Kelley Kalbas, Relationship Manager of TrainingPros, shares insights from nearly two decades of connecting clients with top L&D consultants. Drawing on her background in instructional design and corporate training, Kelley discusses what makes consultants successful, why client relationships matter and how learning leaders can continue to grow in the field.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:19 Effective relationship management combines project knowledge with talent alignment.

03:52 Flexibility in L&D careers supports both professional and personal growth.

05:30 Consultant success depends on cultural fit, engagement and continuous learning.

07:42 Lasting professional relationships are built on trust and communication.

09:09 Top consultants demonstrate initiative, adaptability and collaboration.

11:31 Clients value strong partnerships that extend beyond transactional work.

13:08 Resources and thought leadership guide learning leaders in shaping their impact.

14:00 Challenges in L&D provide lessons that influence future approaches.

Resources Mentioned:

Kelley Kalbas

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

TrainingPros | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/trainingpros/

TrainingPros | Website

https://trainingpros.com

“Hidden Value” by Dr. Keith Keating

https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Value-Reveal-Organizational-Learning/dp/B0F749SG21

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

Frankie Robinson, Learning and Enablement Strategist of TrainingPros, shares her journey from classroom teaching to corporate L&D, the power of trust in driving training impact, and how AI is transforming the way organizations deliver learning. She also highlights the importance of building stakeholder buy-in and using innovative tools like custom GPTs to create realistic practice scenarios.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:01 Transitioning into L&D can be supported by transferable skills and continuous learning.

04:31 Building networks and professional relationships is essential for success in L&D.

08:15 Trust in L&D partnerships is strengthened through consistent communication and supportive actions.

13:14 Stakeholder buy-in is key to ensuring training programs create lasting organizational impact.

17:31 AI is reshaping L&D by centralizing knowledge and making learning resources more accessible.

21:37 Simulation-based learning enhances skill development and learner confidence in L&D programs.

25:18 Personal growth habits contribute to stronger alignment and results in L&D initiatives.

27:56 Using frameworks to focus on what’s within our control helps L&D professionals manage change effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

Frankie Robinson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-robinson-idd/

TrainingPros | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/trainingpros/

TrainingPros | Website

https://trainingpros.com

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey

https://www.amazon.com/7-Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/1416502491

Sana Labs

https://sanalabs.com/

The Power of Covey’s Circle of Concern, Influence, and Control

https://www.modern.works/blog/the-power-of-coveys-circle-of-concern-influence-and-control

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

In this episode, Leigh Hurst, Relationship Manager of TrainingPros, shares insights from her 30+ years of experience in learning and development, elaborating on the impact of combining corporate, nonprofit and academic work to create meaningful change. She also speaks about her passion for client partnerships and how her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor inspired her to found a nonprofit that has saved lives through creative awareness campaigns.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:59 A career rooted in instructional design and behavior change sets the foundation for lifelong work in L&D.

02:58 Corporate and technology-based training experience shows the power of simulation for learning.

04:57 Strategic, consultative partnerships create better client outcomes.

08:05 Consultants gain access to meaningful projects through TrainingPros.

10:55 Flexibility and proactive communication build lasting client trust.

17:30 Personal experience inspires advocacy for early breast cancer detection.

20:49 Adversity teaches us to align our work with our personal values and priorities.

24:08 Workplace flexibility enables professionals to balance career growth and family life.

Resources Mentioned:

Leigh Hurst

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

TrainingPros | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/trainingpros/

TrainingPros | Website

https://trainingpros.com

leighhurst.com

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

Michelle Lentz, Principal and Lead Strategist of AI and Change Management at Innovate-Elevate Strategies, LLC, joins us to discuss the intersection of AI and Learning and Development, offering practical insights on overcoming fear, building trust and using AI as a tool rather than a crutch. With 20 years of experience in HR and L&D, Michelle helps organizations shape their AI strategies with a human-first approach, focusing on ethics, governance and employee engagement.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:45 Using AI to empower learners and improve L&D effectiveness.

05:13 AI tools can streamline analysis of L&D data, saving significant time and effort.

09:22 Governance and oversight are crucial to ensure ethical AI use in L&D programs.

11:39 Curiosity, empathy and critical thinking are key human skills for L&D teams.

12:47 AI will drive more adaptive and personalized L&D experiences for learners.

17:03 Starting small with AI pilots helps L&D teams experiment and build confidence.

18:46 Tracking efficiency and productivity shows L&D’s ROI with AI.

20:18 L&D professionals can stay relevant by becoming fluent in AI tools and governance practices.

Resources Mentioned:

Michelle Lentz

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

Innovate-Elevate Strategies, LLC | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovate-elevate-strategies/

Innovate+Elevate Strategies, LLC | Website

https://www.innovate-elevate.ai

Creative Commons

https://creativecommons.org/

Zapier | Website

https://zapier.com/

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

On this episode, Zachary Beasley, Director of Enterprise Learning of Synovus, shares his journey into L&D, his vision for the future, and the skills that matter most in today’s workplace. Zachary discusses how AI, predictive tools and simulation-based training are influencing the industry while emphasizing the importance of curiosity, critical thinking and human connection. He also highlights the role of mentorship, the potential of global learning solutions and the value of multiple sources when making informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction

03:44 Transitioning into L&D was driven by the desire to make a broader impact.

04:43 The shift toward in-the-moment learning changes how knowledge is applied.

06:17 AI and simulation-based training are shaping the future of learning.

08:59 Predictive learning offers more personalized development opportunities.

11:33 Human connection remains central to effective workplace learning.

12:41 Critical thinking and curiosity are essential skills in L&D.

15:52 Gathering knowledge in L&D requires multiple sources.

Resources Mentioned:

Zachary Beasley

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

Synovus | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/synovus/

Synovus | Website

http://www.synovus.com

OpenSesame

https://www.opensesame.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Training Magazine

https://trainingmag.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Gartner

https://www.gartner.com/en?utm_source=chatgpt.com

American Banker

https://www.americanbanker.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

“The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle

https://danielcoyle.com/the-culture-code/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

Kari Borroel, Executive Director, Head of Operations Quality Learning and Development, GxP Learning, of AstraZeneca, shares her journey into L&D, the changes shaping the industry and her vision for the future of learning transformation. Kari reflects on the impact of AI, the importance of aligning learning with business strategy and the essential skill of flexibility in a rapidly evolving environment.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:33 Many professionals find their way into L&D through unexpected opportunities.

03:53 A passion for continuous learning is essential for long-term career growth.

05:23 AI is driving significant change in L&D, while traditional training models are shifting toward more impactful learning.

07:24 Future trends in L&D include faster content creation, automation and smarter integration with business strategy.

08:01 Senior leaders are beginning to recognize L&D as a critical driver of organizational success.

09:12 Mentorship plays a vital role in developing leadership capabilities and resilience.

11:12 Flexibility is one of the most important skills for adapting to constant change.

13:42 Leadership development requires rethinking old habits and adapting to new approaches.

Resources Mentioned:

Kari Borroel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-borroel-mba-619a593/

AstraZeneca | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrazeneca/

AstraZeneca | Website

http://www.astrazeneca.com

Bersin

https://www.bersin.com

Harvard Business Review

https://hbr.org/

“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith

https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

On this episode, Mary Beth Thornton, Director, Organizational Learning and Development of AdventHealth, discusses the evolution of L&D through the lens of skills, business partnership and the integration of AI. She reflects on her career journey, from higher education to enterprise learning, and highlights the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Mary Beth also shares her thoughts on mentoring, the future of personalized learning and the resources she turns to for growth.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:40 L&D can drive workforce development through strategic programming.

05:00 Industry shifts are placing greater emphasis on skills and AI.

08:06 AI is reshaping how skills and personalized development connect.

10:05 Mentorship can take many forms and evolve over time.

12:22 L&D offers diverse entry points and rewarding career opportunities.

13:03 Foundational skills like agility and communication remain essential.

14:55 Staying current in L&D requires tapping into multiple learning sources.

16:56 Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in leadership and influence.

Resources Mentioned:

Mary Beth Thornton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-thornton/

AdventHealth | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventhealth/

AdventHealth | Website

https://www.adventhealth.com/

ATD

https://www.td.org/

Harvard Spark

https://www.harvardbusiness.org/hbr-spark/

“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss

https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

Tom Lahoud, SVP, Learning Advisor Senior Lead, HR of Citi, discusses his career path in learning and development, the evolving relationship between L&D and HR, and emerging trends shaping the future of workplace learning. He shares his perspectives on adaptive and experiential learning, workforce reskilling and the critical skills learning professionals need to become trusted advisors.

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction.

(01:34) Early experiences in L&D helped build a foundation for creating engaging learning programs.

(05:17) Closer alignment between L&D and HR strengthens support for business and talent needs.

(07:24) Adaptive learning, experiential learning and reskilling are emerging as core priorities in L&D.

(08:27) Personalized learning paths in L&D better address varied skill levels and learner needs.

(09:36) Immersive, simulation-driven learning boosts engagement and application in L&D initiatives.

(10:33) Reskilling within L&D must target both technical skills and interpersonal effectiveness.

(12:21) Mentorship, including insights from mentees, can enhance L&D leadership development.

(14:28) Advisory capability, combining change agility, stakeholder management and strategic thinking, is vital for L&D professionals.

(16:11) Performance-focused strategies in L&D should be prioritized over default training approaches.

Resources Mentioned:

Tom Lahoud

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

Citi | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/citi/

Citi | Website

http://www.citigroup.com

Gartner L&D

https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/learning-and-development

LinkedIn Learning

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/

Training Industry Magazine

https://trainingindustry.com/magazine/

“Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck

https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322

“The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M. R. Covey

https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-TRUST-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/1416549005

“Own Your Authority” by Marisa Santoro

https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Authority-Confidence-Communicate/dp/126425816X

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining