77: When ‘I Get Stuff Done’ Stops Working | Ashleigh Tobin

What makes leaders irreplaceable in an AI-driven world?On this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins welcomes Christine Zmuda, co-founder of Magnet Labs and leadership reinvention expert, for a fascinating journey into the intersection of tech, neuroscience, and true human ingenuity. The conversation focused on building your “human operating system”: those core strengths AI can’t replicate, like creativity, compassion, agility, and judgment. Christine breaks down the science of motivation and emotional intelligence, shares habits for building lasting leadership legacies, and provides game-changing ways to thrive through ambiguity and burnout. Packed with actionable experiments and brain-based wisdom, this episode will help you (and your teams) lead with purpose, not just productivity.What You'll Learn:How elite leaders upgrade their “human operating system” to complement, not compete with, AIThe four essential leadership traits for the future: value-driven leadership, storytelling, emotional granularity, and tolerance for ambiguityWhat neuroscience reveals about career motivation and the chemicals that power growth at every stagePractical habits for building your legacy every day (without waiting for retirement)Why micro-experiments and “decision detoxes” banish perfectionism and fuel innovationThe uncomfortable truths about most leadership development—and what authentic learning really looks likeIn This Episode:00:00 — Meet Christine Zmuda & episode introduction00:59 — The power (and limits) of AI vs. human ingenuity03:12 — How to upgrade your human operating system as a leader04:44 — Four essential traits for modern leaders07:22 — Emotional granularity, storytelling, and leading in ambiguity08:17 — Value-driven leadership for Millennials & Gen Z09:12 — The neuroscience of motivation: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins13:50 — Building legacy: one decision at a time15:36 — Concrete application: expanding vs. diluting your core values20:18 — Sustaining passion and energy through value alignment21:16 — Everyday habits for reinforcing legacy and values22:24 — Analog tools: why pen, paper, and real conversation matter25:10 — The Decision Detox: one-way vs. two-way doors in action28:34 — How to build tolerance for ambiguity with micro-experimentation30:36 — “Solve for yes” and fostering a culture of experimentation30:53 — Christine’s most significant leadership lesson32:58 — The uncomfortable truth behind corporate L&D34:03 — Authenticity vs. ego in leadership developmentAbout Christine Zmuda:Christine Zmuda is co-founder of Magnet Labs, a human ingenuity company helping organizations build the leadership capabilities AI can’t replace—creativity, agility, compassion, judgment, and imagination. With 30 years of transformative leadership experience at Microsoft, Mobil Oil, and Yammer, Christine launched Magnet Labs to fight information overload and cultivate wisdom, connection, and purposeful progress in teams everywhere. She’s also the co-host of The Refirement podcast, where she explores leadership and reinvention in the “second half of life.”Resources Referenced:Magnet Labs website: https://magnetlabs.io/Join Magnet Labs Community and Free Insight Labs: https://join.magnetlabs.io/feedAtlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/The Refirement Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/refirement-life-where-thriving-purpose-and/id1680556954Magnet Labs Whitepaper: “Three Leadership Skills for the AI Age” (available on their website): https://magnetlabs.io/research/four-irreplaceable-pillarsWant to Learn More?:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

What happens when a high-performing leader gets thrown off course—and comes back stronger? In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Andre W. Thornton, founder of Whitman Consulting and author of Disrupted, to explore how leaders can transform chaos into growth through intentional energy management.The conversation focused on Andre’s personal career disruption, his shift from engineering to leadership coaching, and the science-backed strategies that help leaders build resilience, clarity, and impact.From the 1440 Method to the DOSE framework for daily energy resets, this episode is packed with frameworks, real stories, and actionable practices. Whether you’re leading teams through uncertainty or just trying to stay afloat, you’ll discover how to anchor, recharge, and bring out your best, every day.What You'll Learn:Why personal and professional disruptions can become major catalysts for growth—if you know how to respondThe two “stabilizers” every leader needs before they accelerate out of chaosWhat systems thinking teaches us about leading people (and why humans, unlike machines, add complexity—and opportunity!)How to translate “self-care” into non-negotiable energy management that drives long-term leadership capacityThe DOSE framework: practical ways to reset your brain and leadership energy throughout the workdayWhy most leadership transformation happens outside the classroom—at the toughest momentsThe ongoing challenge of connecting leadership development to real, measurable ROIIn This Episode:00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge + introducing Andre W. Thornton02:59 – Career disruption: From Lockheed Martin to self-discovery06:07 – What engineering teaches (and unteaches) about leading people09:27 – The two stabilizers: 1440 Method and Triple R Framework11:48 – Why energy management is foundational, not a “nice-to-have”15:24 – Building resets into your daily leadership rhythm18:12 – DOSE: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins—what your brain (and leadership) need21:44 – How to start with energy management, even if you’re “in the middle”24:36 – Pairing energy resets with your toughest leadership moments25:55 – Andre’s most important leadership lesson27:52 – The ROI myth: Leadership growth and the measurement challenge30:27 – How to connect with Andre W. Thornton31:14 – Wrap-up and how to continue the conversationAbout Andre W. Thornton:Andre W. Thornton is the founder and CEO of Whitman Consulting, named one of the top leadership development firms in the U.S. After 16 years leading advanced engineering teams at Lockheed Martin and securing over $1B in new business, Andre pivoted to developing leaders navigating complexity and change. His book, Disrupted, introduces practical frameworks—rooted in neuroscience, engineering, and decades of coaching—to turn chaos into fuel for growth. Andre’s expertise lies in helping executives and teams stabilize, recover, and unlock sustainable performance.Resources Referenced:Disrupted by Andre W. Thornton: https://a.co/d/024a1WOCWhitman Consulting: https://www.consultwhitman.com/Andre W. Thornton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrethornton/Andre W. Thornton’s website: https://www.andrewhitmanthornton.com/Want to Learn More?:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

What if success didn’t mean burnout, depletion, and endless hustle? In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with award-winning speaker and facilitator Ashleigh Tobin to reimagine what real, sustainable success looks like at work and in life. The conversation dives deep into the stories we tell ourselves about achievement, what happens when those stories break down, and why tiny, personalized changes can lead to lasting impact.From the myth of the “high achiever” to the art of asking better questions, this episode offers science-backed, soul-nourishing strategies for thriving at every age and stage. Whether you lead teams or just want to feel more alive at work, you’ll leave with new questions, real stories, and practical tools to reset your definition of success—from the inside out.What You'll Learn:Why sustainable success is different for everyone, and how to know what it means for youHow burnout happens, even to the “get things done” crowd, and what to do about itThe pivotal questions to assess if your current approach is really workingThe hidden costs of ignoring your own well-being (and why organizations should care)How leaders and companies can create cultures where people don’t have to choose between performance and healthThe most uncomfortable truths nobody admits about leadership and work-life balanceIn This Episode:00:43 – What “sustainable success” really means02:42 – Ashleigh’s story: from burnout to reinvention04:50 – Why tiny changes matter more than dramatic overhauls07:24 – Redefining success after hitting empty10:14 – The “high achiever” trap: why drive can become a liability12:29 – The danger of never pausing to check in15:30 – Life’s “reckonings” and the art of looking around, not just forward16:41 – Updating your “life resume”—and why words matter18:37 – Key questions to assess your path to sustainable success21:03 – Why the basics (sleep, food, boundaries) are strategic24:29 – Don’t squeeze out joy: hobbies, laughter, and what makes your heart sing26:45 – Is well-being the individual’s job—or the company’s responsibility?29:19 – Real leadership means looking farther ahead—protecting your most precious assets31:15 – The single most important leadership lesson Ashleigh learned32:35 – The myth nobody wants to admit: leaders have a life outside workAbout Ashleigh Tobin:Ashleigh Tobin is an international award-winning speaker and facilitator who blends science, soul, and honesty to help individuals and organizations thrive at every age and stage. Drawing on her experience navigating burnout, a background in nursing and pharmaceuticals, and extensive coaching work, she’s known for her fun, frank, and compassionate approach. Ashleigh partners with people and companies who want to prioritize what really matters, delivering real results through tailored, meaningful support.Resources Referenced:Ashleigh’s TEDx talk: How Menopause Will Change Your LifeAshleigh Tobin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleightobinhealthhabitshormones/Ashleigh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourhormonehealth/Ashleigh’s website: https://ashleightobin.com/Want to Learn More?:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Why do so many promising AI initiatives fizzle out long before the technology breaks down? On this must-listen episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Alex Issakova, AI strategist and founder of Huckr AI, to unlock the real reasons behind failed AI rollouts. Drawing on a decade in the trenches of machine learning, Alex Issakova shares both the organizational blind spots and human factors keeping teams from truly reaping the benefits of GenAI tools.You’ll get an unflinching look at why simply handing out Copilot or Gemini licenses never creates real transformation, the critical role of psychological safety and learning culture in AI adoption, and why “AI slop”—robot-generated busywork—could be your next productivity roadblock. If you want to build an AI-literate, change-ready team (and avoid the biggest mistakes), this is the episode for you.What You'll Learn:The #1 pattern that derails AI projects (hint: it’s not the tech!)Why “shadow AI” is already happening in your organization—and how to find itHow psychological safety and learning culture accelerate (or sabotage) adoptionPractical steps leaders should take before investing in licenses and toolsWhy generic AI training falls flat—and what actually works for non-tech teamsThe growing danger of “AI slop,” and how to focus on real value creationIn This Episode:00:01 — Welcome to The Learnit Lounge01:04 — Why AI adoption fails (technology vs. human layer)03:08 — Tools: The real problem isn’t AI’s capabilities04:13 — Organizational patterns: handing out licenses, early adopters vs. laggards05:54 — Why 30-minute training sessions are never enough07:32 — Alex Issakova’s journey: Reorgs, trust, and the human side of change10:18 — Organizational culture and its impact on AI success11:18 — Psychological safety and learning culture as green flags12:58 — First principles thinking: Deconstructing knowledge work15:27 — Moving from knowledge to value creation in the age of AI17:09 — Where leaders should actually start with AI adoption19:08 — Building literacy and identifying high-impact use cases22:00 — Starting with the end in mind: setting real goals23:15 — The unintended consequences of “AI slop” in business workflows26:30 — Biggest leadership lessons from Alex Issakova’s career30:06 — The uncomfortable truth about leadership developmentAbout Alex Issakova:Alex Issakova is the founder of Huckr AI, specializing in building practical AI capability for L&D leaders and non-technical teams in B2B organizations. With over ten years working in ad tech, fast-growth startups, and as Chief of Staff at a pre-IPO firm, her expertise bridges technical innovation and organizational change. Alex Issakova completed her MBA dissertation on ethical AI implementation for non-tech leaders, and now shares actionable AI strategies with a community of over 30,000 LinkedIn followers.Resources Referenced:Alex Issakova’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexissakova/Huckr AI website: https://huckr.ai/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms high-pressure teams from stressed-out survivors into thriving collaborators.In this candid episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with facilitator and systems thinker Chantelle Kohn to tackle one of leadership’s thorniest challenges: how to teach and practice empathy when the stakes are high and time is short. Chantelle offers a neuroscience-backed look at why empathy can be so elusive under pressure, and how leaders can actually strengthen their empathy muscles, even in deadline-driven environments. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for rewiring team culture, normalizing vulnerability, and embedding empathy into performance, not just conversation.If you want to create cultures where high performance and human connection go hand in hand, this is an episode you can’t miss.What You'll Learn:Why empathy gets harder (not easier) in high-pressure environments, and what’s happening in your brainHow to move from protection mode to connection mode using curiosity, listening, and vulnerability as levers for growthStrategies for overcoming assumptions, and why perspective-taking is key to true understandingActionable tips for infusing empathy into high-performing teams (without sacrificing results or standards)What leaders can do to move empathy from “soft skill” to a core element of performance reviews and metricsWhy creating a culture of empathy is every organization’s responsibility, regardless of industry, geography, or hierarchyIn This Episode:00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and episode introduction01:25 – Chantelle’s background: from global L&D to The Change Collab03:09 – Why empathy is so difficult under pressure—and the science behind it05:10 – What happens to empathy during deadline crunches07:07 – “Empathy is a capability”. @hy it takes practice, not just good intentions08:32 – Curiosity, listening, and perspective-taking: empathy in action12:10 – Breaking the cycle of assumptions in team communication13:10 – Can high performance and empathy actually coexist?14:08 – Actionable tips: coaching vs. micromanagement, modeling and rewarding empathy18:45 – Empathy as the “core ingredient” for team success20:01 – Are some industries worse at empathy? (And why it’s actually universal)22:43 – Traditional leadership myths and the risks of outdated workplace norms25:28 – Generational shifts: Why younger workers expect (and demand) “humans first” leadership29:44 – Chantelle’s biggest leadership lesson: learning, unlearning, and showing up authentically31:32 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development—training alone isn’t enough34:32 – How to connect with ChantelleAbout Chantelle Kohn:Chantelle Kohn is the founder of The Change Collab, a sought-after facilitator, and an expert in building high-performing, psychologically safe teams. With over 15 years of global experience across nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors, Chantelle has designed and delivered culture-building programs everywhere from Sydney to New York. She holds a master’s in international and community development and advanced training in emotional intelligence, systems coaching, and deep diversity leadership. Known for her warm-but-direct style, Chantelle helps leaders “lead well, relate well, and live well” by making empathy practical and actionable.Resources Referenced:The Change Collab website: thechangecollab.comChantelle Kohn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chantelle-kohn-1a0ab377/Want to Learn More?:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Learning strategy isn't about checking boxes. It's about driving real impact.In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Loren Sanders, VP of Learning Strategy and Consulting at WeLearn Learning Services and co-founder of Roxlo Coaching and Consulting, to redefine what it means to build credibility as a learning strategist. Loren doesn't pull punches. She shares hard truths about why most organizations aren't ready for a true strategic learning partnership and what learning leaders must do to move beyond order-taking. If you're ready for a refreshingly candid look at the skills, mindset, and business acumen required to become a real thought partner in L&D, this conversation is for you.You'll walk away with actionable tools for linking learning to business priorities, building trust, and having the uncomfortable conversations that truly move the needle.What You’ll Learn:The four essentials for assessing whether your organization is ready for strategic learning, and why skipping this step keeps L&D teams stuck in "order-taker" modeHow to shift from delivering training to becoming a true strategic thought partner, including the specific questions and behaviors that set you apartWhich business acumen skills matter most for L&D pros (and easy ways to build them, even outside your current organization)How leading with curiosity, not just expertise, unlocks credibility, influence, and better outcomesThe uncomfortable truths about leadership development investments, and what bold changes would make them genuinely impactfulSimple, career-changing tips for gaining a seat at the table and actually using it to drive valueIn This Episode:00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge03:27 – The missed step: Assessing organizational readiness for learning strategy05:10 – Signs your org sees L&D as a cost vs. a business driver08:18 – The clear difference between training delivery and strategic partnership10:26 – How to have difficult conversations with leaders and challenge assumptions13:33 – Why most L&D teams lack essential business skills, and how to fix it17:03 – The business acumen every learning strategist needs19:54 – How to earn trust and prep for high-impact L&D conversations20:41 – The "seat at the table" myth and what to do with your influence24:43 – If you could redesign L&D from scratch... Loren’s boldest wish26:55 – The #1 leadership lesson: You can't lead what you’re not willing to be changed by28:23 – The hard truth: Most leadership development programs don't work30:00 – How to connect with Loren and keep learning togetherAbout Loren Sanders:Loren Sanders coaches leaders to move from toxic to transformative, and helps organizations stop funding development that sounds good but doesn't change behavior. She works with executives as a fractional learning and talent leader, pinpointing where performance breaks down and designing learning systems that change how leaders think, decide, and act. She brings more than 19 years of learning and talent experience at CVS Health, is an ICF-certified coach (PCC), and teaches graduate courses at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.Loren is a keynote speaker and the author of Empathy Is Not a Weakness and Other Stories from the Edge, which reframes empathy as a leadership capability tied to judgment, trust, and performance. She is currently writing her second book, on impostor syndrome.Resources Referenced:Loren Sanders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorensanders0919/Loren’s website: https://www.loren365.com/Roxlo Coaching and Consulting: https://www.roxlocoaching.com/Empathy Is Not a Weakness and Other Stories from the Edge by Loren SandersWant to Learn More:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s the secret ingredient behind teams that actually engage, retain, and perform.In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Van Lai-DuMone, creative keynote speaker and CEO of Work Smart Advantage, to explore how creative tools supercharge workplace learning. Discover why traditional engagement strategies miss the mark, how hands-on play transforms retention, and what happens when everyone at the table, yes, even the skeptics, gets their hands on Legos and markers. Van reveals her journey from “arts and crafts outsider” to in-demand L&D innovator, and the mindset shift every organization needs if they want people-first learning that sticks.From self-efficacy breakthroughs to reinvesting in leadership development, this conversation is filled with stories, strategies, and takeaways that will change the way you look at engagement for good.What You’ll Learn:Why most organizations misunderstand engagement, and how creative elements offer real, measurable impactThe critical link between in-session engagement and lasting retention (and why adult learners need play, too)Van’s journey from “accidental entrepreneur” to creative learning strategist—and what it taught her about experimentationHow to introduce creativity into your next workshop, even when your audience says “I’m not a creative type”The big, bold change Van would make to corporate learning if she could wave a magic wandThe overlooked truth about leadership development, and easy ways every team can start, no matter their budgetIn This Episode:00:01 – Opening: The power of learning programs 01:00 – How creativity builds true engagement and retention 03:07 – The common mistakes L&D pros make with engagement 05:34 – Defining engagement vs. retention in learning 07:12 – LEGO Serious Play and tactile learning in action 10:14 – Why resistance to creative methods is normal (and how to overcome it) 13:40 – Personal stories: When adults rediscover play 14:00 – Van's accidental start in creative L&D 16:30 – How to introduce creativity without losing sight of business goals 17:09 – Making the case: Creativity as a strategic tool, not a “nice to have” 18:47 – Getting skeptics to experiment and see their own creativity 20:41 – Building self-efficacy through hands-on activities 21:29 – The mindset shift: Developing people, not just skills 22:14 – Creativity in every learning session 24:01 – Most important leadership lesson: Collaboration over having the answers 25:08 – Leveling the playing field with creative facilitation 26:16 – The biggest myth holding back leadership development 27:28 – Simple hacks for teams without a big L&D budgetAbout Van Lai-DuMone:Van Lai-DuMone is a creative keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and CEO of Work Smart Advantage, where she helps organizations unlock innovation and strengthen leadership through curiosity-driven, creative strategies. She’s on a mission to show that creativity isn’t an optional extra but a core problem-solving skill. Through hands-on workshops featuring tools like LEGO Serious Play, Van empowers teams—from skeptics to enthusiasts—to embrace experimentation and lasting change. She’s also the author of What If Pigs Can Fly? A Practical Guide to Follow Your Curiosities to Achieve Impractical Possibilities.Resources Referenced:Van’s book: What If Pigs Can Fly?Connect with Van on LinkedInVan’s company: Work Smart AdvantageWant to Learn More?:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Talent isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about growing, empowering, and future-proofing your organization.In this episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Tina Linder, Vice President of Talent Management and Program Management at a major regional bank, to decode what strategic talent management really means. Tina shares why most companies are stuck playing checkers when they should be mastering chess—explaining how a strategic approach can unlock innovation, engagement, and a true competitive edge. They dive into the differences between transactional and strategic hiring, how to spot a genuinely talent-minded employer, and what it actually takes to be an organization where people want to grow. Tune in for practical advice, real talk, and actionable steps you can take to build a thriving culture, beyond “feel good” quick fixes.What You’ll Learn:How to recognize the difference between transactional and strategic talent management—and why it matters for organizational growthThe checkers vs. chess analogy: why truly successful teams require foresight, agility, and intentional “moves”Top reasons companies get stuck in an outdated approach, and how to break free from old habitsWhat high-performing, talent-minded organizations actually look like (and how to spot them from the inside or out)The real ROI of investing in people, from employee retention to competitive differentiationHow to keep a strategic mindset even when operations feel overwhelmingWhy talent management can’t just be an event. It has to be a daily ritual and a leadership philosophyIn This Episode:00:01 – Introducing The Learnit Lounge and today’s guest/topic 00:42 – Tina Linder’s background and approach in talent management 02:27 – Defining transactional vs. strategic talent management 03:47 – How to coach leaders and teams toward a strategic mindset 05:06 – The “checkers vs. chess” analogy explained 06:38 – Why so many organizations stay stuck in a checkers mindset 08:53 – Strategic talent management as a competitive advantage 11:15 – Metrics for return on investment in talent management 13:26 – How to spot a strategic talent culture as a candidate or employee 15:32 – What companies REALLY reward, and why that’s key 19:17 – What makes an “employer of choice” in strategic talent 20:28 – Closing the “culture gap” between external image and internal reality 23:13 – Staying strategic amidst daily fires 24:57 – Making talent management a mindset, not an event 26:03 – Tina’s biggest leadership lesson and turning point 28:40 – The “uncomfortable truth” about feel-good L&D and business outcomes 30:47 – How to connect with Tina LinderAbout Tina Linder:Tina Linder, PMP, MHRM serves as Vice President of Talent Management and Program Management at a major regional bank in the Southern US. With deep expertise in aligning talent strategies with key business outcomes, Tina is known for designing and executing enterprise-wide initiatives that drive employee engagement, performance, and organizational growth. Her impressive toolkit includes credentials as a Project Management Professional, Prosci Change Practitioner, and Engagement & Performance Coach. Tina is passionate about guiding organizations through meaningful transformation and believes true innovation happens where bold strategy meets real impact. Resources Referenced:Connect with Tina Linder on LinkedInWant to Learn More?: Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

AI isn't just a cheat code; it's changing the rules of the game."In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Gabe Aponte, HR Division Manager for the County of San Mateo, to decode how AI is disrupting learning and development. Together, they dig into the real meaning of “democratizing knowledge,” reveal how AI is shifting the role of instructional designers from content gatherers to architects of learning experiences, and unpack the new intersection of speed and depth in professional growth. From turbocharging upskilling for specialized HR roles to using AI as a cognitive coach and myth-buster, this episode is packed with practical strategies for harnessing AI without losing the human edge leaders need most.Whether you’re in government, corporate, or education, you’ll come away with insight into building smarter, more inclusive, and more impactful learning programs.What You’ll Learn:How AI has lowered barriers to knowledge, and where human judgment still reignsReal-world ways AI supports instructional design: from prep to deeper learning conversationsThe difference between transactional and transformational AI usage in L&DHow AI can reinforce learning, accelerate skill-building, and even challenge misinformationThe emerging equity gap in AI-driven workplaces, and why prompt engineering mattersWhy speed doesn’t have to sacrifice depth, and how to use AI as a provoker (not a replacer) of critical thinkingIn This Episode:00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge 01:04 – How AI is democratizing knowledge (and not just info, but capability) 03:10 – Which learning barriers remain—and the importance of tacit knowledge 05:09 – Where human judgment beats AI, and how roles are changing 06:49 – How AI empowers learners (with firsthand, practical examples) 08:14 – Using AI in daily workflows: decision support and expert recall 09:47 – AI’s impact on the speed and depth of instructional design 12:30 – Why meetings are shorter and L&D pros are more prepared than ever 13:54 – Is AI shifting organizational learning culture? 15:20 – Predicting the next wave of AI and instructional design 16:23 – AI’s evolution from “cheat code” to “cognitive coach” 18:30 – Are we democratizing learning or amplifying inequities? 20:58 – Does AI’s speed mean we’re sacrificing learning depth? 22:58 – Transformational vs. transactional AI usage 23:27 – What basketball GMs can teach government about strategy (and how AI makes new courses possible) 25:09 – Gabe’s biggest leadership lesson: why trust outpaces technical answers 26:20 – The uncomfortable truth: AI isn’t magic, it’s a tool; humans still decide 27:26 – How to connect with GabeAbout Gabe Aponte:Gabe Aponte is the HR Division Manager for the County of San Mateo’s Human Resources Department, where he leads countywide development strategies and initiatives. Deeply involved in strengthening public sector HR, Gabe also serves as President of the Bay Area chapter of the Public Sector HR Association and sits on the San Francisco State University MPA Advisory Board. A San Francisco State MPA grad and PSHRA Senior Certified Professional, Gabe is passionate about democratizing capability in government teams and reimagining how AI can accelerate, not replace, human growth, trust, and impact.Resources Referenced:Connect with Gabe Aponte on LinkedIn For more on prompt engineering, see: What is Prompt Engineering?Want to Learn More?Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

AI is transforming performance management, but it’s not about robots replacing people. It’s about making feedback faster, development more relevant, and performance reviews finally… human.In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Ash Hynie, CEO and founder of ManageUp, to dig into how AI is streamlining performance management and coaching without losing the heart of what really matters: people. Drawing on Ash’s journey from engineering to HR leadership and DEI, this conversation explores the real challenges of annual reviews, misconceptions around AI, and the powerful impact of real-time feedback and evidence-based coaching. Whether you lead a team or want to be better seen in your organization, this episode brings you actionable insights, honest reflection, and fresh perspective on the future of work.What You’ll Learn:Why annual performance reviews are outdated and how real-time AI-powered feedback changes the gameThe biggest misconceptions and “fear-based” narratives about AI (and the truth HR leaders need to know)Practical examples of AI in performance management: from Slack summaries to bias-reduced coachingHow AI helps managers balance quantitative data with qualitative stories for better, fairer developmentWhy centering humans (not tech) should always be at the core of performance managementHow Ash’s DEI expertise shapes her approach to building tech that sees and advocates for everyoneIn This Episode:00:00 – Introduction to The Learnit Lounge & episode theme 00:45 – Meet Ash Hynie: where engineering meets DEI and HR 02:36 – Rethinking performance management: real-time data, not six-month-old snapshots 05:52 – Top misconceptions: Is AI just another “popularity contest”? 08:44 – Centering humanity in AI-powered processes 10:49 – What AI-powered performance management looks like on a Monday morning 14:18 – AI-powered Slack summaries, real-world examples 15:21 – Using AI to blend quantitative and qualitative insights 18:56 – How AI supports better coaching, feedback, and L&D 22:16 – Real-time feedback makes employees more coachable (and feedback less scary) 23:42 – Addressing bias, “Big Brother” concerns, and inclusive AI development 27:52 – The biggest leadership lesson: Activism is loud, fellowship is soft 30:11 – The uncomfortable truth: Leadership development is underappreciated in organizations 31:40 – How to reach Ash or learn more about ManageUpAbout Ash Hynie:Ash Hynie is the founder and CEO of ManageUp, an AI-powered performance management platform designed to bring real-time feedback and smarter development to organizations. Formerly Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Credit Karma, Ash’s career spans engineering, product, employee experience, and HR leadership. She’s known as a distinguished speaker, coach, and mentor in the tech industry, recognized for weaving together technical expertise with deep empathy for people and culture. Her unique lens, grounded in both data and DEI, shapes how she’s building tools that help people and companies thrive.Resources Referenced:Ash Hynie’s website: yourtechbestie.com/Ash Hynie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ash-hynie/To contact Ash: [email protected] Want to Learn More?: Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected]‍Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.