Podcast
The Learning + Performance Podcast
Hosted by Patrick Healy · EN
The show that explores key ideas, strategies, tools, and techniques for enhancing human learning and performance.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
25 - John Sigmon on Nature for Learning, Intuition, and Leadership
Nov 1301:23:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I talk with John W. Sigmon, a Master Certified Coach (ICF), leadership activist, and author of Wild Leadership, about what nature can teach us about learning, decision-making, performance, and leadership. John shares how growing up in nature shaped his view of learning and life—and how returning to it later helped him find balance, clarity, and purpose. We explore what happens when we treat nature as both teacher and mirror, and how reconnecting with it helps us reconnect with our own instincts and intuition. It’s a conversation about slowing down to move forward, learning to trust the inner compass, and finding alignment between how we live, lead, and learn.About the GuestJohn W. Sigmon, MCC is a Master Certified Coach, leadership activist, and author who helps leaders harness intuition and authenticity to drive meaningful impact. As CEO of Sigmon Leadership Solutions, John partners with global leaders and organizations to develop future-ready leadership rooted in mindfulness, courage, and compassion.He also serves as Program Director for The Conference Board’s Senior HR Executives Councils, and as an adjunct professor and advisory board member at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.Connect with John:🌐 Website: johnsigmon.com💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnwsigmon📺 YouTube: @wildleadershipKey Topics & InsightsA fuller definition of performance as the integration of efficiency, effectiveness, and fulfillment.Curiosity as the engine of learning and the idea of letting questions guide exploration.The connection between nature and learning, and how growing up outdoors shaped John’s sense of wonder and resilience.Nature as a teacher, offering clarity, calm, creativity, and perspective.Themes from Wild Leadership and the lessons nature provides about growth, change, and interdependence.Adaptability and natural cycles as models for resilience, recovery, and renewal.How modern life disconnects us from nature through constant busyness and artificial environments.Intuition as a trainable skill, grounded in experience, reflection, and pattern recognition.Testing and calibrating intuition through journaling, feedback, and small experiments.Using natural metaphors in coaching to unlock insight and shift perspective.The power of coaching in nature for reducing mental chatter and opening new awareness.Two essential questions for intentional leadership: What is your intention? What impact do you want to have?Simple daily practices to reconnect with nature and reset the mind.A three-step noticing process—What do you notice? What are you wondering? What does it remind you of?The importance of honoring values and seeking clarity in work and leadership.Mentions and Additional Resources:Wild Leadership – John W. SigmonLetting Questions Be Your Guide (MBE Framework)Shinrin Yoku / Forest Bathing researchMindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol DweckThe Power of Intuition – Gary Klein, Harvard Business ReviewShinrin Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing – Dr. Qing LiThe Learning-Performance Connection – Harvard Business ReviewBrené Brown on “Clear is Kind, Unclear is Unkind”The Biophilia Hypothesis – research on humans’ innate affinity with natureAdaptive Leadership Framework – Ronald Heifetz and Marty LinskyTranscript & Show NotesTranscriptShow NotesConnect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design. Connect with me here and let's start making a difference in your learning and performance today:Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-healy-95924543/
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24 - Jim Young on Beating Burnout and Achieving Sustainable Performance
Oct 901:20:22Tap to summarizeEpisode OverviewBurnout isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a chronic condition that can drain energy, cloud purpose, and leave us feeling isolated or ashamed. In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with Jim Young, Director of Organizational Development at Keiter Corporation and author of Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout.After hitting burnout himself in 2018 and stepping away from corporate life, Jim went on a journey of recovery, reinvention, and reconnection. Today, he helps individuals and organizations pursue sustainable performance — balancing short-term demands with long-term health and purpose. Together, we explore what burnout really is, why it happens, and what it takes to recover and thrive.About The GuestJim Young is the Director of Organizational Development at Keiter Corporation in Western Massachusetts. He previously built a career in IT leadership and project management before experiencing burnout in 2018, which led him into coaching, writing, speaking, and teaching others about sustainable performance. Jim is also the author of Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout and a trained improv comedian. Connect with Jim:Website: thecenteredcoach.comLinkedIn: Jim YoungBook: Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout (Amazon)Key Topics & InsightsPerformance, Learning, and Purpose — Jim’s view of high performance as doing work you love, that you’re good at, and that serves something larger than yourself.What burnout really is — not momentary tiredness, but a chronic condition involving loss of purpose, confusion, isolation, comparison, and shame.Common myths about burnout — why throwing the term around too loosely can downplay its seriousness.Root causes — including isolation, unrealistic social ideals, and cultural pressure to always achieve more.Identity and masculinity — how socialized expectations of men as “providers” and “tough guys” contribute to burnout.Pillars of recovery — therapy, recovery programs, intimacy, support groups, community, and service.Balancing resources and demands — the shift from reactive to creative modes when we’re resourced enough to meet life’s challenges.Boundaries and balance in practice — Jim’s decision to step back from a stressful executive role into organizational development work that better aligns with his strengths.Leadership lessons — how distributed leadership and autonomy help organizations sustain high performance.Improv wisdom — why acceptance, presence, and partnership on stage — and in life — can lead to better outcomes.Resources Mentioned:Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout by Jim Young (Amazon)The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Amazon)4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman (Amazon)Fried: The Burnout Podcast with Kate Donovan (Podcast)Research on burnout: Christina Maslach & Michael Leiter’s work on the Maslach Burnout InventoryNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg (CNVC)Transcript & Show NotesTranscriptShow NotesConnect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design. Connect with me here and let's start making a difference in your learning and performance today:Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-healy-95924543/
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23 - Tom Brush on Needs Assessment for Learning and Performance Improvement
Aug 2101:24:26Tap to summarizeWe all want to believe we’re tackling the right problems in our work — but too often, we skip straight to solutions without understanding what’s really going on. In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tom Brush, Professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University Bloomington, to explore why needs assessment is the overlooked key to effective performance improvement.With decades of experience teaching and conducting needs assessments across K–12, higher education, the military, and grant-funded projects, Tom blends academic expertise with real-world know-how. Together, we unpack the difference between needs assessment and needs analysis, why training isn’t always the answer, and how to approach performance problems with an open, systematic, and evidence-based mindset.You’ll hear practical steps for conducting an assessment (even on a tight budget), stories that illustrate why rushing to solutions can backfire, and advice for making the case for analysis to leaders who just want to “get on with it.” Whether you’re a designer, educator, leader, or consultant, this episode will help you stop wasting time on the wrong fixes and start solving the problems that really matter.About the GuestDr. Tom Brush is a Professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University Bloomington. Over the past two decades, he has trained hundreds of master’s and doctoral students in instructional design, needs assessment, and program evaluation, while leading research on inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.Tom has authored more than 70 publications and served as PI, co-PI, or evaluator on numerous projects funded by the National Science Foundation, the Google Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. His work spans K–12, higher education, the military, and large-scale educational initiatives.Faculty Profile: education.indiana.edu/about/directory/faculty/brush-thomas.htmlEmail: tbrush@iu.edu Key Topics CoveredWhat a “need” really isThe difference between needs assessment and needs analysis.The two types of needs assessments: general vs. training.Why training is not always the right solution to a performance problem.How to approach assessments with an open, unbiased mind.A systematic process for identifying problems, collecting data, and prioritizing causes.The role of both people-related and environment-related factors in performance.How to present findings when they’re politically sensitive or unpopular.Common mistakes to avoid (bias, rushing, skipping the process entirely).How to start small with minimum viable data collection.Tools and Practices MentionedAnalyzing Performance Problems — Robert Mager & Peter Pipe (Amazon)A Practical Guide to Needs Assessment — Sleezer, Russ-Eft, Gupta (Amazon)Cathy Moore’s Action Mapping (Blog)David Wile (1996), “Why Doers Do” (PDF)Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Inquiry-based learning approachesDetailed Show Notes and TranscriptFull Show NotesTranscript🎧 Related EpisodesAlaina Szlachta on Harnessing Data Learning and Performance Improvement (Episode 17)Heidi Kirby on Making L&D More Strategic (Episode 11)Connect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design.Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-healy-95924543/
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22 - Charles "Evan" Smith on Self-Awareness for Learning, Performance, and Change
Jul 2401:31:09Tap to summarize🌟 Episode SynopsisWe all like to believe we’re self-aware—but what if we’re not as clear-eyed as we think? In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I sit down with Charles Evan Smith (known to most as Evan), a seasoned coach, consultant, and change architect, to explore why self-awareness is the hidden foundation for personal and organizational transformation.With more than 25 years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations, Evan brings a rare blend of systems thinking, neuroscience, and deep empathy to his work. Together, we discuss why self-awareness is so rare (spoiler: 90% of people think they have it, but only 10% actually do), how blind spots can derail performance, and what leaders can do to foster change from the inside out.You’ll hear stories of organizational turnarounds, powerful coaching questions like "And what else?", and research that shows how behavior monitoring can spark real growth. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or simply someone striving to grow, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools to help you raise your own self-awareness and make meaningful change.👤 About the GuestCharles Evan Smith is a coach, consultant, and facilitator with more than two decades of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate meaningful change. As the founder of Metamorphosis Management Group, Evan partners with leaders to translate self-awareness into measurable business results and lasting personal growth.He also works with Box of Crayons to deliver curiosity-led leadership programs and with Empactful Advisors to align leadership, culture, and performance. Certified in tools like the Leadership Circle Profile and ICF Team Coaching, Evan brings a unique combination of systems thinking, behavior change theory, and deep empathy for the human side of work.Website: metaMG.comLinkedIn: Charles Evan Smith🧠 Key Topics CoveredWhat self-awareness is and why it’s the foundation for personal and organizational changeThe surprising gap between perceived and actual self-awarenessHow leaders can model “learning out loud” to energize changeThe neuroscience of habits and why patterns are hard to changeTools and practices for cultivating self-awareness, from feedback loops to habit trackersCommon barriers to self-awareness and why it’s often dismissed as a soft skillPractical ways to deepen your own self-awareness and apply it to learning and performance🛠️ Tools and Practices MentionedThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierLeadership Circle 360 RallyBright Team AssessmentHabit tracking and journalingMorning intention-setting practices📝 Detailed Show Notes and TranscriptCheck out the full recap with show notes hereRead the full transcript here📚 Learn More – Further ResourcesInsight by Tasha EurichEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierWhat You Don’t Know About Making Decisions (HBR) by David GarvinAmy Edmondson on Psychological SafetyHawthorne Effect🎧 Related EpisodesJon Walker on Self-Compassion for Learning, Performance, and Joy (#21)Nicole L’Etoile on Accessibility and Inclusive Design (#20)Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety in Teams (#9)📬 Connect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I (Pat Healy) help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design.Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn: Patrick HealyConnect with me and let’s explore how we can improve your learning and performance today!
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21 - Jon Walker on Self-Compassion for Learning, Performance, and Joy
Jun 2601:14:05Tap to summarizeWhat if your inner critic is the biggest thing holding back your learning and performance? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jon Walker—retired physician, self-compassion teacher, and founder of Modestly Mindful—about why self-compassion isn't just self-care, but a powerful tool for improving our ability to learn and perform at our best. Jon and I discuss what compassion is, why it's important, and how to bring it into your work and life. Whether you’re a teacher, manager, student, or anyone navigating pressure, struggles, or setbacks, Jon makes the case for being kinder to yourself—and shows you how.👤 About the GuestDr. Jon Walker is a retired physician and certified mindful self-compassion teacher. He has completed training at UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center and holds credentials from the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. Through Modestly Mindful, Jon offers free courses and resources that make self-compassion accessible, practical, and powerful for everyday life. His past experience in high-stress clinical settings brings real credibility to his teaching.🧠 Key Topics Covered:In this episode, we explore:What self-compassion really is (and isn’t)The 3 core components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindnessThe difference between “tender” and “fierce” self-compassionCultural myths around self-compassion—especially for menJon’s personal journey from burnout to renewalWhy high performers often resist self-compassion—and need it mostHow trauma and childhood messages shape our self-talkA guided self-compassion break practice (starting around 46:00)Research on self-compassion and PTSD, healthcare, education, and moreTips for applying self-compassion in daily life, even in 30-second burstsThe concept of “backdraft” and why things sometimes get harder before they get better🧰 Tools and Practices MentionedSelf-Compassion Break (3-step real-time practice)Supportive Touch (ways to activate your body’s calming system)The Question: “What do I need right now?”Reframing the inner critic as a caring coachThe importance of practicing at “turtle speed” and customizing practices📚 Further ResourcesCenter for Mindful Self-Compassion – Home of the model developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris GermerKristin Neff, Ph.D. – Research, books, and talksPaul Gilbert’s Compassion-Focused Therapy – Especially for those with a trauma backgroundStanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education🗣️ TranscriptHERE
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#20 – Nicole L’Etoile on Designing More Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences
May 2201:05:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with Nicole L’Etoile—learning experience designer, accessibility advocate, and founder of L’Etoile Education—about how to design digital learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all learners.Nicole brings deep experience as a former educator, LMS administrator, accessibility auditor, and course creator. In our conversation, she shares actionable strategies to help learning designers and organizations create accessible content that supports every learner—not just some.Whether you’re new to accessibility or a seasoned learning pro looking to go deeper, this episode is packed with practical advice, frameworks, and resources to support your work.Topics Covered:In our conversation, we cover a range of topics relevant to learning and performance, including:What accessibility is and why it mattersThe POUR framework: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, RobustWhy accessibility is often overlooked or treated as an afterthoughtCommon accessibility barriers in online learning and how to avoid themMyths about accessible learning being "less engaging"Tools, techniques, and workflows for building accessible contentHow to conduct an accessibility auditNicole’s own journey—from educator to accessibility advocateHow accessibility work shaped her as a learner, leader, and professionalAdvice for learning designers and L&D teamsThe future of accessibility and the role of AIThe value of safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environmentsConnect with Nicole🌐 Website: letoile-education.com📧 Newsletter + Cohorts: Making Online Content Accessible for All🔗 LinkedIn: Nicole L’EtoilePeople MentionedCrystal Scott – Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) and designer of Nicole’s websiteTaylor Arnt – Accessibility and assistive tech advocate who created WCAG and AT-focused ChatGPT botsLuke Hobson – Instructional designer and founder of Instructional Design Institute; collaborator with NicoleMolly Huddle – Former Olympian and coach of Nicole’s racing teamTools and Tech Mentioned:Storyline, iSpring – E-learning authoring toolAmara – Open-source captioning and subtitling toolHemingway App – Writing tool for improving readability and plain languageFlesch-Kincaid Readability Test – Tool to assess reading level of contentChatGPT / Claude / Google Gemini – Used to interpret WCAG guidelines and assist in accessibility practicesWCAG GPT Bot by Taylor Arnt – Available hereAssistive Tech GPT by Taylor Arnt – Chatbot to simulate screen reader experienceFrameworks and Guides:WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) – Quick Reference GuidePOUR Framework – Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, RobustW3C (World Wide Web Consortium) – https://www.w3.orgWebAIM – https://webaim.orgUniversal Design for Learning (UDL) – CAST GuidelinesAccessibility Shield – https://www.accessibilityshield.comOrganizations and Platforms:L’Etoile Education – Nicole’s consulting business: https://www.letoile-education.comInstructional Design Institute by Luke Hobson – Nicole's course is hosted hereBrightspace / D2L – LMS used to deliver Nicole’s flagship accessibility courseTranscript
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#19 - Tom McDowall on Upskilling and Reskilling L&D
Apr 15, 202501:27:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I interview Tom McDowall, an experienced learning and development professional and the founder of Evolve Learning Design about the importance of upskilling and reskilling—both for the broader workforce and for L&D teams themselves. We discuss why many traditional models in the field are outdated and no longer serve us and how to skill better. Tom has worked across almost every L&D role—from facilitator to digital designer to head of learning design—and now focuses on helping L&D teams improve how they think, operate, and deliver impact. This conversation is packed with insight and honesty, and I think you’ll walk away with a sharper perspective on how to help people—and yourself—learn and perform better.Key Topics:In the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including:What performance is and why it depends just as much on systems as it does on peopleWhy L&D often solves the wrong problemsThe difference between capability and opportunity—and how learning only supports oneTom’s journey into L&D and his critique of self-made success narrativesWhat a product mindset looks like in practiceWhy upskilling is uncomfortable—but necessary—and how to support it without overwhelming peopleHow to measure the success of upskilling initiativesPractical strategies for internal L&D teams to do more with lessThe importance of context awareness and system thinkingAnd more.Connect with TomEvolve – Tom’s learning consultancyIDTx Conference - Tom's conference for IDersLinkedInYouTubeNotes, Mentions, and Resources:Performance = where capability (internal KSAs) and opportunity (external environmental supports) meetW. Edwards Deming – “A bad system will beat a good person every time.”Learning = cognitive process of knowledge and skill developmentDesigning “learning” vs. designing training and resources for learning to occurSpaced practice, dripped contentInformal learning occurring all the timeThrive – LXP platform Tom worked withColossyan – AI avatar video platform Tom consulted withWhy luck is a big element of careersTaking a “product mindset” in L&D—viewing L&D as a provider of internal productsThomas Gilbert – Human Competence ModelGuy Wallace – Performance-based instructional designGreg Arthur – Learning experience design podcast guestEvolve – Tom’s learning design consultancyThe myth of the learner—people don't necessarily want to learn, value learning, or feel comfortable doing itGoal = more performant employees/professionals, not satisfied learnersUpskilling and reskilling as a form of change managementReskilling as uncomfortable but a kind/human thing to doWEF Jobs Insight Report (2025) – Human-only jobs declining, high churn/mobility, growing demand for physical laborImportance of L&D upskilling itself and practicing what it preachesChallenges of upskilling L&D: budget, assumptions, discomfort, outdated models, resistance to changeAddressing those challenges: be flexible, communicate value, use dataDelivering outcomes > outputsMeasuring upskilling impact: connect skills to KPIs, observe behavior change, avoid self-assessments, explore genAI roleplays, consider environmental variablesCore L&D skills today: resilience, tech elasticity, mental health awarenessThe Learning Network (UK) – Peer-driven L&D communityPixar’s Brain Trust – Honest, iterative creative feedbackBeing nice vs. being kind – Hard truths help people growKim Scott – Radical Candor – Clear, caring feedbackInvesting in contextual intelligence—reading widely and understanding learner environmentsAdam Savage’s principle of first-order retrieval – Reduce friction and increase flowAdam Grant – WorkLife Podcast – Making work betterWhy you shouldn’t always ask older professionals for advice firstGordon Brown – Seven Ways to Change the World – Insight into global systemic changeSTOP Technique – Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed
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#18 - Cathan Kabrelian on Compassionate Communication with Ourselves and Others
Mar 19, 202501:23:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with the late Cathan Kabrelian, a leading expert in compassionate communication. Cathan was a trainer, speaker, retreat leader, and mentor, known for integrating compassionate communication into a wide range of fields, from education to corporate environments. Through her work as a trauma-informed Needs-Awareness Trainer, Certified Mindfulness Instructor, and Breath Coach, Cathan brought a unique depth to understanding and teaching not only effective communication skills but the self-awareness skills to transform conversations and relationships at work, at home, and in all those third spaces. Together, Cathan and I discussed why compassionate communication matters and how you can use it to live a more self-aware, wonderful, and connected life.Key TopicsIn the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including:What is compassionate or non-violent communication, and why is it importantThe importance of feelings and needs awareness to life and relationshipsThe OFNR framework of observation, feelings, needs, requestsHow to translate thoughts and judgments into needsFeelings as a “radar” for detecting what we needShifting from blaming others to identifying our own values and needsWhy self-connection is necessary to connect with othersThree ways to navigate challenging feelingsTwo ways to practice compassionate communication - formal and real-lifeUsing compassionate communication at workAnd much more...Learn More About Cathan and NVCCathan's websiteIn Loving MemoryNVC by Marshall RosenbergNew York Center for NVCThe Compassion Course by Thom Bond and teamNotes,Mentions, and ResourcesIdentity - not just WHO we are or WHAT we do or believe but HOW we arePerformance - achieving tasks towards a goal with creativity, skill, and compassionate consideration of needsLearning - understanding something better than we did beforeLearning-Performance "Loops" - Learn, Practice, Perform.Compassionate/Non-Violent Communication (NVC)Needs awarenessNon-Violent Communication (NVC) by Marshall RosenbergOFNR Framework - Observations, Feelings, Needs, RequestsObservations - what we notice about ourselves, others, and the worldFeelings - sensations stimulated by met or unmet needsNeeds - universal life impulses; drivers of actionsRequests/Strategies - ways to meet our needsCompassion Course OnlineThe Compassion Book by Thom BondNY Center for NVC (NYCNVC)Effective practice is intentional, focused, awareTranslating Judgments Practice - translating judgments into feelings and needs/valuesShifting from judgment and blaming to connection, curiosity, and compassionPrinciple - everything we do we do to meet a need or valueFeelings as "radar" for needs, not something to fear or push awayApplying NVC at work - values and what matters>needs; focusing on individual self-connection leads to more curiosity, compassion, and connection with co-workersIt doesn't take two to change a conversation, only oneDealing with difficult feelings by connecting to met/unmet needs - (1) notice judgments/resistance/thinking, (2) tune into body sensations, (3) identify what you want/need and embody it, (4) think of a strategy to meet the needsFeelings and Needs listStudy by Brene Brown on average number of feelings of AmericansSelf-connect first to connect with others secondTwo types of practice for showing up better - formal and integrative/IRLCathan's website - Compassionate Thriving Types of Judgments - Value judgments, preferences, assessments vs. moralistic judgmentsHigh performance in life = showing up authentically and connecting with othersMindfulnessSomatic experiencing and breathworkCompassion vs. empathy
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#17 - Alaina Szlachta on Harnessing Data To Improve Learning and Performance
Feb 20, 202501:08:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with Dr. Alaina Szlachta, an education entrepreneur and data and measurement "nerd," about leveraging data to improve workplace learning and performance. Alaina is the founder and Chief Measurement Architect at By Design Development Solutions, a consultancy that works with leaders and teams to create simple data collection systems that enable their programs to facilitate real, evidence-based impact and change. Together, Alaina and I discuss why measurement, assessment, evaluation, and data are so critical to learning and performance improvement, and she shares some great insights and tools for measuring and understanding the true impact of your learning and performance efforts.Key TopicsIn our conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including: The importance of collecting and utilizing data (and why data is power) Evaluation, measurement - what they are and why they matter The criticality of having feedback loops in teaching and learning The similarities and differences between measurement, evaluation, and assessment Why analysis and evaluation are so often overlooked The difference between analyzing and addressing performance gaps vs. designing learning solutions Some challenges with measuring the impact of training and other interventions, and how to overcome them How to artfully navigate questionable training requests How to evaluate intangible skills in highly tangible ways And a whole lot more!Connect with Alaina Alaina's website LinkedIn Measurement Made Easy group Measurement and Evaluation on a ShoestringMentions and Resources: Learning 2024 Conference Dr. Megan Torrance - Why data is power The data pyramid and how wisdom requires data Performance - a combo of attitudes and actions, beliefs and behaviors that show up in how we work Learning - a means to an end at work, NOT the end result The importance of evaluating performance changes, not just assessing learning! Importance of constant feedback loops in teaching and learning and the lack of feedback loop in much workplace learning and performance improvement Telling Ain't Training Definition of measurement - strategic planning to collect data and collecting it Definition of evaluation - analyzing the data and determining effectiveness Importance of measurement and evaluation to decision-making The ADDIE Framework - so easy to neglect/overlook A and E Analyzing and addressing performance gaps vs. designing and delivering learning solutions The Pareto Principle - 20 percent of content providing 80 percent of value Why evaluation is overlooked - (1) lack of time, money, and people to do a comprehensive evaluation, (2) focusing on superficial aspects of learning experiences, (3) not clearly identifying the important things to value Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation Assessment vs. Evaluation - assessments collect data on learning, and evaluations determine changes in performance Challenges with measuring impact - (1) building a training or learning solution without validating the problem is a lack of knowledge, (2) not digging into the data closely Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring (ATD Press 2025) Getting out of the shoestring by being strategic Aligning L&D resources with core business/organizational metrics Heidi Kirby - Useful Stuff Importance of listening to your gut when sensing red flags with requests How to sidestep training requests with strategic questions about the problem Evaluating the "intangibles" - (1) Translate intangible skills into tangible behaviors and indicators. (2) Tie it back to the problem. What would be different if the person was better at this? If they did it, would it solve the problem? Importance of using tech to automate other things and free up time for better analysis and evaluation Being clear on key indicators/criteria before making professional decision (e.g., finding a job, taking on a client)
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#16 - Mark Sheppard on Innovation in L&D Products, Processes, and Practices
Jan 8, 202501:34:55Tap to summarizeOverview: In this episode of the L&P podcast, I speak with Mark Sheppard, a learning architect, designer, and self-proclaimed L&D “geek" about ways that that L&D professionals and teams can innovate their products, processes, and practices. Mark is the owner and founder of 2Sphynx Innovations, an L&D consultancy serving the public and private sectors in Canada and the US. With an impressive academic background and 30 years+ in the L&D field, Mark and I discuss a wealth of principles and practices you can use to change the way you consult, design, create, and lead. Key Topics: In the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including: Striking the right balance between efficiency and innovation in L&D performance The yin-yang relationship between learning and performance The role of emotions—both positive and negative—in impactful learning Learning in the flow of work Dos and don’ts of online instruction The value of full-stack L&D consulting Mark’s advice on being a freelancer/contractor The value of open-ended questions and challenging assumptions when working with stakeholders The many uses of LLMs for L&D Why context often trumps content when it comes to learning The crucial difference between gamification of learning and game-based learning The shortcomings of traditional L&D frameworks and some better alternatives Barriers to innovation in L&D and how to overcome them And much more! Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marksheppard Blue Sky: https://publictest.bsky.cz/profile/did:plc:jk4hydiju4stbfzvtamktpjq 2Sphynx: https://2sphynx.com/ Mentions and Resources: Performance as a function of efficiency AND innovation Role of emotion in learning Education vs. learning Learning and performance as yin and yang Bob Mosher - Learning in the workflow The roots of instructional design in the military Online instruction: dos and dont's - (1) The importance of having a co-facilitator for live online learning, (2) the importance of videos and office hours for asynchronous online courses Being a "full-stack" L&D professional Tips on being a freelance L&Der- (1) Being a trusted advisor, (2) having empathy for SMEs and learners, (3) thinking like an entrepreneur/owner, (4) focusing on solving problems>providing training solutions, (5) watching out for bad contracts, (6) engaging in regular marketing and sales and articulating your value prop The role of powerful questions (e.g., "how might we") in building trust, challenging assumptions, and creating better solutions Importance of pre-boarding to successful onboarding The value of LLMs for L&D - (1) knowledge management, (2) time saving, (3) content design and development, (4) sounding board, (5) thought partner, (6) devil's advocate, (7) needs analysis and evaluation, (8) data analysis and insights LLM watch outs - too much focus on content production>process The role of play and fun in learning Performance analysis and improvement - Guy Wallace, Geary Rummler, Joe Harless, W. Edwards Deming Microlearning Performance support Importance of context and activities>content and events Iterative L&D - agile, rapid prototyping, SAM The Kirkpatrick Framework and its shortcomings The CIPP Evaluation Framework (Context-Input-Process-Problem) Will Thalheimer's Learning Transfer Evaluation Model The ADDIE Framework - a macro doctrine, NOT a process or project plan 3 targets of innovation for L&D - (1) Product, (2) Process, and (3) Practice Barriers to innovation in L&D - (1) fear, (2) inertia Game-based learning/design vs. gamifying learning Promises and pitfalls of gamificiation The psychology of game-based learning - social learning, novelty, choice, experimentation/safety Conditions vs. constraints in design of games Dunning-Kruger Effect - mismatch between competence and confidence Yerkes Dodson Curve - Moderate anxiety as a beneficial for learning <a href="https://hbr.org/2023/05/how-to-take-better-breaks-at-work-accor...
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