Ep. 22: Behavior, Motivation, and the Role of Learning with Julie Dirksen
Why doesn’t learning always lead to action? In this episode, Vidya sits down with Julie Dirksen - author, designer, and one of the clearest thinkers on behavior change in L&D. They explore why systems thinking can sometimes overwhelm us, how to design for motivation dips, what to do when learners don’t see themselves as part of the problem, and why behavior design needs ethical boundaries. If you’re trying to bridge the knowing-doing gap in your work, this conversation offers sharp insight… and plenty to reflect on.Connect with JulieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen/ Website: https://usablelearning.com/ Books: https://usablelearning.com/the-books/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/
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Ep. 21: The Quiet Power of Community with Erin Chancellor
What does it really take to build a thriving learning community - one where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow? In this episode, Erin Chancellor joins Vidya to share how she co-manages the Useful L&D Community with care, clarity, and intentional structure. They explore what “lurker love” looks like in action, why creating space matters more than pushing content, and how community skills can reshape how we do L&D. It’s a quiet, reflective conversation - full of practical wisdom and gentle provocations. Whether you lead learning, design it, or just care about how people connect and grow… this one’s for you.Connect with Erin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chancellorerin/Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/
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Ep. 20: Experiment First, Design Later with Tom McDowall
In this episode, Tom McDowall joins us for a deep dive into learner autonomy, performance-focused design, and the real role of L&D in a fast-changing world. We unpack what it means to give learners control, how to balance autonomy with compliance, and why experimentation - not training - is often the better answer. From Dungeons & Dragons to chatbot-driven learning, Tom shares sharp insights and practical ideas for rethinking how we support performance at work.Connect with Tom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdowall/ Website: https://tommcdowall.com/ The iDeas Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvjaaAi-H8MW_yYwpqgtKXgL15cFaKhd Instructional Design Tips YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/InstructionalDesignTips Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/
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Ep. 19: Improving Value, Not Just Proving It with Michelle Ockers
What does it really take to build a learning strategy that sticks? In this episode, Michelle Ockers helps unpack the difference between tactical execution and strategic clarity. From shifting the conversation from skills to capability, to evaluating learning as a tool for improvement, and not just as proof, Michelle shares practical, grounded advice for L&D leaders. We talk about working with culture (not against it), why deep consultation beats quick fixes, and how to use data for improvement, not just for validation. If you’re thinking about how learning creates value for your business, this conversation will meet you right where you are - strategic, practical, and refreshingly honest.Connect with MichelleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/ Websites: https://michelleockers.com/ and https://learninguncut.global/ Book: The L&D Leader - Principles and Practice for Delivering Business Value: https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/the-l-d-leader-9781398620278Referenced MaterialFuture of Jobs Report 2025, The World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ Articles: - CLO LIFT: The Skills Accelerator: https://learningforum.substack.com/p/clo-lift-the-skills-accelerator - Feedback culture: Great learning design as a bridge to culture building: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/feedback-culture-great-learning-design-as-a-bridge-to-culture-building Podcast Episodes:- McKinsey’s Feedback Skills Surge – Lisa Christensen: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/163/ - Playbook – Your First 90 Days in an L&D Leader Role: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/138/ - Building Learning Culture – Nigel Paine: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-05-building-learning-culture/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/
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Ep. 18: Building Service Cultures That Power Organizations with Ron Kaufman
What if service wasn’t just a department, but a way of thinking across your entire organization?In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Ron Kaufman - global expert on service culture and best-selling author of Uplifting Service - joins us to break down what it really takes to build a culture of continuous service improvement. We explore why mindset can't be taught in a day, how tools and actions shape culture, and why service is about creating value for everyone you interact with - not just customers. Practical, powerful, and yes, even a little funny - you won’t look at service the same way again.Connect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronkaufman/ Website: https://www.ronkaufman.com/ Books: https://www.ronkaufman.com/books/ The Six Levels of Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iktw-KhAq-g Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/
This podcast brings you conversations with experts from within the field of L&D and beyond, uncovering innovative ideas from unexpected places. Discover fresh approaches to learning and development that challenge the status quo. Brought to you by Learnnovators, your one-stop-shop for all things L&D.