Ever wish feedback felt less like friction—and more like a springboard? In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, breaks down how to turn even the toughest feedback into forward momentum. Drawing from research and her own leadership journey, Mickey reframes feedback as a tool for development, not a verdict. Learn how to invite feedback before you need it, find actionable patterns, and process even the most emotional comments with clarity and professionalism. Plus, discover the game-changing “feed forward” philosophy from Dr. Joe Hirsch, and hear the powerful story of how one hard comment transformed an entire mentoring program.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why feedback is a mirror—not a mandate—and how to use it for honest self-reflection
• The right moment and strategic ways to ask for feedback (hint: don’t wait for the post-mortem)
• The real difference between outliers and patterns, and when you should (and shouldn’t) act
• Why processing feedback takes time, and how to build in an intentional pause
• How to use Dr. Joe Hirsch’s “feed forward” approach to transform feedback into future growth
• What happened when one difficult comment changed the course of an entire mentoring program

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge

00:43 – Redefining feedback: not critique, but jet fuel

01:13 – The myth of feedback as a verdict vs. seeing it as data

01:58 – Feedback is a mirror, not a mandate

02:09 – How and when to invite feedback proactively

02:31 – Asking better questions: “what surprised you?” “what would you change?”

02:48 – Looking for patterns, not just outliers

03:24 – Feedback is emotional—why you need to pause

03:52 – Introducing Dr. Joe Hirsch’s “feed forward” philosophy

04:43 – Why feed forward conversations are less threatening, more developmental

05:43 – Story: The mentoring program and the hard feedback that changed everything

06:24 – Redesigning programs: practical impact of listening deeply

07:04 – Feedback as fuel: it’s not a judgment, it’s a jump start

07:18 – Building your own feedback rituals: start small, ask better questions

07:35 – Behind every great career move—there’s a truth teller

07:52 – Closing: Your next action, and why feedback matters

About Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD:

Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops blend research, real talk, and humor, making learning stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher ed leadership, coaching professionals and guiding students to graduation. Today, whether facilitating, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her mission remains the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having.

Resources & Mentions:

• Mickey’s LinkedIn
• Dr. Joe Hirsch’s podcast: I Wish I Knew
• Learnit Website

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

When it comes to learning that actually changes how we work—not just what we know—how do you move from “theory” to habit? In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PHD, sits down with Shandretta Solomon, veteran State of California training leader and manager of the Emerging Professional Program, for a candid look at how to make learning truly stick. They unpack why lasting behavior change is the true measure of training success, what makes unlearning and reprogramming so difficult, and how both internal motivation (think “WIIFM”) and good old-fashioned compliance shape how people grow.

From real-world insights on getting buy-in for change to practical tips on reflection, measurement, and closing the “last mile” gap between classroom and reality, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you create learning that lives beyond the training room. Whether you’re leading teams, designing programs, or just trying to better yourself, you’ll find inspiration, honesty, and plenty of humor as the conversation covers everything from “the naughty list” (compliance) to the systems that may be holding your leaders back.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to define and measure “learning that sticks” in the real world—not just in theory or survey scores
• The challenge (and necessity) of unlearning old habits before making a change
• Why internal and external motivators both matter—and how to tap into “what’s in it for me?”
• Strategies for helping learners cross the “last mile” from classroom to behavior, including reflection and intentional debriefs
• The vital role supervisors and systems play in reinforcing learning, and why it’s not just about individuals
• Shandretta's top leadership lessons: when to reprogram, when to unlearn, and why the system—not the person—is sometimes to blame

Timestamps:

00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge

01:00 – Meet Shandretta Solomon & her L&D journey

01:17 – What does “making learning stick” really mean?

04:04 – The vital importance of unlearning and reprogramming

06:52 – How motivation (WIIFM & compliance) affects training success

10:07 – Connecting the “WIIFM” to real change

13:01 – The “last mile of learning” (theory to behavior)

14:52 – Why training must use real-world scenarios

17:06 – Best practices for reflection and debriefing

19:53 – Why soak time matters for post-training impact

22:26 – Measuring impact: surveys, behaviors, and what really works

24:52 – Sustainment, feedback, and manager buy-in

26:31 – Embedding learning into appraisals and culture

28:04 – Shandretta's biggest leadership lesson: the power of unlearning

29:23 – The uncomfortable truth: When the system, not the leader, needs fixing

31:45 – How to connect with Shandretta & episode wrap-up

About Shandretta Solomon

Shandretta Solomon brings over 27 years of experience serving the State of California, with 20 years dedicated to training, facilitation, and leadership development. Currently, she manages the Emerging Professional Program—a cohort-based initiative focused on personal and career growth for new talent. Shandretta's expertise spans designing impactful learning experiences, leading complex training initiatives, and championing change in entrenched systems. Her trademark: blending real-world insight with empathy and practical tools to help teams truly grow.

Resources & Mentions:

• Shandretta's contact info

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Why Clarity—and Meaning—Matter More Than Perks at Work

When it comes to engagement, perks are easy. But what really fuels motivation, innovation, and trust at work? Meaning. In this thoughtful episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Dr. Brian Arnold—consultant, adjunct professor, and author of The Humane Technologist newsletter—for a deep dive into why meaning at work matters more than ever. Together, they break down the difference between authentic clarity and performative mission statements, unpack the links between motivation and meaning, and reveal how psychological safety and vulnerability drive real connection and growth in today’s organizations.

From building systems that foster genuine learning to navigating the coming wave of humane technology and AI, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and next steps for leaders, L&D professionals, and anyone who’s ever wondered: “Does my work really matter here?”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why many people resist conversations about meaning at work—and what to do about it
• What “clarity is kindness” really means for leadership, team connection, and motivation
• How rituals, rules, and systems can reinforce (or undermine) a culture built around meaning
• What psychological safety and vulnerability look like in the real world of work
• The subtle but massive difference between performance-driven and meaning-driven learning
• How to think about technology changes—especially AI—without losing sight of humanity

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge podcast & episode scene-setting

01:29 – Meet Dr. Brian Arnold: media arts, leadership, humane technology

03:33 – Why do some people resist talking about meaning at work?

04:21 – Clarity, ambiguity, and the struggle to define what matters

06:26 – Leadership’s role in defining and communicating purpose

08:28 – Why “clarity is kindness” in organizational life

09:11 – What meaning-driven workplaces look, sound, and feel like

10:05 – Psychological safety vs. blame, and the power of vulnerability

13:14 – How to design L&D environments that unite meaning and performance

16:28 – Organic learning, motivation, and the future of work

17:28 – The connection between perceived scarcity, meaning-making, and motivation

19:54 – Why pay and perks only go so far—what fills the gap

20:00 – Quiet quitting, loss of motivation, and failed systems

21:55 – Leadership, management, and the dual challenge of meaning

22:41 – Humane technology: design for people first, not just productivity

25:46 – The future of work: technology amplifies culture

29:20 – Two actionable tips for making meaning at work

30:53 – Dr. Arnold’s most important leadership lesson

31:33 – The uncomfortable truth about knowing everything as a leader

About Dr. Brian Arnold

Dr. Brian Arnold is a consultant, adjunct professor, and creator of The Humane Technologist newsletter. With a unique career spanning media arts, higher education leadership, and the development of humane emerging technologies, Brian’s passion lies in designing tech and cultures that serve real people. He’s led as chair of the inaugural National University AI Council, executive director of the Universal SELF Conference, and has experience as an editor for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.

Resources & Mentions:

• Brian Arnold’s LinkedIn
• The Humane Technologist Newsletter

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

AI, The Human Advantage & Uncomfortable Truths in Leadership with Lorne Novolker

AI is transforming the workplace at a breakneck pace—but what does it mean for human skills and real organizational value? On this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Lorne Novolker, a renowned executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, to dig deep into why developing "the human advantage" is every organization's most urgent challenge in the age of AI.

Lorne shares hard-earned insights from decades of leading digital transformations and consults on the strategic balancing act facing today’s leaders: investing in bleeding-edge tech versus growing the human skills that truly set organizations apart. Together, Mickey and Lorne unravel common myths, surface overlooked risks, and offer human-centered strategies to make change initiatives genuinely stick—plus, Lorne reveals what most leaders get wrong about transformation (and how to fix it).

From failed AI projects to the myth of one-off leadership training, this episode is packed with unfiltered takes, actionable frameworks, and a vision for workplaces where human and AI strengths truly complement each other.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why this current “AI moment” feels both familiar and fundamentally different from past tech transformations
• The biggest mistakes companies make with AI adoption—and why so many initiatives fail to deliver value
• How to practically define, develop, and measure the “human advantage” in an increasingly AI-driven world
• Change management truths: why humans resist, what really motivates buy-in, and how to avoid another failed initiative
• The overlooked power of combining leadership development with real-world stretch assignments and coaching
• What leadership development gets wrong (and how to make it stick—at every level, not just for execs)

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge Podcast & guest introduction

05:55 – How Lorne helps organizations (and Learnit) redefine the human advantage

08:02 – Building a practical framework for human capability in the AI era

10:14 – Why companies invest in AI faster than in people—and the risks

13:05 – The true benefit: it’s not AI alone, it’s AI + people

15:47 – Change management, failed initiatives, and why clarity matters

16:45 – Headcount reduction vs. augmenting human capability: a strategic crossroads

18:26 – Why change management in the AI era is harder (and more important)

19:39 – Setting real goals for AI projects: What’s the purpose?

21:49 – The ONE thing Lorne would change about how organizations prepare for the future

24:43 – The two-way street: How humans enable AI—and vice versa

26:02 – Rethinking talent strategies when AI is “part of the team.”

31:09 – Lorne’s most significant leadership lessons (and learning from mistakes)

34:48 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development—what’s missing

36:54 – Final takeaways, connecting with Lorne, keeping the conversation going

About Lorne Novolker

Lorne Novolker is a globally recognized entrepreneur, executive, board director, and award-winning consultant known for helping organizations turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. He’s built his reputation by guiding companies through digital transformation, anticipating market trends, and leading successful teams from startup to enterprise scale. Lorne is a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship, employee enablement, and the future of work—specializing in how organizations can leverage the human advantage as technology accelerates.

Resources & Mentions:

• Lorne Novolker’s website
• Lorne Novolker on LinkedIn
• Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working by Steve Cadigan

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Strategic plans rarely fail because of bad ideas—they fail when execution breaks down.

In this episode, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Tim Ohai, visionary consultant and author of The Zen of Strategic Execution, to unpack what most leaders get wrong about execution, decision-making, and organizational culture. Tim shares breakthrough concepts around the psychology of leadership, how decision environments shape culture, and why clarity—not endless planning—is the superpower behind true high performance. From practical frameworks to mindset shifts, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to move beyond “firefighting” and start leading with intentionality and impact.

Tim and Mickey explore how trust, clarity, and empowerment drive great decisions—even when leaders aren’t in the room. They tackle why most employees don’t know the company’s strategy, how ego and fear bias organizational choices, and what leaders can do to create healthy, high-performing teams. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting, these insights will help you level up your strategic execution and make professional development feel like a conversation worth having.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why true strategy is about decision-making, not planning.
• How organizational culture is an output of decision environments—and how clarity fuels everything.
• The framework behind trust-based accountability vs. fear-based accountability, and how it shapes execution.
• What the “ego-fear loop” is, and how to build environments that encourage psychological safety and curiosity.
• The practical steps for running a 90-day execution sprint and the crucial art of deprioritization.
• How the Zen mindset breaks down complex challenges and helps leaders master both self and team environments.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Learnit Lounge Podcast and Mickey Fitch-Collins

00:49 – Meet Tim Ohai: consultant, coach, author, speaker

03:38 – Why most leaders are never taught to execute strategy

05:17 – Decoding strategy as a decision-making science

08:00 – Culture as an outcome of decision-making (not a driver)

09:30 – Clarity, empowerment, engagement: the wheel of execution

11:21 – Harvard stat: 95% of employees don’t know the company strategy

12:30 – Ego-fear loop and its impact on organizational decisions

15:03 – Senior executive meetings: the scope of disruption and clarity

17:20 – Why organizations avoid hard conversations and conflict

18:29 – Psychological safety and incentives for curiosity

20:02 – Business best practices vs. mindset work

21:13 – Great leadership is about creating environments for decision-making

22:45 – Alan Mulally’s Ford turnaround: learning culture in action

23:36 – Why “Zen” thinking matters in strategic execution

25:03 – Breaking down self-awareness and situational mastery

28:23 – The 90-Day Execution Sprint: moving from plans to decisions

30:25 – The critical importance of deprioritizing

34:14 – Tim’s biggest leadership lesson: “It’s not about me”

35:48 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development and execution

36:50 – Where to find Tim’s book and connect with him online

About Tim Ohai

Tim Ohai is a consultant, coach, author, speaker, and founder who specializes in helping leaders uncover what blocks their teams from unleashing their full potential—and then enables real, tangible change. With an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology and a focus on leadership development, Tim has authored/co-authored several books, including World Class Selling, Sales Chaos, The Power of Problems, and The Zen of Strategic Execution. He co-founded the Ubuntu Mission, a nonprofit teaching leadership and entrepreneurship in disadvantaged communities, and currently calls Hawaii home.

Resources Referenced:

• Tim Ohai’s website
• Tim Ohai’s book: The Zen of Strategic Execution
• Tim Ohai’s podcast: How to Not Execute Your Strategy

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Inclusive leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about designing learning environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

In this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is joined by Sarah Machat, VP of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. Together, they dive deep into what truly makes learning experiences inclusive, busting myths and sharing actionable strategies pulled from nonprofit, corporate, and social work settings. Sarah explains how continuous quality improvement, accessibility, and belonging intersect—and why “connection before content” should lead every training. From practical metrics to pivoting under resistance, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone who wants to design learning programs that build trust and unlock authentic engagement.

Packed with tools, real-world examples, and a future-focused mindset, this episode will sharpen your approach to inclusive L&D and remind you why leading like a human really matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How inclusive learning differs from accessibility—and why belonging is the secret ingredient
• The practical steps for designing training that fits diverse audiences (from shift workers to office teams)
• Key metrics and signals for measuring whether your inclusive training is actually landing
• Strategies for navigating resistance from stakeholders and balancing competing priorities
• The “connection before content” principle—and simple ways to create safety, trust, and engagement in any session
• Advice for new L&D professionals facing rapid change, plus pillars of flexibility and human-centered design

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to The Learnit Lounge Podcast and Sarah Machat

00:59 – What inclusive L&D means in practice

04:03 – Designing training to fit unique audience needs

05:19 – Inclusion vs. accessibility: the Venn diagram

07:00 – Real-world considerations for shift workers, nontraditional staff

08:32 – Entry-level metrics: engagement, attendance, qualitative feedback

09:53 – Gathering feedback through evaluation and informal conversations

12:16 – Pillars of inclusive learning experience design

17:11 – Facing resistance: balancing speed and inclusive considerations

20:05 – Human-centered approach, nervous system regulation, connection before content

23:35 – Connection before content explained, impact on facilitation

25:52 – Mindsets and advice for new L&D professionals: flexibility, ongoing learning

28:37 – Biggest leadership lesson: learning to ask for help and support

30:47 – The uncomfortable truth: endless potential for learning in every leader

32:17 – How to connect with Sarah Machat

33:39 – Final words and podcast feedback invitation

About Sarah Machat

Sarah Machat is the Vice President of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. She leads agency-wide quality improvement, learning and development, compliance, and risk management programs, ensuring compliance with governmental, contractual, and accreditation requirements. Sarah started her journey at St. Anne’s as a social work intern and later honed her skills in Diversity & Inclusion and L&D at the Walt Disney Company. She returned to St. Anne’s in 2017, successfully guiding two reaccreditation cycles and championing a data-informed, improvement-focused culture. Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from USC and a BA in Psychology from UC Irvine.

Resources & Mentions:

• Sarah Machat’s LinkedIn
• St. Anne’s Family Services website
• Learnit.com

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Learning isn’t just about skills. It’s about confidence, belief, and the stories that shape us. In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into why confidence is the most overlooked—and powerful—outcome of any learning program.

Drawing on research, real-life examples, and memorable stories, Mickey explores how learning builds not just know-how, but true belief in yourself and your peers. You’ll hear how fostering agency, psychological safety, and storytelling can create a ripple effect of change in teams and organizations. Plus, Mickey shares practical tools for measuring belief, designing for confidence, and making learning stick—so you can turn insight into action, and action into impact.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why belief and confidence are foundational to real learning—not just traditional metrics like ROI
2. How storytelling captures the true impact of learning and makes growth visible
3. The importance of psychological safety and peer feedback in building “Teamship” and collective confidence
4. Why measuring confidence (not just skills) is a leading indicator for performance and retention
5. Actionable ways to design learning experiences that foster trust, agency, and a growth mindset
6. How to collect and leverage stories to sustain a culture of learning and transformation

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge: big picture of learning transformation

00:42 – Why belief is the true outcome of learning

01:13 – The critical role of confidence as a lever for change

01:43 – How agency and psychological safety unlock transformation

02:28 – Building collective confidence through “Teamship.”

02:56 – Real stories vs. testimonials: how change really happens

03:30 – A powerful story of learning, self-belief, and tough conversations

04:45 – The “aha” moment: belief in action

05:10 – How to start measuring belief and designing for confidence

05:39 – Tools to build a culture of storytelling and agency

06:08 – Why confidence predicts performance—and why it keeps people from leaving

06:29 – A call to share your stories and be part of The Learnit Lounge community

06:41 – Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn

About Mickey Fitch-Collins

Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops are equal parts research, real talk, and humor, creating learning experiences that actually stick.

Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection.

Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading a panel, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her goal stays the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having.

Resources & Mentions:

1. Learnit: https://www.learnit.com
2. Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real skill.

In this energizing episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with learning leader Peter Plumlee for a refreshingly honest look at resilience, adaptability, and what it truly takes to thrive in today’s ever-changing, AI-powered workplace. Together, they break down the myths (“just muscle through it!”) and reveal how real growth comes from curiosity, self-reflection, and being willing to get it wrong.

With practical analogies (cars, cats, and even Uber rides), Peter and Mickey explore why modern organizations can’t afford to ignore “power skills” like adaptability, the role of workplace culture in enabling psychological safety, and how leaders can build resilient teams—without just demanding that people toughen up. Get ready for candid stories, actionable strategies, and the reminder that sometimes, all you really need is five good minutes to breathe.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Peter defines resilience vs. adaptability, and why both matter in today’s workplace
• The critical behaviors that truly resilient and adaptable people share—plus tips to build these habits
• Why psychological safety is essential for team growth (and how to foster it, practically)
• The most powerful tool leaders have for building resilient cultures (hint: it’s not a checklist)
• Why failure is crucial to learning—and how to help yourself and your team bounce back
• What it means to “lead like a human” in a world of AI, automation, and ever-more uncertainty

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge: setting the stage for resilience

02:36 – Why “muscling through” isn’t real resilience

04:36 – Cars, GPS, and Peter’s favorite analogies

08:32 – The cultural side: how teams can talk about adapting

10:59 – Storytelling, psychological safety, and why leaders must “show the work”

14:38 – The magic (and business case) for curiosity

18:05 – Real stories: adapting through the uncertainty of COVID

24:30 – How to fail well—and why that’s a leadership superpower

26:24 – Thinking outside the box (when there is no box!)

28:47 – Staying human—and emotionally resilient—in the age of AI

30:44 – Peter’s biggest career lesson as a leader

31:39 – Hot takes: why leaders sometimes resist learning

34:30 – Where to find Peter and keep the conversation going

35:48 – Wrap up and ways to connect with the podcast

About Peter Plumlee

Peter Plumlee is a practical, people-first learning leader passionate about helping managers and teams build skills, confidence, and momentum through real-life development. He’s known for designing engaging, immediately useful growth experiences that help organizations create workplaces where people feel supported, challenged, and genuinely excited to grow. He brings authenticity and a service mindset to every conversation—whether coaching teams, speaking on a podcast, or writing for a national audience.

Resources & Mentions:

• Peter Plumlee on LinkedIn
• Peter Plumlee's Website
• The Learnit Lounge: www.learnit.com

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Winning learning programs aren’t built on urgency—they’re built on mindful habits, strategic defaults, and human connection.

In this energizing solo episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into the subtle power of “habit loops” for Learning & Development professionals. Drawing from her real-world experience—and BJ Fogg’s behavioral science—Mickey unpacks how hidden habit patterns can leave even seasoned leaders stuck in reaction mode, busywork, and surface-level solutions. But there's a way out. Through actionable reframes and practical tools, this episode offers a blueprint for rewiring habit loops to boost impact, clarity, and trust—starting with ourselves.

Whether you’re tackling firefighting requests in your inbox, battling the Busy Olympics, or tempted to dive into content-building too quickly, Mickey shares fresh routines that transform everyday traps into high-leverage growth moments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead learning programs with more intention, value, and resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How hidden habit loops shape your outcomes more than goals or planning.
2. The three most common “reactive loops” for L&D pros—and how to rewire them.
3. Why curiosity is the secret ingredient for behavior change (in yourself and others).
4. Actionable strategies for moving from busywork to strategic impact.
5. Mickey’s personal experiment for breaking the cycle of over-responsiveness.
6. How modeling habit change builds trust and credibility in your organization.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introducing the Learnit Lounge Podcast and Mickey Fitch-Collins

00:42 – Why better loops matter more than better goals

01:14 – Learning’s blind spot: applying behavior change to ourselves

02:06 – The habit loop framework: cue, routine, reward

02:28 – Example: Stakeholder request and the cycle of reactivity

03:03 – The Firefighter Loop (and its strategic reframe)

03:55 – The Content Builder Loop: shifting from doing to curiosity

04:39 – The Busy Olympics Loop: replacing busywork with rest and reflection

05:48 – Mickey’s story: Breaking the “always yes” response loop

06:20 – The experiment: Turning off notifications and its surprising results

07:12 – The big mindset shift: treat your own habits with curiosity

07:21 – Practical exercise: Identify and rewire your least helpful loop

07:58 – Why behavior change must start with us

08:12 – Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins and subscribe for more

About Mickey Fitch-Collins

Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops blend research, real talk, and humor to create learning experiences that actually stick.

Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection.

Whether she’s facilitating workshops, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading panels, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, Mickey’s mission is to make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having.

Resources & Mentions:

1. Learnit Learning Platform: www.learnit.com
2. Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/
3. Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

The elephants in the (training) room: why do so many people resist learning and development, and what can leaders do to change that? In this lively, honest episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD sits down with global talent expert and Shiftwell AI co-founder Elena Agaragimova to take on the toughest truths behind learning resistance, leadership, and psychological safety. Together, they share real stories, candid reflections, and neuroscience-backed tactics for building not only high-performance, but soul-centered workplaces where change actually sticks.

You’ll get an inside look at the psychology of change in organizations, the pitfalls of blanket training, and the critical role that leadership trust and humility play in employee engagement. From the “indigestion” of one-size-fits-all training to the four missing ingredients of irresistible learning, this episode is a must for anyone looking to foster real growth—without overwhelming their people.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The biggest reasons employees resist learning and what most programs get wrong
2. How trust and consistency in leadership directly unlock (or block) your team’s openness to change
3. Practical strategies to make learning experiences relevant, accessible, and actually applicable—especially for frontline or “hard to train” groups
4. Why “role modeling” from the top down matters more than any playbook, and how to start influencing up
5. The four core ingredients (clarity, accessibility, practicality, accountability) that turn reluctant learners into repeat customers
6. Why tackling wellbeing and organizational “pulse checks” is essential before launching any new program

Timestamps:

00:02 – Welcome and episode intro—resistance to change is the elephant in the room

02:32 – Elena’s bio, mission, and company (Shiftwell AI)

03:30 – Are employees really resisting learning, or just relevance?

04:46 – Customization, overwhelm, and the end of blanket training

06:44 – The systemic roots of resistance (from top-down mandates to reactive mindsets)

07:13 – The role of trust, consistency, and psychological safety in learning

09:25 – When training is only offered in a crisis: why that breeds cynicism

10:46 – Designing learning that’s accessible, relevant, and timed for actual impact

14:37 – The hidden barrier: if your company’s wellbeing is off, learning can’t fix it

17:19 – “Getting it done” vs. true learning: a real-world manufacturing story

20:20 – Why reflection and digestion are critical for adult learners

21:05 – The core ingredients of addictively effective learning experiences

24:34 – How to handle leaders who don’t “walk the talk” about growth

28:30 – The power of role modeling from the top: making learning stick

30:23 – Elena’s most significant leadership lesson: meet people where they are

31:09 – The myth leaders need to confront: we’re never done learning

33:03 – How to connect with Elena and next steps

About Elena Agaragimova

Elena Agaragimova is a global talent expert, speaker, and co-founder of Shiftwell AI, a human-centered performance and wellbeing platform that empowers organizations to unlock growth through neuroscience-backed strategies. With over 15 years’ experience spanning higher ed, corporate leadership, and learning entrepreneurship, Elena specializes in building high-performing, soul-centered workplaces and preparing the next generation for the future of work. She is passionate about making development relevant, personalized, and truly transformative.

Resources & Mentions:

1. Elena on LinkedIn
2. Elena’s co-founder Jordana’s recent TEDx talk
3. Shiftwell AI website
4. Learn-It Lounge Website

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

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