You can have the best learning strategy in the world, but if you can’t execute, it doesn’t matter.

L&D professionals are expected to drive learning across entire organizations, yet we rarely have direct authority over the people, budgets, or KPIs we need to influence. We have to lead without authority, gain buy-in from multiple stakeholders, and execute learning initiatives in environments where learning is often an afterthought.

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

✅ How to lead learning projects when you don’t have direct control.

✅ How to manage multiple stakeholders and vendors, when they don’t ‘report’ to you.

✅ How to stop drowning in execution so you can actually lead.

You’ll learn the difference between Project Leadership and People Leadership, and why mastering both is the key to making an impact. We’ll also cover how to manage up, down, and across to position L&D as a business driver, not just a support function.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with an action plan to take control of projects, rally people around your initiatives, and build a reputation as the person who makes things happen, without needing a title to do it.

Tune in now and start leading from where you are!

What happens when you go from squeegeeing a locker room floor for $3.85 an hour to leading Learning & Development strategy at a Fortune 500 company? Jess Almie knows firsthand. Her journey from babysitting her nine younger siblings to shaking up the L&D industry is nothing short of fascinating. In this episode, Jess gets real about the pivotal moments, career detours, and hard-won insights that took her from being an "order taker" to a true business partner. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career or looking to drive real impact in L&D, this conversation is a must-listen.

1. The Power of Paying Attention – How Jess developed her L&D mindset long before she knew the field existed.
2. Stepping Back to Step Forward – Why taking a perceived “demotion” was actually her smartest career move.
3. Breaking Free from the Order-Taker Trap – What holds L&D professionals back and how to shift into a strategic role.
4. The Self-Sabotage of L&D – Why we unintentionally keep ourselves stuck—and how to stop.
5. The Book Every L&D Professional Needs – A sneak peek into L&D Order Taker No More! launching September 2, 2025.

Jess Almie is a former Vice President of Learning and a dynamic leader in the learning and development field. She is passionate about empowering L&D to increase our impact by evolving from order takers to strategic business partners. With three decades of experience and a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, Jess helps organizations solve talent challenges and improve performance. Jess also hosts a podcast called, L&D Must Change. Her book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be available on September 2, 2025.

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

Website: https://www.jessalmlie.com/

Podcast: https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast

Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.

Website: https://talentcollective.org/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc

Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy

Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

So, you want to be a leader in L&D, but you don’t have a big title, a team, or decision-making power? Here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence. And influence is something you can build, no matter your role.

Some of the most powerful people in organizations aren’t executives—they’re the trusted voices, the ones who shape conversations and drive action. And in Learning & Development, influence is our greatest asset.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to build influence and establish yourself as a leader—even when you don’t have formal authority. You’ll learn:

✅ Why influence matters in L&D—and how it’s more valuable than any title

✅ The psychology of influence—why people follow certain voices and how to become one of them

✅ A 5-step framework for building credibility—so your insights actually move the business forward

✅ How to get decision-makers to listen, trust you, and act on your recommendations

✅ Practical strategies to lead and drive impact, no title required

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan to position yourself as someone whose voice needs to be heard—so you can drive real change in your organization.

🎧 Hit play and start leading with influence today!

How do you go from working at Disney to running your own leadership consulting firm? Yogi Mueller’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless curiosity.

In this episode, we cover:

🔹 How he accidentally found his way into L&D (and never looked back)

🔹 The hardest year of his career & what it taught him about leadership

🔹 The power of mentorship—why every leader needs both a mentor & a mentee

🔹 How to navigate imposter syndrome (especially when stepping into something new)

🔹 The best career decision he ever made—one that changed everything

💡 Action Step:

Think about one mentor who has shaped your career. Send them a message today—thank them, ask for advice, or simply reconnect.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

📖 How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

📖 Yogi’s upcoming book on mentorship—stay tuned for the 2025 release!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if this conversation resonated, leave a review—it helps more L&D professionals find this podcast.

More about Yogi:

Yogi Mueller is an accomplished Organizational Development and Talent Development leader with over 25 years of experience designing impactful learning experiences and delivering solutions that align human capital management with strategic business goals and objectives. As Owner and Chief Craftsman at Craft Leadership LLC, Yogi partners with organizations to enhance team cohesion and operational efficiency through innovative, data-driven strategies. Previously, he served as Vice President of Leadership and Talent Development at Hilton Grand Vacations and Bluegreen Vacations, leading initiatives that improved performance and fostered leadership excellence. With a collaborative, inclusive approach, Yogi empowers teams, builds high-performing organizations, and drives growth. He holds an MBA from Webster University, a BA in Public Relations from Marquette University, and certifications in Talent Development.

Connect with the guest:

📌 Follow Yogi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogimueller/

📌 Check out Craft Leadership: https://craftleadership.net/

Things will go wrong in L&D. Budgets get cut. Projects stall. Stakeholders resist. The real test of leadership isn’t if you face challenges, it’s how you respond to them.

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

🔹 Why leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges but navigating them

🔹 The three leadership mindsets that help you thrive under pressure

🔹 A step-by-step approach to handling difficult situations like budget cuts and resistance

🔹 How to turn challenges into opportunities that elevate your credibility

This is where true L&D leaders stand out. If you want to go from order-taker to strategic business leader, this episode is for you.

Action Step:

What’s one leadership move you’ll make this week to position yourself as a true L&D leader? DM me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/)

or drop me a message on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/) – I’d love to hear it!

Resources Mentioned:

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Join the Talent Development Academy → www.talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you found this valuable, leave a review, it helps more L&D professionals find this podcast.

#TalentDevelopment #Leadership #Influence #CareerGrowth

Dr. Keith Keating has lived it. From dropping out of high school and working in fast food to becoming a CLO, an academic advisor for an Ivy League university, and an author, his journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and sheer determination.

In this episode, Dr. Keith shares his unconventional career path, the power of learning, and how L&D professionals can shift from being order-takers to trusted advisors. His story will inspire you to take ownership of your career—because no one else will do it for you.

• If you've ever felt stuck or underestimated, Keith’s story will show you what’s possible.
• Learn how embracing discomfort and continuous learning can transform your career.
• Understand why L&D professionals must shift from order-takers to strategic advisors.
• Get practical advice on career ownership, mentorship, and preparing for your next role.

• The Unlikely Beginning: From teaching English on cassette tapes in Korea to dropping out of high school, Keith’s early experiences shaped his resilience.
• Breaking into L&D: A failed job interview led to an unexpected opportunity—and a lifelong career in learning and development.
• Becoming a Trusted Learning Advisor: Why L&D professionals need to stop waiting for a seat at the table and start proving their value.
• Owning Your Career: Don’t wait for an employer to map out your career path—plan for your next move before you need it.

All those who sign up to The Talent Development Academy for our March 2025 intake will receive a free copy of Dr. Keith Keating's award winning book: The Trusted Learning Advisor.

• LinkedIn: Dr. Keith Keating (Replace with actual link)
• Book: The Trusted Learning Advisor – Available wherever books are sold.

Connect with Candice Mitchell:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Too many Learning & Development (L&D) professionals are stuck in a support role, waiting for permission to lead. But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about your title—it’s about your impact.

If you're tired of being brought in at the last minute to "execute training" instead of driving business strategy, this episode is for you. L&D isn't just a training function—it's a business-critical driver. And if we don’t step up, we risk being replaced, sidelined, or ignored when it matters most.

🔹 Why L&D is still stuck in a reactive support role—and how to change it

🔹 The outdated training models holding us back (and what to do instead)

🔹 Why leadership has nothing to do with your job title (and everything to do with influence)

🔹 How to stop being an “order taker” and start being a strategic business partner

🔹 The language shift that will get leadership to take you seriously

🔹 Three immediate actions you can take to step into a leadership role—starting today

💡 Key Takeaway: The future of L&D isn’t about training programs—it’s about solving real business problems. If we don’t position ourselves as business-critical partners, we’ll always be seen as a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity.

🎯 Your Action Step: Identify ONE thing you can do this week to become more proactive in your role. It could be:

✔ Having a conversation with a business leader about their biggest challenge

✔ Analyzing workforce trends before requests come in

✔ Changing the language you use when talking about learning & development

Because L&D leadership isn’t about waiting—it’s about stepping up.

🚀 Next Episode: “Building Influence: How to Lead Without Authority” – because leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about influence.

🔔 Subscribe for more career-shifting insights on L&D leadership!

💬 What’s one shift you’ve made that helped position L&D as a strategic function? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear!

#LeadershipInL&D #TalentDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #FutureOfWork #L&DStrategy #EmployeeDevelopment #BusinessAcumen #L&DLeadership #CareerGrowth

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

Burnout doesn’t just happen to people in toxic workplaces—it can happen even when you’re deeply passionate about your work. That was the case for Kelsea Warren, who, after years in mental health and therapy, found herself drained, exhausted, and questioning whether she could keep going. In this episode, Kelsea shares how she made the bold decision to pivot, aligning her career with her values to build something sustainable—not just for herself, but for the people and organizations she now helps every day.

Kelsea Warren is a coach, consultant, and speaker who specializes in burnout prevention. She has a master's degree in social work and is approaching candidacy for a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She is an expert in employee burnout and workplace values and uses that as the lens to help thousands of high achievers create and sustain aligned careers. Kelsea has 6+ years of experience consulting and has worked with hundreds of businesses and employees to operationalize their values for wellbeing. Before that, she spent 8+ years in mental health and working as a clinical therapist. Kelsea has an organic audience of 160k+ across social platforms, which has landed her collaborations and keynotes with brands like Urban Decay, Association for Talent Development, The National Post, Girlboss, Teacher Vision, WSCPA, and University Of Arizona. Kelsea is also an Air Force spouse of 10 years, and mom to a fiery five-year-old daughter with another girl on the way.

✅ Career Flexibility – You don’t have to stay in a role that no longer fits. Kelsea shares how she gave herself permission to pivot.

✅ Understanding Burnout – How to recognize burnout and identify the real stressors causing it.

✅ Value Alignment – The key to creating a career (and workplace) that actually energizes instead of drains you.

✅ Job Crafting & Well-being – Simple but effective ways to make your job work better for you, whether you're an employee or a leader shaping workplace culture.

✅ Authentic Career Journeys – Success isn’t a straight line, and Kelsea’s journey is proof that embracing change leads to better outcomes.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re forcing yourself to stick it out in a job that’s no longer serving you, this episode is for you.

Today's guest can be found at:

Website: https://theseamlesscoach.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseal-warren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseamlesscoach/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theseamlesscoach?lang=en

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell challenges the conventional wisdom in the L&D world by asking: Which truly carries more weight—real-world experience or certifications? Dive into a conversation that goes beyond credentials to explore how the right mindset and the ability to apply knowledge effectively can set you apart as a leader in learning and development. Discover practical insights that will help you transform training into impactful performance solutions, enabling both personal growth and business success.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Embrace a New Mindset: L&D professionals are encouraged to shift from merely being content creators to becoming context enablers. This means focusing on helping individuals apply the knowledge in their particular work scenarios, thereby driving meaningful and measurable business results. Emphasizing context over content ensures that learning initiatives are relevant and impactful.
• Value Application Over Accumulating Credentials: While certifications can be beneficial, Candice emphasizes that real-world experience paired with the ability to apply knowledge is what's truly essential. Success in L&D comes to those who leverage their experiences to influence and effectively connect learning with strategic business goals, rather than just collecting certificates.
• Challenge and Eliminate Outdated Practices: The episode highlights the importance of scrutinizing and abandoning outdated methodologies that do not align with current business realities. For instance, longstanding models like Bloom's taxonomy and the ADDIE model may no longer effectively serve today's agile learning environments. Practitioners should be willing to innovate and adopt new solutions that resonate better with contemporary needs.
• Align Learning with Business Outcomes: To gain strategic relevance, L&D must demonstrate alignment between learning initiatives and business priorities such as performance improvement, enhanced productivity, and increased revenue. By understanding and articulating how learning impacts these areas, L&D professionals can communicate their value to leadership in a way that resonates and ensures they are seen as indispensable partners.
• Embark on Continuous Improvement and Lead by Example: L&D leaders should model the behaviors and growth mindset they promote. This involves a commitment to ongoing personal development, openness to feedback, and willingness to experiment with new approaches. By embodying these principles, they not only drive their professional impact but also lead by example, showcasing the value of adaptable, performance-focused learning environments.

Join The Talent Development Nerds Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377193705135533/

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Original music composed by:

Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

Join us in this episode of Development Nerds as David Gilbert shares his unconventional career journey— from working at a deli restaurant at age 14 to becoming a successful voice actor. Discover how he found his 'Emerald City' and learn actionable insights on pushing your own boulder up the right hill. This is one you won't want to miss!

David Gilbert is a seasoned voice actor with a compelling journey that began in the corporate world as an assistant buyer and evolved through various roles in sales and marketing. Transitioning from a career in buying and sales, David embraced voice acting, leveraging his distinctive baritone and business acumen. He brings an insightful perspective on career development, self-awareness, and finding one's true calling. His story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of passion, ultimately leading him to a satisfying career in voiceover.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Self-Awareness and Alignment: David emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for career success. He shares how understanding his strengths, interests, and values helped him navigate his career, encouraging listeners to perform introspective work for better career alignment.
• Finding Your "Why": Both David and Candice discuss the concept of finding a deeper purpose or "why" behind one's career choices. They highlight that knowing your underlying motivations can provide direction and resilience, especially during challenging times.
• Embrace Pivotal Moments: David reflects on critical career decisions, such as moving to London and switching to commission sales, that shaped his path. He underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and the willingness to take risks, even without a guaranteed outcome.
• Pushing the Boulder Up the Right Hill: David uses the metaphor of pushing a boulder up a hill to describe the hard work required in any career. He stresses the importance of ensuring that effort is directed towards something meaningful and aligned with one’s ultimate career goals.
• Parental Guidance: David discusses the role of parents in nurturing their children's talents and interests. He advises parents to pay attention to their children's strengths and encourage them in areas where they naturally excel, potentially guiding them toward fulfilling careers.

Todays guest, David Gilbert, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.davidgilbertvoiceover.com/

Website: https://www.easy24hourvoiceover.com/

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

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven: pauldehavenmusic.com