In this engaging episode, host Brandon Giella is joined by WeLearn regulars Sean Stowers and Loren Sanders, plus special guest Diane Gaa, a seasoned learning professional and innovative consultant. Together, they explore how generative AI is fundamentally changing how we process information, approach learning, and function in the workplace. From practical tool recommendations to philosophical discussions about the future of education, this conversation offers valuable insights for learning professionals looking to harness AI's potential.

Key Highlights:
• The evolution from reactive to proactive work as AI handles administrative tasks, allowing professionals to focus on being "orchestrators" rather than just "producers"
• How different GenAI tools (Gemini, Copilot, Claude, Perplexity) serve different purposes, with recommendations for specific use cases
• The productivity gains achieved through AI in learning development, particularly with translations, engagement activities, and overcoming "blank page fear"
• The integration of AI into learning workflows and delivery processes as the next frontier for L&D professionals
• Discussion on how traditional learning models won't disappear but will be "dethroned as the default" in favor of more customized, contextual approaches

Quotes:
• "I think it's allowing us to be less reactive and more proactive... the difference between being producers to being orchestrators and really thinking about how we are insightful." - Diane Gaa
• "AI isn't just a tool anymore... it's an extension of the way that we now process information." - Loren Sanders
• "Traditional learning models are not going to die, but they're going to be dethroned as the default. Their dominance is going to fade because we're entering an era defined by choice, context, and customization." - Loren Sanders

References:
• Perplexity - AI-powered search engine that synthesizes research and provides citations: https://www.perplexity.ai/
• Fireflies - AI note-taking tool for meeting transcription and summarization: https://fireflies.ai/
• Sora - Text-to-video AI generation tool: https://sora.com/
• Every - Publication focused on AI developments and applications: https://every.to/

In this episode of the Conversations We Learn From podcast, hosts Sean Stowers and Loren Sanders tackle the challenges and opportunities faced by the aging workforce in adapting to technological advances. Exploring themes like ageism, AI's impact, and the significance of human skills, they discuss how older workers possess invaluable experience and agility that organizations should harness. This conversation delivers valuable insights for both companies and workers aiming to thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Key Highlights:
• The misconception that older workers cannot adapt to technology is debunked, emphasizing their learning agility.
• Importance of human skills like empathy, leadership, and communication that technology cannot replace.
• Strategies for leveraging older workers' experience alongside younger workers' innovation for effective teamwork.
• The role of AI fluency in staying relevant and competitive in the job market.
• Resilience and adaptability as key traits of older workers valuable for today's businesses.

Quotes:
• "Older workers bring decades of institutional knowledge, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills that can't be replaced by AI." – Loren Sanders
• "Think about the fact that this is a teaching relationship between you and this AI co-pilot." – Sean Stowers

References:
• World Economic Forum articles on human skills and aging workforce from January and February:
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/02/older-adults-workforce-innovation-digital-economy/
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/6-things-we-learned-about-the-future-of-work-at-davos/
• McKinsey article on returning to office practices:
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/returning-to-the-office-focus-more-on-practices-and-less-on-the-policy
• Wall Street Journal article on investing in older entrepreneurs:
https://www.wsj.com/business/entrepreneurship/the-investor-betting-on-people-in-their-50s-and-60sbecause-older-is-better-f19fd19b?mod=entrepreneurship_news_article_pos5

In this episode we discuss the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report for 2025 with insights from Sean Stowers, the CEO of WeLearn, HR leader Loren Sanders, and marketing expert Brandy Dawson. We explore the pressing need for reskilling in the workforce, the pivotal roles of AI and technology, and how demographic and economic shifts are shaping employment landscapes. Whether you're navigating corporate growth or aiming to future-proof your team, this conversation offers indispensable perspectives.

Key Highlights:

• The constant reskilling requirement driven by rapid technological change and skill half-life reduction.
• Importance of human skills like resilience and creativity alongside emerging technologies.
• Insight into the ongoing skills gap and why organizations must take responsibility.
• Demographic shifts and their impact on workplace diversity and inclusion.
• Strategies for leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and decision-making.

Quotes:

• "Human skills of resilience, flexibility, agility, creative thinking, and curiosity are fundamentally important." – Sean Stowers
• "If your L&D strategy does not scream modular, on-demand, and panic-resistant, what are you even doing?" – Loren Sanders
• "Future proofing your workforce isn't about predicting the next big thing; it's about embracing change as it comes." – Loren Sanders

In this insightful episode of the "Conversations We Learn From" podcast, we explore the complex dynamics of the return-to-office trend in the context of Gen Z. Host Brandon is joined by Sean Stowers, CEO of WeLearn, HR learning leader Loren Sanders, and Brandy Dawson, founder of the Goat Farm Consultancy. Together, they dive into the complex workplace landscape, discussing the implications of executive orders forcing workforces back into offices, the expectations of Gen Z employees, and the necessity for organizations to adapt their work models to meet these new challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Discussion on the Washington Post article by Heather Long about the current job market, highlighting "resent-ism" among young workers.
• Exploration of how Gen Z has made remote work a baseline expectation in the professional world.
• Insights into the potential impact of enforced return-to-office mandates, with predictions of higher turnover and PR challenges for companies.
• Conversations around how learning and development can aid in creating meaningful office experiences that foster community and connection.
• Analysis of the generational shift in work culture, emphasizing flexibility and the need for personalized learning opportunities.

Quotes:

• "Gen Z didn't invent remote work, but they sure as hell made it a baseline expectation." – Loren Sanders
• "The work model isn't necessarily broken right now—it's kind of in beta." – Loren Sanders
• "It's about relationships and reciprocity in the workplace." – Sean Stowers

In this episode of "Conversations We Learn From," learning experts Loren Sanders and Sean Stowers, explore the concept of learning agility. The discussion highlights agile learning as a vital capability in today's ever-changing workspace, emphasizing its role in fostering resilient organizations that can adapt swiftly to market dynamics and disruptions. With real-world examples from both business and gastronomy, the episode offers a rich exploration of strategies to enhance learning adaptability and responsiveness.

Key Highlights:

• Exploration of learning agility as the ability to adapt, unlearn, and relearn in fast-paced environments.
• Real-life example of a restaurant successfully pivoting during the pandemic by transitioning to virtual cooking experiences.
• Insights into how organizations can develop a learning culture that embraces curiosity and adaptability at all levels.
• The importance of leadership in modeling behaviors that inspire a culture of learning agility.
• Approaches to measuring learning agility and the impact of qualitative and quantitative assessments.
• Emphasis on the narrative behind data and its critical role in understanding organizational learning.

Quotes:

• "Being smart is knowing what you know. Being agile is knowing as you grow." – Loren Sanders
• "Learning culture and learning agility is not a poster that you can put on the wall. It is a deliberative practice from the top of the house all the way down." – Sean Stowers

References:

• "The Tyranny of Metrics" by Jerry Z. Muller
• "Narrative and Numbers: The Value of Stories in Business" by Aswath Damodaran

In this insightful episode of the Conversations WeLearn From podcast, CEO Sean Stowers and L&D expert Loren Sanders explore how advancements in AI, VR, and other technologies are transforming learning strategies for 2025. The conversation delves into how human-centered approaches can enrich the learning experience, ensuring technology serves as an enabler rather than a replacement. Join Sean and Loren as they discuss balancing innovation with authenticity and strategize on integrating these trends into effective learning experiences.

Key Highlights:

• The role of AI and VR in shaping future learning strategies, emphasizing authenticity and human connection.
• Discussion on how existing technologies like AI-driven analytics can identify skill gaps while still requiring human oversight.
• Insights into skills-based talent strategies and how they can transform learning and development.
• The importance of psychological safety and social components in immersive learning environments.

Quotes:

• "AI isn't new. It's how we blend our innovation with human connection that's really going to make the difference." – Sean Stowers
• "Technology can amplify human potential, but it doesn't amplify human connection." – Loren Sanders
• "We're not a technology business; we're a hearts and minds business." – Sean Stowers
• "There's a human in the machine, a human in the machine." – Loren Sanders

On the latest episode of Conversations WeLearn From, we explore the strategies for future-proofing organizations as we approach 2025. Delve into the importance of skills-based talent management with Sean Stowers, CEO and founder of WeLearn, along with learning strategist Loren Sanders, as they explain how to align learning objectives with business goals.

They discuss innovative methods to adapt to shifting workforce needs and emphasize the critical role of managers. Tune in for insights on creating a resilient and adaptable workforce ready to tackle upcoming challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Discussion on the World Economic Forum’s report highlighting that 60% of workers will require training by 2027, with a focus on cognitive skills like creative thinking and leadership.
• Exploration of the shift towards skills-based talent management, allowing organizations to remain agile and address skill gaps efficiently.
• The significance of building vs. buying talent in a tight labor market and integrating existing employee skills with organizational needs.
• The role of continuous development and data-driven trend analysis in optimizing employee onboarding and training.
• Strategies for aligning learning outcomes with business objectives to enhance organizational performance and future readiness.

Quotes:

• "By identifying and nurturing critical skills, companies can build a more adaptable and future-ready workforce." – Loren
• "It becomes a conversation with the organization to reduce that speed to proficiency." – Sean

Join us in the inaugural episode of Conversations WeLearn From, where Sean Stowers, CEO and founder of WeLearn, along with learning strategist Loren Sanders, discuss the significant trends of 2024 within the learning and development space. With insights on the maturing role of AI, the resurgence of foundational strategies, and personalized learning approaches, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for L&D professionals.

Key Highlights:

• The growth of AI in L&D, focusing on maturation and integration in learning platforms.
• The return to fundamental L&D strategies, emphasizing business strategy alignment.
• The shift towards personalized learning, driven by AI and tailored training.
• The critical role of data-driven insights in refining training programs.
• Emerging mobile learning formats catering to on-the-go professionals.

Quotes:

• "The conversation around AI is maturing, and as we move forward, its impact on L&D will only grow." – Sean Stowers
• "Empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for leadership, and great leaders embrace sharing emotions." – Loren Sanders
• "AI role-play platforms provide a unique opportunity to practice and develop soft skills effectively." – Sean Stowers