L&D Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris: The Truth About Professional Development
Grab your favorite frosty adult beverage, hit that subscribe button, and join Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris for another round of L&D Happy Hour! This episode dives into the real talk behind professional development—why it matters, why people aren’t taking advantage of it, and what we can do about it.
Today, we’re asking the big questions:
- Why do companies claim they can’t find the right people when thousands are applying for jobs?
- How are hiring filters and unrealistic job descriptions keeping great talent out?
- What’s the deal with professional development? If companies offer time and money, why aren’t people using it?
- Should professional and personal development be separate—or are they more connected than we think?
Shannon and Deborah tackle the messy reality of workplace training, career growth, and the lack of initiative when it comes to up-skilling. Plus, they unpack why some organizations say they have a "culture of learning" but don’t actually provide equal access to development opportunities.
So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to:
- Break down the barriers to effective professional development.
- Discover why taking ownership of your growth is more important than ever.
- Explore how companies can truly support learning instead of just checking a box.
- Get inspired to rethink how we approach career progression in L&D.
Because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks:
Deborah: Blackberry Bourbon Smash – A bold mix of bourbon, fresh blackberries, a hint of mint, and a touch of honey for just the right balance of sweetness and depth.
Shannon: Coconut Espresso Martini – A creamy, tropical twist on the classic espresso martini, blending coconut cream, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso for a rich yet refreshing kick.
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Resources:
It’s time to discuss the problem with ‘owning your own development’
We All Hate Professional Development, But Some of Y’all Need It
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Hosts:
Shannon Tipton &
Deborah Harris
Podcast produced by:
Obsidian Productions
