The Learning+ Podcast

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Caner Akova about what it really takes to drive performance in the workplace, and why delivering content isn't enough. They explore why L&D needs to design for friction, not just information, and how influence and stakeholder alignment can make or break learning efforts. From rethinking how we run pilots to tying outcomes to business metrics, the conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what actually creates change. They also discuss what AI can’t do… and why the human side of L&D still matters.

Connect with Caner

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

Newsletter: https://unriddled.substack.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/

Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David James

What does real L&D maturity look like in 2025? In this episode, Vidya speaks with David James (CLO of 360Learning and host of the Learning & Development Podcast) about his L&D Maturity Model - and what it takes to move from reactive training to strategic, business-aligned learning. They explore how to earn credibility, partner with stakeholders, close skills gaps, and harness AI to drive performance. If you’re rethinking your learning strategy or aiming to increase L&D’s organizational impact, this episode is for you.

Connect with David

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

The Learning & Development Podcast: https://360learning.com/solution/learning-and-development-podcast-by-david-james/

Referenced

Guus Van Deelen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guusvandeelen/details/experience/

Book - Organising L&D for Results: https://www.amazon.com/Organizing-results-Managing-Learning-Maximum/dp/9462724407

Jess Almlie

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

Book - L&D Order Taker No More: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Order-Taker-No-More-Strategic-ebook/dp/B0F83XBBCV

Laura Overton & Michelle Ockers

(The L&D Leader book to be published later this year)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraoverton/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/

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 Learning+, Vidya speaks with Goutham Yegappan - educator, data scientist, and question-asker - about reimagining education beyond systems, silos, and standardization. They explore why curiosity fades, how the teacher-student divide holds us back, and why passion isn’t something to find, but a way of seeing. This isn’t a conversation about quick fixes… but about slowing down, asking better questions, and rethinking what it means to truly learn.

Connect with Goutham

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

Website: https://www.reeducated.org/

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

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

Connect with Vidya

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

Why doesn’t learning always lead to action? In this episode, Vidya sits down with Julie Dirksen - author, designer, and one of the clearest thinkers on behavior change in L&D. They explore why systems thinking can sometimes overwhelm us, how to design for motivation dips, what to do when learners don’t see themselves as part of the problem, and why behavior design needs ethical boundaries. If you’re trying to bridge the knowing-doing gap in your work, this conversation offers sharp insight… and plenty to reflect on.

Connect with Julie

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

Website: https://usablelearning.com/

Books: https://usablelearning.com/the-books/

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 build a thriving learning community - one where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow? In this episode, Erin Chancellor joins Vidya to share how she co-manages the Useful L&D Community with care, clarity, and intentional structure. They explore what “lurker love” looks like in action, why creating space matters more than pushing content, and how community skills can reshape how we do L&D. It’s a quiet, reflective conversation - full of practical wisdom and gentle provocations. Whether you lead learning, design it, or just care about how people connect and grow… this one’s for you.

Connect with Erin

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

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, Tom McDowall joins us for a deep dive into learner autonomy, performance-focused design, and the real role of L&D in a fast-changing world. We unpack what it means to give learners control, how to balance autonomy with compliance, and why experimentation - not training - is often the better answer. From Dungeons & Dragons to chatbot-driven learning, Tom shares sharp insights and practical ideas for rethinking how we support performance at work.

Connect with Tom

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdowall/

Website: https://tommcdowall.com/

The iDeas Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvjaaAi-H8MW_yYwpqgtKXgL15cFaKhd

Instructional Design Tips YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/InstructionalDesignTips

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 build a learning strategy that sticks? In this episode, Michelle Ockers helps unpack the difference between tactical execution and strategic clarity. From shifting the conversation from skills to capability, to evaluating learning as a tool for improvement, and not just as proof, Michelle shares practical, grounded advice for L&D leaders. We talk about working with culture (not against it), why deep consultation beats quick fixes, and how to use data for improvement, not just for validation. If you’re thinking about how learning creates value for your business, this conversation will meet you right where you are - strategic, practical, and refreshingly honest.

Connect with Michelle

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

Websites: https://michelleockers.com/ and https://learninguncut.global/

Book: The L&D Leader - Principles and Practice for Delivering Business Value: https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/the-l-d-leader-9781398620278

Referenced Material

Future of Jobs Report 2025, The World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/

Articles:

- CLO LIFT: The Skills Accelerator: https://learningforum.substack.com/p/clo-lift-the-skills-accelerator

- Feedback culture: Great learning design as a bridge to culture building: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/feedback-culture-great-learning-design-as-a-bridge-to-culture-building

Podcast Episodes:

- McKinsey’s Feedback Skills Surge – Lisa Christensen: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/163/

- Playbook – Your First 90 Days in an L&D Leader Role: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/138/

- Building Learning Culture – Nigel Paine: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-05-building-learning-culture/

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 if service wasn’t just a department, but a way of thinking across your entire organization?

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Ron Kaufman - global expert on service culture and best-selling author of Uplifting Service - joins us to break down what it really takes to build a culture of continuous service improvement. We explore why mindset can't be taught in a day, how tools and actions shape culture, and why service is about creating value for everyone you interact with - not just customers. Practical, powerful, and yes, even a little funny - you won’t look at service the same way again.

Connect with Ron

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

Website: https://www.ronkaufman.com/

Books: https://www.ronkaufman.com/books/

The Six Levels of Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iktw-KhAq-g

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 solo episode, Srividya Kumar explores the power of practice in learning and why it's a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective training. She discusses how focusing too much on theory can hinder learners from applying their knowledge. Drawing on real-world examples, Srividya shares how practice scenarios can help learners gain confidence by simulating real-life challenges. She also unveils her personal framework for designing impactful practice scenarios that foster skill application and build confidence. Tune in for practical insights on enhancing your training programs through effective scenario design.

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, Dr. Nigel Paine explores what it truly means to build a learning culture. He challenges the obsession with perfect courses, emphasizing the need to focus on impact instead. From the power of psychological safety to the role of leadership vulnerability, Nigel shares how organizations can create lasting change. Plus, we discuss how AI can go beyond content creation to enhance learning in the flow of work.

If you’re ready to rethink learning, this conversation is a must-listen.

Connect with Nigel

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

Website: https://www.nigelpaine.com/

Book - The Great Reset: https://ldaccelerator.com/great-reset

Other Books

The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization, by Peter M. Senge: https://a.co/d/bHztmM7

On Organizational Learning, by Chris Argyris: https://amzn.in/d/1KyaqJ5

Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling, by Edgar Schein: https://a.co/d/3rVOHl2

Connect with Learnnovators

Website: https://learnnovators.com/

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

Connect with Vidya

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