Holiday Special 2025: Becoming Better Versions of Ourselves

It’s our yearly holiday special and a chance to pause, reflect, and look ahead. We reflect on the personal and professional lessons of 2025, including how AI, feedback loops, and immersive experiences are shaping learning. We also discuss the most important lesson – that at the end of the day, development is still about helping people become better versions of themselves. We wrap by looking ahead to 2026 and what we want to learn and build next, both for ourselves and for the podcast.   00:00 Introduction and banter 02:51 Bob – Meta tech and the Future of Learning 14:04 Dana – Better versions of ourselves 18:59 Bob Bot 3000 21:02 Jake – Family outings and AI powered journalling 30:42 Looking Forward to 2026 36:45 Thank you to listeners   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke Weddle and Heather Stefanski from McKinsey to unpack why building tech skills is about unlocking human potential — not replacing it. We explore real client success stories and challenges with AI upskilling, the danger of ignoring human skills, why technology can’t fix broken work processes, and whether embedding AI into daily work actually improves apprenticeship and learning.   00:00 Cold open & banter 02:15 Introducing Brooke & Heather 04:26 What Tech Upskilling Really Means 07:13 Human Advantage vs. Machine Capability 14:52 Leadership, Storytelling & Positive Energy 17:29 Creating Space to Practice Tech Skills 18:26 Case Example: AI Transformation in Manufacturing 22:13 The Evolving Role of the CLO 26:09 Building a Developmental Ecosystem 31:27 AI as an Apprenticeship Engine 36:03 Final takeaways   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   READ MORE FROM BROOKE AND HEATHER We’re all techies now: Digital skill building for the future: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/we-are-all-techies-now-digital-skill-building-for-the-future The future of the CLO: Leading in a world of merged work and learning https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-future-of-the-clo-leading-in-a-world-of-merged-work-and-learning   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

Longtime friend Deidra Busbee (Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase) joins us to unpack the power of your “learning posse”, or the group of people who challenge you, support you, connect you, and help you learn faster. We discuss how to build this crew intentionally, why it reduces stress and accelerates onboarding, and what roles AI has within the posse or will never replace. It's a thoughtful discussion at the relationships that fuel real growth.   00:00 Cold open and Deidre welcome 02:23 Deidre's Background 07:06 Deidre's Current Role at JP Morgan Chase 09:39 Building a Learning Posse 11:14 Roles in a Learning Posse 20:06 Introducing Bob Bot 3000 21:36 The Role of Human Connection 30:08 Networking Beyond Your Organization 34:53 Wrap up   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

We’ve been talking about skills for years — but how do you make them work? In this episode, we chat with Craig Friedman about his new book, Enterprise Skills Unlocked, and explore how to move beyond common misconceptions to connect learning, data, and business strategy. Craig shares practical insights on turning skills into measurable business impact — and even tells a story about throwing away pennies. Learn more about Craig’s book at https://stccg.com/enterprise-skills-unlocked-2/   00:00 Intro 02:10 Craig's Background and Experience 03:23 Skills-Based Organizations: An Overview 12:07 Defining Skills and Their Importance 17:05 Impact on Learning and Development 20:41 Validating and Assessing Skills 24:07 Strategies for Implementing Skills-Based Learning 29:06 Challenges and Mistakes in Skills-Based Technology 32:57 Final Thoughts and Book Information   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

Jake shares some exciting news for the show - and provides a quick sneak peak behind the curtain on some upcoming episodes.   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.  

We welcome Dr. Tessa Forshaw (Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Rich Braden (founder of People Rocket LLC), co-authors of "Innovation-ish," to challenge the myth that innovation belongs only to Silicon Valley geniuses. After analyzing 80+ innovation frameworks, they discovered that most people don't recognize their own creative problem-solving abilities. We explore practical strategies for helping you see yourselves as innovators, overcoming cognitive caution, and fostering innovation even in traditional organizations. Learn more about the book at https://www.innovationish.com/.   00:00 Cold Open and banter 03:08 Introducing the Book 'Innovation-ish' 03:32 The Journey of Creativity and Innovation 05:56 Improv and Design Thinking 17:22 Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Organizations 19:58 The Challenge of Innovation in Organizations 21:34 Innovation Hesitation and Cognitive Caution 24:16 Balancing Risk and Innovation 26:24 Encouraging Metacognition in the Workplace 28:27 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration 33:05 Teaching Creative Problem Solving 38:17 Conclusion and Book Recommendations   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.  

In our Season 8 opener, we welcome Allison Horn, Head of Talent Transformation at JP Morgan Chase as our guest host for the show. We quickly reflect on eight years together and discuss the origins of the podcast. Allison leads us through a series of questions to get our perspectives on a variety of topics, including a major pop star story, how we’re using GenAI in our day-to-day work, current AI tools, the cognitive impact of AI, and our thoughts on balancing professional growth with new technology.   00:00 Cold open 01:01 Celebrating 8 years 03:33 Allison's New Role at JP Morgan Chase 04:34 Learning and Transitioning in a New Job 11:24 The Taylor Travis Engagement 13:31 Impact of GPT-5 and AI Tools 19:18 Personalizing AI for Daily Use 19:54 The Future of General Purpose Models 21:35 Custom GPTs in Instructional Design 22:56 AI in Creative Work and Education 24:20 Smaller Language Models and Cognitive Impact 25:51 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI Research 27:47 Using AI for Change Storytelling 31:25 Exploring Multi-Agent Autonomous Work 34:34 Reflecting on Professional Learning 37:27 Final Thoughts and Farewells   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

In our season finale, we’re tackling a question we hear all the time: How do you break into the Learning & Development field? We sit down with L&D veteran Trina Wellendorf and Lauren, a college junior exploring a future in L&D, to answer her biggest questions about: Different career paths within L&D How to land that first role or internship Whether grad school is worth it Staying current with trends like AI and learning science Tips for engaging learners and using storytelling effectively Whether you’re just starting out, making a career shift, or mentoring someone new to the field, this episode is packed with insights to help you launch a successful path in L&D.   00:00 Cold Open 00:31 Banter 02:16 Introducing the Guests: Trina and Lauren 05:36 Lauren's Background and Interest in Learning & Development 07:00 Exploring Career Paths in Learning & Development 12:10 How to Get Started in Learning & Development 15:38 Finding Internships and Networking Tips 18:00 Thoughts on Grad School and Advanced Degrees 20:29 Personal Journeys in Education and Career 21:12 Challenges and Rewards of Advanced Education 23:24 Staying Current with Trends in Learning and Development 26:43 Gaining Practical Experience in Learning Strategies 29:20 Facilitating Effective Learning 34:50 Storytelling and Relevancy in Training 37:38 Finding Companies that Value Learning and Development 41:35 Wrap up   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

We continue our deep dive into McKinsey's latest Learning Trends Perspective Report with authors Jessica Glazer and our co-host Jake Gittleson. In Part 2, we take a closer look into the last two of the three macro trends: responsible AI adoption and developing resilient and adaptable individuals and organizations. We discuss actions and meaning for each and implications for individuals, managers, and leaders within organizations.   00:00 Introduction and Banter 02:03 Recap of Report 05:41 Diving into Responsible AI 07:48 Challenges and Considerations in AI Adoption 11:36 Higher Order Skills and AI 16:38 The Role of AI in Art and Animation 18:03 Decisions and Consequences of Using AI 18:53 Metacognition and Learning in the Age of AI 19:57 The Importance of Genuine Intelligence 23:02 Resilience and Adaptability in Continuous Change 30:37 Organizational Resilience and Sustainable Workflows 32:29 Final Thoughts   DOWNLOAD THE REPORT The team provided an overview of the findings and a link to the full report (see bottom of post) at https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/reimagined-learning-and-development-in-the-future-of-work   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.

We dive deep into McKinsey's latest Learning Trends Perspective Report with authors Jessica Glazer and our co-host Jake Gittleson. The two share an overview of the report and their deep perspective on the three key macro trends, sub trends, implications on development, and how these forces will shape the future of people development. In Part 2, we will go deeper into each area such as identifying actions and meaning for individuals, managers, and leaders within organizations. 00:00 Cold Open 00:47 Banter 02:00 Jessica Glazer's Intro and Background 04:57 Methodology of Learning Trends Report 09:03 General themes from the research 13:11 Overview of the three macro trends 13:46 Fluid development ecosystems   26:33 Responsible AI Adoption 30:54 Resilient and adaptable individuals and organizations   35:32 Wrap up and previewing Part 2   DOWNLOAD THE REPORT The team provided an overview of the findings and a link to the full report (see bottom of post) at https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/reimagined-learning-and-development-in-the-future-of-work   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.