CET Talks: Accreditation, Learning and Leadership

What does it take to go from being the expert in the room to leading the room entirely? In this inspiring episode of CET-Talks, Jamila Harley—speech-language pathologist turned association executive—shares her journey of professional pivots and powerful leadership growth.

Hosts Randy Bowman and Mike Veny sit down with Jamila to explore how she navigated the transition from subject matter expert (SME) to strategic leader, balancing technical credibility with mission-driven leadership in the world of continuing education and training. With authenticity and humor, Jamila reflects on the moments that challenged her, the mindset shifts that empowered her, and the advice she has for others looking to lead in nontraditional ways.

How do you meet adult learners where they are—without compromising the rigor of training? Dr. Tricia Berry shares lessons from a career bridging healthcare, education, and global workforce systems. Discover how learning leaders can apply research, elevate equity, and create programs that move from theory to workforce impact.

What if the best hire on your team never stepped foot in a university classroom? In this powerful episode of CET-Talks, Maria Jose Cook, Associate Director of Executive Affairs at ISPOR, challenges conventional thinking around credentials, degrees, and the meaning of workforce readiness.

Joined by hosts Randy Bowman and Meghan Conan, Maria shares her personal and professional insights on how organizations can shift from credential-first mindsets to opportunity-first strategies. She explores how professional associations can uplift untapped talent, how employers can identify high-potential individuals without formal credentials, and why creating access for non-degreed professionals isn't just equitable; it's smart business.

In this episode of CET-Talks, Morgean Hirt, Director of Credentialing, and Jennifer Witebsky, Associate Director for Credentialing at the ATD Certification Institute, discuss the transformative impact of credentialing in the talent development field. From the creation of the Talent Development Capability Model to the launch of the IACET Fast Track option, Morgean and Jennifer explore how their work is shaping the future of talent development standards and supporting professionals across the globe. Join us as we discuss the critical role of certifications, the importance of community involvement, and the innovative partnerships driving the industry forward.

In this episode of CET Talks, Elizabeth "Liz" Frank, Senior Director of Learning Operations at the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), shares her expertise in driving community engagement and cross-departmental collaboration to develop impactful training programs. With over two decades of project management experience and a PMP certification, Liz dives into the critical role of communication and empowerment across departments, the strategy behind ASAE's new digital learning platform, and the innovative approaches to content development that guide learners from start to finish.

Join Dr. Chris Mullin, Strategy Director at the Lumina Foundation, as he addresses the "Credential Chaos" affecting the education and workforce sectors. With experience across various educational institutions and organizations, Dr. Mullin shares his insights on the root causes of the decline in short-term credentials, the importance of inclusivity in credentialing, and the potential of microcredentials to reshape the future of learning. This episode provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within today's credentialing systems.

Jennifer Flowers, a leading authority in accreditation and the Founder and CEO of Accreditation Guru, joins CET-Talks to discuss the vital importance of accreditation across various sectors. In this episode, Jennifer offers practical advice for navigating the accreditation process, highlights common elements found in diverse accreditation types, and provides guidance on working with consultants. Whether you're a small organization or a large institution, this episode will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about accreditation.

Join CET Talks as Dr. Clark Quinn, Executive Director of Quinnovation, shares his expertise on debunking modern myths in training. In this episode, Clark discusses common misconceptions, best practices for effective learning design, and the role of data in ensuring scientifically sound training programs. Learn how organizations can stay current with evolving learning science, manage cross-cultural myths, and prepare for future trends.

Join the CET Talks co-hosts as Pamela Rosenberg, Director of Education for the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, shares her expertise on integrating non-created content into educational portfolios. In this episode, Pam discusses common challenges, best practices, and the role of data analytics in ensuring a seamless integration process. Learn how organizations can stay current with evolving standards, manage diverse educational needs across regions, and prepare for future trends in the field.

Join CET Talks as Brandon Smith, Instructional Design Manager at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), shares his journey and insights into the lifecycle of an instructional designer. From navigating career transitions and embracing new challenges to leveraging data and staying current with evolving standards, Brandon's experiences offer valuable lessons for professionals in the field. Discover best practices, common challenges, and future trends in instructional design, and learn how to successfully manage a growing team while continuing to contribute as a designer. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the dynamic career of an instructional designer.