Podcast
#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking Coffee
Hosted by Chris Van Wingerden, Paul Schneider · EN
Grab your favorite brew (ours is coffee ☕) and sit down with Paul Schneider and Chris Van Wingerden from dominKnow.
Together they unpack the real-world headaches L&D pros face — managing learning content creation, operations, and proving business value.
Expect lively chats with guest experts and practical tips you can plug straight into your learning strategies or development workflows.
Whether you’re a veteran L&D leader or a brand-new instructional designer, tune in for strategic, technology, and business insights into L&D operational excellence.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Conversation L&D Teams Should Be Having About AI
Jan 3000:46:33Tap to summarizeDoes your organization’s AI adoption feel scattered? All too often, teams are treating a strategic transformation like just another software rollout. Megan Torrance joins IDIODC with a better framework — one grounded in systems thinking. She maps the three zones where AI impacts learning organizations and the nature of training work itself, and the 14 conversations that organizations need to be having as we further our implementations of new tools and processes.Drawing from her forthcoming book, Megan shares the planning dimensions most learning teams overlook. From workforce impact to governance to change management, she reveals why cross-functional collaboration matters just as much as technical prowess. This conversation previews strategic concepts your team should explore now. Her upcoming webinar dives deep into the AI Implementation Canvas framework with actionable strategies._______Megan Torrance is the CEO and Founder of TorranceLearning, where she partners with organizations to create transformational learning experiences. A recognized thought leader in learning innovation, she created the LLAMA® methodology for instructional design and pioneered xAPI and learning analytics for L&D.Her upcoming book, The AI Implementation Guide for L&D (June 2026), introduces the AI Implementation Canvas, a strategic framework for AI adoption. Megan developed the W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I. framework for responsible AI use and founded the LIT community. As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, she brings systems thinking to help L&D professionals design for change. She co-hosts the Tangents with TorranceLearning podcast and offers the AI Driver's Permit course. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, scale, and deliver learning that maximizes employee value.
Transcribe →From Overwhelm to Order: Managing L&D People and Processes
Jan 1600:44:03Tap to summarizeManaging learning at scale requires mastering both psychology and process. Guieswende Rouamba joins IDIODC to reveal why projects succeed or fail — rarely because of content, but because of broken human dynamics. Using Transactional Analysis, he'll explain how to move stakeholders from resistance to genuine collaboration, transforming "order taker" teams into strategic partners.But psychology needs operational discipline to scale. Guieswende will unpack how rigorous scoping prevents "dead projects" (built but never launched), protects teams from burnout, and keeps budgets intact against scope creep. As AI accelerates production timelines, this operational spine becomes even more critical. Learn how to build repeatable processes that scale from one course to fifty — and prepare your team for an AI-enabled future where instructional designers manage portfolios, not individual courses._____Dr. Guieswende Rouamba is an instructional designer, author, and advocate for bringing project management discipline to the learning design profession. With a PhD in Instructional Design and Technology and over a decade of experience managing large-scale course development, he has seen firsthand how poor scoping and misaligned stakeholders derail even the best-designed content.His book, The Instructional Designer's Guide to Project Management, bridges the gap between learning theory and operational reality, emphasizing the "human side" of project success through frameworks like Transactional Analysis and the SCARF model. Currently at the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, Guieswende leads teams developing high-enrollment courses (500-1000 students) while championing the idea that instructional designers need to master both psychology and process to thrive in today's fast-paced L&D environments. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →Real-Time Learning Measurement and Training Optimization
Dec 500:43:14Tap to summarizeDr. Alaina Szlachta, founder of By Design Development Solutions and the Measurement Made Easy community, tackles a critical challenge facing L&D teams today. How do you shift from measuring learning activities to measuring actual business outcomes? Her expertise in sustainable assessment frameworks addresses the real-world struggle of proving learning impact when executive leadership demands concrete ROI evidence.We'll discuss how to create data-enabled training programs that deliver real-time insights and transform your L&D role. Dr. Szlachta will share practical measurement strategies that align training with organizational goals and optimize program effectiveness during delivery. Learn how to evolve from a reactive service provider into a strategic partner who drives measurable performance improvements across the organization.----------------------------Dr. Alaina Szlachta, an academic-turned-entrepreneur, founded By Design Development Solutions to help learning leaders use data strategically to drive measurable impact. Drawing on her background as a researcher and public health educator, she specializes in data strategy and systems implementation — from collection and analysis to sustainable workflows. Her approach transforms how L&D teams measure training, shifting focus from activity metrics to actual business outcomes and ROI.As author of the ATD Press book "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," Dr. Szlachta makes M&E accessible regardless of expertise or resources. Through her Measurement Made Easy community and speaking engagements, she equips L&D leaders with the data literacy needed to become strategic business partners. She's recognized for practical frameworks that help organizations build real-time assessment systems and prove learning impact at scale. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →Making Learning Stick: Strategic Reflection Activities for Enterprise L&D
Nov 2100:41:43Tap to summarizeTraining that doesn't transfer is training that wastes budget. Katrina Kennedy joins IDIODC with a solution that addresses every L&D leader's biggest challenge: proving learning works. Her systematic reflection methodology turns ineffective training into measurable business impact through strategic design choices.Kennedy's "Learning That Lasts" framework provides the quality assurance system L&D operations need. We'll discuss how reflection activities strengthen memory consolidation and skill application across virtual and in-person environments. Discover practical tools for building reflection into content production workflows while tracking the performance outcomes that matter to executives._____________Katrina Kennedy is known as the "trainer's trainer" with over 27 years of experience helping organizations create learning that actually works. She's empowered more than 46,000 learners across state agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and Fortune 500 companies through evidence-based training methods that drive real results. Kennedy holds a Master's in Human Resource Management and Development from Chapman University and specializes in training design, virtual engagement, and reflection strategies that ensure learning transfers to job performance.Kennedy is the author of "Learning That Lasts: Reflection Activities for Trainers and Designers," featuring over 45 research-backed activities organized around eight strategic outcomes. She's a regular ATD Conference speaker and contributor to TD Mag, sharing practical insights that help L&D professionals design engaging experiences that create lasting behavioral change. Kennedy also founded the Let's Learn Together L&D Community and shares resources at katrinakennedy.com. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →Skills-First Organizations: Content, People, and Performance Alignment
Nov 600:41:41Tap to summarizeThe gap between skills aspirations and reality is costing enterprises millions in learning inefficiency. Koreen Pagano, renowned skills transformation expert and Chief Product Officer at Build Capable, joins IDIODC to discuss how L&D leaders can bridge this divide through strategic data architecture and operational excellence.From content tagging methodologies that actually work to building cross-functional governance structures, Koreen will share actionable insights for scaling skills initiatives. Discover why traditional competency approaches fail, how to establish trust in skills data, and the practical steps to transform learning operations into a strategic business asset.___________________Koreen Pagano is a product executive and skills transformation expert with 25+ years driving organizational change at companies ranging from startups to global enterprises. As Chief Product Officer at Build Capable and co-founder of Rising Tide Cooperative, she specializes in AI integration, skills strategy, and enterprise learning transformation. Her career includes product leadership roles at LinkedIn Learning, Degreed, Wiley, and D2L, where she pioneered innovative approaches to corporate learning and skills development.Koreen is the author of "Building the Skills-Based Organization: A Blueprint for Transformation" (September 2025) and "Immersive Learning". She holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University and is a frequent speaker and advisor on skills-based organizational change. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →The Rigor and Relevance of Assessment: Blending Learning Science with AI
Oct 2400:44:54Tap to summarizeTraditional assessments are often rigid, resource-heavy, and fail to fully capture on-the-job impact. In this session, Garima Gupta, founder of Artha Learning and creator of AIReady, shares a practical blueprint for modernizing assessments without losing scientific rigor.Drawing from her experience designing AI-enabled assessment systems for enterprise clients, Garima demonstrates how to keep the bedrock principles of validity, reliability, and fairness at the forefront, while using AI to scale assessment quality across thousands of learners.She breaks down:- Defining "Good": How L&D leaders can design assessments that measure and support learners. - Augmenting the Expert: Practical ways to use Generative AI as a drafting and refinement partner while keeping human oversight central.- The Future of Feedback: How adaptive AI-powered assessments can provide personalized, real-time feedback that accelerates skill development at scale.Garima’s message is clear: science comes first, and AI is the multiplier. This session will equip learning leaders with both the strategic lens and tactical playbook to transform assessments into a reliable driver of workforce capability and business impact.__________Garima Gupta is the Founder and CEO of Artha Learning Inc., an award-winning learning design firm based in Toronto, and creator of AIReady, an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional assessments into personalized evaluation systems. With over 20 years of experience in L&D, software engineering, and education, she holds an MEd in Adult Education and is a Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP).Garima is a sought-after keynote speaker at major conferences including ATD and DevLearn, sharing insights on AI integration in enterprise L&D and innovative assessment strategies. Her company has earned numerous international awards including Brandon Hall Awards and the Stevie Award for Canadian Small Business of the Year 2022. Beyond her business achievements, she serves on educational advisory committees and supports education initiatives, including sponsoring ten primary schools in rural India. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →Rethinking Microlearning: Moving Beyond 'Short and Cheap'
Oct 1000:46:16Tap to summarizeStop treating microlearning as "just short training" — and start tackling the misconceptions that kill most implementations. Robyn A. Defelice cuts through the hype to reveal what L&D leaders consistently miss when rolling out microlearning initiatives.Robyn will arm you with the critical questions that expose whether your organization is truly ready for microlearning success. Discover the hidden roadblocks sabotaging your campaigns, learn to assess your team's real capacity, and walk away knowing exactly what questions to ask about your unique situation._______Robyn A. Defelice is a learning and development strategist and co-author of "Microlearning: Short and Sweet" with Karl Kapp. Cornell-certified in systems thinking, she specializes in helping L&D teams bridge strategy and operations while building organizational readiness for learning initiatives.Known for her data-driven research on training development timelines and extensive work with ATD's industry benchmarks, Robyn focuses on moving L&D functions from reactive service providers to strategic business partners. Her upcoming book "Maximizing the Power of Microlearning" (March 2026) addresses implementation misconceptions and provides frameworks for context-aware microlearning success. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →The New ISO Standard for L&D and Goal-Based Learning
Sep 2600:49:46Tap to summarizeJoin Dave Vance, architect of the groundbreaking ISO 30437 standard for L&D metrics, as he reveals why the first comprehensive measurement framework is a game-changer for L&D leaders.Dave shares his take on today's obsession with role/skills-based learning — and why this tunnel vision could be sabotaging your L&D impact. As an industry thought leader and former Fortune 100 CLO, he'll argue that even perfectly executed role-based learning falls short without goal-based measurement driving the strategy.Tune in to learn why you need both approaches working together to deliver maximum business impact and produce the results that matter to executive leadership._________Dr. Dave Vance is a renowned learning and development strategist who founded Caterpillar University and served as its President and Chief Learning Officer. He co-led the development of ISO 30437, the first global standard for L&D metrics, and now advises Fortune 100 companies through the ROI Institute.A former CLO of the Year award winner, Dave blends academic rigor with real-world enterprise experience to help organizations build measurement frameworks that drive measurable business impact. He is a sought-after speaker, author, and thought leader on goal-based learning, quality assurance systems, and performance-driven L&D strategy. Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
Transcribe →How L&D Can Become a Trusted Business Advisor with Jess Almlie
May 3, 2023Tap to summarizeLearning and Development leaders and their teams support many different stakeholders. But all of these stakeholders play an important role in the success of each enterprise. If our job is to help them improve their performance than we must learn to become better advisors to those lines of business.Jess Almlie joins us to talk about becoming a trusted business advisor. For Jess, this is key in doing our best work as L&D professionals. Working as a trusted business advisor allows us to get out of the order-taking business and into the business of working strategically, maximizing our use of time and resources, and creating solutions that impact the organization. If we have the trust of our business stakeholders, we can say yes strategically (saying "no" to items that won't be solved by learning and/or are just "nice to have"), be proactive in our approach, and really work collaboratively with our business stakeholders as opposed to just doing things for them.It's an important part of building your career as an L&D professional. And if you're already in a position of leadership, you'll benefit from this conversation as well. In fact, we need you to join us and share your experiences. Save your spot today!Become virtual friends with the IDIODC gang on Twitter. Remember you can always stay in the loop by searching through the #IDIODC tag:Brent: @BSchlenkerChris: @Chris_V_WIDIODC: @TeamIDIODC Brent Schlenker is dominKnow's Community Manager. Chris Van Wingerden is dominKnow's Sr. VP Learning Solutions. Want to join us live? Follow us on Crowdcast: https://www.crowdcast.io/@dominknow Brought to you by the dominKnow | ONE Platform - develop, manage, and distribute impactful L&D content – efficiently, at scale.
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