19-23 EPISODES OF THE LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING PODCAST

Check out episodes 19-23 of my LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING podcast! These episodes dive deep into the latest trends in learning and development with top industry leaders. Each one offers a fresh take on the dynamic relationship between people, technology, and love for learning. Tune in for inspiring conversations, insightful ideas, and memorable moments right here:

Episode 19. The Power of Yes: Sherri's Lessons on Opportunity and Growth

Episode 19 of the LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING podcast features Dr. Sherri Brooks. Sherri is an executive coach, speaker, and professional development trainer with over 20 years of leadership and operations experience across academia, healthcare, and business entrepreneurship.?As the Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Memorial Healthcare and Founder of Blueprint4Change, LLC, Sherri has empowered countless individuals and organizations to achieve their goals by identifying strengths, advancing leadership competencies, and engaging in actionable strategies. With a passion for helping others live and lead with confidence, competence, and influence, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation.?In this episode, Sherri shares her journey from beginning to becoming a successful corporate leader and entrepreneur. We dive into her insights on goal setting, overcoming challenges, and the importance of desire in achieving success. Sherri also discusses her recent recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Tennessee and what it means to her.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Career Path: Sherri Brooks shared her journey, which included changing her major five times and exploring various fields before finding her passion in speech-language pathology.?

Goal Setting and Vision: Sherri emphasized the importance of setting clear goals and having a vision. She shared how she completed her doctorate within four years by aligning her academic objectives with her long-term career goals, demonstrating the power of focused goal-setting.

Career Development at Baptist Memorial Healthcare: Sherri led the creation of a Center for Career Development at Baptist Memorial Healthcare, addressing the need for career growth opportunities within the organization. The program has successfully helped employees advance within the company.

Empathy and Compassion in Healthcare: Sherri discussed the significance of empathy in healthcare, both for patients and team members. She explained how the organization promotes "compassionate connected care", ensuring that empathy is a core part of their culture.

Challenges of Large-Scale Implementation: One of the biggest challenges Sherri faced was meeting the diverse needs of a large organization spread across multiple states. She highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to provide equal access to career development resources.

The Role of DE&I in Career Development: Sherri underscored the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in career development programs. She mentioned specific efforts to support frontline workers and ensure that all employees, regardless of their position, have access to growth opportunities.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-19

Episode 20. Managing Organizational Change: L&D as a Strategic Business Partner

Episode 20 of LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING features Michael Smith, VP and Head of Learning and Development at Berkadia. With over 23 years of expertise in L&D, Talent Management, and HR — including roles like Senior Director of Learning Experience Design at Comcast — Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and insights that you won’t want to miss.?Tamara and Michael dive deep into his journey, how the field of L&D has evolved, and the trends shaping the future of learning and talent development. Plus, get ready for some fascinating discussion on leadership, innovation, and how to build a true learning culture in a rapidly changing world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Evolution of Learning and Development: Michael shared how the field has evolved from basic instructional design using tools like Flash and Authorware to more sophisticated learning technologies, highlighting the growing strategic importance of L&D in organizations.

Building a Learning Function from Scratch: At Berkadia, Michael built the entire learning and development function, focusing on hiring the right team, assessing organizational needs, and creating the infrastructure necessary for success.

Business Relevance in L&D: Michael emphasized that relevance matters more than ever in a smaller company like Berkadia, where every employee is closer to the client. The focus must be on providing training that directly impacts business outcomes like client satisfaction and deal closure.

Fostering a Learning Culture: Creating a learning culture at Berkadia is an ongoing challenge, especially in an industry where formal L&D programs may not be common. Michael stressed the importance of using learning methods that resonate with the company's goals and industry.

The Role of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): Michael explained how Berkadia successfully leverages internal experts to share their knowledge, which has created a collaborative environment where experts are eager to contribute to the learning process.

Balancing Innovation with Business Needs: While innovation in learning is essential, Michael cautioned against adopting "shiny new tools" for the sake of it. Instead, L&D should focus on meaningful innovation that drives behavior change, using technology strategically to meet the organization’s needs.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-20

Episode 21. Visionary Leadership: Cultivating Well-Being and Resilient Company Culture

In this episode of LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING, Tamara speaks with Fasika Melaku, Senior Vice President of HR and Chief Learning Officer at Denny’s Corporation. A visionary leader in HR, Learning & Development, Fasika is also a published author, human rights advocate, and champion of inclusive workplace cultures.?This episode is a must-listen for HR and L&D professionals, as Fasika and Tamara explore leadership philosophy, building resilient organizations, and the power of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. Fasika shares her personal journey, insights on navigating today’s workplace challenges, and the lasting legacy she hopes to create.?You'll be inspired by Fasika's wisdom and passion, making this an episode full of heart and valuable lessons.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Resilience and Access as Key Drivers: Fasika emphasized how her journey from Ethiopia to the executive boardroom was fueled by resilience and the access provided by others who believed in her potential. She noted how support and access can transform lives.

The Power of Service and Supporting People: Fasika’s career began with her passion for helping others, which stemmed from her cultural upbringing. She explained how her early roles in service industries taught her the value of supporting people and building connections.

Creating a Culture of Empathy in the Workplace: Fasika discussed the importance of fostering empathy in the workplace, which she believes is crucial for creating inclusive and thriving organizational cultures. She highlighted her role in driving empathy-based leadership at Denny’s.

Diversity and Inclusion Beyond Buzzwords: Fasika shared her views on diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating that these are not just buzzwords but essential elements for building successful organizations. She emphasized the importance of genuine connection and understanding of different stories and perspectives.

Resilience and Well-Being are Interconnected: Fasika spoke about the critical link between resilience and well-being, stressing that organizational success depends on leaders’ ability to foster both. She shared how Denny’s implemented long-term programs focused on well-being, reflection, and meaningful connections to build resilience.

The Importance of Purpose and Personal Growth: Fasika's personal experiences, including her journey to motherhood, shaped her perspective on resilience and self-acceptance. She highlighted the significance of finding purpose in life and being open to vulnerability, which has strengthened her leadership and personal growth.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-21

Episode 22. Investing in Human Capital: Driving Retention and Readiness for Change

In this episode, Tamara welcomes Jennifer Harvala, Chief Learning Officer and Head of Pre-Litigation at the Mike Morse Law Firm, where she’s been a driving force for over 20 years. Beyond her contributions to the law firm, Jennifer plays a key role at the firm’s consultancy, Fireproof Performance, serving as Senior Vice President of Operations and Senior Business Coach.?Jennifer exemplifies employee-focused leadership, operational excellence, and team cohesion. She has revolutionized learning programs tailored for the legal industry. In this episode, she shares her strategies for leadership development, the balance between long-term vision and short-term gains, and how she aligns training programs with her firm’s business objectives.?The conversation also covers Jennifer’s passions outside of work, family traditions, and the books and experiences that have shaped her journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

L&D Leaders Need to Be Part of Leadership: Jennifer stressed that L&D professionals often aren't part of high-level decision-making. This leads to a lack of alignment with business goals, as they don't get the full picture. Involving L&D leaders ensures initiatives are impactful and aligned with company strategy.

The Younger Workforce Demands Meaning and Investment: Jennifer explained that younger employees expect a two-way street when it comes to loyalty, where leaders must provide growth opportunities and ensure their work has purpose.

Leaders Should Be Lifelong Learners: Jennifer described herself as a constant learner, and emphasized the importance of staying engaged with both industry trends and the internal pulse of the company to grow as a leader.

Accountability Starts with Leadership: When employees fail to meet expectations, leaders should first look at their own communication. If expectations or deadlines aren’t clear, it’s often a reflection of leadership. Accountability starts with making sure teams have the guidance they need.

Soft Skills Are More Important Than Ever: As technology and AI evolve, Jennifer highlighted the growing importance of soft skills like empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication. These human qualities are irreplaceable and critical for building strong teams and workplace culture.

Revisiting Long-term Goals Regularly: Jennifer emphasized the importance of setting long-term goals but revisiting them annually to ensure they stay relevant. In a fast-changing world, particularly with rapid technological advances, adaptability is crucial for long-term success.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-22

Episode 23. Ripples of Leadership: Empowering Future Generations of Leaders

In the 23rd episode of LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING., listeners will dive deep into "Ripples of Leadership" with Tamara's special guest, Dr. Allison Sadler, a learning executive at USAA and author of this groundbreaking book!They explore the concept of "ripples" in leadership — how the actions and purpose of leaders extend beyond their immediate teams to shape future generations. Allison shares her insights on aligning leadership with personal values, navigating noise versus signal, and fostering lasting growth and resilience in organizations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Self-Driven Growth and Purposeful Leadership: Leaders who align their leadership style with their values and purpose can create a legacy of well-prepared leaders. This creates ripple effects, ensuring that future leaders benefit from institutional and leadership knowledge without taking decades to discover it.

Pursuing a Purpose-Driven Career: Every career is a journey of self-discovery, and it’s essential to align it with your talents and purpose. When your career feels like a worthy pursuit, you give it your all because you only have one chance — no dress rehearsals in life.

Cutting Through the Noise: Leaders face constant distractions, from endless emails to new projects. It’s vital to distinguish between what’s essential and what’s simply noise, ensuring time and energy are focused on meaningful priorities that align with your goals.

Identifying and Adapting Leadership Styles: Effective leadership isn't one-size-fits-all. Leaders must evaluate each situation and adapt their style to meet the needs of the people they lead, even if it pushes them outside their comfort zone. Understanding one's own preferences and how they influence leadership can be a game changer in navigating different scenarios.

Finding Your “Why”: Leaders need to regularly ask themselves why they’re pursuing their chosen path. This introspection aligns them with their purpose, ensuring their efforts are worthwhile and sustainable in the long term. Discovering your passion not only drives personal success but also contributes to a broader societal need.

Prioritizing Time and Energy: Time is finite, and how you spend it should reflect your priorities. Leaders need to focus on signals, the truly important work that advances their strategic goals, while avoiding distractions that can drain time and energy.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-23

Subscribe to my "L&D insights" newsletter on LinkedIn - https://www.dhirubhai.net/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6980823715936620544 and follow my video blog on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lanestalk

#VirtualTraining #VILT #HybridTraining #HybridLearning #TrainingDesign #VirtualTrainer #InstructionalDesigner #LearningAndDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TrainingDelivery #EmployeeEngagement #LanesAI #Podcast #LanesAIPodcast #LovePeopleTechnologyLearning #Lanes #Innovation #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateLearning #EdTech #AI