In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Dominik Rus, Global Head of L&D Innovation and Technology at TTEC, who presented "Science First, AI Second: Building Learning Experiences with the Right Foundation." His core argument: before augmenting learning with AI, we need to understand the fundamentals of how people actually learn.Dom is not too keen on L&D professionals who know little about learning theory but rush to implement AI solutions. Our conversation explored evidence-based learning principles and how Dom's team uses AI to amplify what actually works.These 5 insights stood out from our conversation:-Master Learning Science Before Technology-Apply the Mindset-Skillset-Toolset Framework-Use Self-Quizzing and Spaced Repetition-Choose Tools That Make Learning Stick-Build AI Systems Grounded in ResearchTune into the full episode to learn more!

In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Hillary Miller, who leads learning initiatives at HCA Healthcare.Hillary shared hard-won lessons about communication, change management, and building empathy across enterprise-level organizations. Her approach focuses on reducing noise, building champion networks, and creating federated models that balance central governance with local flexibility.These 4 insights stood out from our conversation:-Reduce Communication Noise-Build Champion Networks for Sustainable Change-Use Federated Models to Balance Central and Local Needs-Hire for Distributed Team SuccessTune into the full episode to learn more!

In this episode, I spoke with Femi Adebayo, who leads talent development at DHL where they support personal growth for 600,000 employees globally. His approach centers on what he calls the "inner journey" and "outer journey" of development, balancing individual reflection with external challenges and feedback.Femi shared how DHL has built a culture where personal development isn't just encouraged but embedded in daily operations. From CEOs asking about individual development plans to new AI-powered tools that help employees discover opportunities across 600,000+ global positions, their approach offers lessons for scaling development at enterprise level.These 5 insights stood out from our conversation:-Balance Inner Reflection with Outer Challenges-Make Development Part of Leadership DNA-Help Align Personal Goals with Company Values-Create Visible Growth Opportunities-Use Technology to Scale Development AccessTune into the full episode to learn more!

In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Allison Brotman, who leads learning at UKG where they train over 800,000 learners per year with ~95% satisfaction. Allison shared how UKG supports learning at a massive scale through a blend of formal training, social learning, and performance support. What also stood out in our conversation was her perspective on the role that human-to-human learning plays in an AI-powered world.These 5 insights stood out from our conversation:

-To Build Wisdom Beyond Just Intelligence, Human-to-Human Learning Is Key-Delivering Social Learning Is About Influence, Not Control-Influence Behavior By Designing Recognition Systems-Prioritize Human-to-Human Learning for High-Stakes Topics-Ground New Technology in Learning Fundamentals

In this episode of the Science of Excellence, I sat down with Rashi Kakkar, who's leading a transformation at McKinsey's L&D function by applying product operating principles to learning and development. he's tackling one of the most common frustrations in L&D: how to move from being order takers to strategic advisors.The conversation revealed a powerful insight: the order taker problem is built into how most L&D teams are structured. By changing the operating model, teams can solve the root cause rather than just the symptoms.These 5 insights stood out from our conversation:-Recognize Order Taking as Structural-Embrace Product Operating Models for Strategic Impact-Structure Teams Around Learner Journeys-Decentralize Decision Making Authority-Start Small, Scale StrategicallyTune into the full episode to learn more!

Leaders are obsessing over strategy, process, and technology at a time when traditional leadership playbooks are failing.Meanwhile, 75% of employees say the most stressful part of their day is time with their manager.What if the real challenge isn't what we're building, but how we're leading the people building it?In this episode of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, I spoke with Ramesh Srinivasan, Dean of McKinsey's Bower Forum and co-author of "The Journey of Leadership," about why the future belongs to leaders who start from the inside out and focus on understanding their own purpose before trying to inspire others.Drawing from insights gathered from over 600 CEOs, we discussed:►Balance Personal Purpose with Collaboration►Lead with Vulnerability Strategically ►Promote Truth Telling►Integrate Inside and Outside Perspectives►Focus on Human Skills Watch the full episode to discover how authentic, purpose-driven leadership unlocks collective intelligence!

In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Jessica Lindl, Author of The Career Game Loop. Jessica brings her experience from both education technology and gaming industries to reshape how we think about career development. We talked about her Career Game Loop framework and how gaming principles can transform career planning.She offers a new perspective that turns career anxiety into agency and empowerment. Her approach helps professionals navigate today's dynamic work environment where the average tenure at any employer is just four years.These 6 insights stood out most from our conversation:Embracing the Non-Linear Career PathThe Four-Phase Career Game LoopNormalizing Failure as LearningThe Vital Role of Community in Career DevelopmentDesigning for Emotion, Not Just MetricsCreating Conditions for CuriosityTune into the full episode to learn more!

In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Keith Lillico, Associate Director of Global Learning Development at a Fortune 100 Pharma Company, where he leads enterprise-scale learning initiatives.We discussed how he's taking a different approach to learning design, focusing not on chasing shiny new tech, but on understanding the deeper psychological drivers that make people genuinely want to learn.His approach addresses a problem in corporate learning: billions are spent annually on programs that fail to engage learners because they focus on delivery methods rather than motivational design. Keith shows how understanding psychological drivers creates learning that people actually want rather than simply tolerate.These 6 insights stood out most from our conversation:-Tap Into Individual Intrinsic Drivers-Study Why People Joined the Company-Design Engagement as a Wave Pattern-Spark Curiosity Intentionally-Remember the Ethics of Learning Design-Invest in Strategic L&D SkillsTune into the full episode to learn more!

In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Subbu Kalpathi, Talent and OD professional, podcast host and author. We talked about how companies can make the most of having different generations working together.Subbu offers a fresh take on a topic that's usually full of stereotypes. He looks at the broader context and life stages that shape how people act at work.These 4 insights stood out most from our conversation:-Context Shapes Generations-Intrinsic Motivation Transcends Generational Labels-AI Is Bringing Out Intergenerational Differences-Leaders Must Create Space for Cross-Generational LearningTune into the full episode to learn more!

Check out Subbu's content:

• Culture Matters podcast: bit.ly/m/cult_m
• Newsletter – Culture Dispatch – getculturedispatch.substack.com

In this episode of The Science of Excellence, I sat down with Ekpedeme "Pamay" M. Bassey, Chief Learning and Culture Officer at Kraft Heinz.We discussed how she's pioneering a learning culture that transforms how employees approach their development, encouraging them to "learn like an owner" and see learning as a superpower.Pamay's background in AI and technology has given her a fresh perspective on corporate learning, allowing her to balance technological innovation with human-centered approaches to development.These 4 insights stood out most from our conversation-Stop Equating Content Delivery to Learning-Teach Critical Thinking, Not Mindless Execution-Embrace Humility and Empathy When Designing Learning-Lead By Example to Inspire a Learning Culture