In this solo episode, Vidya dives into the real work of performance consulting… beyond courses, content, and completion rates. She explores why most behavior change dies in the “messy middle”, where systems, workflows, incentives, and culture collide. This is a practical, honest look at how L&D can move from delivering training to shaping conditions where performance actually improves. No buzzwords. No grand transformation speeches. Just grounded ways to remove friction, partner with managers, design for real work, and measure change where it matters most… on the job.

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya speaks with Connie about what it really means to be visible in today’s professional world. Together, they unpack why visibility is no longer vanity but service, and how consistency, authenticity, and self-awareness shape lasting credibility. Connie shares practical ways to overcome imposter thoughts, start from your strengths, and define success on your own terms. A grounded, insightful conversation on showing up with purpose… not for attention, but for impact.

Connect with Connie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniemalamed/

References

Free Email Course on Visibility

Articles:

- How to Increase Your Visibility as a Learning Professional

- Visibility Strategies for Introverts to Stand Out Professionally

- Psychological Barriers To Career Visibility And What You Can Do About It

- Developing Thought Leadership as a Learning Professional

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What if learning isn’t about knowledge at all, but about what people care about? In this episode, Vidya speaks with Nick Shackleton-Jones, author of How People Learn and one of L&D’s most provocative voices. Nick argues that learning is an affective process - memory and behavior are shaped by emotion, not logic. They explore why compliance training often fails, why arguments rarely change people but experiences do, the difference between real resources and disguised modules, and how AI might both eliminate and transform learning.

Connect with Nick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/

References

How People Learn by Nick Shackleton-Jones: https://a.co/d/ji8Ca4F

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://a.co/d/5M7D3xY

Iowa Gambling Task: https://youtu.be/9lR1Fwqt0G8?t=865

5Di: https://shackleton-consulting.com/5di-toolkit/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Guy Wallace, a pioneer who has been championing performance-first thinking in L&D for over four decades. Guy shares why most performance problems aren’t training problems, why only 5-15% of people can learn out of context, and why pilot testing should be designed to break your training, not validate it. He also explains why top performers often know the truth better than leadership, and why sometimes the smartest move is to cancel a training project altogether. Packed with sharp insights and practical wisdom, this conversation challenges us to look beyond courses and focus on what really drives results: performance.

Connect with Guy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guywwallace/

Free Professional Resources: https://guywwallace.wordpress.com/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Mark Sheppard, senior learning advisor and respected voice in the L&D community. Mark brings sharp insights into why L&D so often becomes a band-aid for broken systems - and what it takes to break free of that cycle. From the danger of chasing credibility over impact, to the emotional labor L&D silently absorbs, to why real change starts with diagnosis instead of deliverables, this is a candid conversation about courage, systems, and the future of learning. If you’ve ever wondered whether L&D is solving the right problems, this episode will give you questions - and the courage - to rethink your role.

Connect with Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksheppard/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Caner Akova about what it really takes to drive performance in the workplace, and why delivering content isn't enough. They explore why L&D needs to design for friction, not just information, and how influence and stakeholder alignment can make or break learning efforts. From rethinking how we run pilots to tying outcomes to business metrics, the conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what actually creates change. They also discuss what AI can’t do… and why the human side of L&D still matters.

Connect with Caner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/canerakova/

Newsletter: https://unriddled.substack.com/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David James

What does real L&D maturity look like in 2025? In this episode, Vidya speaks with David James (CLO of 360Learning and host of the Learning & Development Podcast) about his L&D Maturity Model - and what it takes to move from reactive training to strategic, business-aligned learning. They explore how to earn credibility, partner with stakeholders, close skills gaps, and harness AI to drive performance. If you’re rethinking your learning strategy or aiming to increase L&D’s organizational impact, this episode is for you.

Connect with David

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/

The Learning & Development Podcast: https://360learning.com/solution/learning-and-development-podcast-by-david-james/

Referenced

Guus Van Deelen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guusvandeelen/details/experience/

Book - Organising L&D for Results: https://www.amazon.com/Organizing-results-Managing-Learning-Maximum/dp/9462724407

Jess Almlie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/

Book - L&D Order Taker No More: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Order-Taker-No-More-Strategic-ebook/dp/B0F83XBBCV

Laura Overton & Michelle Ockers

(The L&D Leader book to be published later this year)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraoverton/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of Learning+, Vidya speaks with Goutham Yegappan - educator, data scientist, and question-asker - about reimagining education beyond systems, silos, and standardization. They explore why curiosity fades, how the teacher-student divide holds us back, and why passion isn’t something to find, but a way of seeing. This isn’t a conversation about quick fixes… but about slowing down, asking better questions, and rethinking what it means to truly learn.

Connect with Goutham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gouthamyega/

Website: https://www.reeducated.org/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Why doesn’t learning always lead to action? In this episode, Vidya sits down with Julie Dirksen - author, designer, and one of the clearest thinkers on behavior change in L&D. They explore why systems thinking can sometimes overwhelm us, how to design for motivation dips, what to do when learners don’t see themselves as part of the problem, and why behavior design needs ethical boundaries. If you’re trying to bridge the knowing-doing gap in your work, this conversation offers sharp insight… and plenty to reflect on.

Connect with Julie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen/

Website: https://usablelearning.com/

Books: https://usablelearning.com/the-books/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What does it really take to build a thriving learning community - one where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow? In this episode, Erin Chancellor joins Vidya to share how she co-manages the Useful L&D Community with care, clarity, and intentional structure. They explore what “lurker love” looks like in action, why creating space matters more than pushing content, and how community skills can reshape how we do L&D. It’s a quiet, reflective conversation - full of practical wisdom and gentle provocations. Whether you lead learning, design it, or just care about how people connect and grow… this one’s for you.

Connect with Erin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chancellorerin/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Tom McDowall joins us for a deep dive into learner autonomy, performance-focused design, and the real role of L&D in a fast-changing world. We unpack what it means to give learners control, how to balance autonomy with compliance, and why experimentation - not training - is often the better answer. From Dungeons & Dragons to chatbot-driven learning, Tom shares sharp insights and practical ideas for rethinking how we support performance at work.

Connect with Tom

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdowall/

Website: https://tommcdowall.com/

The iDeas Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvjaaAi-H8MW_yYwpqgtKXgL15cFaKhd

Instructional Design Tips YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/InstructionalDesignTips

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What does it really take to build a learning strategy that sticks? In this episode, Michelle Ockers helps unpack the difference between tactical execution and strategic clarity. From shifting the conversation from skills to capability, to evaluating learning as a tool for improvement, and not just as proof, Michelle shares practical, grounded advice for L&D leaders. We talk about working with culture (not against it), why deep consultation beats quick fixes, and how to use data for improvement, not just for validation. If you’re thinking about how learning creates value for your business, this conversation will meet you right where you are - strategic, practical, and refreshingly honest.

Connect with Michelle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/

Websites: https://michelleockers.com/ and https://learninguncut.global/

Book: The L&D Leader - Principles and Practice for Delivering Business Value: https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/the-l-d-leader-9781398620278

Referenced Material

Future of Jobs Report 2025, The World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/

Articles:

- CLO LIFT: The Skills Accelerator: https://learningforum.substack.com/p/clo-lift-the-skills-accelerator

- Feedback culture: Great learning design as a bridge to culture building: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/feedback-culture-great-learning-design-as-a-bridge-to-culture-building

Podcast Episodes:

- McKinsey’s Feedback Skills Surge – Lisa Christensen: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/163/

- Playbook – Your First 90 Days in an L&D Leader Role: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/138/

- Building Learning Culture – Nigel Paine: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-05-building-learning-culture/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What if service wasn’t just a department, but a way of thinking across your entire organization?

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Ron Kaufman - global expert on service culture and best-selling author of Uplifting Service - joins us to break down what it really takes to build a culture of continuous service improvement. We explore why mindset can't be taught in a day, how tools and actions shape culture, and why service is about creating value for everyone you interact with - not just customers. Practical, powerful, and yes, even a little funny - you won’t look at service the same way again.

Connect with Ron

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronkaufman/

Website: https://www.ronkaufman.com/

Books: https://www.ronkaufman.com/books/

The Six Levels of Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iktw-KhAq-g

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this solo episode, Srividya Kumar explores the power of practice in learning and why it's a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective training. She discusses how focusing too much on theory can hinder learners from applying their knowledge. Drawing on real-world examples, Srividya shares how practice scenarios can help learners gain confidence by simulating real-life challenges. She also unveils her personal framework for designing impactful practice scenarios that foster skill application and build confidence. Tune in for practical insights on enhancing your training programs through effective scenario design.

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Dr. Nigel Paine explores what it truly means to build a learning culture. He challenges the obsession with perfect courses, emphasizing the need to focus on impact instead. From the power of psychological safety to the role of leadership vulnerability, Nigel shares how organizations can create lasting change. Plus, we discuss how AI can go beyond content creation to enhance learning in the flow of work.

If you’re ready to rethink learning, this conversation is a must-listen.

Connect with Nigel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelpaine/

Website: https://www.nigelpaine.com/

Book - The Great Reset: https://ldaccelerator.com/great-reset

Other Books

The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization, by Peter M. Senge: https://a.co/d/bHztmM7

On Organizational Learning, by Chris Argyris: https://amzn.in/d/1KyaqJ5

Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling, by Edgar Schein: https://a.co/d/3rVOHl2

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Matthew Richter joins host Srividya Kumar to explore the powerful connection between motivation, leadership, and learning. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Matthew discusses how fulfilling core psychological needs - competence, autonomy, and relatedness - is key to fostering lasting motivation. He shares practical insights on how to create environments that empower individuals, enhance engagement, and drive performance. Whether you're in leadership or learning design, this episode provides actionable strategies for building motivated, high-performing teams.

Connect with Matt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-richter-0738b84/

Website: https://www.thiagi.com/

Books: https://www.thiagi.com/books

The LDA Conference (April-May 2025)

Register Here: https://ldaccelerator.com/eipconference

Use discount code: EIP10MR (gives you 10% off)

Book Recommendations

Fluke, by Brian Klaas: https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Chance-Chaos-Everything-Matters/dp/1668006529

Corruptible, by Brian Klaas: https://www.amazon.com/Corruptible-Who-Gets-Power-Changes/dp/1982154098

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Margie Meacham, the “Brain Lady,” has dedicated her career to understanding how our brains learn and how that knowledge can shape more effective training. A pioneer in integrating neuroscience with learning design, she’s also been a trailblazer in using AI to create personalized learning experiences.

In this episode, Margie shares how neuroscience and AI are changing the landscape of learning and why every L&D professional should consider how the brain works when designing learning solutions. Tune in for practical insights that will help you take your learning strategies to the next level.

Learningtogo AI Academy

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Connect with Margie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margiemeacham/

Blog: https://learningtogo.ai/learn/

Margie’s book on Neuroscience: Brain Matters

Margie’s book on AI in Talent Development

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Most workplace training falls short - not because we lack research, but because we fail to apply it well.

In this episode, Clark Quinn joins us to unpack what it really takes to make learning stick. We talk about why recall alone isn’t enough, how to design practice that drives real performance, and why so many learning programs get engagement wrong. Plus, Clark shares his take on AI in learning - where it helps, where it misleads, and where we should be cautious.

If you care about designing learning that actually works, this episode is for you.

Clark Quinn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/

Website: https://quinnovation.com/

Blog: https://blog.learnlets.com/

Books: https://quinnovation.com/books.html

Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Srividya Kumar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Most workplace training stops at delivering information - but does that actually help people apply what they’ve learned? In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Christy Tucker joins us to explore how scenario-based learning bridges the gap between knowledge and action. We discuss how practice and feedback build confidence, when branching scenarios are most effective, and how to get stakeholder buy-in. If you’ve ever struggled with making learning stick, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Christy Tucker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christytucker/

Blog + Website: https://christytuckerlearning.com/

Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Srividya Kumar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, we chat with Satyarup Siddhanta, an extraordinary mountaineer and Guinness World Record holder, who defied asthma to conquer the highest peaks in the world. Satyarup’s journey is one of perseverance, mental toughness, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. From near-death experiences to skiing at the South Pole, he shares powerful lessons on overcoming setbacks, pushing past self-limiting beliefs, and adapting to new challenges. Tune in for a conversation that proves the only real limits are the ones we impose on ourselves.

Satyarup Siddhanta

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyarupsiddhanta/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyarup_Siddhanta

Website: https://satyarupsiddhanta.com/

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNu1j8FoyQ

Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Srividya Kumar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/