The Learning Curve with Kenny

The Learning Curve with Kenny

By Scheer IMCBusinessTechnologyEducation
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The Learning Curve with Kenny episodes

  • Season 2 Episode 4: Using AI to sync community college programs with real workforce demand with Debra McCusker
    How can AI-driven labor market analysis keep courses aligned with real job openings? Debra McCusker from Alamance Community College shares her insights

    About the Guest

    Debra McCusker leads AI-related programs at Alamance Community College and recently developed an AI labor market analyzer to align short-term training and courses with real-time job demand in the Research Triangle Park area. Her work spans curriculum updates, workforce programs and closer collaboration between community college offerings and employer needs.

    Takeaways

    • When data is large and analysis is needed, AI is your most powerful ally, but only if your prompting is precise.
    • AI handles the data work so leaders can focus on what matters most, the wisdom work: judgment, ethics, and strategy.
    • Technical skills alone aren't enough, communication ranks just as high as cloud computing in workforce demand, so build both.

    57 min
  • Season 2 Episode 3: What High School Classrooms Get Right About Leadership in the Age of AI with Nicholas Kurian
    Leadership, problem solving and truly thinking with AI, in conversation with high school data science teacher Nicholas Kurian

    About the Guest

    Nicholas Kurian is a high school teacher (data science, calculus, philosophy) and the architect of mentoring systems that help students thrive beyond graduation. Based in New York, he blends hands-on classroom practice with a mission to make education genuinely future-ready sharing practical insights for both educators and anyone interested in building better teams.

    Takeaways

    • Think before you automate, reflect, define, and design first.
    • True leadership means having the courage to say no. Reset, and choose a better path.
    • Progress is a team sport, structured feedback and learning together drives lasting results.

    52 min
  • Season 2 Episode 2: Custom vs. Ready-Made: How AI Is Reshaping Learning Content with Craig Simon
    Discover how AI is blurring the lines between bespoke and off-the-shelf learning content, with practical insights from Craig Simon, CEO of Rock Mouse.

    About the Guest

    Craig Simon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rock Mouse, an innovative learning solutions provider. With a background as a lifelong educator and deep expertise in applying technology for better learning, Craig brings a visionary, yet practical, perspective on how AI will transform the creation and delivery of learning content.

    Takeaways

    • Blended approaches win
    • Purposeful personalization matters
    • Start small and stay critical

    54 min
  • Season 2 Episode 1: Human Skills & AI—How Tech-Powered Training Elevates Sales with John Golden
    Learn how to future-proof sales teams with training that blends human strengths and AI-driven technology, with practical insights from John Golden, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM.

    About the Guest

    John Golden is Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM and publisher of SalesPop. With experience across sales enablement, AI-driven technologies, and authoring bestselling books, John is a leading voice on making sales training both more human and more effective in the digital age.

    Takeaways

    • Blend skills with tech
    • Make training a process, not a “one-off” event
    • Personalize and meet people where they are

    41 min
  • Season 1 Episode 4: How Peer-to-Peer Learning Can Transform LnD
    Charles Thiede on community learning, micro-networks, and peer-driven impact.

    About the Guest

    Charles Thiede is CEO and co-founder of Zapnito, a platform that powers expert communities and peer-driven knowledge sharing. He champions informal learning that empowers people to both teach and learn organically.

    Takeaways

    • Peer learning fosters real-time problem solving
    • Trust and culture are key to sharing
    • Start small with micro-networks
    • Learning is both structured and social

    35 min
  • Season 1 Episode 3: Is Leadership in Crisis in the Digital Age?
    Jeremy Blain on mindset shifts, human-centered skills, and fluid leadership in a digital world.

    About the Guest

    Jeremy Blain is a global keynote speaker, author, and digital transformation consultant. With decades of experience in leadership development, Jeremy is passionate about creating more human, effective, and agile leaders.

    Takeaways

    • 1 in 3 digital strategies still fail
    • Leadership must shift from fluency to fluidity
    • Mindset is the ultimate transformation tool
    • Human skills are the missing link

    38 min
  • Season 1 Episode 2: Why and How LnD Can Adopt a Marketing Mindset
    Ashley Hinchcliffe on audience insights, impact metrics, and rebranding LnD

    About the Guest

    Ashley Hinchcliffe is an LnD strategist and co-host of the 'Marketing for Learning' podcast. With a background in marketing communications, she brings a unique, data-driven perspective to modern LnD.

    Takeaways

    • Align learning to business goals
    • Use audience insights to shape learning experiences
    • Move beyond vanity metrics
    • Embed marketing thinking into LnD strategy

    37 min
  • Season 1 Episode 1: Exploring Storytelling in L&D
    Diego Fiche on emotional connection, authentic leadership, and the science of stories.

    About the Guest

    Diego Fiche is the Global Learning and Development Lead at a Fortune 500 company. Known for his passion for people-first leadership and narrative-driven learning, he bridges the gap between performance and humanity.

    Takeaways

    • Storytelling creates emotional engagement
    • Leaders must become story-guides
    • Stories drive memory, meaning, and motivation
    • Use real-world examples to make stories stick

    58 min
  • #12: Onboarding New Talent: From University to Industry
    Two industry experts share their views and advice on bridging Academia and Industry.

    In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny is joined not by one but by two guests: Prof. Peter Konhäusner, VP of Gisma University, and Jeffery Lovejoy, Talent Acquisition Team lead at GotPhoto. During the interview, they help us to understand the challenges for new talent when going from the University to the Industry . Their insights are invaluable to both new talent and L&D professionals.

    Key Take-aways:

    Evolving Curriculums:

    • T-shaped skills (broad foundational knowledge + deep expertise) are essential for today's workforce.
    • Digitalization and face-to-face interactions must coexist for optimal learning.

      • Recruitment Challenges:

      • Over-reliance on AI-generated applications can hinder authenticity.
      • Cultural fit, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills are as vital as technical expertise.

        • Partnerships Between Academia and Industry:

        • Collaborations with companies (e.g., Google, Zalando) include hackathons, workshops, and guest lectures.
        • Universities benefit from feedback to refine curriculums, while companies gain early access to talent.

          • Advice for Students:

          • Focus on developing soft skills: empathy, communication, and time management.
          • Gain familiarity with data analytics, emotional intelligence, and hybrid work collaboration.

            • Advice for HR Professionals:

            • Invest in junior talent to ensure a sustainable and innovative workforce.
            • Build relationships with universities to align academic programs with industry needs.

              • 💬 About the guests:

              Prof. Peter Konhäusner is the VP of the Gisma University of Applied Science and Jeffery Lovejoy is a passionate Talent acquisition Lead. Both Peter and Jeffery have collaborated in the past to address the gap of new talent going from University to Industry. Both are striving to close the gap by critical questioning existing processes and offering new and innovative solutions.

              1 hr 7 min
            • #11: Applying AI to role playing learning scenarios
              Kayvon Touran expands our understanding of AI applications within the L&D space.

              In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny is joined by Kayvon Touran, the founder & CEO of Zal.ai who leads us on a journey to explore how AI is revolutionizing the learning and development (L&D) space, particularly through role-playing learning scenarios. Kayvon’s passion and vision for the application of AI for the L&D space truly sets new expectations for the industry.

              **Interview Takeaways: **

              • AI Enhances Learning Experiences: AI has evolved from improving efficiency to creating dynamic, personalized, and immersive learning scenarios, especially through role-playing.
              • Active Learning Benefits: AI-driven role-playing boosts engagement and knowledge retention by providing context-specific, interactive simulations that mimic real-world situations.
              • Challenges and Human Oversight: Successful AI implementation requires thoughtful integration, with human involvement to manage biases and validate outcomes.
              • Real-World Applications: AI is already making a significant impact in areas like sales training, reducing onboarding time and improving performance metrics.
              • Strategic AI Adoption: L&D professionals should focus on using AI to enhance learning outcomes rather than adopting it simply because it's trendy.

                • **💬 About the guest: **

                Implementing leading edge technologies and leveraging his forward thinking is a space wherein Kayvon thrives. With a strong background in early-stage technology startups the founder of ZAL.ai is using AI to solve challenges in the L&D space.

                51 min

              About The Learning Curve with Kenny

              From the publisher's feed

              "The Learning Curve with Kenny" is a pioneering podcast series promoting new thinking in enterprise learning. Hosted by imc's very own Kenneth Littlepage, a highly experienced learning expert, the…