In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Eddie Brasher, Learning and Development Manager at Starbucks, to explore how L&D can power digital transformation and inclusive leadership. Eddie shares how his team supports finance professionals through capability roadmaps, tech-enabled learning, and mentoring programs that build confidence and unlock potential. Tune in to hear his insights on ethical AI, project management, and what it takes to design impactful learning that keeps pace with change.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Andrea Whittaker, Global Learning & Development Leader at Mars, to explore how the company fosters a culture of curiosity and growth across its vast and varied workforce. Andrea shares how Mars embeds learning into the flow of work, balances global strategies with local impact, and designs experiences that go beyond traditional training. We talk about the unique challenges of enabling professional development across a business that spans pet care, food, and confectionery—and how Mars stays true to its principles while embracing innovation.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Chantelle Nash, Director of Functional Training and Enablement at BAE Systems, shares how her team supports a highly regulated frontline workforce through streamlined training and effective communication strategies. She discusses the challenges of balancing compliance with operational demands and the importance of foundational processes, voice-of-customer feedback, and clear metrics. Chantelle gives a great overview of how she is building scalable systems that prioritize both technical skill development and human connection.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Brissa Ramos, Senior Manager of Sales Enablement at ServiceNow, to explore how she’s rethinking partner enablement in today’s fast-moving tech landscape. With over two decades of experience, Brissa shares her unique perspective on supporting sales and pre-sales partners through AI-powered tools, hybrid learning models, and continuous feedback loops. From co-creating enablement experiences with learners to reimagining sales simulations with roleplay-free practice using Bongo AI, Brissa’s approach is all about empathy, experimentation, and measurable impact.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Fola Ajisafe, Associate Director of App Development for Learning Technology at Verizon, to explore how his team builds and delivers user-centric learning technologies that support a global workforce. Fola shares how he balances in-house innovation with external vendor solutions, ensures high adoption and engagement through continuous feedback and data, and creates dynamic, personalized learning experiences like digital hubs. His forward-looking approach to skill development, ROI measurement, and tech agility offers a roadmap for empowering learners and driving workforce transformation at scale.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Mary Ng shares how she’s building strategic talent management from the ground up at City of Hope, focusing on practical application and human-centered design. She discusses the power of informal feedback, repeat engagement, and democratized mentorship as key indicators of program success. Mary also explores how her team is thoughtfully integrating technology—from AI to LMS platforms—to enhance learning while staying future-ready.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Arlene Mabrey shares how her work at the intersection of equity, mentoring, and leadership development is transforming traditional approaches to talent growth. She discusses the importance of visibility, connection, and intentional systems design—highlighting how technology and AI can power more personalized, inclusive mentorship experiences. With wisdom, warmth, and actionable insight, Arlene encourages us to mind our lives, find our light, and build ecosystems where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Brian Dennis, a Field Trainer at Growmark with extensive experience in learning and development, discusses how his team adapts to the evolving workforce, focusing on strategic planning, generational diversity, and continuous feedback. He shares insights into the tools and methods they use to assess skills gaps, measure training effectiveness, and drive behavioral change across multiple levels of the organization. Brian also highlights the role of technology in enhancing virtual learning experiences and supporting employee development in a dynamic industry.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Erica Cason, an experienced learning and development facilitator, to explore the challenges and opportunities in employee training and workforce development. Erica shares insights into onboarding new hires, addressing skills gaps, and leveraging technology to enhance continuous education programs. She also discusses the importance of learner feedback, organizational support, and evolving strategies to ensure employees stay engaged, adaptable, and prepared for the ever-changing demands of the workplace.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Emily Wilson, Manager of Leadership Development for the American Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services, shares insights into training a predominantly volunteer workforce. She discusses the unique challenges of preparing volunteers—who lack the traditional incentives of paid employees—for high-stress disaster response roles and how the organization is evolving its leadership development programs. Emily also highlights the Red Cross’s shift toward more experiential and applied learning, aiming to improve supervisor effectiveness and volunteer retention in an era of continuous disaster response.