evaluate learning, and build a measurement strategy that fits your needs. It also guides you on integrating measurement and evaluation into your instructional design approach from the beginning as well as using and analyzing data sources you might already have. You’ll discover how to build stakeholder relationships to secure buy-in and when to look beyond your expertise for external support and technology.

The Association for Talent Development’s On a Shoestring series helps professionals successfully execute core topics in training and talent development when facing limitations of time, money, staff, and other resources. Using the Build-Borrow-Buy approach to problem solving, this series is designed for practitioners who work as a department of one; for new or “accidental” trainers, instructional designers, and learning managers who need fast, inexpensive access to practical strategies that work; and for those who work for small organizations or in industries that have limited training and development resources.

Subscribe to Dr. Alaina Szlachta's weekly e-publication, The Weekly Measure: https://dralainaszlachta.substack.com/

Join her free measurement meetup group to create connections and get advice on all things M&E: dralaina.com/mme

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EP 26: E-Learning and Corporate Training: Lisa Ekern’s Approach to Instructional Design Success

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week, we're joined by Lisa Ekern a Senior Instructional Designer for ttcInnovations. She takes us through her journey in L&D as well as where she gets inspiration from, how she stays on top of industry changes, and where she sees the future of corporate learning.

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Powering the Future: Custom Training Solutions for the Evolving Energy Sector

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The world of learning and development (L&D) is always changing, but nowhere is that more evident than in the energy sector. With new technology emerging every day, governments investing in clean energy, and a new generation entering the workforce, training professionals have a lot on their plates. Anne Campbell, founder of Campbell Training Solutions, is someone who has embraced these challenges head-on. Her journey into the field of L&D is a reminder that sometimes the best career paths are the unexpected ones.

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EP 24: Serious Games

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0500

This week we're joined by Eric Berget and Rose Benedicks as they discuss the origins, process, and concept of Serious Games. We take a deep dive into what might be the most exciting new trend in Learning and Development.

If you'd like to know more about Serious Games, Rose will be doing a presentation Oct 30th for The Training Industry. Sign up here: https://trainingindustry.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__2HUfOZ4Te2nVYF832lsGQ#/registration

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EP 23: Service Delivery Team Meetup

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:30:00 -0500

This week we head to Kansas City to meet up with the heads of the Service Delivery Team at ttcInnovations, and they dove into some fascinating topics around learning, team development, and organizational changes. We were able to steal a little of their time to get some insights on how they approach learning and what they’re excited for in the future of ttcInnovations and corporate training.

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EP 22: Fractional Consulting Experts, Extended Reality, and Utilizing Data

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week we're joined by Tarrel Pierson, Co-Founder of Navigant Learning to discuss his journey in L&D and the exciting things that Navigant have to offer corporate clients.

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EP 21: Tips From a Senior ID: Selecting SMEs, Engaging Learners, and the Future of L&D

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:30:00 -0500

This week we’re joined on the podcast by Margharita Nehme. Margharita is a Certified Professional in Talent and Development (CPTD) and an accomplished learning design and technology specialist. She holds a Master’s of Educational Technology and has over 15 years of experience in providing results-driven and impactful learning experiences. Her expertise includes creating, implementing, and evaluating training programs, learning blueprints, and technology integration. She’s also one of ttcInnovations’ Senior IDs.

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EP 20: Why Learning Matters

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week we're taking a look back on the first few months of the podcast to showcase some of the incredible guests and their stories on why learning matters.

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EP 19: Creating and Managing Compelling Corporate Content

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week we're joined by Kausta Spann of Kausation Consulting to discuss the importance of creating and managing compelling content for corporate learning.

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EP 18: Using Experiential Learning to Take Start-Ups to the Next Level

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week, we're excited to chat with Katie McLaughlin about the McLaughlin Method and the magic of experiential learning. Katie's journey into adult learning began when she realized how powerful theater techniques could be for creating engaging and immersive learning experiences. She blends her theatrical background with her expertise in adult learning principles, crafting interactive and memorable sessions that really resonate with people.

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EP 17: What Is XR and How Does It Benefit Employee Training?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week we’re joined by XR Training Lead, Brian Melven to discuss all things Virtual and Augmented Reality. As an XR training lead, Brian’s job is all about connecting the latest tech with effective learning solutions. He collaborates with experts, instructional designers, and developers to create immersive training simulations that let learners practice in safe, controlled environments.

Brian's strength lies in understanding how VR and AR can meet specific training needs. He’s a big believer in experiential learning and is always looking for new ways to make training more engaging, interactive, and memorable.

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EP 16: 4 Ways Storytelling Transforms Employee Training

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Eric Berget is a renowned expert in the field of learning experience design, with a particular focus on harnessing the power of storytelling. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that well-crafted narratives can have on learners, captivating their attention, igniting their emotions, and leaving a lasting impression.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Eric shares personal anecdotes and compelling examples of projects that have seamlessly integrated storytelling into their core. One such project involved designing a training program for a healthcare organization, where he wove together the stories of patients and caregivers, creating an immersive experience that not only imparted knowledge but also fostered empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human communication and has been used for centuries to share knowledge, experiences, and lessons. In the context of learning experience design, storytelling can be a powerful tool to captivate attention, enhance engagement, and create a more meaningful and memorable learning experience.

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EP 15: Highs and Lows of Owning a L&D Company, Navigating Labor Laws, & the Future of ttcInnovations

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week we're joined again by Debbie Wooldridge CEO and founder of ttcInnovations as she answers questions from our audience ranging from the future of L&D, how corporate training has changed over the years, to favorite books from this year.

We want to thank everyone who submitted questions. This was a fun one to record.

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EP 14: Creating Scalable Social Learning Solutions for Corporate Training

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this week’s episode of the Learning Matters podcast, Doug chatted with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD, from Your Instructional Designer. Nicole is a pro in corporate instructional design and social learning at scale. They talked about Nicole's unique path into the learning and development field, her approach to creating impactful learning experiences, and the innovative strategies her company uses to foster continuous learning within organizations.

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EP 13: Measuring Corporate Training Effectiveness & Fostering Employee Knowledge

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We're joined this week on the podcast by Megan Gutierrez, founder and CEO of Taproot Learning Connections. We discuss the Taproot method of measuring the effectiveness of corporate training, her beginnings in corporate instructional design, her passion behind learning and why training is so important, the origins behind her starting a corporate training business, as well as her company's focus on DEI and how to make diversity a staple in your adult learning programs.

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EP 12: How TikTok Has Changed The Way We Learn

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Join us this week on the show as we sit down with Venessa Alzate, founder and CEO of Anchored Training to discuss how TikTok and micro-learning have changed the way we learn. Find out how you can take your training from long-form to easily digestable, engaging, and exciting chunks to match the way most folks take in information in the new digital age.

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EP 11: The Future of Voiceovers: How AI is Revolutionizing Audio Production

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We got a bunch of questions from the episode where I talked about AI for voiceovers, so this week we dive into the fascinating world of AI voiceovers and how they're shaking up the L&D industry. Thanks to incredible advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, AI voices are now impressively human-like, capable of conveying emotions, tones, and all the quirks that make us unique.

We’ll explore the journey from robotic-sounding voices to today’s remarkable AI-generated speech. Meet 11 Labs, the Swiss Army knife of AI voiceovers. From seamless text-to-speech and versatile speech-to-speech features to an extensive voice library filled with diverse accents, ages, and genders, 11 Labs is your go-to for high-quality audio content.

We’ll also discuss the great debate: AI versus human actors. While AI offers speed and budget-friendliness, there's still something irreplaceable about the raw emotion of a human performance. Maybe a mix of both is the future sweet spot?

Join us as we look ahead to what’s next for AI voiceovers, creating lifelike audio experiences you won’t believe. Tune in to learn how you can harness this technology to create killer audio content without breaking the bank.

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EP 10: Elevate Your L&D Team: The Art and Science of Working with Staffing Providers

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we're sharing a webinar with Teresa Chiaputo and Debbie Wooldridge discussing the art and science of working with staffing providers in the learning and development industry. They explore strategies for meeting evolving needs, such as adding more employees to the L&D team, purchasing off-the-shelf training, partnering with L&D staffing providers, or ignoring the problems altogether. They also discuss the importance of conducting training needs analysis, navigating talent needs and bridging skill gaps, cultivating a crew that sails in harmony and sparks innovation, and navigating change and future-proofing staffing strategies.

The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. In this part of the conversation, Debbie and Teresa showcase three client stories from different industries: financial, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce. They discuss the challenges faced by each client and the strategies implemented to address those challenges. They also emphasize the importance of cultural fit, navigating talent waters, and staying agile in the L&D realm.

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EP 09: Freelance Instructional Design vs. Corporate Staff Augmentation Learning Roles

Tue, 28 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Dave's journey from creating presentation graphics to developing online training content has put him at the heart of major industry changes. He shares how multimedia elements and web-based training have transformed learning, making it more accessible and engaging.

We also dive into the differences between freelancing and staff augmentation, the power of building strong relationships, and Dave's unique experience at Intel. Plus, we explore the challenges of using AI in training and what the future holds for learning and development.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Dave's insights on staying adaptable, building connections, and loving what you do are sure to inspire.

👉 See the show notes and transcript for this episode here.

Additional Resources

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EP 08: Human vs. AI Voiceovers, Capturing Good Audio for Training, and Launching a Podcast

Tue, 21 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this special episode, we flip the script and interview our host, Doug Wooldridge, to get his unique take on the podcasting world, AI voiceovers, and his personal passions like BBQ and baking. Doug shares his career journey, proudest moments, and future aspirations, mixing useful podcasting tips with engaging personal anecdotes.

Tune in to hear about the pros and cons of AI voiceovers, essential tips for preparing for podcast interviews, must-have equipment for high-quality sound, and strategies for landing great guests. Plus, get a taste of Doug’s love for cooking, particularly his sourdough bread and BBQ experiments, and learn how nature inspires him.

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EP 07: Staying Competitive and Innovative: Tips for Senior Instructional Designers

Tue, 14 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Join us on the podcast as we chat with Dr. Robin Sargent, a seasoned pro in learning and development. Discover her journey from teaching to founding IDOL Courses, an innovative program for instructional design. Learn about embracing imperfection, keys to success in instructional design, and the future of the field, including AI integration and the importance of data. Plus, find out how to stand out in this competitive market and explore the IDOL Courses Program, designed to kickstart or advance your career in instructional design in just 24 weeks.

Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! Use code “ttc” for 10% off.

https://www.idolcourses.com/a/2147646660/RhLodaQ8

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💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

EP 06: How to Recruit, Hire, and Retain Top L&D Talent

Tue, 07 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Join us this week as we dive into the world of recruiting and maintaining instructional design talent with Nicole Whitney, Director of Talent at ttcInnovations. Discover the keys to crafting standout resumes and portfolios, acing interviews, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of corporate learning. Learn how Nicole stays ahead of industry trends and fosters a culture fit within her teams. Plus, uncover insider tips for recruiting success and maintaining your mojo in the hiring hustle. Tune in for expert advice and actionable strategies to build your dream team and drive results.

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💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

EP 05: Amplifying Black Voices in L&D, Finding Community, and Work-Life Balance

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, join us as we chat with Mallori Steele, an Instructional Designer, entrepreneur, and community builder. Mallori shares her journey into Learning & Development (L&D) while living abroad, juggling motherhood and a quest for remote work. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and self-care as a working mom.

Inspired by her experiences, Mallori founded the Badass Moms community, offering support and empowerment to mothers. She also sheds light on the need for diversity in L&D through initiatives like Black in L&D, promoting visibility for Black professionals and driving change.

Tune in for insights on taking risks, pursuing passions, and finding community in the L&D world. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Mallori's wisdom will inspire your journey in Learning & Development.

EP 04: How to Launch a New Service and Secure Clients Pre-Launch

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Join us this week on Learning Matters as we sit down with a portion of the ttcInnovations Sales team, Teresa Chiapputo and Brady Grover. We discuss the latest and greatest offering from ttcInnovations, the Subscription Learning Services, and how empowering your employees to come up with new ideas to best meet client needs breeds innovation. As well as how to bring those clients in pre-launch to work hand-in-hand to develop a product that can be a game changer for all clients, big or small.

Resources:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/

Get a free week trial of subscription learning services:

Download The Unlimited Guide to Our Unlimited Learning Subscription: Everything you need to get started and maximize success including an onboarding checklist, a done-for-you template to make the case for stakeholders, and more!

How to Use Subscription Learning Services to Solve Unique L&D Challenges:

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💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

EP 03: Cultivating Empathy: The Art of AI Storytelling in Learning

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:30:00 -0500

Join Eric Berget, our Creative Solutions Lead at Dashe, as we chat about how to make learning more fun and engaging using storytelling techniques and AI tools. If you want to grab your learners' attention and keep them interested, this episode is for you! Eric explains the difference between making learning experiences and instructional design, stressing the importance of thinking about what your learners really need and like. He also talks about using AI tools like Midjourney to make captivating images and graphics for your learning content. Tune in for the tradeoffs and a word of caution not to get carried away and balance the human element. Be sure to check out the video version of this episode to see real-life examples, a step-by-step walk through and more! https://www.youtube.com/@ttcInnovations

Resources:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/

Looking to take your content development to the next level with AI? Sign up for our Training Industry demo on How to Create Better Learning Experiences Using Generative AI Images: https://bit.ly/3UhglCR

The Role of Storytelling in Learning Experience Design: https://bit.ly/3vSP409

The ROI Advantage of Vyond Go AI Videos in L&D: https://bit.ly/4aBxTPL

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💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

EP 02: Secrets to Securing Repeat Business with Customer Loyalty

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:15:00 -0500

Join us as we chat with Debbie Wooldridge, CEO and Founder of ttcInnovations, as she shares the key business strategies for building a sustainable learning and development company. Debbie shares her journey of reaching the million-dollar milestone, highlighting challenges in expanding her client base and positioning the company as a partner rather than just an outsourced solution. Emphasizing authenticity, integrity, and continuous improvement, Debbie also discusses strategies for staying motivated and overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges like burnout, alongside tactics for long-term success. She found growth opportunities through programs like Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, gaining new perspectives and ideas for her company.

Debbie also talks about launching a new service, Innovators on Demand®, which helps clients find temporary staff augmentation workers when they need them. This program became really important for ttcInnovations and led them to start offering subscription learning services. She also shares the process of acquiring another company, Dash and Thompson, LLC, and how important it is to have a good company culture. Listen in as Debbie shares what’s on the horizon for the future of ttcInnovations and Dashe!

Resources:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/

Tune into Part 1 of Debbie's story: From Corporate Instructional Designer to 6-Figure Freelancer in 1 Year: https://bit.ly/3W57CVP

Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! https://bit.ly/ttcxIDOL Use code “ttc” for 10% off (affiliate link).

How to Launch Your Career as an L&D Consultant: https://bit.ly/4azXW9Z

How Learning Leaders Can Create a Learning Culture in Organizations: https://bit.ly/3vShGqi

3 Ways to Reinforce Culture & Values in Your Training Curriculum: https://bit.ly/3PZ5s6g

Tailoring Solutions: Budget-Conscious Learning Alternatives to Propose to Your Clients: https://bit.ly/4cZiWc0

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💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

EP 01: From Corporate Instructional Designer to 6-Figure Freelancer in 1 Year

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We're sitting down with our founder Debbie Wooldridge to dive into the early days of ttcInnovations, the challenges of navigating industry changes, and the lessons learned on her path to a 7-figure business. Debbie shares her journey from working in childcare to becoming an instructional designer and training manager in corporate America. She discusses the challenges she faced with new leadership and the impact of a changing company culture. Debbie also talks about her transition to contracting and starting her own instructional design business, DW Training and Development, Inc.. Throughout her journey, she emphasizes the importance of creating relevant and relatable training that helps employees become better at what they do. Debbie discusses the growth of a sustainable business, the partnership with Bank of America, and the expansion of the instructional design and content development team. Tune in for inspiration on your L&D career path!

Resources:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly newsletter to help you create buzz-worthy learning. https://ttcinnovations.com/newsletter/

Tune into Part 2 of Debbie's story: Secrets to Securing Repeat Business with Customer Loyalty: https://bit.ly/3W0E2k6

Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! https://bit.ly/ttcxIDOL Use code “ttc” for 10% off (affiliate link).

How to Launch Your Career as an L&D Consultant: https://bit.ly/4azXW9Z

6 Practical Ways to Grow Your ID Business Tips for Beginners: https://bit.ly/3Q35l9Q

The Art of Launching L&D Projects: 10 Key Components for a Successful Project Kick-Off Meeting (Free Template): https://bit.ly/49FPyEy

How to Find and Refine Your Instructional Design Niche: https://bit.ly/3UhIlWX

–––––––––––––––––

💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq

Welcome to the Learning Matters Podcast by ttcInnovations

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:30:00 -0500

Welcome to the Learning Matters podcast, your go-to resource for learning leaders and consultants passionate about professional growth and impactful development! Get weekly insights on instructional design, leadership, training tools, and staffing strategies to stay ahead.

Hosted by Doug Wooldridge of ttcInnovations, we blend real-life case studies, stories, and insights from industry leaders and innovators to inspire impactful learning experiences.

At ttcInnovations, we build custom training for businesses using top-tier talent to create dynamic learning ecosystems, driving lasting change through strategy, design, and development.

💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation!

🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed.

🚀 Simplify outsourcing with our subscription plans - predictable pricing and limitless innovation. Book a meeting for your free first week!

🎯 Boost results with serious games for optimal retention and results. Contact our Dashe team to get started!

💵 Cut hiring costs and risks with our temp-to-hire support. Click here to find your perfect fit and hire 1.5x faster with our L&D expertise!