The L&D Ninja Podcast

Send us a text

The workplace is changing faster than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered a phenomenon coined "The Great Resignation," but others call it "The Great Reshufle." According to a Pew Research study, "Some 53% of employed U.S. adults who quit their job in 2021 changed their occupation or field of work at some point last year." The year, there are growing concerns the U.S. has or will enter a period of recession, which has already caused professionals to be displaced. 

This week's guest is Robert Dandrea, former Chief Marketing Officer for TracFone Wireless, entrepreneur, and branding expert. In this episode, we discuss what professionals can do to stand out and highlight their transferable skills to make their transition into another job opportunity or their own businesses.

Watch entire episode here: https://lnkd.in/eU6iAdyY

Download episode: https://lnkd.in/ejXZG4bR

Please like, share, comment and subscribe!

Send us a text

The future of L&D and education is here, and it's a game-changer! A recent report published by the World Economic Forum states, "VR is a leading example and arguably a game-changer for the next generation of students, graduates and vocational learners and enables experiential learning. It allows students to immerse themselves in an interactive experience where they can visualize their actions' outcomes first-hand. Coupled with the metaverse, students and teachers can communicate and share while immersed, overcoming space and time limitations. Finally, they can consolidate previously acquired knowledge and apply skills acquired through conventional e-learning."

This week's of the L&D Ninja Podcast was recorded in a virtual studio on the grounds of the L&D University MetaCampus; an example of what present and future virtual spaces could look and feel like and how people from anywhere in the world can interact with others in a 3D/immersive environment.

VR/AR/XR will undoubtedly change the way people learn, work, collaborate, socialize and interact with others. Companies and institutions of higher learning must not only keep this on the radars; they should take proactive steps now to explore the possibilities of this new reality.

Send us a text

With all the time, money, and energy spent on hiring and developing employees, it is crucial for companies to go the extra mile to keep their best performers. However, this is easier said than done, especially in a post-COVID-19 world.

On this episode of The L&D Ninja Podcast, my guest, Michael Sabbag, discusses the "Seven Factors that Drive Performance" and what organizations can do to retain their top performers.

Michael is currently the Director of Leadership and Organizational Development for Broward Health, the 10th largest healthcare provider in the United States, and has spent the last 30 years researching and consulting with top organizations on areas such as corporate culture, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and employee performance.

Enjoy this engaging and enlightening conversation.

Learn more about Michael: https://lnkd.in/eYQn5Frm

Subscribe to the Podcast: www.ldninjapodcast.com

Send us a text

If you or someone you know has been asking, “How can I land my first job in L&D?” “What do hiring managers look for when making their selection?” “What should I include in my resume?” “How can I strengthen my portfolio?” You definitely want to tune in to tomorrow’s episode of The L&D Ninja Podcast.

My guest, Megan Dillon, Manager of Learning Design and Technology at GoHealth, gives practical and specific answers to these questions and then some!

Watch. Like. Share. Subscribe.

Send us a text

Crypto, fintech, startups, blockchain, and cybersecurity are all hot topics of conversation these days, and tons of information is available to people at their fingertips. But all the news, information, and hype can sometimes cause great confusion, causing people to make big mistakes or shy away from getting involved. That is why it's so important to have a trusted advisor.

In today's Podcast, I discuss these hot topics with one of the most experienced professionals in this space. Rob Valdez, CPA, is Director of Digital Advisory for Daszkal Bolton. His passion is helping businesses build value and manage risk with technology. In this fascinating conversation, Rob shares his thoughts on the present state of the technological transformation taking place in companies and finance today, what may be in store in the future, and the critical role L&D plays in this new business environment.

Watch this and other episodes in The L&D Ninja Podcast Youtube channel.

Send us a text

We've all heard the statement, "Organizations are only as good and effective as their people." In a post-Pandemic, hybrid/remote, and hyper-competitive marketplace, growing our people has become more critical than ever. However, it's not all bad news. This "new normal" presents new and exciting opportunities for L&D professionals.

In this episode, Tom Pender brings decades of first-hand experience working with hundreds of organizations. He gives practical advice on how other L&D professionals can help their organizations navigate these new realities and grow their learning and development initiatives.

Send us a text

Leadership is all about inspiring others; painting an exciting vision of what’s possible; believing in people’s potential, especially when they don’t quite believe it themselves; and bringing out the best in others. When leaders do this, those they lead will not only grow, thrive, and produce at a higher level, but they will also enjoy the process of working with and for you.

My guest today is Edwin Garcia the Director of Learning and Development for HackerU (now Thrive DX), the world's premier EdTech provider offering cyber security training and digital skills programs.

Edwin was kind enough to sit with me to discuss how L&D professionals can effectively lead their teams, no matter the circumstances. It was an absolute joy for me to have this fantastic opportunity, and I’m sure you will gain great insight from his experience.

Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gnT-r22C

Download or Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g5-wbqtq

Send us a text

It's an exciting time to be an L&D professional.  As of this morning (6/19/22), there are a grand total of 6,228 Instructional Designer and 1,354 LMS Administrator job openings posted on just LinkedIn.  Many of these job postings offer the opportunity to work remotely.

If you're someone thinking making a move to an L&D career, or would like to start your own business in the space, you definitely need to listen to this week's podcast!

In this exciting episode, Magali Carusotti, owner of www.soulmeetsroad.com  talks about: 

1. Her journey from high school teacher to traveling instructional designer, 
2. The pros and cons of being a traveling "edupreneur" 
3. What it takes to balance it all. 

Happy Learning!

P.S. Caring is sharing!  Comment, Like, Subscribe and Share 

Send us a text

Jay Chun was a former classroom K12 teacher who quickly learned being in the classroom wasn't the profession for him.   But, what was he going to do.  He decided to go back to school to get a graduate degree in hopes of being able to teach at college level; that was until he found out about Instructional Design.

Since 2011, Jay has had a successful career as an Instructional Designer, doing work for major companies such as Cisco, Microsoft, Kaplan, University of Southern California, and Amazon.  Jay has also  become a TikTok influencer and has developed courses for teachers who are considering making the move to instructional design.  In his words, "I know there are many teachers out there who want a new career but feel that their skills don't translate over.  The role of instructional design has many of the skillsets that teachers have."

This  impromptu and spur-of-the-moment conversation is one you will enjoy and gain very important insights, especially if you're looking to learn more about what it takes to be an instructional designer, and some pointers on how to get started.

Send us a text

 The phrase “servant leadership” originated with Robert K. Greenleaf in "The Servant as Leader"  essay,  first published in 1970.   According to the Greeleaf Center for Servant Leadership, "A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible."

My guest today is Tim Cormier, a dynamic change agent, obsessed with developing leaders, and one of the best L&D professionals in the business.  Through he servant leadership style, Tim has impacted the lives of thousands of employees inside and outside the corporate classroom.

In this podcast, Tim shares his vision, thoughts and advice for other L&D professionals, and the real impact they can have with a simple shift in their mindset.

View this episode in our YouTube channel: The L&D Podcast.