In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Nick Day, a learning leader at Roundtable Learning, where he designs immersive, tech-driven learning solutions for enterprise clients—including over 50 Fortune 500 companies.

Nick shares why XR (extended reality) is more than a buzzword—and how it can deliver measurable impact when paired with the right learning strategy. We explore real use cases for AR, VR, and mixed reality in soft skills development, onboarding, and performance support, plus the surprising data insights these tools can reveal.

Whether you’re exploring immersive tech for the first time or trying to separate the hype from the real opportunities, this conversation is full of strategic takeaways.

Here's what we chat about:

• How virtual reality improves soft skills by offering _real practice with real feedback)
• The power of tracking body language, decision timing, and eye contact in VR
• Why Roundtable focuses on learning problems—not just tech solutions
• What bold innovations are being tested right now with real-world hardware + XR
• Why learning leaders need to slow down, ask better questions, and avoid shiny object syndrome
• How visibility, partnerships, and peer conversations accelerate innovation

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn »
Learn More About Roundtable Learning »
The Training & Development Channel on YouTube »

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• Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com
• Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

What does it really take to create learning that sticks?

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Taresa Scott, founder of Bleuprint, for a refreshing and thought-provoking conversation about what’s broken in traditional L&D—and what we need to do differently.

We talk about why emotional intelligence belongs at the center of learning strategy, how consulting skills can help L&D professionals get a seat at the table, and why supporting first-time managers isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Teresa also shares her take on how AI is shaping the future of development and why curiosity—not compliance—is what drives real growth inside organizations.

If you’re tired of learning being treated like a box to check, this one’s for you.

Connect with Taresa:

• LinkedIn »
• Bleuprint »
• Taresa's Newsletter »
• Self-Awareness in Leadership »

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• Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com
• Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Aaron T. Jones, Director of Onboarding and Training. With a background in performance and a passion for people, Aaron brings a storytelling-driven approach to L&D that’s both strategic and deeply human.

We explore how his skills-first onboarding framework has led to major gains in retention and time-to-productivity—and why that success starts with consulting skills, deep curiosity, and a clear connection to the business’s bottom line. From integrating AI into learning design to empowering first-time managers, Aaron shares actionable insights for creating high-impact programs that prioritize people and performance.

Whether you’re building a team, designing onboarding, or simply trying to make learning more effective, this conversation is packed with ideas you can run with today.

Click here to connect with Aaron on Linkedin »

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• Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com
• Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

🎙️ New Podcast Launching Soon...
CATALYSTS: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth
This isn’t just about improving how we learn and lead. 
It’s about redefining it—so it actually reflects the complexity, urgency, and opportunity of this moment.

I’m launching Catalysts to spotlight the bold voices shaping the next decade of learning and organizational growth—founders, executives, and consultants who aren’t just reacting to change…they’re driving it.

These aren’t your typical industry soundbites.
They’re candid conversations with the people building what’s next.

👉 If you’re in learning and development, talent, or leadership—and you want a glimpse of the future—we’re going there.

🔗 And if we’re not already connected on LinkedIn, let’s fix that: 
linkedin.com/in/jacobratliff

PS: Interested in joining us as a guest? Click here to let me know you're interested!

Connect & Learn More

• Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com
• Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!