Everyone has a comfort zone. But what this comfort zone looks like is unique to you. So how can you push out of that comfort zone to do more, accomplish more, and grow in ways you’ve always wanted (but may have never thought possible)? Ron Zamir and Jessie Wirkus share their ideas in this thought-provoking, meaningful discussion for learning leaders. Listen in on the conversation to think deeper about what it means to identify your personal comfort zone—and stakeholders’ comfort zones—to streamline the design process, enhance the learning experience, heighten engagement, and revolutionize learning in new, success-driven ways. 

Takeaways:

1. Curiosity is essential for understanding and innovating within comfort zones.
2. Identifying comfort zones helps in determining the right innovations to pursue.
3. Incremental innovation can be as impactful as big changes.
4. AI can streamline the design process and enhance creativity.
5. Effective learning experiences often require stepping outside traditional methods.
6. Client engagement is crucial for successful learning design.
7. Using data from learners can inform better design decisions.
8. Innovation is about daring to do things differently, not just improving existing methods.
9. Reflective activities can be enhanced through AI tools.
10. Personal interests can lead to unique insights in learning design.

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How do you earn a seat at the table as a learning leader? In this episode, Ron Zamir and Lori Niles-Hofmann reveal the secret: run your L&D like a business. Their insights help leaders take a proactive stance, govern AI use for enhanced personalization, balance context and content, and create critical connections with key stakeholders to establish a strategy capable of defending decisions with data and turning any L&D challenge into an opportunity.

Top Takeaways

• Data is essential for proactive learning organizations.
• Structural challenges can be transformed into opportunities.
• Governance should focus on quality and outcomes, not control.
• Understanding the learning ecosystem is crucial for effective learning.
• Contextualizing learning is more important than just content delivery.
• Stakeholder management requires speaking their language and using data.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize learning experiences.
• Learning takes time and should be viewed as an investment.
• The current generation of learning professionals is open to innovative approaches.

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Every industry has its own unique L&D challenges and opportunities. In healthcare, there’s a critical intersection between innovation and learning that, when embraced right, can be a valuable tool to improve outcomes. In this episode, Ron Zamir meets with Gina Montefusco, Sr. Director of Culture and Strategic Initiatives at UnitedHealth Group, to explore what it means to innovate and scale for a large healthcare organization—while engaging leadership, enhancing technology, and employing practical project planning strategies to make an impact.

Takeaways

• Gina's journey from nursing to learning leadership showcases the importance of diverse experiences.
• Scaling innovation in healthcare requires balancing standard practices with new approaches.
• Engaging leadership is crucial for successful learning initiatives.
• Data-driven decision-making helps in navigating reactive expectations.
• Resistance can be a valuable source of feedback for improvement.
• Proactive planning is essential for effective project management.
• Understanding the end goals of training is key to success.
• Leveraging technology can enhance learning experiences significantly.
• Creating a culture of continuous learning is vital for organizational growth.
• Reflecting on past experiences can guide future career decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Innovation in Learning

03:09 Gina's Journey from Nursing to Learning Leadership

05:53 Navigating Scale and Innovation in Healthcare

08:40 Proactive vs Reactive Approaches in Learning

11:28 Engaging Leadership for Successful Learning Initiatives

14:01 Practical Tools for Project Planning in Learning

16:24 Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Learning Experiences

19:13 Reflections on a Learning Journey

21:18 Outro with Art.mp4

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L&D has a rich history, and yet, there’s always more to learn—and new ways to innovate—each day. With a surprise role switch, Michael Noble, EVP of AllenComm Advisory, has moved from interviewer to interviewee as he discusses how leaders can prepare for the future of L&D. His conversation with Ron Zamir highlights the importance of AI, governance strategies, using existing resources more effectively for cost savings, and even the shift from instructional methods of the past to what works best today. They also cover the skills L&D leaders need to invest in to stand apart as professionals in their industry over the coming years.

Top Takeaways

• Advisory services focus on empowering clients to make informed decisions.
• Many organizations face redundancies in their tech stacks due to acquisitions.
• Governance is often misunderstood as compliance, but it can be empowering.
• AI is rapidly changing the landscape of learning technology.
• Organizations need to optimize their tech stacks to reduce costs.
• The importance of measurement and impact in L&D is crucial.
• Future L&D professionals should focus on adaptability and critical thinking.
• The shift from builder to editor reflects the evolving role of L&D professionals.
• Governance can create opportunities for innovation and growth in organizations.

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In this episode of LX Evolution, host Michael Noble speaks with Ron Zamir, CEO of AllenComm, about the transformative impact of AI on the Learning and Development (L&D) industry. They discuss AllenComm's journey in integrating AI into their processes, the importance of exploration and discovery in AI implementation, and how to measure success and innovation. The conversation also covers the significance of governance in AI adoption, the challenges and opportunities in investing in AI technologies, and key takeaways for learning leaders navigating this evolving landscape.

Takeaways

1. AI is a transformative force in the L&D industry.
2. Exploration and discovery are crucial for effective AI implementation.
3. Governance can accelerate AI adoption by building trust.
4. Learning leaders must lean into existing technologies.
5. Experimentation with AI tools is essential for innovation.
6. Measuring success is key to understanding AI's impact.
7. Client comfort zones must be understood and stretched.
8. The barrier to entry for AI solutions is low.
9. Investing in AI should focus on enhancing learning experiences.
10. Don't hesitate to demand more from vendors.

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What’s the secret to getting buy in and other support (so you don’t have to do it all yourself)? Michael Noble and Amanda Myton, Head of Learning and Development at Snowflake, discuss how AI and data-driven strategies can help. Especially today, when L&D teams are smaller than ever—but the asks have only gotten larger—being able to customize training and collaborate effectively across teams is critical to making your next initiative a success.

Top Takeaways

• The team is building a leadership foundation with a people leader code.
• AI is being used to identify and level skills effectively.
• Organizational culture must be co-built, not just top-down.
• Building modular training programs allows for flexibility and reuse.
• Collaboration with stakeholders is crucial for success.
• Generative AI accelerates the creation of customized learning content.
• The future of learning involves creating tools for learners to develop themselves.
• Mentorship matching is being prototyped to enhance career development.
• The shift from traditional training models to more agile approaches is essential.

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In some ways, people are not so different from our technology counterparts… and yet, there are so many special things that only a human can do. This episode follows a conversation between Michael Noble and Alison Shea, Coretography Chief of Global Learning Strategy, as they discuss Alison’s personal philosophy on change—that is, while innovations like AI provide incredible opportunities for those who can embrace them in their daily work and personal lives, the humanity behind learning is a unique force that drives the success of transformational change.

Takeaways

• Allison Shea is a fourth-generation educator with a passion for transformative learning.
• Change is constant, but growth is a choice we make.
• Effective learning should focus on retention and application, not just information acquisition.
• AI can enhance learning but requires careful implementation and ethical considerations.
• Data should be used to foster growth, not as a punitive measure.
• Transformational change often requires a strategic approach rather than just superficial adjustments.
• In regulated industries, understanding the rules can help create engaging learning experiences.
• Learning initiatives should aim to leave organizations better than they found them.
• Personalization in learning is evolving with AI, moving beyond simple name insertion.
• The future of learning will involve a partnership between AI and human insight.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Learning and Change

06:40 Navigating Change in Learning and Development

16:17 Transformational Change: A Case Study

23:45 Adapting to Change in Regulated Industries

29:37 The Future of Learning: AI and Personalization

34:28 Outro with Art.mp4

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Every leader’s L&D journey begins somewhere. For Justin Bridegan, Vice President of Training & Development at Stellar, that journey involved building an L&D department from the ground up. It wasn’t easy, but it was extremely rewarding… and even resulted in a comprehensive learning solution with over 10,000 courses. Listen as Ron and Justin discuss this transition, including working with stakeholders to get buy in, utilizing existing technology to streamline implementation, and keeping employees involved and engaged at every step to foster a lifelong culture of learning for the organization.

Takeaways

• Justin Bridegan transitioned from marketing to L&D to make a meaningful impact.
• A strong onboarding program is crucial for employee retention.
• Gaining buy-in from leadership is essential for L&D success.
• Communication and transparency help manage expectations during change.
• Leveraging existing resources can enhance training programs.
• In-house experts can provide valuable training insights.
• Personalized learning experiences improve employee engagement.
• Measuring training impact is vital for demonstrating value.
• Investing in employee development positively affects retention rates.
• Embracing challenges is key to success in L&D.

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Everyone’s comfort zone is different (especially when it comes to AI). That’s why it’s important to meet people where they are to better understand how they feel and how they learn best in a corporate training environment. In this episode, Ron Zamir and Jeff Martin, Senior Performance Consultant and Learning Strategist at AllenComm, discuss what it means to balance content and skills within someone’s comfort zone—as well as how AI can enhance creativity and effectiveness when paired with the right human oversight throughout the learning journey.

Takeaways

1. The evolution of learning experiences is crucial for 2025.
2. Performance consultants play a key role in adapting innovation.
3. Understanding comfort zones is essential for effective learning.
4. AI can enhance learning experiences but requires careful integration.
5. Balancing content and skills is vital for learner engagement.
6. Disruption is necessary to cut through the noise in corporate training.
7. AI serves as a creative partner in the learning process.
8. Human oversight is critical when using AI for content generation.
9. Meeting clients where they are fosters better learning outcomes.
10. Continuous adaptation and innovation are necessary in learning and development.

About Jeff

Jeff Martin is a senior performance consultant and learning strategist with a proven track record of integrating AI-driven solutions to create innovative, user-centric learning programs. Starting as a high school teacher in 2008, Jeff began training new teachers after his first year of teaching. He has since been a teacher facilitator for JHU, helped develop a leading edtech iPad reading comprehension app, and has worked in global training for a company out of China. Having transitioned into the corporate L&D sphere in 2016, Jeff has led significant transformations by turning complex content into scenario-based, skill-building experiences. At AllenComm, he pioneered an AI club, where his hands-on approach to up-skilling teams and driving efficiency has earned leadership recognition. In his free time, Jeff enjoys playing experimental music and Tetris. 

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Mental health has never been more important than it is now, especially when it comes to overcoming or preventing burnout in the workplace. Michael Noble and Dr. Allessandria Polizzi, founder of Verdant Consulting, take a deep dive into how learning leaders can spot the signs of burnout early, and steps they can take to build competencies around mental health as a critical aspect of employee well-being. It’s about strategic approaches—not quick fixes—to truly build a resilient, psychologically safe future.

Takeaways

1. Workplace mental health is as crucial as physical health.
2. Investing in psychological health yields a significant ROI.
3. Organizations need to build strategies, not just seek quick solutions.
4. Leadership development should include mental health competencies.
5. Loneliness and burnout are prevalent among leaders.
6. Mental health skills are essential life skills.
7. Future challenges will require resilience and coping strategies.
8. Emotional navigation is key in the age of AI.
9. Trusting the process is vital for long-term change.

Chapters

00:00 Management Burnout Awareness

06:04 The Business Case for Mental Health in the Workplace

16:42 Future Challenges and Mental Health

About Allesandria:

Dr. Allessandria Polizzi (or Dr. Al) is an award-winning and globally recognized thought leader and top-rated speaker on workplace mental health, psychological health and safety, and building resilient organizations. A former HR executive with experience in 20+ industries, she is now the CEO of Verdant Consulting, a top 20 workplace wellness provider of 2022, as well as the ISO global liaison for occupational health and safety. She also serves as an expert on psychological health and safety for professional associations, media, and the National Safety Council and recently published the Workplace Mental Health Strategy Workbook for companies to proactively address this issue. Her entertaining and informative talks inspire audiences while providing practical tactics based on decades of scientific research. Dr. Al weaves together data, stories, audience interaction, self-reflection, and her quirky sense of humor to create memorable and actionable experiences that can transform how we work.

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The pandemic has had many lasting effects, especially on patient care and vitality among health professionals worldwide. In this episode of LX Evolution, Michael Noble interviews Amy Trueblood, Senior Director of Leadership Development for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), to explore the complex challenges faced by nurse managers and how effective leadership is crucial for improving patient care and organizational outcomes.

The discussion dives deeper into AONL’s mission, as well as how that mission has contributed to innovative programs that support nurse leaders in caring for themselves—and caring for others—as they navigate what it means to become a great leader during a time when they’re needed the most.

Takeaways

1. AONL represents over 12,000 nurse leaders across various settings.
2. The transition to nurse manager practice is a significant need in nursing.
3. Nurse managers face complex challenges, including budget management and staff leadership.
4. Effective leadership development is crucial for improving patient care.
5. Programs must be accessible and evidence-based for busy nurse managers.
6. Reflective learning enhances the application of leadership skills.
7. Collaboration among leaders is essential for success.
8. Data-driven outcomes are important for evaluating program effectiveness.
9. Nursing leadership is evolving due to societal and economic pressures.
10. Mentorship and support are vital for developing future leaders.

About Amy

Amy Trueblood is a 1999 graduate of the University of Iowa with her BSN, and a 2005 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with her MS in Administrative Nursing and currently a PhD candidate at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Amy has served in progressive leadership positions in acute care, including in a CNO role, in both hospital and health care settings. Amy has experienced, firsthand, the various sources of distress, incivility, and work environment stressors facing leaders and staff in healthcare. Amy is passionate about enhancing and repairing the relationship between leaders and direct-care providers through practical application of the therapeutic relationship and theoretical foundations of nursing and nursing leadership science. Amy firmly believes that relationships, human connection, and civility are critical to developing trust and ultimately healing care providers and their leaders to transform the work environment and delivery of nursing care in all settings.

Amy is the Founder and CEO of True Anchor Consulting, LLC and served as an editor for the Laudio Insights Leader Inspired Work in that capacity. Amy’s PhD research is focused on identifying the second-victim phenomenon in nurse leaders after events in which staff or patients are harmed. Amy has served as faculty with the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) since 2017 and assumed the role of Senior Director of Leadership Development for AONL in May of 2024.

Amy and her husband Brian live in Edmond, Oklahoma with their two large lapdogs and enjoy spending time watching various sporting events and exploring the local culinary scene. Amy and Brian spend significant time at their lake house in Arkansas and enjoy visiting with their daughter, Dakota, her husband, Tyler, and grandson Axton in California every chance they get!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AONL and Amy Trueblood

03:16 Amy's Journey in Nursing Leadership

07:29 Understanding the Needs of Nursing Leaders

14:35 Challenges in Nursing Leadership Development

19:29 The On-Demand Program for Nurse Managers

24:29 Measuring Program Impact and Outcomes

25:27 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

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In an age of advancing technology, soft skills are becoming more important than ever. No machine can replicate creativity and empathy. Especially when leading teams through change, being able to embrace the humanity behind the successes and struggles is what can make all the difference in creating a culture where team members thrive.

In this episode of the Learner Experience Revolution, Michael Noble, VP of AllenComm Advisory, speaks with Jack Reid, a Leadership Development Partner at Pure Storage. They explore these topics at a deeper level from the perspective of the Simply Pure program, a new and innovative learning experience designed to create a shared understanding of company culture. Listen as they share lessons learned from the initiative, including insights into sustaining change, being adaptable, and fostering continuous improvement to overcome challenges and achieve long-term results.

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