The Workday Lawsuit & AI Bias: What L&D Leaders Must Learn Now

“Level 3 evaluation is just too much work.” How many times have you heard that? Or maybe even thought it yourself? In this episode of The Kirkpatrick Podcast, I’m breaking down the myth that Level 3 (behavior change) evaluation has to be complicated, overwhelming, or resource-draining. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. I share a recent conversation I had with someone new to instructional design who was convinced that Level 3 sounded impossible. But the reality is that with the right mindset, partnerships, and tools, you can automate and streamline much of the process—while still collecting powerful data that drives business results. At Kirkpatrick Partners, we’ve been experimenting with tech partners like trevato and Knowly that make evaluation feel more like a “set it and forget it” crockpot than a never-ending manual task list. These tools can send surveys automatically, nudge managers to support learners, and even provide predictive insights about what your programs need next. And the best part? You don’t have to start big. Even a simple, bootstrapped pilot can give you data to prove ROI and make the case for investment in smarter solutions. Because here’s the truth: Level 3 evaluation isn’t just about measuring behavior change. It’s about: Staying connected with learners long after a program ends Building trust with business leaders through proactive insights Spotting pain points in your content and fixing them before they become problems Using data to shift from order-taker to strategic business partner Freeing up time and energy so you can focus on impact, not admin work You don’t need a perfect system or a giant platform to get started. What you need is the willingness to take one small step—then build from there. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or skeptical about Level 3 evaluation, this episode will give you practical ideas (and maybe a little confidence boost) to try something new. 🎧 Tune in now—and let’s start working smarter, not harder. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and check out our Kirkpatrick certification programs if you’re ready to deepen your evaluation expertise.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

AI is everywhere in our work right now—from hiring to performance management to evaluation. But what happens when the very tools we’re relying on to make decisions are quietly reinforcing bias and producing dirty data? In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, I dive into the growing conversation around AI ethics and accountability, sparked by the recent Workday lawsuit over discriminatory hiring practices. While it may feel like a “tech” problem, the truth is: this affects every one of us in L&D, HR, and leadership. I share real-world examples from my own evaluation projects where unchecked AI outputs could have changed the strategic direction of an entire organization—based on only three voices out of 2,400 responses. That’s the danger of handing over too much decision-making power to tools without proper oversight. At the end of the day, AI is just a tool. We are accountable for how it’s used. And if we don’t build in the right checks and balances, we risk creating biased rubrics, flawed evaluations, and ultimately, harmful business decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the Workday lawsuit is just the beginning of AI accountability in business. How AI bias creeps into evaluation and performance data. A real-world story of how AI almost misled a global membership organization. Why human oversight—not another AI—is the only real safeguard. Practical steps to keep your data clean, your evaluations fair, and your organization protected. The skills L&D leaders must develop to thrive in an AI-driven workplace. This is not about being anti-AI—I love AI and the efficiencies it creates. But if we don’t use it responsibly, we risk undermining the very outcomes we’re trying to achieve. 👉 Listen now to learn how you can lead responsibly in this new AI era. Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

Too often, L&D leaders say that Level 3 and Level 4 evaluations are “too hard” to measure. But the truth is, it’s not the metrics or the methods holding us back—it’s culture. In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa Alzate dives deep into the real barrier to higher-level evaluation: organizations that haven’t built the culture needed to support it. Drawing on research and lived experience, Vanessa unpacks why leaders hesitate to own data, why accountability around values is often missing, and why evaluation isn’t just a technical skillset issue—it’s a cultural one. This is a conversation every L&D leader, executive, and business partner needs to hear. If your organization says it values integrity, performance, or innovation, then Level 3 and Level 4 evaluations aren’t optional—they’re essential. You’ll learn: Why organizations fail at Level 3 and 4 evaluation (hint: it’s not the surveys or the tools). The cultural roadblocks that stop managers and leaders from supporting evaluation. How integrity and accountability tie directly to evaluation practices. Why a “fail-safe” culture makes higher-level evaluation possible. Practical ways to start small with pilots and build proof that shifts culture. The mindset L&D professionals need to lead culture change, even in massive organizations. Vanessa also shares powerful reminders: you don’t need a “silver bullet” tool to measure training impact—you need the right culture to support it. And while L&D can’t change culture alone, it can spark momentum by starting small, showcasing results, and helping leaders see evaluation as a shared responsibility. If you’ve ever struggled with implementing Levels 3 and 4, this episode will challenge your assumptions and equip you to take the next step toward building a true culture of evaluation in your organization. 🎧 Listen now and join the movement to make evaluation not just an event, but a way of organizational life.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

Managers are the force multipliers of learning. Yet most are overwhelmed, misaligned, or unprepared to support training. If managers don’t model, coach, and reinforce new behaviors, learning stalls. So how do you get them on board? In this episode, Vanessa Alzate dives into why managers make or break training success — and what L&D leaders can do to gain their buy-in. Drawing from Gartner research and her experience with organizations worldwide, Vanessa shares strategies for partnering with managers who may not see learning as their priority. You’ll learn how to speak their language, reduce friction, and help them build the confidence to coach without demanding perfection. This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever struggled with disengaged managers, overloaded supervisors, or leaders who simply “don’t want to manage people.” What you’ll learn: Why frontline managers matter more than executives in training impact. The top obstacles managers face when supporting L&D. How to speak their language and align training with their goals. Ways to reduce friction with coaching guides and support tools. The importance of building confidence over perfection. When and how to escalate cultural obstacles to senior leadership. 👉 Listen now and learn how to unlock manager support for your programs. 📌 Subscribe to the Kirkpatrick Podcast and join us at the Kirkpatrick Summit for hands-on strategies to bridge the L&D–manager gap. Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

Every organization pays taxes — but are you paying an Ignorance Tax you don’t even know exists?In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa Alzate uncovers the silent cost organizations pay when they don’t evaluate their learning and development initiatives. From wasted instructional design hours to disengaged employees and misaligned strategies, the Ignorance Tax compounds year after year until it erodes both credibility and budgets. Vanessa challenges L&D leaders to stop relying on “thoughts and feelings” and start bringing data-driven evaluation to the boardroom. CEOs don’t make decisions without facts, and neither should we. With research from Rob Brinkerhoff showing that 70% of training fails to transfer into workplace behavior, the urgency has never been greater. Takeaways: Why the Ignorance Tax is more costly than the act of measuring impact. The hidden drains on L&D budgets: misalignment, wasted time, and credibility erosion. Why evaluation is not optional — it’s the foundation for being seen as a strategic partner. How to shift from vanity metrics to what really matters: performance impact. The importance of feedback loops and annual audits in reducing waste. A practical analogy from Ted Lasso on how teamwork (and evaluation) drives performance. Don’t let your department get buried under the Ignorance Tax. Listen now, share with your leadership team, and join us at the Kirkpatrick Summit to learn how to implement evaluation that drives measurable business results.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

What’s really “mission critical” in your organization? Spoiler alert—it’s not just sales. In this episode, Vanessa Alzate, CEO of Kirkpatrick Partners, challenges one of the most dangerous assumptions in business: that learning and training are expendable when times get tough. Drawing from real-world examples across industries—government, healthcare, military, and corporate—Vanessa makes the case that investing in people isn’t optional; it’s the only way to sustain performance through disruption. Too often, organizations cut back on training during downturns, only to scramble later when rebuilding. The cycle is reactive, shortsighted, and ultimately costly. Vanessa reframes the conversation: training is not about content; it’s about performance. And performance is what’s truly mission critical. Key Takeaways: Why learning is the first budget cut—and why that’s a mistake. The hidden cost of layoffs and rehiring without workforce capability-building. Real-world examples of mission critical training that saves lives. How organizations that invest in people weather crises better. Why Gen Alpha’s expectations will disrupt traditional workplace structures. The difference between optional learning vs. essential performance-focused training. 👉 Don’t miss this one if you’re leading through disruption, advocating for L&D, or preparing for the future of work. Subscribe to the Kirkpatrick Podcast, share this episode with your network, and join us at the upcoming event to go deeper into performance-driven learning.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

What do you do when disruption shakes your organization — restructuring, new tech, shifting leadership — and the stakeholders you’ve relied on are suddenly gone? In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, I (Vanessa Alzate) reflect on lessons from the Training Officers Consortium and my own journey of building community in a new state. Disruption is inevitable, but the way we respond — especially in how we engage stakeholders — determines whether we survive or thrive.Stakeholder engagement isn’t just a task on your to-do list. It’s about community. In times of disruption, rebuilding relationships is harder, but it’s also where resilience, alignment, and performance live. What You’ll Learn: Why disruption isn’t just economic — and how to spot it in your own organization. How stakeholder engagement mirrors building community in your personal life. The role of empathy and listening in strengthening fractured relationships. Why managers often resist training reinforcement (and what to do about it). Practical steps to proactively build and sustain stakeholder trust. How celebrating small wins can strengthen ownership and alignment. If you’ve felt frustrated by losing relationships, overwhelmed by disruption, or stuck in rebuilding mode, this episode is for you. ➡️ Listen now to learn how to turn disruption into opportunity. ➡️ Watch the video on YouTube ➡️ Subscribe for weekly insights on evaluation, leadership, and organizational performance. Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

More dashboards don’t mean more insights. In fact, they might be what’s holding your organization back. In this episode of The Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa Alzate challenges the way executives and L&D leaders approach data. If you’ve ever sat in front of a sea of dashboards and still couldn’t answer the simple question — “What’s actually changed?” — this conversation is for you. Here’s what we cover: Why too many dashboards create information overload instead of clarity. The hidden danger of relying on vanity metrics like completion rates and survey scores. How disconnected KPIs undermine your ability to prove impact. The shift from data collection to actionable insights that drive decisions. Why alignment, behavior change, and transparency are the real levers of learning impact. Three critical questions every executive should ask before approving another training investment. Executives don’t need more numbers. They need better data, sharper alignment with strategy, and evidence of behavior change. This episode will help you move away from clutter and toward clarity so that your L&D investments actually influence business results. Listen now, and if you’re ready to move beyond vanity metrics and into data that drives impact, schedule a discovery call with Kirkpatrick Partners. It’s budget justification season — if you’re only looking at 2025, you’re already behind. Let’s set you up for 2026 and beyond.

Budget season is here — and for many L&D professionals, that means stress, scrutiny, and the dreaded question: “What are we really getting from all this training spend?” In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa Alzate walks you through three essential questions to ensure your learning budgets are justified, strategic, and defensible. Too often, training programs get funded without critical evaluation — draining resources, frustrating teams, and weakening the credibility of L&D. Vanessa shows how to flip the script by using the Kirkpatrick Model as a decision-making lens, ensuring every dollar spent ties directly to organizational goals and measurable results. You’ll learn: The #1 mistake L&D leaders make during budget justification. How to tie programs to specific business goals and KPIs (instead of “training for training’s sake”). Why behavior change (Level 3) is the bridge between learning and results — and how to prove it. How to separate vanity metrics from true impact metrics executives care about. A practical framework to evaluate vendors, tools, and programs for real business value. If you’ve ever worried about cuts to your budget — or struggled to prove the ROI of your programs — this episode gives you the language, mindset, and tools to position L&D as a true business partner. 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward stronger budget justifications, smarter investments, and greater organizational impact. 👉 Don’t miss the upcoming Kirkpatrick Summit, where we’ll dive even deeper into proving impact and building a high-performance learning culture.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.

When impact measurement is left to a single department—especially L&D—it’s a recipe for failure. In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa Alzate shares why evaluation must be a shared responsibility across the organization, how to break down silos, and four actions executives can take to model a culture of evaluation that drives real performance results. You’ll learn: Why Level 3 and Level 4 results need to be co-owned by L&D and operational leaders How to get managers and other departments invested in performance change The biggest mindset shift organizations must make to sustain impact Lessons from influencing without formal authority (and how L&D can use them) Four executive behaviors that embed evaluation into the DNA of your organization Whether you’re in learning and development, HR, operations, or executive leadership, this episode will help you move from siloed measurement to enterprise-wide accountability—and create results that last. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The danger of siloed impact measurement 01:10 – Why “If impact lives in one department, it dies in isolation” 02:20 – The limits of L&D owning evaluation alone 04:00 – How disconnected KPIs weaken organizational results 05:25 – The mindset shift from tools to shared accountability 07:15 – Why managers are critical to sustaining behavior change 09:00 – The problem with relying on post-training surveys 10:30 – Lessons from influencing without formal authority (sorority leadership story) 14:45 – Four ways executives can model a culture of evaluation:   • Integrate measurement into strategic plans   • Celebrate wins tied to results   • Hold managers accountable   • Provide resources for tracking and acting on data 21:30 – Practical starting point: “What’s the evidence?” in every update 22:15 – Call to action: Invite departments to co-own success from day one 22:55 – Invitation to join the Kirkpatrick Summit for hands-on impact solutions   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.