In this episode, I chat with Dr. Carrie Graham about how to consult with intention in the learning space, specifically how to treat clients and organizations with patience, respect, and grace when you begin work with them and have to tell them they're doing things wrong or poorly.

Carrie is a Learning Solutions Architect known for translating executive vision into tangible performance outcomes. She specializes in designing training strategies that align with organizational values, support business goals, and deliver measurable impact—often within just 90 days. Carrie’s strategic approach has led to a 40% reduction in onboarding time, an 85% improvement in knowledge retention, and a 3x return on training investment. Her work ensures consistent execution across all levels of an organization, seamlessly integrating learning with broader business strategy to drive real, scalable results.

Carrie's suggestion for someone getting started with consulting to try an focus in their strategy/vision? The best resource is your mind -- you have to understand your own process and document it so that you can implement it.

Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig, if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode, I chat with Hanan Harb Sahourieh, author of Everybody, Be Cool! 6 Personal Development Lessons to Elevate Your Workplace Vibe. We talk about what it really takes to level up at work, from asking tough questions to embracing self-awareness -- with plenty of pop culture and real talk along the way.

Hanan Harb Sahourieh is a writer, workshop facilitator, and learning & development strategist with over 20 years of experience in writing, marketing, and workforce development.

As the author of 'Everybody, Be Cool!'—a practical (and real) guide to employee growth and communication—she’s captivated audiences as a keynote speaker at events like the ATD Sacramento Learning Conference and UKG’s Thrive Summit. Her insights have been featured in top industry outlets, including Training Industry, eLearning Industry, Chief Learning Officer, and Big Think.

Hanan’s mission is simple: to help people and organizations grow, connect, and thrive by developing essential skills like empathy, introspection, and curiosity. Learn more about her work and approach at everybody-be-cool.com.

Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig, if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

Linnéa Sjögren is a Stockholm-based educational training professional passionate about creating learning opportunities. With extensive experience in planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating various types of training, she creates everything from classroom training to blended learning and e-learning.

Having worked in organizations that haven't always had the resources to hire external support, Linnéa has developed the skills to build everything from start to finish. Instructor materials, participant materials, exercises, videos, audio files, podcasts, and infographics are just a few of the things she can produce.

More about her work can be found at www.linneasjogren.se, and her educational tips are available under the hashtag #pedagogiskaverktygsladan or at www.pedagogiskaverktygsladan.wordpress.com.

Linnéa's suggestion on honing in on your freelance skills? Ask your favorite AI or a friend "What it is I do that is so great?"

Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig, if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode I answer the question "What process, model, or framework do you use for needs analysis? Does it have to be a formal process?"

For some great questions to ask during needs analysis, visit the Ultimate Guide to Working with SMEs on the Useful Stuff website.

For more on Roger Kaufman's work, I highly suggest visiting the HPT Treasures website!

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

On this episode, my friend, Lata Hamilton, returns to talk about her new book, Pioneer Your Career Change. Lata shares stories from her own career that taught her to have the confidence to do the kind of work she loves - and how you can find work that excites you too.

Lata Hamilton is a Change Leadership and Confidence expert who empowers ambitious women to carve their own paths in career, leadership, and life with confidence, authenticity, and fulfillment. A speaker, author, leadership trainer, and consultant, Lata has worked with some of Australia’s largest companies on transformative initiatives, including global cultural shifts, digital innovations, and operating model changes impacting thousands. After tripling her salary in just three years to nearly $200,000, she is on a mission to help millennial women find their worth, step into their leadership, and embrace the magic of change.

Make sure you go back and listen to Lata talk with me about change management in L&D on episode 55.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

To end the year on a high note and to continue the celebration of 100 episodes of the BLOC, I'm sharing a replay of the #1 most downloaded episode of the BLOC of all time - a chat I had with my L&D BFF, Tim Slade.

Tim Slade is a speaker, author, award-winning freelance eLearning designer, and creator of The eLearning Designer’s Academy. Having spent the last decade working to help others elevate their eLearning and visual communications content, Tim has been recognized and awarded within the eLearning industry multiple times for his creative and innovative design aesthetics. Tim is also a regular speaker at international eLearning and instructional design conferences, a LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of The eLearning Designer’s Handbook.

I took it upon myself to recommend Tim's free community of eLearning professionals to anyone who is looking to get into instructional design.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

It's the 100th episode of the BLOC! On this episode, I reflect on how this podcast turned into an L&D business and how human connection is what separates us from the robots.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

This special episode is a replay of a live podcast recording I did with Tom McDowall on November 15 in London as part of the Learning Network's Connect 2024 conference.

You can also find the replay (with video) on Tom's The iDeas Podcast.

I also highly recommend joining The Learning Network if you want to connect with other brilliant L&D folks!

In the episode, Tom suggests everyone read Human Competence by Thomas Gilbert.

To learn more and get more great resources:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our global Useful L&D Community
• Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff