In this kickoff episode of the Strategic L&D for Business Impact series, we’re getting straight to the heart of what it really means to be strategic in learning and development.

If you’re tired of being seen as a support function—if you’re done with L&D being the first to get cut when budgets shrink—this episode will challenge how you think, and change how you show up.

We’ll dig into:

• The real reason L&D is overlooked (and how to fix it)
• The dangerous trap of being reactive
• How to position L&D as a business growth engine
• What it feels like to make the shift—from invisible to influential
• Five actions you can take right now to start becoming indispensable

You’ll walk away with a completely different perspective on your role—and a free L&D Impact Checklist to help you get started.

Because you’re not just here to deliver training. You’re here to enable people, drive results, and lead real transformation.

Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss Episode 2: Aligning Learning Initiatives with Business Goals.

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

Ever wonder how someone goes from grubbing weeds in New Zealand to running a global L&D software company? This episode of Development Nerds dives into the wildly unexpected career journey of Paul Matthews, mechanical engineer turned desert explorer turned learning strategy pioneer.

We talk gorilla encounters (yes, really), sheep logic, overland expeditions, and how Paul’s engineering brain sparked a revolution in how organizations approach training and performance. But more than that, Paul shares the reflective practices and personal philosophies that helped him build a career (and life) filled with meaning—and impact.

This isn’t just a story for L&D professionals. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, curious, or ready for change.

🔎 In this episode:

• Behavior change vs content delivery
• Building learning that actually sticks
• Informal learning and performance support
• Leadership, risk-taking, and choosing purpose over “shoulds”
• Why your next move doesn’t need to be big—just intentional

Learning and Development, L&D Strategy, Behavior Change, Informal Learning, Training Impact, Performance Support, Career Growth, Leadership Development, Paul Matthews, People Alchemy, Development Nerds Podcast

Paul Matthews is one of the leading Learning & Development experts, with three best-selling books to his name. An accomplished keynote speaker, he speaks around the world on a diverse range of topics. He brings L&D to life with stories from his extensive travels that fascinate and inspire. He is known for reducing complex theory down to practical tools and sharing them in a way that everyone can use to get better results. As well as being a sought-after speaker, Paul provides consultancy services, training workshops and webinars for blue-chip clients in the UK and beyond.

X: PeopleAlchemy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmatthews100/

Website: https://peoplealchemy.com

Speaking Opportunities: https://paul-matthews.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

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell peels back the layers of the Talent Development Academy (TDA) to reveal why it's a game-changer for learning and development professionals. From exclusive frameworks and expert guidance to a supportive community that truly understands your challenges, TDA offers more than just another training course—it's your secret weapon for proactive leadership. Plus, stay tuned for a special bonus that promises to give your career a significant boost. If you're ready to rediscover your passion and lead with confidence, this episode is a must-listen!

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Shift from Reactive to Proactive Leadership: The Talent Development Academy (TDA) aims to transform learning and development (L&D) professionals into strategic leaders who are always one step ahead, leading with purpose and confidence.
• Comprehensive Toolkits and Real-World Frameworks: TDA provides plug-and-play frameworks and templates, derived from years of real-world experience, to ensure that members have a trusted roadmap for every project without starting from scratch.
• Community Support: One of the core features of TDA is its vibrant community of like-minded L&D professionals. This supportive network allows members to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate wins with peers who understand their unique struggles and aspirations.
• Expert Guidance: Members get access to a team of handpicked experts who provide actionable insights and strategies. These experts cover critical areas like measuring impact, facilitating engagement, and leveraging AI to optimize work, even with limited resources.
• Continuous Development: The journey within TDA begins with a 6-week intensive program followed by monthly coaching sessions. This structure ensures ongoing development with real-life case studies and practical coaching, helping members build confidence and internalize advanced L&D skills.

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

Ever had a job so random that it had nothing to do with where you ended up? Christopher Lind has had several.

From assembling anchors and selling Camel Cigarettes to building corporate learning programs that made more money than the company’s products, Christopher’s career has been anything but traditional. In this episode of Development Nerds, he shares:

🔥 The job that convinced him business transformation was his thing

🔥 The time he almost got fired (for pushing back on the CEO)

🔥 How he turned corporate learning into a profit center

🔥 The real reason training often fails—and how to fix it

Plus, we swap weird first-job stories. What’s the strangest job YOU had before your career took off? Let us know after you listen!

More about Christopher:

Christopher Lind is a seasoned executive leader passionate about leveraging technology to accelerate organizational growth and elevate talent. As a former Chief Learning Officer and founder of Christopher Lind Co., he brings nearly 20 years of experience designing and executing impactful strategies that measurably upgrade leadership capability and improve business performance. Christopher is globally known for his innovative approach and thought leadership. As a LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Future-Focused, he is committed to helping others navigate the evolving landscape of business, technology, and human experience.

Connect with Christopher:

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

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

Newsletter: https://christopherlind.substack.com

Website: https://christopherlind.co/

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

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

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

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