The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Building Future-Ready Talent With IT and Tech Credentials

AI is changing how organizations approach learning and development, but questions remain about what’s really working and how L&D teams can apply AI effectively.  In this episode of The Business of Learning, recorded during the Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) 2026, Tom Whelan, Ph.D., facilitates a panel discussion on what’s working with AI in L&D today. Claire Cole, Mike Groesser, Maria Rodriguez, Ph.D., and Artrell Williams, CPTM, discuss navigating AI adoption, supporting learners and preparing for the future of work.  Check out the episode now to learn:   Strategic capabilities that will remain uniquely human in an AI-driven future of work  How early AI adopters can help inform and accelerate broader AI strategies  How L&D teams can support learners throughout their AI adoption journey  More Resources:   [Toolkit]: AI in Training Toolkit    [E-Book]: The AI Divide: What High-Performing Organizations Do Differently  [Course]: The AI Essentials for Training Managers Certificate   [Wiki]: AI in Training  

IT and technical certifications can help organizations validate skills, strengthen workforce capabilities and prepare employees for emerging technologies. But realizing their full value requires integrating credentials into broader learning and talent development strategies.  In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Pearson, Krista Ketchmark, an executive sales leader at Pearson, shares insights from Pearson's recent research on the value of IT certifications and explores how organizations can use credentials to build workforce capabilities, support career development and navigate the evolving demands of an AI-driven workplace.  Tune in now for insights on:  Key findings from Pearson's research on the value of IT certifications and what they reveal about today's workforce  Strategies for integrating certifications into continuous learning, career pathways and talent development programs  How certifications can help organizations build confidence in employees' skills, adapt to emerging technologies and strengthen business outcomes  More Resources:   [Article]: Why IT Certifications Work Best as Part of a Capability Framework  [Resource]: Corporate Training Strategy: A Practical Guide for L&D Leaders   [Wiki]: Certifications for Training Professionals 

L&D leaders are constantly finding new ways to turn business challenges into opportunities for learning, growth and impact.  In episode 100 of The Business of Learning, recorded in person at the 2026 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE), Jazmin Webster, chief learning curator at the Quality Experience, and Chris Cassell, director of North America training and development at Align Technology, share real-world L&D success stories and lessons learned from their experiences.  Tune in now for insights on:  How L&D leaders can use training to address real business challenges  What it takes to move a learning initiative from idea to execution and make it successful  The lessons these learning leaders have taken from their experiences and how they’re shaping their work going forward  More Resources:   [Certification] The Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) program  [E-Book] The L&D Professional’s Guide to Corporate Training  [Resource] Learning and Development Careers: A Guide to L&D Roles Career Paths 

Change has become a constant in today’s workplace, and organizations need resilient employees and leaders who can adapt, navigate uncertainty and continue moving forward.  In this episode of The Business of Learning, recorded at the 2026 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE), Cassi Chandler, motivational leadership expert and the FBI’s first African American female special agent assistant director, shares actionable tips for building organizational resilience and how L&D leaders can proactively prepare employees to navigate constant change.  Tune in now for insights on:  How L&D leaders can proactively prepare employees for constant change rather than reacting to disruption  The skills and capabilities organizations should prioritize to help employees adapt and thrive  How L&D can measure whether its efforts to build organizational resilience are working 

Learning doesn't end when training is complete. Lasting behavior change depends on understanding what truly motivates employees to learn, grow and apply new skills on the job. In this episode of The Business of Learning, Jess Ekstrom, bestselling author and founder of Mic Drop Workshop and Headbands of Hope, shares actionable insights on the psychology of motivation and how L&D leaders can design learning experiences that inspire lasting engagement and performance. Tune in now for insights on: The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and why it matters for corporate training Common training practices that unintentionally undermine learner motivation Strategies for designing learning experiences that foster lasting engagement and manager support

What does learning transformation look like in practice, and how can L&D leaders move past simply delivering training to creating meaningful business and learner impact? In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by TalentLMS, Nick Gonios, vice president of learning transformation and company ambassador at TalentLMS, shares tips on how organizations can rethink learning strategies to better engage modern employees and drive lasting change. Tune in now for insights on: What learning transformation really means in today’s workplace How cognitive science and modern learner behavior should shape L&D strategies The role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling effective learning transformation

How can learning leaders prove the value of training in an environment where budgets are tight and business impact matters more than ever? In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by VPS, Paul Kent, director of functional development at PepsiCo, shares actionable strategies for measuring training ROI and building stronger alignment between learning and organizational goals. Tune in now for insights on: How the concept of training ROI has evolved in today’s business climate Common mistakes organizations make when measuring learning impact First steps for L&D teams looking to strengthen their measurement strategy

Learning and development (L&D) is stepping into a more strategic role as organizations navigate constant change, evolving skill demands and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). As expectations shift, how can L&D teams adapt? In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Instructure, we spoke with Melissa Loble, chief learning officer at Instructure, to explore how L&D is evolving in the future of work and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly complex environment. Tune in now for insights on: Why L&D is becoming a key driver of organizational success How AI is transforming learning design and development The skills CLOs need now to stay competitive How to align learning strategies with business outcomes

Frontline workers are the backbone of many organizations, and their learning needs require approaches that are both flexible and job-relevant. With limited time, inconsistent access to technology and constantly shifting demands, traditional training approaches don’t always stick. So, how can L&D better support this critical audience? In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with JD Dillon, advisor, speaker and author of “The Frontline Enablement Playbook” and “The Modern Learning Ecosystem,” to explore how organizations can rethink training for front-line employees and embed learning into the flow of work. Tune in now for insights on: Why traditional training often fails front-line workers — and what to do instead How to design learning that fits seamlessly into the flow of work The critical role managers play in reinforcing learning and driving real behavior change

Imposter syndrome can quietly undermine even the most accomplished L&D professionals, causing self-doubt, hesitation and stress in day-to-day work. But what does it really look like in training and development, and how can professionals overcome it to lead with confidence?  In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Loren Sanders, CPTM and vice president of learning strategy and consulting at WeLearn Learning Services, and Ruth Phillips, training and education senior specialist at Higginbotham, to explore practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome.   Tune in now for insights on:  How imposter syndrome can show up in L&D professionals’ daily work  Mindset shifts and practical strategies to manage self-doubt  Advice for learning leaders to reframe pressure and move forward with confidence