Only a small percentage of what people learn in training ever gets applied at work. In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Srividya Kumar speaks with Melanie Martinelli about why that gap continues to exist and what organizations can realistically do about it. The conversation explores manager support, transfer barriers, active practice, satisfaction scores, and the industry’s tendency to jump toward solutions before fully understanding the problem. Melanie also shares practical examples from her work, including simple interventions that significantly improve learning transfer without adding complexity. A thoughtful conversation on learning, behavior change, and what it really takes for training to matter beyond the classroom.

Connect with Melanie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-martinelli/

Website: https://www.transfereffectiveness.com/en

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What does it really take to use learning science in the real world? In this episode, Srividya Kumar speaks with Dr. Kripa Sundar about the gap between research and practice. They explore why research often enters too late, how “learning science-based” products oversimplify evidence, and why balance matters more than blindly applying principles. The conversation also dives into seductive details, the limits of meta-analyses, and the importance of context. You’ll hear why measurement isn’t an endpoint, but an ongoing loop, and what it takes for learning scientists to influence real decisions inside organizations.

References Used

On seductive details: https://www.aft.org/ae/fall2020/sundar

How to find, read and use academic literature: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/academic-research/

Guide to read meta-analyses: https://pdf.retrievalpractice.org/MetaAnalysisGuide.pdf

Role researchers and learning scientists can play: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-we-call-were-feeling-naming-dr-kripa-sundar-ecjzc/

AI decision field guide: https://www.edtechrecharge.com/ai-decision-field-guide

Connect with Kripa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kripasundar/

Website: https://www.edtechrecharge.com/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Heather Burright about what it really takes to design learning in complex, mission-driven environments. They explore how L&D shifts when authority is limited and influence becomes essential, especially in federated nonprofit structures. The conversation touches on designing learning as a conversation, building from learner experience to enable inclusion, and rethinking measurement when post-training access is limited. Grounded in real practice, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how context shapes learning strategy, design, and impact.

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/

The Non-Profit L&D Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

The Learning for Good Podcast: https://learningforgood.buzzsprout.com/

Podcast Episodes About Measurement

- https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/how-to-measure-behavior-change-and-impact-in/id1621971310?i=1000684674477&l=zh-Hans-CN

- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-position-training-as-an-investment-from/id1621971310?i=1000742300016

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Srividya Kumar and Ajay Jacob explore storytelling as a strategic skill in learning design. Their conversation moves beyond the usual advice about making learning “engaging” and looks more closely at what stories actually do for understanding and behavior change. They discuss when stories support learning and when they become distractions, the idea of a “Minimum Viable Story”, why emotion plays a role in meaningful learning, and where the line lies between influence and manipulation. It’s a thoughtful conversation about how stories shape the way people see their work and the choices they make.

Connect with Ajay

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaytj/

Storytelling Course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/storytelling-foundations-unlocking-the-power-of-stories/?referralCode=91BDA7E8C30712E28687

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Vidya and Michael Snelgrove explore how organizational systems shape behavior. They discuss structural stupidity, incentives, and the hidden priorities that influence decisions in workplaces. Michael shares how small signals can reveal deeper systemic patterns, why evidence alone rarely drives change, and what it takes to translate research into practice. The conversation also touches on apprenticeship, measurement, and the growing role of AI in accessing behavioral science. A thoughtful look at how capability, learning, and performance are shaped by the design of work itself.

References Used

Michael’s Post About Structural Stupidity: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mtsnelgrove_humanbehavior-hr-behavioralscience-activity-7397639043586396160-bzk5/

The book that refers to the brown M&Ms: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande (the rock band is Van Halen): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312430000/ref=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Michael

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtsnelgrove/

Website: https://www.appliedscholar.com/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Vidya speaks with Michael Snelgrove about how learning and performance actually work under real conditions. Drawing on experiences from high-impact settings, including work connected to bomb defusal in Afghanistan and offshore sailing, Michael challenges some deeply held assumptions in L&D and HR. They explore why training often fails under pressure, how feedback can backfire, the limits of self-directed learning, and why focusing on skills without understanding how people learn leads to disappointing outcomes. A thoughtful look at learning as a system outcome, not an individual trait.

Reference(s) Used

Iatrogenics (the idea that treatment or medication can cause harm): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iatrogenesis

Connect with Michael

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtsnelgrove/

Website: https://www.appliedscholar.com/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What does it really mean to say that learning “works”? In this episode of Learning+, Vidya speaks with learning scientist Dr. Alice Kim about the assumptions we often make when designing learning experiences. Together, they explore why effort is not a flaw in learning but a requirement, why engagement can mislead us, and why evidence cannot be applied without judgment. The conversation also examines learner agency, trust, and the powerful role systems play in shaping behavior. A reflective discussion for anyone designing learning and wondering what actually helps it last.

Connect with Alice

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicesnkim/

Website: http://alicekim.ca/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

What does real transformation in learning actually look like… beyond new platforms and better interfaces? In this episode, Vidya speaks with Lori Niles-Hofmann about why so many transformation efforts stall, even with the right tools in place. They explore what happens when organizations focus on technology before clarity, why “better user experience” isn’t the same as meaningful change, and how learning teams can move from activity to impact.

The conversation digs into ownership, decision-making, and the often-overlooked work of aligning people, systems, and priorities. It’s an honest look at what it really takes to move from scattered efforts to something more intentional… and why transformation is ultimately less about tools and more about how organizations choose to work.

Connect with Lori

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinileshofmann/

Website: https://www.8levers.com/

Book (The Eight Levers of EdTech Transformation: A field guide to the new future-focused L&D): https://a.co/d/8pziJzj

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Jess Almlie joins Vidya for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes for L&D to move from being a service function to a strategic partner. Together, they explore how well-intentioned habits can limit L&D’s influence, why saying “yes” isn’t always a problem, how small behavioral shifts change stakeholder relationships, and why self-reported data may be more valuable than we give it credit for. It’s an honest, practical conversation for anyone trying to create real performance impact through learning.

Connect with Jess

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/

Website: https://www.jessalmlie.com/

Podcast (L&D Must Change): https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast

Book (L&D Order Taker No More): https://www.jessalmlie.com/book

References

Jess' Podcast Episode with Chris Taylor (Actionable): https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast/designing-and-measuring-on-purpose

2025 Actionable Insights Report: https://pages.actionable.co/insights-impact

Book (Measurement Demystified by David Vance and Peggy Parskey): https://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Demystified-Creating-Analytics-Reporting/dp/1950496899/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Nebel joins Vidya to explore how learning science can reshape the entire talent cycle, from onboarding and leadership development to retention and even exits. They discuss why effective learning often feels effortful, how spaced retrieval strengthens real-world performance, why autonomy is more about perception than freedom, and how alumni can remain a powerful part of the talent system. A grounded, practical conversation for L&D and talent leaders thinking about how learning really happens at work.

Connect with Cynthia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-nebel/

Website: https://www.learningscientists.org/cindy-nebel

Book (Uniting Learning Science and Talent Management: Org Scholars): https://www.learningscientists.org/talent-management

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

Connect with Vidya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/