It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we partner with middle managers instead of clashing with them?   This Coffee Chat dove into one of the most complicated roles in any organization. Middle managers sit at the crossroads of leadership expectations, daily operations, and learning initiatives. They can be your biggest ally or your biggest barrier, often depending on how well they understand their role in supporting development.   The chat quickly turned to some all-too-familiar struggles. Managers who block progress, expect new hires to be experts, or try to run training their own way. Others just don’t think helping their teams learn is part of the gig. And honestly, most are pulled in so many directions that learning ends up taking a back seat.   We talked about what it looks like to shift that relationship from tension to partnership. It starts with inviting managers into the process early, giving them visibility into what’s coming, involving them in decisions, and offering easy-to-use tools that help them lead conversations about learning. One participant shared a “leader-led learning” model that made managers the heroes by equipping them with resources to guide discussions with their teams.   Sometimes we toss training over the fence and expect managers to run with it, even though no one’s ever taught them how. When we bring them in, let them learn alongside their teams, and show how it connects to their own goals, the tension starts to ease. Suddenly, learning feels like something they want to be part of, not just another box to check.   In the end, middle managers are not the enemy. They’re just caught in the middle. The more we treat them as partners rather than obstacles, the stronger our learning cultures become.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Learning Rebels’ CTRL + ALT + BUILD: The Microlearning Lab for Modern L&D Workshop   The Power Hour Tool   Leader Led Learning Series   20 Ways Managers Can Create a Culture of Continuous Learning   How to Involve Managers in Learning Programs3 Actionable Steps For Managers to Cultivate a Learning Culture   How To Create a Learning Culture: 18 Best Practices   Leaders' Critical Role in Building a Learning Culture   Books   Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work by Bill Schaninger, Bryan Hancock, and Emily Field   Caught in the Middle: 5 Crucial Insights into Mastering Middle Management by Maria Simpson   Leading Change from the Middle: A Practical Guide to Building Extraordinary Capabilities by Jackson Nickerson   The Middle Management Challenge: Moving from Crisis to Empowerment by Alan L. Frohman and Leonard W. Johnson     Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we make learning environments feel safe for everyone who walks through the (virtual or physical) door?   This Coffee Chat explored the heart of psychological safety—what it really looks like in classrooms, workshops, and training sessions. We opened with five common mistakes that unintentionally chip away at that sense of safety: assuming hierarchy disappears, mistaking compliance for engagement, treating all mistakes the same way, ignoring social dynamics, and underestimating the learning environment itself. Each point sparked stories, strategies, and honest reflections from the group.   We talked about how hierarchies can quietly shape participation. Managers and employees in the same breakout room, long-tenured voices dominating newer ones, or facilitators unintentionally reinforcing authority can all influence who speaks up. Small shifts can make a big difference, like randomizing groups, normalizing dissent, and inviting learners to question the content openly.   The discussion also turned to design choices and facilitation techniques that foster safety and inclusion. It’s about creating spaces where people can engage comfortably through low-pressure icebreakers, time to think before sharing, or reflection moments that don’t force conversation.   Physical and digital cues such as fidget toys, flexible seating, and optional camera use can help signal that comfort matters. Just as important is the facilitator’s approach; tone, timing, and phrasing can either open the door to honest dialogue or quietly close it. A quiet room is not always an engaged one, and sometimes it’s simply a nervous one.   Building psychological safety takes care, self-awareness, and consistency. The good news? It starts with small, intentional choices that tell learners, “You belong here.”   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   5 Psychological Safety Mistakes That Kill Learning (And How To Fix Them)   How to Foster Psychological Safety on Your Teams   Promoting Psychological Safety Toolkit   Books   Safe Spaces, Strong Minds: Nurturing Mental Wellness In Educational Environments by Leanndra Yates   Safe Spaces, Brave Spaces: Diversity and Free Expression in Education by John Palfrey   Safe Spaces by Lisa McAdams   Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we keep creating “champagne learning” when we’re working with a tap-water budget?   On this episode of the our Coffee Chat, the topic was all about getting scrappy, smart, and a little bit creative with the tools we already have. It’s that time of year when budgets tighten, priorities shift, and somehow the expectation still remains to deliver polished, high-impact learning. The challenge? Making it sparkle without spending a fortune.   The group shared clever ways to stretch every dollar—using project management tools like Smartsheet, Trello, or Asana for learning paths and workflows. Others found creative substitutes for full-blown LMS platforms by using SharePoint, Confluence, or even Google Sites to organize and deliver learning content. It was proof that innovation often comes from limitation.   We also explored design tools that do more than their job description. Canva and Vengage stood out for creating beautiful workbooks, infographics, and learning assets, while newer AI tools like Notebook LM and Napkin AI opened doors for curation, quick visuals, and even podcast-style learning recaps. When paired smartly, free and low-cost tools like these can create the illusion of a big-budget experience.   The conversation wrapped with a simple reminder—great learning design isn’t about price tags, it’s about creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you’re repurposing tools, experimenting with AI, or reimagining what “good” looks like, the goal is the same: to make learning feel valuable, no matter the budget.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Notebook LM Overview   Cost-Effective Training: Leveraging Free Tools And Resources   From AI to Interactivity: What’s New (and Next) in Canva   Figjam: A collaborative online whiteboard that helps teams brainstorm, map out ideas, and create training workflows in real-time.   7 Taps: A mobile-first microlearning platform that lets you quickly create short, engaging learning modules with no design skills required.   Napkin.AI: An AI-powered tool that helps visualize and map out complex ideas or concepts into simple diagrams and knowledge graphs.   Manifestly: A checklist and workflow automation tool that helps streamline recurring training processes and improve accountability.   Camtasia: A powerful screen recording and video editing software ideal for creating polished instructional videos and tutorials.   Genially: A versatile tool for creating interactive presentations, infographics, and training materials with built-in gamification.   H5P: An open-source tool that enables you to create interactive learning content—like quizzes, presentations, and videos—directly in your LMS or website.   Slidemodel: Offers professional PowerPoint templates that help educators and trainers quickly build visually appealing slide decks.   Screencastify: A browser-based screen recorder that allows you to create quick, shareable video tutorials directly from Chrome.   Vyond: A user-friendly platform for creating animated training videos that explain concepts clearly and boost learner engagement.   Wellsaid:  Uses AI voice technology to turn text into realistic voiceovers, perfect for narrating training videos and eLearning content.   Envato: A marketplace offering templates, graphics, and stock assets to enhance the visual design of training materials.   Amazon Polly: Converts text to lifelike speech using AI, allowing you to add natural-sounding voiceovers to training content.   Intellum: A comprehensive learning management platform that supports scalable employee, customer, and partner education programs.   Books   Instructional Design on a Shoestring by Brian Washburn   Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology by Robert A. Reiser, Alison A. Carr-Chellman, and John V. Dempsey   50 Ways to Speed Up Instructional Design with AI (Training with AI) by Steve Rosenbaum   B

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we make L&D visible in our organizations—and actually get recognized for the value we bring? It quickly became clear this touches a nerve for all of us. We hesitate to promote ourselves because it feels too "salesy," like we're used car salesmen. But here's the truth—if we don't advocate for our work, no one else will. And we've all been there: when something goes wrong, training gets blamed. When it goes right? Crickets. The conversation turned to building a real department brand. Some in the group already have mission statements and logos in place, while others are starting from scratch or rebuilding after restructures. But a mission statement can't just sit on a wall—it needs to show up everywhere, from first slides to intranet pages, so people know what you stand for. We also tackled the vocabulary trap. Talking about "blended learning" doesn't land the way "reducing lost-time injuries" or "getting people back to work faster" does. Listen to what metrics matter to leaders, then connect your work to those outcomes in their language. Here's the reality: you already have a brand whether you're managing it or not. Right now it might be "the tick-a-box people" or "the PowerPoint people." Changing that perception takes intentional action—sharing relevant articles with stakeholders, asking to give five-minute updates in meetings, contributing to projects outside L&D. And the biggest piece? You have to ask for visibility. Ask what people say about L&D when you're not in the room. Because no amount of branding fixes a disconnect if you're not part of the conversation. So what's one step you can take this week to make your L&D work more visible? Stay curious! -Shannon   Video Chatbox   Transcript Transcript Summary Resources   Be Seen Branding Action Sheet   VA L&D Site   Crafting Your Brand Workbook   Job Opportunity: Entry Level Instructional Designer Role at the University of Arizona   Jason’s Spotify Playlist after his prom chaperone experience!   If you found value in this week’s coffee chat, please take a minute to leave a Google Review. Your feedback helps others discover our events and keeps the Coffee Chats brewing (will include in email as well).   Books   The Complete SEO Guide: Boost Your Online Business Visibility with SEO by Andrea Bensaid   Value Proposition Design: How to Create Products and Services Customers Want by Alexander Asterwalder   Internal Branding: Growing Your Brand from Within By Jerome Joseph   Upskill, Reskill, Thrive: Optimizing Learning and Development in the Workplace by James McKenna The Learning and Development Book: Change the way you think about L&D by Tricia Emerson and Mary Stewart   Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table. What do KPIs really mean for learning and development—and how do we connect to them in a way that makes sense?   It quickly became clear that KPI's stir up mixed feelings: exciting for some, confusing or even intimidating for others. Some departments track them obsessively, while others barely mention them. And yet, whether in higher ed, nonprofits, or corporate spaces, KPIs are always there in the background—tied to growth, efficiency, donations, or retention.   The conversation turned to how L&D can play a role. Instead of talking about “alignment” in vague terms, we unpacked what it looks like in practice. Training that speeds up the sales funnel, leadership programs that reduce turnover, onboarding that improves retention—all are ways to show impact in terms the business already values. Along the way, we explored the difference between lagging indicators (like employees leaving) and leading ones (like manager behaviors that influence retention).   We also shared the challenge of shifting the dialogue. Too often, L&D is expected to deliver courses without asking how they tie to business outcomes. But when we reframe objectives as performance outcomes—“reduce manual processing time by 20%” instead of “complete data entry tasks”—we position ourselves as partners who impact KPIs, not just order takers.   KPIs may not always be easy to find, but they’re out there in budgets, reports, and conversations with stakeholders. The more we connect our work to those measures, the stronger our seat at the table becomes.   So what KPI in your organization could you start asking about today?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   From Urbie Delgado on KPI:     Technique         Is it a KPI? Why it is      Why it isn’t Before/After Snapshots KPI-ish  Shows change over time More narrative than numeric   Behavior Change in the Wild  KPI-lite Tracks real-world actions  Qualitative, not quantified   Small Wins, Big Echoes KPI by anecdote Ties learning to outcomes Not tracked systematically   Peer Recognition/Adoption Shadow KPI  Indicates influence and trust  Too soft for traditional metrics   Performance Drift Reversal Covert KPI Links to process improvement Used case-by-case   Stakeholder Testimonials Relational KPI Shows business partner buy-in Subjective and anecdotal     Learning Changemakers Tool 7: Improving Impact pdf   Kevin Yates Detective Kit   Substack on Execution, by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan by Evan Samek   Learning Rebels Blog: Connecting The Dots: From Skills Gaps To Business Outcomes   Books   Measurement Demystified: Creating Your L&D Measurement, Analytics, and Reporting Strategy by David Vance and Peggy Parskey   Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring by Alaina Szlachta   A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge by Liba   Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Ram Charan and Larry Bossidy   Data Analytics and KPIs for Project Success by Moira Alexander   Developing Meaningful Key Performance Indicators by Clive Keyte   Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we work with subject matter experts in ways that build trust instead of tension?   Our Coffee Chat crew shared the full range of experiences—from relationships that clicked instantly to projects that felt like pulling teeth. We talked about SMEs who deliver 30-page data dumps, professors who think semester-long lectures are “online training,” and peers who guard information a little too closely. At the same time, there were stories of SMEs who leaned on trust, empathy, and shared understanding to make the process smoother for everyone.   The common thread running through it all was the reminder that SMEs are people first, experts second. We set expectations, try and understand their pressures, and meet them where they are. That might mean starting with a kickoff chat to build rapport, distilling walls of content into manageable pieces, or even using AI tools to simplify technical jargon. The goal isn’t to win a battle—it’s to collaborate, filter, and ultimately help them focus on what learners really need.   Every SME relationship looks a little different. Sometimes it’s the long game of building trust over years, and sometimes it’s about making the most of a 30-minute hallway chat. So how do we keep refining our approach to make the process easier for them—and in turn, for ourselves?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Chatbox   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Resources   Agile-Like Methodology    Subject Matter Expert Collaboration Checklist   Presentation for Team Transition to LLAMA    ATD’s TD at Work Guide   Wednesday Boosts Sign Ups   Books   Understanding and Working with Subject Matter Experts by Dean Reed   The Guide to Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) by Michele Medved   Working with Smes: A Guide to Gathering and Organizing Content from Subject Matter Experts by Peggy Salvatore

It all started with the BIG question on the table.   How do we build genuine professional connections without falling into the trap of sales pitches, awkward small talk, or ghosted messages?   Our Coffee Chat crew shared the familiar pain of trying to connect online or at events, only to be met with instant “buy my service” pitches, one-sided conversations, or radio silence. Networking, we agreed, works best when it’s rooted in authenticity—and when we remember it’s a two-way street.   Some of us find value in starting with our “why”—being clear on the purpose of a connection before reaching out. That might mean seeking fresh insights, industry peers, or people with complementary skills. We also talked about keeping things human: practicing open-ended questions, finding common ground before hitting “connect,” and remembering that a little curiosity goes a long way.   Tips from the group ranged from LinkedIn “research” before events to offering introductions for others, using industry groups beyond L&D, and finding opportunities in unexpected places—like chatting with someone at the grocery store. And when networking online, consistency matters: engaging with posts, sharing resources, and contributing your own perspective builds trust over time.   At its best, networking isn’t about chasing opportunities, but instead about building relationships and sharing value. So what’s one step you can take this week to make your network stronger, more authentic, and maybe even more fun?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Chatbox   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Resources   The 2 Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton   Structural Building Components Association   Icebreaker Questions for Networking   Virtual Networking Planner     Books   The Go Giver by Bo Burg and John David Mann   20-Minute Networking Meeting by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan Perez   The Introvert’s Edge to Networking: Work the Room. Leverage Social Media. Develop Powerful Connections by Matthew Pollard   The Power Of Networking: Strategies for Career Excellence, Job Development, and Building Greater Triumphs in Your Work by Michael Morgan     Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions  

It all started with the BIG question on the table.   How do we stay productive when distractions are everywhere?   This Coffee Chat dug into the reality we all face—trying to get meaningful work done while notifications ping, tabs multiply, and our focus drifts to anything but the task at hand. Productivity isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about managing our time, energy, and environment in a way that works for us.   Many of us shared the tactics that keep us on track—color-coded calendars, Kanban boards, playlists that trigger focus, and even apps like Forest to gamify staying off our phones. Our Coffee Chat crew also explored the difference between distractions (the things that pull you away) and diversions (the things you wander into), and why each one needs its own strategy.   We set time aside, try and understand our own work patterns, and meet productivity where it fits into our lives. That might mean tackling the toughest task first, stacking creative work during high-energy hours, or giving ourselves grace when the day doesn’t go as planned. Because in the end, productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, better.   So what’s one small change you could make to protect your focus this week?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Resources: Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Goblin Tools   Jason Lewis’ Mind Amend YouTube Channel   LoFi Focused Playlist   Office Desk Accessories 2pcs Multifunction Computer Monitor Memo Board   Elgato Stream Deck   Andrew’s Kanban Board   Smartsheet   Learning Rebels’ Blog post: Mindset First, Tools Second: Building Your Productivity Foundation   Personal Work Audit   Books   Do Something That Matters Journal Hardcover by Michael Bungay Stanier   Purposeful Productivity: Multiply Your Time and Your Happiness by Tanya Dalton   Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport   Dopamine Detox: A Short Guide to Remove Distractions and Get Your Brain to Do Hard Things by Thibaut Meurisse     Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions    

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we actually build a habit of learning—for ourselves? We're taking a step back from helping everyone else learn and focusing on a challenge we all share: making time for our own growth. We all want to learn more, but between meetings, deadlines, and life in general, it’s easy to let personal learning fall to the bottom of the list.   Many of us have tried blocking time on our calendars—only to watch it disappear when something "more urgent" comes up. Others have tried to tie learning to an active project, making it easier to justify. And then there are those who squeeze in reading, reflection, or microlearning into everyday moments whenever possible (because let’s be real, some of that doomscrolling could probably be put to better use).   So how do we make learning a real habit instead of an afterthought? We set time aside, try and understand what methods work best for us, and meet learning where it fits into our lives. Whether it’s scheduling dedicated learning time, stacking habits onto existing routines, or finding ways to reflect and apply new ideas, the key is making it stick.   At the end of the day, learning isn’t just something we should do—it’s something we deserve to do. So what small step can you take to build your learning habit today? Stay curious! -Shannon   Resources: Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Groundhogs Day Playlist   OneTab   Liberating Structures   Learning Battlecards   Harvard Thinking Routines   Learning Rebels’ Blog: Small Learning Habits, Big Results: How To Keep Growing   Top 10 Actions to Build a Learning Habit   A Learning Rebels Guide: 10 Ways to Build a Learning Habit   Books   Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman   Learning Habits: Drive a Learning Culture to Improve Employee and Business Performance by Sarah Nicholl   Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear   How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World's Most Successful People by David Novak     Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we spark and sustain curiosity in learning?   This Coffee Chat dove into how our curiosity fuels engagement. We kicked things off by brainstorming ways to design learning experiences that get people questioning, exploring, and leaning in for more. Whether through interactive quizzes, thought-provoking scenarios, or unexpected challenges, the goal is to keep learners thinking, What’s next?   We want to build structured designs that keep learners engaged and prevent that dreaded click-through-and-forget syndrome. From branching scenarios to drip-feeding content, the right approach can make learning feel more like an adventure than a checklist.   Keeping curiosity alive takes some intention. Real-world examples, case studies, and unexpected challenges help hold attention, while showing immediate benefits keeps motivation high. The goal goes beyond sparking curiosity and into making learning feel like something worth coming back to.   Curiosity fuels engagement, but it also builds lifelong learners. How do we help people stay curious beyond a single course?   Stay curious! -Shannon     Resources: Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Using The QFT To Drive Inquiry In Project-Based Learning   Genius Support with Andi McNair   Learning Battle Cards   Torrance Learning’s Instructional Design Ideas Deck   Learning Rebels Blog: Curiosity as a Business Practice   Books   Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity by Michael Hernandez   Cultures of Thinking in Action: 10 Mindsets to Transform our Teaching and Students' Learning by Ron Ritchhart   Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It by Ian Leslie   Cultivating Curiosity: Teaching and Learning Reimagined by Doreen Gehry Nelson   Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.   How can we leverage shared resources to better support our learning goals and professional growth?   This Coffee Chat was all about the power of collective knowledge. We kicked things off by reflecting on the big, audacious goals set in the last session. Some made progress, others hit roadblocks, but the common thread was the need for the right tools and accountability to keep moving forward.   From books and podcasts to digital organization tools, everyone had something valuable to contribute. Popular solutions like Pocket, Notion, and Raindrop emerged as favorites, with participants weighing in on their usability and learning curves.   We also explored must-read books like Aligning Instructional Design with Business Goals and ATD’s Organizational Development Handbook. The group discussed writing for social media, balancing engagement with authenticity, and how AI-powered tools can assist with content creation and organization.   No Learning Rebels chat is complete without a deep dive into learning technology, from hidden gems like Amazon Polly for text-to-speech to essential resources like Articulate’s eLearning Heroes.   In the final stretch, the conversation shifted toward continuous learning. How do we build habits that help us apply what we learn?   These are the questions we’ll tackle in future Coffee Chats, ensuring that we’re not just gathering resources—we’re using them to grow.   Stay curious! -Shannon     VideoTranscript Transcript Summary Chatbox Tools Pocket: Web plug in that saves articles and videos in personal library Raindrop: Bookmark manager Notion: All in one workplace app Book Bub: For bargain and free ebooksOne Note: Digital note takingRemarkable: Organize files and perform screen shares Rocketbook: Share pages and whiteboardsAmazon Polly: AI voice generatorGamestorming: Co-creation tools Liberating Structures: Tools to replace or complement existing practices Podcasts We Love Learning Rebels Podcast Learning Geeks Armchair Expert Scrubs and Subpoenas Coaching for Leaders Not Gonna Lie Learning Uncut On Purpose with Jay Shetty Smartless What Now with Trevor Noah  Worklife with Adam GrantRethinking with Adam Grant  Modern Mentor HandsomeHidden Brain Unmistakable Creative Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR Resources Isabel Sterne on Linkedin for tips on Social media writing  Dave Biriss on Linkedin for tips about using AI in social media  Free Resources from Dave Biriss Action Mapping with Cathy Moore Devlin Peck Bootcamp for Instructional Design skills Tim Slade’s website for eLearning Training TechSmith's YouTube Channel e-Learning Training ATD: Association for Training Development Connie Malamed: The eLearning Coach HBR.org Training Magazine Network for free webinars Douglas Ferguson’s Linkedin from Voltage Control for facilitation and liberating structures The Learning Guild Books Aligning Instructional Design With Business Goals: Make the Case and Deliver Results by Kristopher Newbauer The CEO's Guide to Training, eLearning & Work by Will Thalheimer ATD's Organizational Development Handbook by Brian James Flores Leading the Learning Function: Tools and Techniques for Organizational Impact by MJ Hall and Laleh Patel Telling Ain’t Training by Harold D. Stolovitch & Erica J. Keeps The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier  Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz How To Give It So They Get It by Sharon L. Bowman   Be part of the Learning Rebels Community. Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.   Join the Coffee Chat conversations Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How can we set goals that truly align with our personal and professional aspirations while making the process motivating, realistic, and actionable?   This Coffee Chat was all about rethinking how we approach goal setting. Forget the old SMART goals you’ve heard about a thousand times—this conversation was focused on making goals meaningful, personal, and, most importantly, doable.   We talked about the problem with framing goals in a negative light. How often do we say, “I need to stop doing this” or “I should do that”? We instead tried to ask “What’s the positive motivation behind my goal?”   We also had some fun with numbers! By calculating the weekends left in our lives (yes, weekends), we got a new perspective on time and how to prioritize what matters most. It’s not about how many years you have left, but about how you’re using the time you’ve got.   This chat was full of “aha” moments and practical ideas, but what stuck with me most was this: Goal setting isn’t just about planning. It’s about believing in the process, breaking things down, and being kind to yourself along the way.   So, what are your big, hairy, audacious goals? What’s stopping you? Let’s keep the conversation going!   Stay Curious!  ~Shannon         Resources: Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   BHAG Big Rock Goal Setting Planner   Books   SMARTER Goals: A Better & Smarter Approach To Setting & Achieving Goals by Tal Gur   The Efficient Path to Success - A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Goals by Nelson JR   Start Poorly: Sidestepping Perfection to Reach Your Goals by Justin Grifford   Goal Setting: Forget SMART Goals Try SMARTER Goals by Martin Formato     Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the big question on the table:   Are we caught up in "Productivity Shiny Object Syndrome?" Do you ever feel like you’re juggling flaming chainsaws while blindfolded on a unicycle?   You’re not alone.   Between designing workshops, crafting engaging training materials and nurturing employee development, finding time to breathe, let alone be productive, feels like a pipe dream.   Today, let’s explore what really matters when choosing productivity tools. Together we can shift our mindset away from the “more tools, more productivity” myth and help identify the specific areas slowing us down in our unique workflow. Then, we can consider what tools and processes can make our work lives healthier and more efficient.   This podcast calls back to this Learning Rebels Blog Post: Here’s What Really Matters with Productivity Tools. https://www.learningrebels.com/2024/02/01/heres-what-really-matters-in-productivity-tools/ Additional reading: Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential by Tiago Forte The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work by Nick Sonnenberg Time Planning Tools and Techniques: Learn How to Create Your Personal Time Planning, Increase Your Productivity, and Discover the Most Efficient Tools and Techniques to Become the Master of Your Time by Scott Darley Work Smarter, and Not Harder, Volume 3: Best Productivity Tools and Apps to Help You Achieve More by Emma Brown   Resources   Video TranscriptTranscript Summary   Tools:   WellSaid Labs   Boomerang   Get Rocketbook   Boox   Toggl   Synthesia   Maestro Learning   Goodnotes   Start your week with a creativity boost! Sign up for Sunday Spark       Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the big question on the table:   Are you feeling caught in the endless cycle of work, struggling to keep your motivation alive?   You’re not alone.   As we continue to wear numerous hats, maintaining a high level of self-motivation becomes difficult. Business is moving fast, and the expectation is that we should move even faster. We are caught up in the hamster wheel, and it is hard to keep ourselves motivated.   Are you tired, frustrated, maybe feeling a bit... crispy around the edges? Has it gotten to the point where every time you see an email notification, you break out in hives and daydream throwing your laptop out the window? Is your main accomplishment for the day discovering how many snacks you can consume in an hour? I see me, and I see you.   This podcast calls back to this Learning Rebels Blog Post: 3 Ways to Get Your Creative Mojo Going https://www.learningrebels.com/2015/10/02/3-ways-to-get-your-creative-mojo-going-when-you-arent-feeling-it/ Additional reading: Master Your Motivation: A Practical Guide to Unstick Yourself, Build Momentum and Sustain Long-Term Motivation by Thibaut Meurisse Changing Your Mindset for Good: The Quick Way to Control Your Emotions, Shift Your Reality for Mental Self Development by Jay Fenix The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Master by Brianna Wiest Get out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior by Philip Goldberg Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by William McRaven   Resources   VideoTranscriptTranscript Summary   Tony Robbins’ How to Self Motivate   Susan David’s How to Identify Your Values   Mind Tools’ How Self-Motivated Are You   Harvard Business Review’s How To Keep Working When You’re Just Not Feeling It   Susan David with Adam Grant: Overcoming Forced Positivity   Start your week with a creativity boost! Sign up for Sunday Spark       Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the big question on the table:   Why are some people good at networking and others, not so much?  What are some practical tips and techniques to build and maintain meaningful connections?   There seems to be a lot of movement in the Learning and Development (L&D) industry. People are changing jobs, changing roles, and getting laid off. With all this movement building your network is critical, and this is the topic we are discussing today.   This podcast calls back to this Learning Rebels Blog Post: Hacking Virtual Networking: https://www.learningrebels.com/2021/01/14/hacking-virtual-networking/ Additional reading: Social Media Pie: How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of the LinkedIn Pie by Brenda Meller Networking in the 21st Century... on LinkedIn: Creating Online Relationships and Opportunities by David Fisher The Introvert’s Edge to Networking: Work the Room. Leverage Social Media. Develop Powerful Connections by Matthew Pollard and Derek Lewis Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide For Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected by Devora Zack   Resources   Coffee Chat video VideoFull Coffee Chat transcript: TranscriptTranscript Summary   Daily Virtual Network Checklist   Hacking Virtual Networking   4 Ways to Bypass The LinkedIn Connection Limit   The Why and What of Posting on LinkedIn by Brenda Peterson     Be part of the Community. Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.     How can we ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired during training are effectively applied in the workplace?   We've all been there - we create what we feel is a learning solution that can't go wrong...then it does.   Most of us have been there, done that, bought the tee-shirt and don't want to go back.   We know that training fails for two reasons Lack of feedback mechanism and Lack of learning reinforcement   But there is a third, more realistic reason—lack of management involvement. Activating managers early and often is the key to success when bridging the learning/doing gap. The managers are the gatekeepers and it was clear in our discussion that we've been manager-blocked many times.   Today we're going to be discussing the common pitfalls learning within organizations encounters, how we can provide ongoing learning support - without workplace disruption, and what tools we can use to help embed learning solutions into the organization?     Stay Curious! Shannon   Learning Rebels Programs are pre-approved for CPTD/APTD eligibility!   View video here: https://vimeo.com/885769904   Download the full transcript here: https://otter.ai/u/XL3_MrpFm_-7yPkgXu2rbqnxMKQ   Transcript Summary: https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Practical-Applications-To-Bridging-The-Learning-Doing-Gap-Transcript-Summary.pdfChat box messages: https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/meeting_saved_chat-5.pdf   Resources:   The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton   Learning Organizations: Turning Knowledge into Actions (Strategic Management Collection) by Marcus Goncalves   Giving Students a Say: Smarter Assessment Practices to Empower and Engage by Myron Dueck     Be part of the Learning Rebels Community. Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.   Join the Coffee Chat conversations Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.     What skills will L&D need in order to remain relevant in the business world of the future?   L&D is undergoing a seismic shift. With the advent of new technologies and changing workplace dynamics, we are facing challenges that are far more complex than ever before.   And then there was the wake-up call.   In December 2021, ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, dissolved its entire L&D department. The reason? They felt that many of their learning initiatives were not adding value and were merely "feel-good activities" with limited impact.   Sure, there is more going on than meets the eye - but we can't deny that layoffs in L&D are on the rise. So what to do?   We can prepare for the future because the future is now. Today, we are going to be discussing the skills that instructional designers, and L&D in general, will need in order to prepare and be successful for the future.     Stay Curious! Shannon   Learning Rebels Programs are pre-approved for CPTD/APTD eligibility!   View video here: https://vimeo.com/880973223   Download the full transcript here: https://otter.ai/u/ORF_UDjBIja6Z4Rl9BvHQeXjRu8?utm_source=copy_url Transcript Summary https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Transcript-Summary-1.pdfChat box messages: https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/meeting_saved_chat-3.pdfploads/2023/11/meeting_saved_chat-2.pdf     Resources   Skills Board: Miro   Learning Rebels’ Navigating The Future Of L&D: Top 5 Skills You Can’t Ignore   Redthread’s Future-proofing L&D: Developing the Right Skills   The New Normal for L&D: https://www.learningrebels.com/2021/03/24/transforming-the-new-normal-for-ld/     Books   The Future of Learning & Development: Harnessing Generative AI by Samir Das   The Future of Learning & Development in Organizations: (Learning & Development in Organisations series #16) by Thomas Garavan, Carole Hogan, and Amanda Cahir-O'Donnell   The Modern Learning Ecosystem: A New L&D Mindset for the Ever-Changing Workplace by JD Dillon   Staying in the Game: Leading and Learning With Agility for a Dynamic Future by Pamela Meyer     Be part of the Learning Rebels Community. Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.   Join the Coffee Chat conversations Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions  

Going LIVE - Sharing the Story of the Storyteller, Hadiya Nuriddin   We all have something in our backgrounds that silently informs how we act and what we do, and Hadiya is no different.   Hadiya’s journey   It seems logical that Hadiya would want to grow up and be on the stage. Her skill for weaving a story is legendary. What wasn’t logical was how she grew away from acting and into customer support training for Kinko’s!   With her Master’s Degree in Writing, she single-handedly took over training support. Writing job aids and other learning materials to help the poor customers who were struggling with that new-fangled technology of a floppy disk.   Her story is inspirational. Who knew that little girl who was looking for her Oscar would grow up to write a book on Storytelling with another on the way for Quality Assurance? Yes, Quality Assurance! You’ll have to listen in to get the rest of the story!   All the Resources!   Watch the live video here: https://vimeo.com/881690517 Connect with Hadiya here: Buy Hadiya’s book, StoryTraining: https://amzn.to/3spFuQA Build capabilities all while building relationships! Be part of the Learning Rebels Community! Learn more here.   Join the conversation  Be part of the live Learning Rebels coffee chat community! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you make your training stick!   Host: Shannon Tipton 

It all started with the BIG question on the table.     What is the future of instructional design and what skills will we need to remain relevant?   L&D is undergoing a seismic shift. With the advent of new technologies and changing workplace dynamics, we are facing challenges that are far more complex than ever before.   And then there was the wake-up call.   In December 2021, ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, dissolved its entire L&D department. The reason? They felt that many of their learning initiatives were not adding value and were merely "feel-good activities" with limited impact.   Sure, there is more going on than meets the eye - but we can't deny that layoffs in L&D are on the rise. So, what to do?   We can prepare for the future because the future is now. Today, we are going to be discussing the skills that instructional designers, and L&D in general, will have to have in order to prepare and be successful for the future.     Stay Curious! Shannon   Learning Rebels Programs are pre-approved for CPTD/APTD eligibility!   View video here: https://vimeo.com/877093139   Download the full transcript here: https://otter.ai/u/L6f9Ln4UTpGIZ4ey5euoa-NhYPI Transcript Summary:https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Role-of-Instructional-Design-Today-Transcript-Summary.pdfChat box messages: https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/chat.pdf     Resources   Josh Bersin’s A New Model For Corporate Training: The Adaptive Learning Organization   Redthread’s Future-proofing L&D: Developing the Right Skills   The Future of L&D: The Five Skills You Can’t Ignore: https://www.learningrebels.com/2023/10/26/navigating-the-future-of-ld-top-5-skills-you-cant-ignore/   The New Normal for L&D: https://www.learningrebels.com/2021/03/24/transforming-the-new-normal-for-ld/     Be part of the Learning Rebels Community. Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.   Join the Coffee Chat conversations Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.     What are the different tools impacting the curation process, and what challenges do we need to overcome to ensure relevance and impact?   Curation seems to be the L&D buzzword at the moment and while curation seems to be on everyone’s agenda - there’s a lot of anxiety over how to get started.   Here's the Good News: advancements in technology have provided L&D professionals with an army of tools and platforms designed to streamline content curation.   The bad news? These advances lead us to an army of tools.  The sheer volume of available resources can be overwhelming, making it difficult to decide which tools are effective and will help us meet our curation goals.   During our last Coffee Chat, we discussed how to align our curation efforts with the needs and goals of the business. This week, we're discussing the different tools and techniques we can use.   Plus – Special Bonus! Mike Taylor joins us to share his views on the different tools he uses.   Stay Curious! Shannon   Learning Rebels Programs are pre-approved for CPTD/APTD eligibility!   View video here: https://vimeo.com/872531017   Download the full transcript here: https://otter.ai/u/uHk4a9rq2aklMb_VEeR310IQkuI Transcript Summary: https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tools-And-Techniques_-Curating-Content-Effectively-Coffee-Chat-Summary.pdfChat box messages: https://www.learningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/meeting_saved_chat.pdf   Resources:   Mike Taylor’s C.U.R.A.T.E.D. Model for L&D Content Curation   Shannon Tipton’s Maximize Your Content: A Guide To Nine Curation Tools   Bublup collaboration app Eagle tool for organizing design files   Books:   Content Curation: How to Avoid Information Overload by Steven Anderson   Curate This!: The Hands-On, How-To Guide To Content Curation by Steven Rosenbaum   Content Curation for Learning: Why It Matters, How to Do It Right, Tips Tools and Examples by Stephen Walsh and Steve Rayson   The Best Content Curation Practices by Timothy Murphy     Be part of the Learning Rebels Community. Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.   Join the Coffee Chat conversations Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.     Hire Learning Rebels  When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more   Host: Shannon Tipton  Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions