In this inspiring conversation, JD Valladares Williams talks with Lee Kim about the intersection of design, empathy, and learning. Lee reveals how she uses gamification not just to teach, but to connect people through shared experiences—where every learner becomes a co-creator. Together, they unpack how care, curiosity, and courage can transform corporate learning into a soulful, human-centered journey.

ATD Microconference Dec 1-4, 2025 - Learn more and register here.

What if the most effective training at work didn’t involve a single PowerPoint slide? Today, we’re digging into how play and gamification are changing workplace learning through something far more powerful than technology: human connection. Stay with us to find out why the best learning happens when we throw out the rulebook.

What if small, timely prompts could transform how we learn and lead? In this episode of ATD NYC Unlocked, I speak with Jake Tenenbaum, Principal Digital Strategy Consultant at Adobe, about the rise of nudgetech—AI-driven nudges delivered through tools like Slack, Teams, and email. Grounded in nudge theory, we explore how nudges shape real-time coaching, engagement, and collaboration. Jake shares insights on balancing autonomy, avoiding pitfalls, and sparking behavior change. Whether you’re a talent leader or professional, this episode offers practical takeaways for the future of workplace learning.

Can a small nudge change the way we work? In this season opener, JD and Jake Tenenbaum (Adobe) dive into nudgetech—AI-powered prompts that drive smarter collaboration, learning, and leadership. 

Discover how behavioral science meets workplace tech, the do’s and don’ts of nudging, and why this emerging trend is shaping the future of talent development.

That's a wrap on ATD NYC Unlocked Season 2! From all of us at ATD NYC, thank you for tuning in, and we wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season!

Here’s where to find your hosts:

Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield

Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller

Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya/

Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos/

Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of Association for Talent and Development.

“Your network is your net worth.” - Jessica Nguyen

Do you have a budding entrepreneur in you? Have you always thought about starting your own consulting business but not sure how? In today’s episode, Jessica Nguyen, founder of Feed Learning, shares her insights on setting up her own Talent and Development consulting firm. From tips on how to handle rejection to how to grow your business, this conversation is loaded with anecdotes and examples from Jess’s life. She talks about her challenges, how she handles them and how she continues to learn from her experiences. You don't want to miss this very engaging and personal episode.

Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyenjesse

Website: https://www.feedlearning.com

Here’s where to find your hosts:

Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield

Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller

Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya

Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos

If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of Association for Talent and Development.

Get ready to explore a game changing tool designed to help you create more effective learning experiences. In this episode, we’ll introduce you to the Learning Experience Canvas, a dynamic tool created by Niels Floor designed to bolster your training design and decision processes. So tune in to hear more about this insightful resource shared by ATD NYC Former President Jenny Eng. 

Additional Resources:

Download the tool at LXCanvas.com

To learn more, visit LXD.org

Jenny Eng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyeng

Here’s where to find your hosts:

Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield

Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller

Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya

Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos

If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line UNLOCKED.

Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

“The reality that I've at least seen is that leaders do not prioritize team development in this way…it's usually when there's dysfunction when there's smoke, when there's an actual dumpster fire of a team dynamic that leaders will pull people in for this type of intervention.” -Ian Saville

Have you ever experienced the frustration of working on a dysfunctional team? How do you move from dysfunction to a collaborative, adaptable, high performing team?

In this episode we talk with Ian Saville, a team development expert, coach, L&D leader, and co-founder of the collabic, about different interventions to help teams transform ‘unconscious bad behaviors’ to effective, leadership behaviors.

Tune in to learn more about what it takes to build a thriving team.

Additional Resources: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest: [email protected]

Visit https://www.thecollabic.com and find time with Ian or one of his partners by selecting the Get in Touch section

Here’s where to find your hosts:

Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield

Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller

Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator:

Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya

Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer:

Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos

If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development.

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***Join us for the ATD NYC 2nd Annual Micro-Conference, December 2-5, 2024! Get expert insights, enjoy interactive sessions, and choose from flexible virtual or in-person options.***

***Limited spots are available! Visit our website at https://atdnyc.org/2024microconference for more details and to secure your ticket today.***

When you’re conducting a virtual training, creating a sense of community is critical. Tune in to learn how a simple icebreaker technique using emojis can lead to increased connection and engagement!

Here’s where to find your hosts:

Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield

Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller

Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya

Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos

If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line UNLOCKED.

Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development.

“...know that leadership is not made with a cookie cutter, you can still be your own person, and grow into the type of leader that you want to be or aspire to be…” -Nora Sacchi

Imagine having a proven blueprint to develop the next generation of strong, capable leaders in your organization. 

In this episode we feature Nora Sacchi, organizational development consultant and training specialist, who co-developed a comprehensive 6 month leadership development program designed to empower high-potential individuals with the skills and competencies critical for leadership success. Nora shares the key components of the program along with valuable insights on identifying program goals, thinking through eligibility criteria, developing a curriculum, and measuring effectiveness. Nora also covers what happens when they encountered unexpected challenges. Join us for an episode full of information to help you develop a strong leadership pipeline in your company.

Here’s how you can connect with Nora:

linkedin.com/in/nora-sacchi-850a8156

Here’s where to find your hosts:

Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield

Samantha Peller: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller

Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator:

Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya

Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer:

Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos

If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.