The Learnit Lounge

What if success didn’t mean burnout, depletion, and endless hustle? In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with award-winning speaker and facilitator Ashleigh Tobin to reimagine what real, sustainable success looks like at work and in life. The conversation dives deep into the stories we tell ourselves about achievement, what happens when those stories break down, and why tiny, personalized changes can lead to lasting impact.

From the myth of the “high achiever” to the art of asking better questions, this episode offers science-backed, soul-nourishing strategies for thriving at every age and stage. Whether you lead teams or just want to feel more alive at work, you’ll leave with new questions, real stories, and practical tools to reset your definition of success—from the inside out.

What You'll Learn:

• Why sustainable success is different for everyone, and how to know what it means for you
• How burnout happens, even to the “get things done” crowd, and what to do about it
• The pivotal questions to assess if your current approach is really working
• The hidden costs of ignoring your own well-being (and why organizations should care)
• How leaders and companies can create cultures where people don’t have to choose between performance and health
• The most uncomfortable truths nobody admits about leadership and work-life balance

In This Episode:

• 00:43 – What “sustainable success” really means
• 02:42 – Ashleigh’s story: from burnout to reinvention
• 04:50 – Why tiny changes matter more than dramatic overhauls
• 07:24 – Redefining success after hitting empty
• 10:14 – The “high achiever” trap: why drive can become a liability
• 12:29 – The danger of never pausing to check in
• 15:30 – Life’s “reckonings” and the art of looking around, not just forward
• 16:41 – Updating your “life resume”—and why words matter
• 18:37 – Key questions to assess your path to sustainable success
• 21:03 – Why the basics (sleep, food, boundaries) are strategic
• 24:29 – Don’t squeeze out joy: hobbies, laughter, and what makes your heart sing
• 26:45 – Is well-being the individual’s job—or the company’s responsibility?
• 29:19 – Real leadership means looking farther ahead—protecting your most precious assets
• 31:15 – The single most important leadership lesson Ashleigh learned
• 32:35 – The myth nobody wants to admit: leaders have a life outside work

About Ashleigh Tobin:

Ashleigh Tobin is an international award-winning speaker and facilitator who blends science, soul, and honesty to help individuals and organizations thrive at every age and stage. Drawing on her experience navigating burnout, a background in nursing and pharmaceuticals, and extensive coaching work, she’s known for her fun, frank, and compassionate approach. Ashleigh partners with people and companies who want to prioritize what really matters, delivering real results through tailored, meaningful support.

Resources Referenced:

• Ashleigh’s TEDx talk: How Menopause Will Change Your Life
• Ashleigh Tobin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleightobinhealthhabitshormones/
• Ashleigh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourhormonehealth/
• Ashleigh’s website: https://ashleightobin.com/

Want to Learn More?:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]‍
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Why do so many promising AI initiatives fizzle out long before the technology breaks down? On this must-listen episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Alex Issakova, AI strategist and founder of Huckr AI, to unlock the real reasons behind failed AI rollouts. Drawing on a decade in the trenches of machine learning, Alex Issakova shares both the organizational blind spots and human factors keeping teams from truly reaping the benefits of GenAI tools.

You’ll get an unflinching look at why simply handing out Copilot or Gemini licenses never creates real transformation, the critical role of psychological safety and learning culture in AI adoption, and why “AI slop”—robot-generated busywork—could be your next productivity roadblock. If you want to build an AI-literate, change-ready team (and avoid the biggest mistakes), this is the episode for you.

What You'll Learn:

• The #1 pattern that derails AI projects (hint: it’s not the tech!)
• Why “shadow AI” is already happening in your organization—and how to find it
• How psychological safety and learning culture accelerate (or sabotage) adoption
• Practical steps leaders should take before investing in licenses and tools
• Why generic AI training falls flat—and what actually works for non-tech teams
• The growing danger of “AI slop,” and how to focus on real value creation

In This Episode:

• 00:01 — Welcome to The Learnit Lounge
• 01:04 — Why AI adoption fails (technology vs. human layer)
• 03:08 — Tools: The real problem isn’t AI’s capabilities
• 04:13 — Organizational patterns: handing out licenses, early adopters vs. laggards
• 05:54 — Why 30-minute training sessions are never enough
• 07:32 — Alex Issakova’s journey: Reorgs, trust, and the human side of change
• 10:18 — Organizational culture and its impact on AI success
• 11:18 — Psychological safety and learning culture as green flags
• 12:58 — First principles thinking: Deconstructing knowledge work
• 15:27 — Moving from knowledge to value creation in the age of AI
• 17:09 — Where leaders should actually start with AI adoption
• 19:08 — Building literacy and identifying high-impact use cases
• 22:00 — Starting with the end in mind: setting real goals
• 23:15 — The unintended consequences of “AI slop” in business workflows
• 26:30 — Biggest leadership lessons from Alex Issakova’s career
• 30:06 — The uncomfortable truth about leadership development

About Alex Issakova:

Alex Issakova is the founder of Huckr AI, specializing in building practical AI capability for L&D leaders and non-technical teams in B2B organizations. With over ten years working in ad tech, fast-growth startups, and as Chief of Staff at a pre-IPO firm, her expertise bridges technical innovation and organizational change. Alex Issakova completed her MBA dissertation on ethical AI implementation for non-tech leaders, and now shares actionable AI strategies with a community of over 30,000 LinkedIn followers.

Resources Referenced:

• Alex Issakova’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexissakova/
• Huckr AI website: https://huckr.ai/

Podcast Contact Information:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms high-pressure teams from stressed-out survivors into thriving collaborators.

In this candid episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with facilitator and systems thinker Chantelle Kohn to tackle one of leadership’s thorniest challenges: how to teach and practice empathy when the stakes are high and time is short. Chantelle offers a neuroscience-backed look at why empathy can be so elusive under pressure, and how leaders can actually strengthen their empathy muscles, even in deadline-driven environments. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for rewiring team culture, normalizing vulnerability, and embedding empathy into performance, not just conversation.

If you want to create cultures where high performance and human connection go hand in hand, this is an episode you can’t miss.

What You'll Learn:

• Why empathy gets harder (not easier) in high-pressure environments, and what’s happening in your brain
• How to move from protection mode to connection mode using curiosity, listening, and vulnerability as levers for growth
• Strategies for overcoming assumptions, and why perspective-taking is key to true understanding
• Actionable tips for infusing empathy into high-performing teams (without sacrificing results or standards)
• What leaders can do to move empathy from “soft skill” to a core element of performance reviews and metrics
• Why creating a culture of empathy is every organization’s responsibility, regardless of industry, geography, or hierarchy

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and episode introduction
• 01:25 – Chantelle’s background: from global L&D to The Change Collab
• 03:09 – Why empathy is so difficult under pressure—and the science behind it
• 05:10 – What happens to empathy during deadline crunches
• 07:07 – “Empathy is a capability”. @hy it takes practice, not just good intentions
• 08:32 – Curiosity, listening, and perspective-taking: empathy in action
• 12:10 – Breaking the cycle of assumptions in team communication
• 13:10 – Can high performance and empathy actually coexist?
• 14:08 – Actionable tips: coaching vs. micromanagement, modeling and rewarding empathy
• 18:45 – Empathy as the “core ingredient” for team success
• 20:01 – Are some industries worse at empathy? (And why it’s actually universal)
• 22:43 – Traditional leadership myths and the risks of outdated workplace norms
• 25:28 – Generational shifts: Why younger workers expect (and demand) “humans first” leadership
• 29:44 – Chantelle’s biggest leadership lesson: learning, unlearning, and showing up authentically
• 31:32 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development—training alone isn’t enough
• 34:32 – How to connect with Chantelle

About Chantelle Kohn:

Chantelle Kohn is the founder of The Change Collab, a sought-after facilitator, and an expert in building high-performing, psychologically safe teams. With over 15 years of global experience across nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors, Chantelle has designed and delivered culture-building programs everywhere from Sydney to New York. She holds a master’s in international and community development and advanced training in emotional intelligence, systems coaching, and deep diversity leadership. Known for her warm-but-direct style, Chantelle helps leaders “lead well, relate well, and live well” by making empathy practical and actionable.

Resources Referenced:

• The Change Collab website: thechangecollab.com
• Chantelle Kohn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chantelle-kohn-1a0ab377/

Want to Learn More?:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]‍
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Learning strategy isn't about checking boxes. It's about driving real impact.

In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Loren Sanders, VP of Learning Strategy and Consulting at WeLearn Learning Services and co-founder of Roxlo Coaching and Consulting, to redefine what it means to build credibility as a learning strategist. Loren doesn't pull punches. She shares hard truths about why most organizations aren't ready for a true strategic learning partnership and what learning leaders must do to move beyond order-taking. If you're ready for a refreshingly candid look at the skills, mindset, and business acumen required to become a real thought partner in L&D, this conversation is for you.

You'll walk away with actionable tools for linking learning to business priorities, building trust, and having the uncomfortable conversations that truly move the needle.

What You’ll Learn:

• The four essentials for assessing whether your organization is ready for strategic learning, and why skipping this step keeps L&D teams stuck in "order-taker" mode
• How to shift from delivering training to becoming a true strategic thought partner, including the specific questions and behaviors that set you apart
• Which business acumen skills matter most for L&D pros (and easy ways to build them, even outside your current organization)
• How leading with curiosity, not just expertise, unlocks credibility, influence, and better outcomes
• The uncomfortable truths about leadership development investments, and what bold changes would make them genuinely impactful
• Simple, career-changing tips for gaining a seat at the table and actually using it to drive value

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge
• 03:27 – The missed step: Assessing organizational readiness for learning strategy
• 05:10 – Signs your org sees L&D as a cost vs. a business driver
• 08:18 – The clear difference between training delivery and strategic partnership
• 10:26 – How to have difficult conversations with leaders and challenge assumptions
• 13:33 – Why most L&D teams lack essential business skills, and how to fix it
• 17:03 – The business acumen every learning strategist needs
• 19:54 – How to earn trust and prep for high-impact L&D conversations
• 20:41 – The "seat at the table" myth and what to do with your influence
• 24:43 – If you could redesign L&D from scratch... Loren’s boldest wish
• 26:55 – The #1 leadership lesson: You can't lead what you’re not willing to be changed by
• 28:23 – The hard truth: Most leadership development programs don't work
• 30:00 – How to connect with Loren and keep learning together

About Loren Sanders:

Loren Sanders coaches leaders to move from toxic to transformative, and helps organizations stop funding development that sounds good but doesn't change behavior. She works with executives as a fractional learning and talent leader, pinpointing where performance breaks down and designing learning systems that change how leaders think, decide, and act. She brings more than 19 years of learning and talent experience at CVS Health, is an ICF-certified coach (PCC), and teaches graduate courses at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Loren is a keynote speaker and the author of Empathy Is Not a Weakness and Other Stories from the Edge, which reframes empathy as a leadership capability tied to judgment, trust, and performance. She is currently writing her second book, on impostor syndrome.

Resources Referenced:

• Loren Sanders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorensanders0919/
• Loren’s website: https://www.loren365.com/
• Roxlo Coaching and Consulting: https://www.roxlocoaching.com/
• Empathy Is Not a Weakness and Other Stories from the Edge by Loren Sanders

Want to Learn More:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s the secret ingredient behind teams that actually engage, retain, and perform.

In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Van Lai-DuMone, creative keynote speaker and CEO of Work Smart Advantage, to explore how creative tools supercharge workplace learning.

Discover why traditional engagement strategies miss the mark, how hands-on play transforms retention, and what happens when everyone at the table, yes, even the skeptics, gets their hands on Legos and markers. Van reveals her journey from “arts and crafts outsider” to in-demand L&D innovator, and the mindset shift every organization needs if they want people-first learning that sticks.

From self-efficacy breakthroughs to reinvesting in leadership development, this conversation is filled with stories, strategies, and takeaways that will change the way you look at engagement for good.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most organizations misunderstand engagement, and how creative elements offer real, measurable impact
• The critical link between in-session engagement and lasting retention (and why adult learners need play, too)
• Van’s journey from “accidental entrepreneur” to creative learning strategist—and what it taught her about experimentation
• How to introduce creativity into your next workshop, even when your audience says “I’m not a creative type”
• The big, bold change Van would make to corporate learning if she could wave a magic wand
• The overlooked truth about leadership development, and easy ways every team can start, no matter their budget

In This Episode:

• 00:01 – Opening: The power of learning programs
• 01:00 – How creativity builds true engagement and retention
• 03:07 – The common mistakes L&D pros make with engagement
• 05:34 – Defining engagement vs. retention in learning
• 07:12 – LEGO Serious Play and tactile learning in action
• 10:14 – Why resistance to creative methods is normal (and how to overcome it)
• 13:40 – Personal stories: When adults rediscover play
• 14:00 – Van's accidental start in creative L&D
• 16:30 – How to introduce creativity without losing sight of business goals
• 17:09 – Making the case: Creativity as a strategic tool, not a “nice to have”
• 18:47 – Getting skeptics to experiment and see their own creativity
• 20:41 – Building self-efficacy through hands-on activities
• 21:29 – The mindset shift: Developing people, not just skills
• 22:14 – Creativity in every learning session
• 24:01 – Most important leadership lesson: Collaboration over having the answers
• 25:08 – Leveling the playing field with creative facilitation
• 26:16 – The biggest myth holding back leadership development
• 27:28 – Simple hacks for teams without a big L&D budget

About Van Lai-DuMone:

Van Lai-DuMone is a creative keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and CEO of Work Smart Advantage, where she helps organizations unlock innovation and strengthen leadership through curiosity-driven, creative strategies. She’s on a mission to show that creativity isn’t an optional extra but a core problem-solving skill. Through hands-on workshops featuring tools like LEGO Serious Play, Van empowers teams—from skeptics to enthusiasts—to embrace experimentation and lasting change. She’s also the author of What If Pigs Can Fly? A Practical Guide to Follow Your Curiosities to Achieve Impractical Possibilities.

Resources Referenced:

• Van’s book: What If Pigs Can Fly?
• Connect with Van on LinkedIn
• Van’s company: Work Smart Advantage

Want to Learn More?:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]‍
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Talent isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about growing, empowering, and future-proofing your organization.

In this episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Tina Linder, Vice President of Talent Management and Program Management at a major regional bank, to decode what strategic talent management really means. Tina shares why most companies are stuck playing checkers when they should be mastering chess—explaining how a strategic approach can unlock innovation, engagement, and a true competitive edge. They dive into the differences between transactional and strategic hiring, how to spot a genuinely talent-minded employer, and what it actually takes to be an organization where people want to grow. Tune in for practical advice, real talk, and actionable steps you can take to build a thriving culture, beyond “feel good” quick fixes.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize the difference between transactional and strategic talent management—and why it matters for organizational growth
• The checkers vs. chess analogy: why truly successful teams require foresight, agility, and intentional “moves”
• Top reasons companies get stuck in an outdated approach, and how to break free from old habits
• What high-performing, talent-minded organizations actually look like (and how to spot them from the inside or out)
• The real ROI of investing in people, from employee retention to competitive differentiation
• How to keep a strategic mindset even when operations feel overwhelming
• Why talent management can’t just be an event. It has to be a daily ritual and a leadership philosophy

In This Episode:

• 00:01 – Introducing The Learnit Lounge and today’s guest/topic
• 00:42 – Tina Linder’s background and approach in talent management
• 02:27 – Defining transactional vs. strategic talent management
• 03:47 – How to coach leaders and teams toward a strategic mindset
• 05:06 – The “checkers vs. chess” analogy explained
• 06:38 – Why so many organizations stay stuck in a checkers mindset
• 08:53 – Strategic talent management as a competitive advantage
• 11:15 – Metrics for return on investment in talent management
• 13:26 – How to spot a strategic talent culture as a candidate or employee
• 15:32 – What companies REALLY reward, and why that’s key
• 19:17 – What makes an “employer of choice” in strategic talent
• 20:28 – Closing the “culture gap” between external image and internal reality
• 23:13 – Staying strategic amidst daily fires
• 24:57 – Making talent management a mindset, not an event
• 26:03 – Tina’s biggest leadership lesson and turning point
• 28:40 – The “uncomfortable truth” about feel-good L&D and business outcomes
• 30:47 – How to connect with Tina Linder

About Tina Linder:

Tina Linder, PMP, MHRM serves as Vice President of Talent Management and Program Management at a major regional bank in the Southern US. With deep expertise in aligning talent strategies with key business outcomes, Tina is known for designing and executing enterprise-wide initiatives that drive employee engagement, performance, and organizational growth. Her impressive toolkit includes credentials as a Project Management Professional, Prosci Change Practitioner, and Engagement & Performance Coach. Tina is passionate about guiding organizations through meaningful transformation and believes true innovation happens where bold strategy meets real impact.

Resources Referenced:

• Connect with Tina Linder on LinkedIn

Want to Learn More?:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]‍
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

AI isn't just a cheat code; it's changing the rules of the game."

In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Gabe Aponte, HR Division Manager for the County of San Mateo, to decode how AI is disrupting learning and development. Together, they dig into the real meaning of “democratizing knowledge,” reveal how AI is shifting the role of instructional designers from content gatherers to architects of learning experiences, and unpack the new intersection of speed and depth in professional growth. From turbocharging upskilling for specialized HR roles to using AI as a cognitive coach and myth-buster, this episode is packed with practical strategies for harnessing AI without losing the human edge leaders need most.

Whether you’re in government, corporate, or education, you’ll come away with insight into building smarter, more inclusive, and more impactful learning programs.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI has lowered barriers to knowledge, and where human judgment still reigns
• Real-world ways AI supports instructional design: from prep to deeper learning conversations
• The difference between transactional and transformational AI usage in L&D
• How AI can reinforce learning, accelerate skill-building, and even challenge misinformation
• The emerging equity gap in AI-driven workplaces, and why prompt engineering matters
• Why speed doesn’t have to sacrifice depth, and how to use AI as a provoker (not a replacer) of critical thinking

In This Episode:

• 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge
• 01:04 – How AI is democratizing knowledge (and not just info, but capability)
• 03:10 – Which learning barriers remain—and the importance of tacit knowledge
• 05:09 – Where human judgment beats AI, and how roles are changing
• 06:49 – How AI empowers learners (with firsthand, practical examples)
• 08:14 – Using AI in daily workflows: decision support and expert recall
• 09:47 – AI’s impact on the speed and depth of instructional design
• 12:30 – Why meetings are shorter and L&D pros are more prepared than ever
• 13:54 – Is AI shifting organizational learning culture?
• 15:20 – Predicting the next wave of AI and instructional design
• 16:23 – AI’s evolution from “cheat code” to “cognitive coach”
• 18:30 – Are we democratizing learning or amplifying inequities?
• 20:58 – Does AI’s speed mean we’re sacrificing learning depth?
• 22:58 – Transformational vs. transactional AI usage
• 23:27 – What basketball GMs can teach government about strategy (and how AI makes new courses possible)
• 25:09 – Gabe’s biggest leadership lesson: why trust outpaces technical answers
• 26:20 – The uncomfortable truth: AI isn’t magic, it’s a tool; humans still decide
• 27:26 – How to connect with Gabe

About Gabe Aponte:

Gabe Aponte is the HR Division Manager for the County of San Mateo’s Human Resources Department, where he leads countywide development strategies and initiatives. Deeply involved in strengthening public sector HR, Gabe also serves as President of the Bay Area chapter of the Public Sector HR Association and sits on the San Francisco State University MPA Advisory Board. A San Francisco State MPA grad and PSHRA Senior Certified Professional, Gabe is passionate about democratizing capability in government teams and reimagining how AI can accelerate, not replace, human growth, trust, and impact.

Resources Referenced:

• Connect with Gabe Aponte on LinkedIn
• For more on prompt engineering, see: What is Prompt Engineering?

Want to Learn More?

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

AI is transforming performance management, but it’s not about robots replacing people. It’s about making feedback faster, development more relevant, and performance reviews finally… human.

In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Ash Hynie, CEO and founder of ManageUp, to dig into how AI is streamlining performance management and coaching without losing the heart of what really matters: people.

Drawing on Ash’s journey from engineering to HR leadership and DEI, this conversation explores the real challenges of annual reviews, misconceptions around AI, and the powerful impact of real-time feedback and evidence-based coaching. Whether you lead a team or want to be better seen in your organization, this episode brings you actionable insights, honest reflection, and fresh perspective on the future of work.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why annual performance reviews are outdated and how real-time AI-powered feedback changes the game
• The biggest misconceptions and “fear-based” narratives about AI (and the truth HR leaders need to know)
• Practical examples of AI in performance management: from Slack summaries to bias-reduced coaching
• How AI helps managers balance quantitative data with qualitative stories for better, fairer development
• Why centering humans (not tech) should always be at the core of performance management
• How Ash’s DEI expertise shapes her approach to building tech that sees and advocates for everyone

In This Episode:

00:00 – Introduction to The Learnit Lounge & episode theme

00:45 – Meet Ash Hynie: where engineering meets DEI and HR

02:36 – Rethinking performance management: real-time data, not six-month-old snapshots

05:52 – Top misconceptions: Is AI just another “popularity contest”?

08:44 – Centering humanity in AI-powered processes

10:49 – What AI-powered performance management looks like on a Monday morning

14:18 – AI-powered Slack summaries, real-world examples

15:21 – Using AI to blend quantitative and qualitative insights

18:56 – How AI supports better coaching, feedback, and L&D

22:16 – Real-time feedback makes employees more coachable (and feedback less scary)

23:42 – Addressing bias, “Big Brother” concerns, and inclusive AI development

27:52 – The biggest leadership lesson: Activism is loud, fellowship is soft

30:11 – The uncomfortable truth: Leadership development is underappreciated in organizations

31:40 – How to reach Ash or learn more about ManageUp

About Ash Hynie:

Ash Hynie is the founder and CEO of ManageUp, an AI-powered performance management platform designed to bring real-time feedback and smarter development to organizations. Formerly Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Credit Karma, Ash’s career spans engineering, product, employee experience, and HR leadership. She’s known as a distinguished speaker, coach, and mentor in the tech industry, recognized for weaving together technical expertise with deep empathy for people and culture. Her unique lens, grounded in both data and DEI, shapes how she’s building tools that help people and companies thrive.

Resources Referenced:

• Ash Hynie’s website: yourtechbestie.com/
• Ash Hynie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ash-hynie/
• To contact Ash: [email protected]

Want to Learn More?:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]‍
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Progress updates aren’t just for checking boxes; they’re your secret weapon for building trust, driving alignment, and moving projects forward.

In this solo episode of The Learnit Lounge, Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins demystifies the art of progress reporting, turning stale business updates into sharp moments of influence.

Drawing on years of leadership experience and Learnit’s signature frameworks, Mickey breaks down the 3 Ps of effective reporting–progress, problems, and plans–and shows you how to ditch information overload for updates that actually get read, acted on, and respected.

Whether you lead projects, teams, or just want your ideas to land, this episode delivers actionable tactics you can plug in before your next update hits “send.” From standing out in a noisy attention economy to customizing your message for stakeholders, you’ll find real-world strategies to make every update drive measurable impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most progress updates get ignored, and how to make yours influence action, not just inform
• The 3 Ps Framework: tie updates to outcomes, not just activities
• How to spotlight problems and propose solutions, building credibility and transparency
• The importance of leading with a headline and customizing reports by audience type
• Tactical ways to build trust through cadence, consistency, and clear calls to action
• Real stories of transforming unread reports into high-impact, attention-grabbing updates

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge
• 00:48 – From “informing” to “influencing”: a mindset shift in updates
• 01:15 – Why information alone isn’t influence
• 01:42 – Rethinking progress reports for the attention economy
• 01:58 – The 3 Ps Framework: Plans, Problems, Progress explained
• 02:16 – How to connect updates to outcomes, not just task lists
• 02:45 – Spotlighting problems: be transparent and solution-oriented
• 03:44 – Planning the path forward: what’s next, what’s needed
• 03:59 – Lead with a headline: make your message land fast
• 04:20 – Customizing updates for executives, people leaders, and ops teams
• 04:45 – Building trust through rhythm, cadence, and consistent structure
• 05:08 – Add a call to engage: driving action and feedback
• 05:23 – Mickey’s “data overload” mistake–and how feedback changed her approach
• 06:08 – The 90-second voiceover video experiment (and what happened)
• 06:57 – Saving everyone time: live meeting case study
• 07:18 – Quick audit: are your updates influencing or just informing?
• 07:42 – The challenge: reframe your next report using the 3 Ps

About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins:

Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins 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 Referenced:

• Connect with Mickey on LinkedIn

Want to Learn More?:

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: [email protected]‍
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Sometimes, the biggest transformations in business start with one uncomfortable question: What if L&D stopped “taking orders” and started leading change?

On this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Jess Almlie—author, consultant, and champion for L&D professionals who want more influence and impact. Together, they peel back the curtain on Jess’s new book, L&D: Order Taker No More. Become a Strategic Business Partner, and explore how learning teams can shift from transactional “yes-people” to trusted, strategic business partners. Jess shares the stories, setbacks, and practical strategies that fueled her own journey, and gives listeners a playbook to transform their teams, their mindsets, and their results.

From busting legacy mindsets to mastering the art of ‘strategic yes and no,’ this conversation delivers real tools and perspective shifts for anyone ready to move the needle—whether you’re in L&D, HR, or simply curious about how learning drives business.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why so many L&D teams get stuck as “order takers”—and what it takes to break free
• How to build true partnerships with the business (and what “strategic business partner” really means)
• The hardest lessons from Jess’s career—including handling tough feedback and shifting stakeholder perspectives
• The critical skills L&D leaders need now, from business acumen to operational savvy and performance consulting
• Why “getting a seat at the table” is the wrong goal (and what L&D should focus on instead)
• How to drive culture and mindset change across the whole organization

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge & intro to Jess Almlie
• 02:44 – What inspired Jess to write L&D: Order Taker No More
• 03:37 – The pivotal moment that changed Jess’s approach to L&D
• 06:29 – How the book became a practical handbook for transformation
• 09:15 – The challenge of saying “strategic yes and strategic no”
• 11:17 – The “sharpened pencil” analogy: Getting laser clarity in L&D
• 12:14 – Why organizations fall into the order-taker trap
• 14:39 – What it really means to be a strategic business partner
• 18:13 – “Partners in problem solving”: Changing the L&D conversation
• 21:53 – Core skills L&D needs to be strategic: Influence, business acumen, operations
• 26:56 – What to say to those who still think L&D shouldn’t be “strategic”
• 30:57 – Jess’s biggest leadership lesson: Assume positive intent
• 33:00 – The myth of ‘seat at the table’—and why it’s time to move on
• 34:58 – Where to find and connect with Jess Almlie

About Jess Almlie:

Jess Almlie is a dynamic leader, former Vice President of Learning, and the author of L&D: Order Taker No More. Become a Strategic Business Partner (ATD Press). With nearly three decades in learning and development, Jess is passionate about equipping L&D professionals to move from order-takers to influential business partners. She consults with organizations to solve complex talent challenges, speaks frequently on transforming L&D, and hosts the L&D Must Change podcast.

Resources Referenced:

• Jess’s website: jessalmlie.com
• Jess Almlie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/
• L&D: Order Taker No More. Become a Strategic Business Partner by Jess Almlie: jessalmlie.com/book
• Jess’s podcast: L&D Must Change: jessalmlie.com/podcast

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