What happens when we stop treating learning as a compliance checkbox and start designing it around human experience? Justin Seeley, e-Learning Evangelist for Adobe, reveals why most corporate training fails to engage employees and what we can do about it.

Having led learning teams at Twitter, LinkedIn Learning, Snapchat, and Walmart Marketplace, Justin brings a wealth of practical wisdom to this conversation about creating learning experiences that actually work. He challenges the conventional "sheep dip" approach to training where everyone receives identical instruction regardless of their learning preferences. Instead, he advocates for personalized, practice-based approaches that accommodate different learning styles.

"Learning is not necessarily overlooked, but it is undervalued," Justin explains, pinpointing why so many organizations struggle with workforce development despite substantial investments. He shares how his pioneering work with in-course practice modules at LinkedIn Learning dramatically improved engagement by giving learners hands-on challenges followed by solution demonstrations. This practice-feedback loop, combined with opportunities for peer interaction, creates the kind of immersive learning experience that drives real skill development.

As AI reshapes the learning landscape, Justin predicts a fundamental shift in how L&D leaders function—moving from production managers to strategic thought leaders. While some organizations might temporarily reduce L&D investments based on AI capabilities, he believes the pendulum will eventually swing back toward human expertise. His compelling call for democratizing education by breaking down learning silos offers a practical pathway for organizations navigating this transition.

Ready to transform how your organization approaches learning? Subscribe now for more insights on building high-performance teams through strategic talent development. Share your own learning experiences in the comments—we'd love to hear what works for you!

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

Dan Moore, Olympic high-performance coach for the GB men's rowing team, takes us behind the scenes of his recent success at the Paris Olympics, where he guided the men's four and men's pair to bronze and silver medals. Having started coaching at just 16 years old, Moore brings over half a lifetime of coaching wisdom to this conversation about team dynamics and leadership.

The discussion reveals a fascinating paradox at the heart of high-performance teams: "People tend to want to be right more than they want to win." Moore explains how this natural human tendency creates challenges when bringing together exceptional individual performers who must function as a cohesive unit. His provocative insight that "one bad idea executed together is better than four good ideas executed separately" challenges conventional thinking about team effectiveness.

Moore's leadership philosophy centers on connection rather than control. Through personal experience, he learned that talking with team members rather than preaching at them creates the trust necessary for authentic leadership. This approach proves especially valuable when navigating vulnerability and failure - two inevitable aspects of high-performance environments. Rather than avoiding discussions about potential setbacks, Moore advocates "previewing" failure by establishing team protocols for response before challenges arise. This preemptive approach builds resilience and accountability while minimizing finger-pointing when things don't go as planned.

Ready to transform your leadership approach? Subscribe to the People and Performance Podcast for more insights from experts across sports and business who understand what it takes to build high-performing teams in challenging environments.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

Today we are joined by Karl Dickson, a globally acclaimed figure in the realm of rugby, celebrated for his dual roles as a professional Rugby Union referee and a former England and Harlequins player. 

His illustrious refereeing career reached new heights during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he officiated the quarter-final between Wales and Argentina and served as the assistant referee in the final between South Africa and New Zealand. 

Karl’s story offers a unique perspective on decision-making under pressure, maintaining impartiality, and managing high-stakes environments. Whether you’re a leader guiding your team through challenges or simply looking to improve your ability to make tough calls, Karl’s insights are unmissable.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

In the latest edition of this sports and business focused season, Chris and Bill are joined by Corey Samuels, Corey Samuels, a professional basketball player on the Bristol Flyers Men's Basketball team with a keen interest in business, HR, and inspiring others to perform at a high level. 

Corey’s experiences on and off the court provide a great lens into teamwork, adaptability, and the drive to achieve excellence. His thoughts on maintaining focus and balance will resonate with anyone striving for their goals.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

Our guest this time is Felicia Rickards, an executive coach and leadership development consultant.

Felicia has worked with both sports stars and corporate C-suite leaders, making her uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between these two worlds. 

She’ll unpack how coaching strategies in elite sports can empower corporate leaders to unlock their full potential. 

Felicia is also co-organizer of events for HR and leaders including Disrupt Bermuda and Disrupt Milton Keynes.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

In this episode, Chris and Bill chat with Steve Mellor, a high-performance Coach at GrowthReady and Host of The GrowthReady Podcast. 

Steve is a former top 50 globally-ranked swimmer and swim coach to olympic champions, All-Americans, and SEC medalists. Steve founded his company to serve executives, business owners, athletes and emerging leaders looking to attain optimal performance within their respective careers. 

In 2022, Steve became a published author with his debut book SHOCK THE WORLD; A Competitor’s Guide to Realizing Your Potential where he provides readers with the shocks to their system they need to go and realize their potential. 

Steve’s journey from elite athlete to mentor offers a fascinating look at how to navigate transitions, sustain motivation, and develop winning strategies. We’ll explore how the discipline and mindset of an Olympian translate into corporate success.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

Our guest this time is Zoe Thompson, who was once Britain’s second-strongest woman. After dealing with personal tragedy, Zoe Thompson embarked on a mission to change her life for the better. 

Zoe’s story is one of grit, determination, and relentless pursuit of goals. Her perspective on building mental and physical strength and how these traits can translate into professional resilience will leave you inspired.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

In this episode, Chris and Bill talk with Emma Ross, a trailblazing leader in sports science, a staunch advocate for women's empowerment in sport, and Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at The Well HQ. Emma was formerly the Head of Physiology at the English Institute of Sport, where her mandate included nurturing Team GB talent across the hugely successful Rio and Tokyo Olympics. 

Emma brings a wealth of knowledge on how science and data can empower teams to perform at their peak, whether that’s on the sports field or in the boardroom. Emma’s work focuses on well-being, resilience, and optimizing performance. Her insights are bound to inspire leaders to rethink how they support their teams. 

Emma is a sought-after voice and consultant in women's sports, championing inclusivity, equity, and recognition of the female athlete's full potential. Despite her own background as a former rugby player and avid marathon runner, Emma recognizes the systemic barriers within cultural, medical, and academic frameworks that must be dismantled to pave the way for women's success in sports.

----------

Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

Welcome to a very special preview episode of the People and Performance Podcast! Bill and Chris are thrilled to share a sneak peek into our upcoming Season 14. 

We’ve got an incredible lineup that’s going to take us in a slightly different, but super exciting, direction this season.

Usually, we bring you insights into the strategic competencies, behaviors, and results needed to boost workforce performance—from attraction and recruitment to onboarding, measurement, and succession planning. But for Season 14, we’re switching gears to explore the world of elite sports and how the lessons learned at the highest levels of competition can inspire and inform corporate performance.

In the new season, Chris and Bill talk with sports professionals, international referees, and those who govern elite sports, all sharing their unique perspectives on performance, leadership, resilience, teamwork and the lessons from elite sport that translate to the corporate world of work. 

Get the lowdown on what to expect from Season 14. 

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!

In the first People and Performance episode of 2025, we consider company culture and high achievement in the hospitality sector.

Our guest today is James Ferguson, speaker, employee engagement expert, and Corporate Director of Culture at The Wurzak Hotel Group, a Philadelphia-based, vertically integrated owner, developer, and operator of premium branded full-service, extended stay, and lifestyle hotels.

James is also the Bestselling Author of The Confetti Culture Playbook and award recipient at HRZone's recent Culture Pioneers Forum. 

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!