24-27 EPISODES OF THE LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING PODCAST

Catch episodes 24-27 of my podcast, LOVE. PEOPLE. TECHNOLOGY. LEARNING.! In these episodes, we explore the latest trends in learning and development with top industry leaders. Each episode brings a unique perspective on the evolving connection between people, technology, and love for learning. Join us for inspiring talks, fresh insights, and impactful moments — listen here:

Episode 24. Servant Leadership: Learning from Others to Build Trust and Diversity Synergy

Episode 24 of the LOVE.PEOPLE.TECHNOLOGY.LEARNING. podcast features Tom "TVR" Van Raaphorst, Head of Learning & Development at Amtrak. Tom, a servant leader and champion of change, brings a wealth of experience from leading high-performing teams at some of the world's most innovative companies, including Tesla.With his infectious love for people, Tom shares powerful insights on building trust, fostering diversity synergy, and how servant leadership can create extraordinary team dynamics. You don’t want to miss this inspiring episode that dives deep into learning from others and unlocking your team’s true potential.Tune in now for a fresh perspective on leadership!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Innovative Leadership at Tesla: Tom’s time at Tesla gave him the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, where he gained valuable insights and broadened his leadership perspective.

Servant Leadership Philosophy: Tom embraces an "inverted triangle" model of servant leadership, where the leader is at the bottom supporting those who are doing the work.?

Respect for Diversity of Thought: Tom stresses the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and personalities. He believes in respecting and valuing different viewpoints, even when you don't agree with them. This approach fosters collaboration and strengthens teams.

Impact of AI on the Workforce: Tom acknowledges the duality of AI’s impact on jobs, noting that while some positions may be eliminated, new roles will also be created. He advocates for the responsible use of AI to support innovation while ensuring that it is employed for ethical purposes.

Whole-Person Development: Tom underscores the importance of developing both IQ and EQ in learners. His philosophy is to nurture the entire person, not just their skills, aligning learning with their values and life experience to create more impactful and personalized education.

The Human Element in Technology: While embracing the power of technology in learning, Tom stresses that human interaction remains crucial. He believes technology should enhance, not replace, the learning experience, advocating for a balanced, hybrid approach that combines both digital and in-person methods.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-24

Episode 25. Finding the Right Ingredients: AI Tool Integration in L&D

In this episode, Tamara Kocharova interviews Hector R. Valle, an innovative leader in instructional design and technology. As Associate Director at Emeritus, he leads a global team dedicated to creating cutting-edge online courses for executives. A speaker at Training magazine and NISOD Teaching Excellence Award recipient, Hector blends AI expertise with video production mastery to shape the future of training technology!?They explore how AI is revolutionizing the learning experience and the importance of combining creativity with technology in instructional design. Hector shares insights from his career and discusses the power of transformative learning experiences in professional development.?Tune in now to discover the perfect ingredients for AI integration in L&D with Hector and Tamara! You don’t want to miss this one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

From Video Production to Education: Hector's career began in video production, working with companies like HBO, before pivoting into instructional design. His background in media shaped his ability to blend creativity with learning, which fueled his passion for developing engaging educational content.

AI’s Role in Education: Hector believes AI tools, like ChatGPT, offer significant efficiency gains, particularly in generating learning materials. However, he stresses the importance of human oversight to ensure accuracy and ethical standards, advocating for personalized AI models that better understand organizational needs.

Family-Centered Motivation: Beyond his professional success, Hector's drive comes from his family. He balances his work with a fulfilling personal life, where his love for technology extends to helping his son run a successful YouTube channel.

Test Kitchen: A Hub for Innovation: Co-leading the Test Kitchen, Hector creates a collaborative space for professionals to explore new technologies, including AI, VR, and AR. He compares it to a chef’s kitchen where participants “cook” with new tools, fostering a hands-on, experimental learning experience.

Passion for Lifelong Learning: Hector’s career is driven by a deep passion for continuous learning. Whether it's exploring new technologies, mentoring others, or experimenting with AI in education, he consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Mentorship and Leadership: Throughout his career, Hector has been guided by mentors who helped shape his leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of passing on that guidance, encouraging innovation, creativity, and collaboration within his teams to drive both personal and professional growth.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-25

Episode 26. Lighting Up People: My Tips On Building Trust-Based, Value-Driven Teams

In this special episode, Tamara becomes the guest on her podcast, diving deep into her personal journey — from growing up in a Soviet communal apartment to leading L&D teams and launching EdTech innovations. She shares how her experiences in leadership, building value-based teams, and embracing coaching principles have shaped her approach.?Tamara also explores the theory of Ichak Adizes, highlighting the significance of building teams that complement a leader’s weaknesses using the PAEI model (Producer, Administrator, Entrepreneur, Integrator), and how she has applied this in her own leadership path. Additionally, she speaks about Milton Erickson’s "Star" coaching model, which has been key in shaping her empathetic leadership style, helping teams tap into their internal resources for success.?She also reflects on how tech, like AI, is transforming L&D, while stressing that human connection remains at the heart of it all.?Whether you’re in leadership, an L&D enthusiast, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is for you, tune in now!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Open-Minded Leadership: No matter how experienced you are, as a leader or L&D expert, it’s important to acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers.?

Ichak Adizes’ PAEI Model: According to it, effective managers need to excel in at least one core area of leadership — whether it’s Producer, Administrator, Entrepreneur, or Integrator. Leaders should complement their own strengths by building teams that fill in their gaps.?

Milton Erickson’s coaching model, known as the "Star," is foundational to leadership and team development. The model emphasizes five key principles: everyone is okay, people have the resources they need, they make the best choices in the moment, all actions are driven by positive intentions, and change is inevitable and must be embraced.

Value-Based Leadership: A company's success is not solely dependent on competencies but on a value-based approach. Key values like openness, responsibility, and empathy form the foundation for building deep relationships. Tamara emphasizes that fostering honest dialogue, even during conflicts, is essential for effective leadership and team-building.

Human Connection and the Rise of AI: In the field of L&D, success hinges on loving people and focusing on human values. As AI becomes more integrated into business, it’s crucial to maintain critical thinking and analyze its impact. At the same time, embracing technology and having passions outside of work — whether sports, family, or art — are vital to fostering creativity and personal growth.

Building a Personal Brand and Network: Developing a personal brand and building a professional network is key for L&D professionals. Start small and overcome imposter syndrome by practicing visibility and sharing your ideas.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-26

Episode 27. If You Ask Betty: Helping People Become Better Humans

Episode 27 of the LOVE.PEOPLE.TECHNOLOGY.LEARNING. podcast features inspiring Betty Dannewitz — Founder and CEO of ifyouaskbetty!In this episode, Betty shares highlights from her 20+ years in learning and development, along with her current work at Blanchard. She dives into topics like emotional intelligence, imposter syndrome, and her passion for helping people become better humans. Known for her advocacy of empathy, self-leadership, and authentic connections, Betty offers insights on building meaningful relationships in an AI-driven world.Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable tips for anyone aiming to grow!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Building Meaningful Work Relationships: You don’t have to deeply connect with everyone you work with, but putting in time and effort can foster meaningful bonds. Some connections may remain professional, while others can grow into lifelong friendships when nurtured personally and professionally.

Learning Through Failure: Sometimes, letting a project or idea take its course — even if it fails — can be the most effective way to learn and grow. Allowing space for failure can reveal valuable insights and present new opportunities to approach challenges from a fresh perspective.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Betty’s journey with imposter syndrome, which began as early as her teens, drove her to seek understanding and self-growth. Recognizing these feelings can help individuals identify their purpose, even when feeling out of place or uncertain.

Turning Imposter Syndrome into Growth: Imposter syndrome can either hinder or enhance personal growth. By pausing to assess what these feelings are signaling — whether it’s a new challenge or an indication to slow down — you can transform self-doubt into a tool for insight and improvement.

The Importance of Expressing Affection and Appreciation: Experiencing loss taught Betty the value of openly expressing love and appreciation to those around her. Knowing that time is precious, she advocates for seizing every opportunity to make others feel valued and cared for.

The Impact of Empathy and Self-Leadership in an AI-Driven World: Betty emphasizes the growing importance of empathy and human connection, especially in an era dominated by AI. Learning how to connect meaningfully with others and practicing self-leadership can create more balanced, emotionally intelligent workplaces.

Listen to the episode: https://www.lanes.ai/podcasts-episode-27

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