Performance Matters Podcast

Expert guests Leah Clark and Dr. Cheryl Jackson join the show to discuss how to build a stronger, more adaptable workforce.

Join them as they dive into the essential role of resilience and well-being in today’s ever-evolving workplace. With decades of experience in leadership consulting and organizational psychology, Leah and Cheryl share practical strategies and real-world insights on how individuals and organizations can thrive—not just survive—through constant change.

Whether you’re a leader navigating transformation or an employee seeking balance, this episode offers actionable tools like the “Four Cs” of resilience—Care, Connection, Communication, and Coping—and explores how trust, culture, and leadership shape our ability to adapt. Learn why investing in well-being during steady times is the key to weathering future storms, and how organizations that prioritize people will gain a lasting competitive edge. Tune in and get inspired to build a workplace where resilience is not just a buzzword, but a way of life.

The post Episode #158 – Fostering Resilience and Well-Being During Workplace Transformation appeared first on GP Strategies.

In this kickoff episode of our new Future Focus series, host Michael Thiel is joined by GP Strategies’ innovation leaders Cara Halter and Theodora Michaelidou to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the learning and development (L&D) landscape.

From boosting productivity to enabling scalable coaching and role-play simulations, this episode dives into real-world examples of AI in action—plus what’s coming next. You’ll hear how L&D teams are using AI to co-design content, streamline workflows, and even transcribe and organize sticky-note brainstorms in seconds.

Whether you’re an L&D leader, instructional designer, or just curious about the future of work, this episode offers practical insights and a glimpse into what’s possible when AI meets talent transformation.

Listen now and subscribe to the Performance Matters Podcast to stay ahead of the curve.

The post Episode #157: Future Focus | AI News for L&D appeared first on GP Strategies.

What happens when personal values collide with professional responsibilities?

Jeremy Lewis, a senior inclusion trainer at GP Strategies, joins the show to explore how fundamental values can lead to conflicts in the workplace. He highlights the increasing prevalence of disputes rooted in core beliefs, driven by factors such as polarized politics, social media, and heightened awareness of societal issues.

Listen and learn how to disagree well, a concept that involves understanding and respecting differing perspectives while engaging in constructive dialogue. He introduces the seven pillars of disagreeing well, drawing from historical practices in debate and negotiation, and provides practical strategies for leaders to manage these dynamics effectively. Through real-life examples and insightful commentary, this episode offers valuable guidance on fostering an inclusive and harmonious work environment, even when values collide.

The post Episode #156: When Values Collide: Aligning Personal Values with Professional Responsibilities appeared first on GP Strategies.

Are you ready to transform learning experiences and provide genuine performance support? In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel welcomes learning strategists Andrew Joly and Ella Richardson to discuss a pivotal moment in technological advancements and AI: delivering true learning in the flow of work.

With AI-driven tools like super coaches and chatbots, along with emerging technologies, organizations can scale impact in the flow of work like never before. Given the current business pressures to drive change and grow rapidly, learning in the flow of work has never been more important.

Tune in to discover practical strategies for implementing learning in the flow of work and learn how to leverage technology to design performance support into your technologies and learning experiences.

The post Episode #155: Learning in the Flow of Work: Moving from Concept to Practicality appeared first on GP Strategies.

Are you ready to perform at your highest potential? In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel dives into the world of point-of-need learning with two esteemed guests, Nic Girvan and Jeff Fissel.

Discover how accessing knowledge at the moment you need it can transform your professional life. This episode explores strategies and technologies that enhance learning efficiency and flexibility. Tune in to learn how point-of-need learning can help you thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.

Listen and uncover how it can lead to increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and greater flexibility for remote workers. Learn about the role of technology, particularly generative AI, in revolutionizing how we access and utilize information. Together, Nic and Jeff emphasize the importance of balancing traditional learning methods with point-of-need strategies to optimize performance and development in the workplace.

The post Episode #154: AI-Powered Learning – Maximizing Your Content for Point of Need Learning appeared first on GP Strategies.

Nic Girvan joins the show to delve into the essential topic of nurturing aspiring leaders. Listen as she discusses how to identify potential leaders, the importance of investing in their development, and the challenges they may face. Nic shares valuable insights on the qualities that set aspiring leaders apart and offers practical advice for building a strong leadership pipeline. This episode is packed with real-world examples and strategies to help organizations cultivate the next generation of leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to elevate your leadership development initiatives.

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Leah Clark joins the show to delve into a study by GP Strategies which surveyed leaders and individual contributors to assess their readiness for AI integration. The findings reveal high usage and enthusiasm for AI at work, but also highlight concerns about job elimination and ethical implications. The episode emphasizes the importance of leaders fostering open communication, psychological safety, and a growth mindset to successfully navigate AI-driven transformations.

The post Episode #152: The AI Dilemma: Trust, Transparency, and Leadership appeared first on GP Strategies.

In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel dives into the concept of strategic enterprise skilling with industry experts Peggy Durbin, Chris Davis, and Matt Donovan. Listen as they discuss how organizations can future-proof their workforce by adopting a comprehensive skilling strategy. The experts share insights on the importance of aligning skilling initiatives with organizational goals, the benefits of a shared vocabulary, and the need for a flexible approach that accommodates both global coordination and local needs. They also highlight the critical role of HR and learning and development (L&D) in creating a cohesive talent lifecycle that supports career mobility and employee retention.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on best practices for implementing an enterprise skilling strategy, including starting with a focused area and avoiding the pitfalls of trying to “boil the ocean.”

The episode features real-world examples, such as the impact of AI on marketing roles and the innovative approaches taken during the nursing shortage in the pandemic. This engaging conversation provides actionable insights for organizations looking to enhance their workforce’s agility and resilience in an increasingly volatile business environment.

The post Episode #151: Strategic Enterprise Skilling | Best Practices and Insights appeared first on GP Strategies.

Dr. Cheryl Jackson joins the show to explore the rapidly evolving skills landscape, driven by automation and AI, and the necessity for organizations to continuously upskill and reskill their workforce. Listen as Dr. Jackson provides insightful distinctions between upskilling and reskilling, shares practical examples, and discusses the challenges and strategies for effective talent management.

The post Episode #150: Upskilling, Reskilling, and Talent Management’s Role in Organizational Design appeared first on GP Strategies.

Join DEI expert Nic Girvan as she explores the current political climate surrounding DEI programs, the critical role of inclusive leadership, and practical strategies for leaders to foster an inclusive culture.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the future of leadership and the tangible benefits of prioritizing DEI in their organization.

The post Episode #149: Inclusion | The New Leadership Essential appeared first on GP Strategies.