#109 - AI and Influence: From Idea to Impact

What if the best career move you ever make is the one you didn’t plan for?In this episode, we follow the unexpected journey of Bozena Pajak, who found her way to Duolingo, not through a clear-cut plan, but by following her curiosity. You’ll hear how an interdisciplinary background became her superpower, shaping how millions of people learn languages today. But this story goes beyond career twists; it’s about how we learn, why we stay engaged, and what actually makes learning stick.From the science of implicit learning to the art of balancing structure with exploration, this conversation unpacks the hidden forces behind Duolingo’s success. You’ll hear what it really takes to build something effective and addictive and how AI might just personalize learning in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.Whether you’re a designer, educator, team leader, or lifelong learner, this episode will leave you thinking differently about motivation, collaboration, and the future of learning itself.Tune in for a story that proves passion, feedback, and a little serendipity can take you further than any plan ever could.

What does a Hollywood screenwriter know about learning design? Turns out, quite a lot. In this episode, Andrew Barry sits down with Lindsey Caplan, founder of The Gathering Effect, whose background in organizational psychology and TV writing gives her a unique lens on how to craft transformative learning experiences. Lindsey unpacks her go-to framework centered on motivation, structure, and storytelling, reveals the biggest mistakes L&D teams make, and introduces her two-by-two matrix for creating content that’s not just informative, but engaging and scalable. This is a masterclass for anyone serious about designing learning that actually moves people.Listen now to transform the way you think about training.

What if the rise of AI isn’t making us less human - but demanding that we become more human?As AI accelerates productivity and automates expertise, a surprising truth is emerging: the most irreplaceable professionals aren't competing with machines; they're doubling down on what makes them human.Recorded live at the ATD International Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., and playfully dubbed the podcast in the park, this special episode brings together powerful voices across L&D and leadership to explore why human skills are quickly becoming our most valuable asset.In a world where anyone can generate ideas and build solutions in minutes, your real advantage isn’t speed, it’s emotional intelligence. This episode is a front-row seat to a growing movement: one where influence, empathy, trust, and curiosity aren’t just soft skills, they’re power skills. If you’re navigating the intersection of AI and human connection, this conversation is your guide. Tune in to join the human skills renaissance.

What if your company’s biggest performance problem isn’t skill but disconnection?In this episode, we follow Elena Agaragimova’s journey from global leadership coach to founder of ShiftWell.ai, a tool born out of deep frustration with the corporate training status quo. After years of running workshops across continents, Elena began asking a simple but radical question: What if the reason people aren’t engaged isn’t because they’re unmotivated, but because no one’s ever asked what they really need?You’ll hear why middle managers are burning out, why most leadership training comes too late, and why companies keep throwing money at wellness perks that don’t work. Elena doesn’t just challenge the system—she’s building a smarter one.This conversation is about more than performance. It’s about rethinking motivation, growth, and what people actually need to thrive on their terms. From personalized coaching to system-level culture change, Elena shares how to stop the burnout cycle and build something that lasts.If you’re a manager, HR leader, or just someone tired of the same old solutions, this episode will change how you think about development.

In this special episode, Andrew Barry takes us to Workhuman Live in Denver, where he engaged with six forward-thinking leaders across HR, consulting, and academia. Together, they explore how AI is transforming not just the way we create, but also how we influence action.From first-draft generation and rapid prototyping to stress-testing ideas and influencing without authority, these leaders reveal how AI is collapsing the time from idea to execution. Yet, the real game-changer isn't speed - it's empathy, clarity, and the ability to make others care.Featuring insights from voices like Tracy Graff, KeyAnna Schmiedl, Fatema Rizwana, Jacob Morgan, Nicole Eisdorfer, and Candice Mitchell, this episode delivers a powerful message: AI may accelerate our work, but human judgment, storytelling, and influence are still what drive change.

Leah Caseley and Mark Turner never set out to rewrite the rules of leadership development - but that’s exactly what happened when they noticed a dangerous pattern.  At LinkedIn, they saw top performers getting promoted into management only to regret it, brilliant individual contributors struggling to lead, and organizations losing talent to poor fits.  So they flipped the script. Now, their emerging leaders don’t just train for management - they test it firsthand by guiding new hires, discovering through experience whether leadership truly suits them before the promotion becomes permanent.  Along the way, they’ve uncovered the surprising human skills that matter more than results, the delicate balance between AI and authentic connection, and why the best leaders aren’t born - they’re revealed through real challenges. This isn’t leadership theory. It’s a working blueprint for building managers who don’t just direct teams - who amplify them.

What if the biggest threat to your career isn't AI taking your job, but you preparing for the wrong future? In this special episode, Andrew Barry dives into conversations with eight visionary people leaders who are witnessing the AI revolution unfold in real-time. Recorded live at the Transform Conference in Las Vegas, these aren't your typical "AI will change everything" predictions. These are raw, honest discussions from leaders making tough decisions right now about which skills to invest in and how to lead teams through unprecedented uncertainty. Here's the uncomfortable truth they're grappling with: Yes, AI will replace jobs. But while everyone's focused on the technology, these leaders discovered something unexpected about which organizations will actually survive – and it's not what you think. From Vidyard's VP of People talking about the "scary excitement" of this moment, to EPAM's Chief Learning Scientist challenging companies to imagine their "AI-native" competitors, one startling consensus emerges: We're not just adapting to change – we're racing against organizations that don't exist yet Ready to discover what skills will actually matter when AI can do almost everything else? This episode will change how you see the future of work – and your place in it.

Today, we’re joined by Matt Conrad, a sales leader and storyteller who isn’t afraid to take off the armor. In this powerful conversation, Matt opens up about the career setbacks, challenges, and moments of clarity that shaped his leadership journey.In this episode, Matt shares how vulnerability became his superpower and why leading with heart can transform not only teams, but entire cultures. We talk about the importance of curiosity, investing in personal growth, and creating space for others to show up authentically. Whether you’re in sales, leadership, or simply trying to lead a little more bravely in your own life, Matt’s story will remind you that trust starts with being real, and growth starts with letting go of perfection.

Today, we’re joined by Tami Rosen, a trailblazer in talent and transformation, who brings a sharp perspective on how AI is reshaping the workplace and what that means for leaders, teams, and culture.In this episode, Tami dives into the human edge: the adaptability, learning agility, and values-driven mindset that will define successful organizations in an AI-powered world. She explores how companies can foster a culture that embraces experimentation, clarity, and continuous learning and why that’s essential as traditional roles evolve into more flexible, skills-based models.We also talk about the importance of communication during change, the shifting definition of expertise, and how individuals can use moments of uncertainty as a launchpad for growth.Whether you're thinking about the future of work, leading transformation, or simply trying to stay grounded amid rapid change, Tami’s insights offer a clear, human-centered path forward.

Today, we’re joined by Liz Moran, a forward-thinking talent and learning leader with deep experience in building cultures that help people grow, especially in times of change. In this episode, Liz explores how leaders can create space for experimentation, build trust through transparency, and rethink what it means to be “ready” in today’s world of work. We talk about navigating risk and readiness, the mindset shift needed to work alongside AI, and why curiosity and sound judgment are essential leadership tools.Liz also reflects on the personal side of growth, the discomfort that often comes with it, the role of optimism, and the surprising parallels between parenting and leadership.If you’re leading through uncertainty, investing in your people, or simply looking to build a more resilient learning culture, Liz’s perspective will leave you thinking differently about what it really means to lead.