How do you deliver consistent training across a global manufacturing workforce without losing the human element? McCormick & Company, a global leader in flavor and spice, is tackling that challenge head-on. Regional Training and Development Leader Courtney Johnson Wasylenko explains how structured onboarding, on-the-job learning, and career pathways come together to support growth at scale.

Show Notes:

Courtney Johnson Wasylenko shares a practical, human-centered approach to building skills, confidence, and long-term careers. Her key points include:

• Standardization + flexibility is key: McCormick establishes consistent training frameworks across sites while allowing for local customization to reflect unique equipment, teams, and challenges.
• Onboarding builds both skills and community: A structured five-day onboarding program introduces culture, safety, and quality—while helping new hires form connections that support long-term success.
• Learning happens best on the job: Hands-on training, repetition, and immediate application are prioritized over classroom instruction to improve retention and real-world performance.
• Career pathways drive engagement and retention: Clear, flexible growth paths—including both vertical and lateral movement—help employees see a future within the organization and stay motivated.
• AI is a tool—not a replacement: AI is improving efficiency and access to information, but human oversight, strong content systems, and thoughtful implementation are critical to making it meaningful.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

At kdc/one, learning is more than a support function—it’s a driver of business performance. In this episode, kdc/one’s Director of Learning and Development Sharron Northern shares how she’s building a global strategy that simplifies complexity, aligns with business goals, and creates real demand for development.

Show Notes:

Kdc/one’s Sharron Northern focuses on simplifying systems, focusing on leaders and creating meaningful learning experiences to drive engagement and performance. Her top takeaways include:

•  Start with what leaders care about. Align learning initiatives to real business priorities to quickly build trust and demonstrate value.
• Create a “pull” for learning—not just push. When learning solves real problems, leaders actively seek it out, increasing engagement and impact.
• Simplify to scale. Breaking down complex systems and focusing on clear priorities enables global organizations to move faster and more effectively.
• Integrate learning into performance systems. Embedding development into performance management ensures learning is reinforced, measured, and sustained.
• Design for engagement and application. Interactive elements like role play, peer discussion, and even gamification—when used intentionally—drive retention and behavior change.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Artificial intelligence is changing how learning teams work, but Chick-fil-A Learning Partner Lauren LePage believes the future of L&D goes well beyond automation. Hear her thoughtful perspective on how AI combined with human insight, care, and curiosity can efficiently deliver more strategic and creative learning solutions.

Show Notes:

Chick-fil-A’s Lauren LePage explores what it takes to use AI responsibly without losing the human connection that makes learning experiences truly resonate. Here are her key takeaways.

• AI should support learning strategy, not replace human judgment. Lauren makes the case that AI can be valuable for automation, speed, and creativity, but L&D professionals still carry the responsibility of making sure training is accurate, meaningful, and behaviorally sound.
• Human connection is not optional in L&D. Lauren emphasizes that while AI can help execute strategy, humans are the ones who build culture, create trust, and shape remarkable learning experiences.
• Not every use of AI requires the same level of human involvement. She introduces the idea of human “in the loop,” “on the loop,” and “outside the loop,” helping L&D practitioners think more clearly about when people should direct, review, or limit AI’s role.
• AI can save time in content development and scenario building. Lauren shares practical examples of using AI to support content creation, generate questions, surface answers from complex documents, and build realistic learning scenarios more efficiently.
• Great learning starts with curiosity and emotional readiness. Lauren reminds listeners that learners do not become true learners just because they show up. It takes intentional design, human understanding, and subtle moments that spark curiosity and create the conditions for learning to happen.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

The 2026 Learning and Development Global Sentiment Survey is here, and lead researcher and author Donald H. Taylor joins us to unpack insights from more than 3,500 L&D professionals worldwide. This year’s survey shows rising pressure to demonstrate value, evolving perspectives on AI, and the challenges shaping the future of the profession.

Show Notes:

Donald Taylor discusses what this year’s results reveal about the state of L&D and why the future of L&D may depend on stronger relationships, smarter use of data, and a willingness to rethink familiar approaches.

• L&D leaders are being asked to do more with less. Don said budget pressure remains a major theme, with many professionals focused on proving value while protecting their teams and resources.
• AI is still dominant, but the conversation is maturing. Don noted that AI is no longer just about faster content creation. More leaders are thinking about how it can support skills, practice, simulation, and new kinds of learning experiences.
• Showing value is now a top concern. According to Don, this has risen to an all-time high, driven in part by concern over jobs, budgets, and the need to connect learning more clearly to performance.
• Data matters, but relationships matter just as much. Don emphasized that L&D cannot make better use of data without building trust and relationships across the organization. Access to useful business data depends on those connections.
• The most confident L&D leaders are better networked. Don observed that the people most ready to take action and try new things are often the ones with stronger internal and external networks to support them.

Read the 2026 Global L&D Sentiment Survey

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Law enforcement training has to evolve as fast as the world officers work in. In this episode of Powered by Learning, ILEETA Executive Director Ray Merlin and Deputy Director Joe Willis share how ILEETA supports a global “tribe of trainers” focused on instructor excellence, year-round learning, and a conference built to recharge and raise the standard.

Show Notes:

ILEETA’s Ray Merlin and Joe Willis explain ILEETA’s mission to inspire excellence across the training ecosystem. Their key takeaways include:

1. ILEETA’s “north star” is instructor excellence—not just topics. Joe emphasizes that ILEETA is “a community that happens to have an outstanding conference,” built to elevate instructorship year-round. 
2. Law enforcement training pressure isn’t one issue—it’s everything, across roles. Ray notes that the training ecosystem spans far beyond patrol (corrections, federal, military, dispatch, and more), and the goal is continuous improvement in performance. 
3. The best modality is intentional blended learning—synthetic + live, with pre- and post-learning. Joe highlights that VR/AR/simulators and distance learning are powerful, but they work best when designed to set up instruction and reinforce learning afterward. 
4. Just-in-time refreshers matter because forgetting is real. Joe points to the value of quick, well-designed “bump” resources (the way people use short videos for quick help) to support recall and performance in the field. 
5. The biggest opportunity is staying relevant by connecting “pockets of excellence.” Ray frames it as ongoing evolution and professionalism; Joe adds that ILEETA helps connect emerging research and field innovations by bringing the right people together to “connect the dots.” 

Learn more about ILEETA

Learn more about d'Vinici's work in law enforcement

Editor’s Note: Edward J. Nowicki, who is referenced in this episode, was the founder of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. Harvey Hedden, who is also referred to, is the immediate past executive director. Learn more about ILEETA’s leadership team. 

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

What does it take to scale disability inclusion across an entire workforce? In this episode, National Organization on Disability leaders Beth Sirull and Sara Walsh explain how the EnAble Learning digital training system helps organizations embed inclusion, adaptability, and workforce readiness into their everyday operations.

Show Notes:

Beth Sirull and Sara Walsh of the National Organization on Disability share how their new EnAble Learning courses are helping organizations of all sizes create welcoming, productive workplaces through engaging, accessible online training. Here are some of their key points:

• Disability inclusion is a business imperative, not philanthropy. Beth Sirull shared that companies fully integrating disability inclusion hire twice as many people with disabilities—and promote five times as many—demonstrating measurable business impact.
• Most disabilities are invisible—and often undisclosed. Beth emphasized that the majority of disabilities are not visible, and disclosure rates are low due to stigma, making proactive inclusion essential.
• Scalable, on-demand training increases access and impact. Sara Walsh explained that EnAble Learning was created to make high-quality disability inclusion training accessible to organizations of all sizes, especially those unable to support in-person sessions.
• Engagement and relevance were non-negotiable in the digital experience. Sara noted that the courses were intentionally designed to be interactive, practical, and manager-focused—avoiding “click-through” compliance training in favor of meaningful learning.
• Inclusion benefits everyone—and anyone can join the disability community at any time. Sara pointed out that disability is a community anyone may become part of at any stage of life, reinforcing why inclusive practices matter across the entire workforce.

Learn more about National Organization on Disability's enAble Learning

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

What happens when decades of trusted learning and development expertise meet purpose-built AI? In this episode, Ken Taylor, CEO of Training Industry, and Amanda Longo, Vice President of Brand Strategy, explore TIA, Training Industry’s new AI-powered assistant, designed specifically for L&D professionals to support learning strategy and performance.

Show Notes:

Ken Taylor and Amanda Longo from Training Industry share the benefits of their organization’s AI Agent TIA including these key points:

• TIA is built for L&D and nothing else. Unlike general AI tools, TIA is trained exclusively on Training Industry’s vetted content, including research reports, articles, webinars, and expert contributions. This ensures responses are relevant, credible, and grounded in the realities of learning and development work.
• Transparency and attribution are non-negotiable. A core design principle of TIA is showing users exactly where information comes from. Every response is sourced, allowing learning leaders to explore original articles, compare perspectives, and build confidence in the guidance they receive.
• Guardrails matter for trust and quality. TIA is intentionally limited to Training Industry’s content ecosystem. If the answer isn’t there, TIA says so—reducing AI hallucinations and reinforcing integrity over convenience.
• TIA supports preparation, not content creation. TIA isn’t meant to replace instructional designers or subject matter experts. Instead, it helps learning leaders think through structure, strategy, and next steps—making the human work faster and more informed.
• AI works best when paired with community. TIA is designed to complement Training Industry’s peer and expert network. Learning leaders can use AI-generated insights as a springboard into conversations with practitioners, contributors, and Training Industry staff—turning AI into a catalyst for connected learning.

Related Articles:

[Product Demo] Meet Tia, Your AI Agent for Solving L&D Challenges

How Training Industry Turned Two Decades of Knowledge Into an AI Agent: A Case Study

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

When done well, learning design grabs participants’ attention like a great marketing campaign and engages them emotionally and intellectually to make learning stick.  That’s the premise of “Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro,” a book written by our guests  Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann.  In this episode, you will learn how to elevate traditional training approaches with marketing tools such as learner personas, journey mapping, and content strategy that come together in high impact learning campaigns.

Show Notes: Co-authors Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann share some of the top takeaways from their book, “Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro,” to help you create experiences that learners crave.

• L&D can learn a lot from marketing. Marketers know the value of making an emotional connection with their audience —L&D should too. Applying marketing principles can help learning designers create experiences that boost performance and influence behavior.
• Learner personas are foundational, not optional. Understanding who learners are, what they need, and what motivates them is critical to designing content that resonates and sticks.
• Journey mapping helps deliver learning at the right moment. Mapping the learner journey allows L&D teams to support employees before, during, and after key moments—not just during formal training events.
• Content strategy drives behavior change. When personas, journey maps, and content strategy work together, learning becomes more targeted, improving proficiency and long-term behavior change.
• It all comes together in a Learning Campaign. Smaller, well-timed content—resources, nudges, and reinforcements—create more impact than one-time standalone training events.
• Success is measured beyond completion rates. True learning impact shows up in measuring performance, confidence, and on-the-job behavior—not just in LMS reports.

Learn more about Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro

Connect with Mike 

Connect with Bianca 

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

What does it take to build a learning culture that truly sticks? Brad Garfinkel, Vice President of Learning and Development at Members 1st Federal Credit Union shares how a clearly defined culture — grounded in the belief that “we is greater than me” — shapes everything from onboarding and frontline training to leadership development and career pathways. 

Show Notes:

Members 1st VP of Learning and Development Brad Garfinkel offers many practical, inspirational and actionable ways to make learning an integral part of any organization. 

• Culture must be embedded from day one: At Members 1st, learning starts on day one with a consistent message: culture isn’t a slogan — it’s a daily practice reinforced through onboarding, training, and coaching.
• “We is greater than me” drives learning design: This simple but powerful mindset shapes how training is built, delivered, and reinforced, helping employees see their role within a larger team and mission.
• Listening builds credibility for L&D: Brad’s organization-wide listening tour helped reposition learning and development as a strategic partner, not just a support function for frontline roles.
• Personalized pathways outperform one-size-fits-all training: By using flexible learning pathways, hybrid delivery models, and hands-on coaching, Members 1st meets learners where they are — and accelerates growth.
• Career exploration fuels engagement and retention: Programs like leadership development tracks and internal apprenticeships allow employees to explore new roles, build skills, and envision long-term careers within the organization.

Read the book Brad referenced, Attitude is Everything : 10 Life-Changing Steps to Turning Attitude into Action   By Keith Harrell

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

What happens when classic instructional design models meet cutting-edge AI tools? In this episode of Powered by Learning, Transcarent's Director of Learning and Development Sheldon Thomas talks about applying the ADDIE model to a modern healthcare call center environment, from multi-stage onboarding to AI-enabled simulations. Learn how his team balances speed, personalization, and strong design to deliver training that actually changes performance. 

Show Notes:

Transcarent's Director of Learning and Development Sheldon Thomas shares how his team uses AI-driven role plays, performance coaching, and thoughtful design to prepare team members for complex member conversations. His key takeaways include:

• Align L&D to business outcomes. Sheldon shares how Transcarent’s learning strategy mirrors the company’s mission to improve member health outcomes—using the ADDIE model to connect learner needs, performance metrics, and measurable impact.
• Design a multi-layered onboarding journey. New Performance Development Coaches move through a blended learning experience that combines instructor-led training, self-paced eLearning, performance development coaches, and a “cocooning” phase with supervisors to build both competence and confidence.
• Use AI role plays to make practice realistic and scalable. AI-driven simulations on Udemy’s platform allow health guides to practice complex conversations, demonstrate empathy, and navigate systems in a realistic, time-bound environment—without pulling live agents off the phones.
• Balance interactivity with meaningful design. While AI tools in Storyline and Rise accelerate development, Sheldon emphasizes that true design goes beyond uploading content—it’s about curating experiences that are both Interactive and genuinely engaging.
• Look ahead to real-time, personalized performance support. Sheldon envisions AI delivering just-in-time coaching immediately after calls and targeting specific skill gaps, moving beyond one-size-fits-all training to truly personalized learning in the flow of work.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook