What does cognitive science actually tell us about how adults learn at work — and why are most corporate learning programs still built on myths? 
In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Dr. Tessa Forshaw — cognitive scientist, co-founder of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, and co-author of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World (Wiley, 2025). 
Tessa and Andy explore why learning takes effort (and why frictionless tools often don’t teach), what “innovation hesitation” is and how leaders can disarm it, why the apprenticeship model still matters, and what’s coming out of Harvard’s new Workforce Learning and Innovation Initiative. 
Tune in to episode 244 to hear Tessa’s story and learn how to design learning that actually changes the brain — and how to lower the bar to innovation so your team can actually take the first step. 
Dr. Forshaw is offering a discount for our listeners to Harvard Graduate School of Education's The Future of Workforce Learning and Innovation Certificate Program. Here's the discount code: BAP5 (5% off). The link is here: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/unbound/future-workplace-learning1600
AndrewTemte.com

What does cognitive science actually tell us about how adults learn at work — and why are most corporate learning programs still built on myths? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Dr. Tessa Forshaw — cognitive scientist, co-founder of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, and co-author of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World (Wiley, 2025). Tessa and Andy explore why learning takes effort (and why frictionless tools often don’t teach), what “innovation hesitation” is and how leaders can disarm it, why the apprenticeship model still matters, and what’s coming out of Harvard’s new Workforce Learning and Innovation Initiative. Tune in to episode 244 to hear Tessa’s story and learn how to design learning that actually changes the brain — and how to lower the bar to innovation so your team can actually take the first step. Dr. Forshaw is offering a discount for our listeners to Harvard Graduate School of Education's The Future of Workforce Learning and Innovation Certificate Program. Here's the discount code: BAP5 (5% off). The link is here: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/unbound/future-workplace-learning1600 AndrewTemte.com

What does cognitive science actually tell us about how adults learn at work — and why are most corporate learning programs still built on myths?&nbsp;
In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Dr. Tessa Forshaw — cognitive scientist, co-founder of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, and co-author of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World (Wiley, 2025).&nbsp;
Tessa and Andy explore why learning takes effort (and why frictionless tools often don’t teach), what “innovation hesitation” is and how leaders can disarm it, why the apprenticeship model still matters, and what’s coming out of Harvard’s new Workforce Learning and Innovation Initiative.&nbsp;
Tune in to episode 244 to hear Tessa’s story and learn how to design learning that actually changes the brain — and how to lower the bar to innovation so your team can actually take the first step.&nbsp;
Dr. Forshaw is offering a discount for our listeners to Harvard Graduate School of Education's The Future of Workforce Learning and Innovation Certificate Program. Here's the discount code: BAP5 (5% off). The link is here: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/unbound/future-workplace-learning1600
AndrewTemte.com

How the Brain Learns at Work, with Dr. Tessa Forshaw

Elevate Your Leadership Journey Through Authentic Conversations with Business Leaders
In business, balancing acts are everywhere. Join Dr. Andrew Temte for The Balancing Act Podcast—an award-winning leadership development podcast featuring authentic, in-depth conversations with accomplished business leaders, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who share the real stories behind their professional success.
What You'll Discover:
Each episode explores the critical skills and balancing acts that define exceptional leadership through engaging conversations covering:
<ul class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Leadership development and executive management strategies</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Organizational health, trust, and workplace accountability</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Employee engagement and team performance optimization</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Communication skills and business transformation</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Financial acumen and business decision-making</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Career acceleration strategies and professional growth</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Continuous improvement and lifelong learning principles</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Emerging trends in AI, technology, and workforce development</li>
</ul>
The Balancing Act Format:
Every episode features four powerful segments:
<ol class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-2.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Origin Stories - Discover how today's leaders began their professional journeys</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Rocket Booster Moments - Learn about the pivotal events that accelerated their careers</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Deep Dive Conversations - Explore timely business topics with actionable insights you can apply immediately</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Lightning Round Questions - Quick-fire questions that reveal your guests' perspectives on leadership, success, and life</li>
</ol>
With over 200 episodes, The Balancing Act examines business challenges from multiple perspectives, giving you comprehensive insights into the skills that drive workplace success.
Your Host:
Dr. Andrew Temte is the former CEO of Kaplan Professional and bestselling author of "Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire" and "The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows." As a thought leader on leadership development, organizational health, and corporate learning, Andy brings deep expertise in professional education and business management to every conversation. He holds a PhD in finance from the University of Iowa and the CFA designation, with over 15 years of university teaching experience.
Who Should Listen:
Perfect for aspiring leaders, mid-level managers seeking executive roles, C-suite executives refining their approach, entrepreneurs building their businesses, and anyone committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
New episodes weekly. Subscribe today and elevate your leadership journey.

Business

Education

Self-Improvement

Careers

Management

Elevate Your Leadership Journey Through Authentic Conversations with Business Leaders In business, balancing acts are everywhere. Join Dr. Andrew Temte for The Balancing Act Podcast—an award-winning leadership development podcast featuring authentic, in-depth conversations with accomplished business leaders, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who share the real stories behind their professional success. What You'll Discover: Each episode explores the critical skills and balancing acts that define exceptional leadership through engaging conversations covering: Leadership development and executive management strategies Organizational health, trust, and workplace accountability Employee engagement and team performance optimization Communication skills and business transformation Financial acumen and business decision-making Career acceleration strategies and professional growth Continuous improvement and lifelong learning principles Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace Emerging trends in AI, technology, and workforce development The Balancing Act Format: Every episode features four powerful segments: Origin Stories - Discover how today's leaders began their professional journeys Rocket Booster Moments - Learn about the pivotal events that accelerated their careers Deep Dive Conversations - Explore timely business topics with actionable insights you can apply immediately Lightning Round Questions - Quick-fire questions that reveal your guests' perspectives on leadership, success, and life With over 200 episodes, The Balancing Act examines business challenges from multiple perspectives, giving you comprehensive insights into the skills that drive workplace success. Your Host: Dr. Andrew Temte is the former CEO of Kaplan Professional and bestselling author of "Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire" and "The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows." As a thought leader on leadership development, organizational health, and corporate learning, Andy brings deep expertise in professional education and business management to every conversation. He holds a PhD in finance from the University of Iowa and the CFA designation, with over 15 years of university teaching experience. Who Should Listen: Perfect for aspiring leaders, mid-level managers seeking executive roles, C-suite executives refining their approach, entrepreneurs building their businesses, and anyone committed to continuous improvement and professional growth. New episodes weekly. Subscribe today and elevate your leadership journey.

Elevate Your Leadership Journey Through Authentic Conversations with Business Leaders
In business, balancing acts are everywhere. Join Dr. Andrew Temte for The Balancing Act Podcast—an award-winning leadership development podcast featuring authentic, in-depth conversations with accomplished business leaders, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who share the real stories behind their professional success.
What You'll Discover:
Each episode explores the critical skills and balancing acts that define exceptional leadership through engaging conversations covering:
<ul>
<li>Leadership development and executive management strategies</li>
<li>Organizational health, trust, and workplace accountability</li>
<li>Employee engagement and team performance optimization</li>
<li>Communication skills and business transformation</li>
<li>Financial acumen and business decision-making</li>
<li>Career acceleration strategies and professional growth</li>
<li>Continuous improvement and lifelong learning principles</li>
<li>Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace</li>
<li>Emerging trends in AI, technology, and workforce development</li>
</ul>
The Balancing Act Format:
Every episode features four powerful segments:
<ol>
<li>Origin Stories - Discover how today's leaders began their professional journeys</li>
<li>Rocket Booster Moments - Learn about the pivotal events that accelerated their careers</li>
<li>Deep Dive Conversations - Explore timely business topics with actionable insights you can apply immediately</li>
<li>Lightning Round Questions - Quick-fire questions that reveal your guests' perspectives on leadership, success, and life</li>
</ol>
With over 200 episodes, The Balancing Act examines business challenges from multiple perspectives, giving you comprehensive insights into the skills that drive workplace success.
Your Host:
Dr. Andrew Temte is the former CEO of Kaplan Professional and bestselling author of "Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire" and "The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows." As a thought leader on leadership development, organizational health, and corporate learning, Andy brings deep expertise in professional education and business management to every conversation. He holds a PhD in finance from the University of Iowa and the CFA designation, with over 15 years of university teaching experience.
Who Should Listen:
Perfect for aspiring leaders, mid-level managers seeking executive roles, C-suite executives refining their approach, entrepreneurs building their businesses, and anyone committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
New episodes weekly. Subscribe today and elevate your leadership journey.

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How the Brain Learns at Work, with Dr. Tessa Forshaw

How the Brain Learns at Work, with Dr. Tessa Forshaw

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