Shows
Training Impact Podcast84. The Ultimate Franchise Buying Guide: Powerful Lessons for Making a Smarter Franchise InvestmentBuying a franchise can be an exciting path to business ownership, but choosing the right franchise requires much more than finding a brand you like or a concept that appears profitable.
In this special edition of the Training Impact Podcast, recorded live at The IFA World Franchise Show: Franchising Expo USA, host Jeff Walter, Founder and CEO of LatitudeLearning, joins franchise veteran Barry Falcon for “The Ultimate Franchise Buying Guide: A to Z.”
With approximately 25 years of experience in franchising, Barry has been on both sides of the relationship as a franchisee and franchisor. Together, Barr...
2026-10-2642 minTraining Impact Podcast83. The Entrepreneur’s Source: Powerful Strategies for Career Freedom, Entrepreneurship, and Franchise SuccessWhat if the key to entrepreneurial success isn't having the next groundbreaking business idea, but finding the right opportunities, relationships, and systems to help you succeed?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter welcomes Tamara Loring, Chief Brand Ideology Officer at The Entrepreneur’s Source, for an engaging conversation about career ownership, franchise development, and the power of building a collaborative entrepreneurial community.
With nearly 25 years of experience at The Entrepreneur’s Source, Tamara shares how the organization's unique Journey of Discovery coaching methodology helps individuals explore career possibilities they may neve...
2026-10-1251 minTraining Impact Podcast82. MindVue: The Powerful New Approach to Building Resilience, Grit and Human PerformanceCan resilience, grit, motivation, and adaptability actually be developed?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Dr. Brian Davidson, founder and president of MindVue, to explore the mindset skills that drive human performance and why those capabilities may become even more important as artificial intelligence transforms how we work and learn.
Brian shares the journey behind MindVue and how his early work in psychology and education led him to study why some people consistently perform, adapt, and persevere through challenges. That research evolved into a broader mission: measuring and...
2026-10-1247 minTraining Impact Podcast81. Topsail Steamer: Building a Powerful Franchise Brand Through Simplicity, Local Connection, and Scalable GrowthTopsail Steamer: Scaling a Unique Seafood Experience Through Franchising
What does it take to turn an entirely new customer experience into a scalable franchise brand?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter talks with Danielle Mahon, founder and CEO of Topsail Steamer, about the journey from a single seafood concept in Surf City, North Carolina, to a growing franchise system.
Topsail Steamer offers ready-to-cook seafood steam pots that customers take home and prepare on their stovetop. The model combines the convenience of a meal kit with the communal experience of a tradit...
2026-10-0544 minTraining Impact Podcast80. Grasply: Powerful AI Simulations Transform the Knowing-Doing Gap in TrainingWhat happens after someone completes training and actually has to perform?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter talks with Edmundo Barrientos, founder and CEO of Grasply, about closing the critical gap between knowing and doing through artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and simulation-based learning.
Grasply takes existing organizational knowledge, including SOPs, manuals, methodologies, presentations, transcripts, and other training resources, and uses AI to create simulations where learners can practice applying what they know.
The conversation explores why repetition is essential for retention, how cognitive fidelity can make simulations effective without recreati...
2026-09-2851 minTraining Impact Podcast79. Commence Foundation: Building Confident Young Professionals Beyond the ClassroomWhat are the career and life skills students need to succeed that traditional education does not always teach?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter talks with Alex Dripchak, Executive Director of Commence Foundation, about helping students and young adults develop practical skills that can shape their careers, financial futures, and lives.
Alex explains how Commence Foundation focuses on what he calls compounding skills, including financial well-being, authentic networking, productivity, interviewing, storytelling, emotional intelligence, negotiation, career planning, and business communication. These capabilities are designed to complement traditional education by helping young people...
2026-09-2151 minTraining Impact Podcast78. AIM Training & Consulting Inc.: Why Great Sales Performance Begins with Better HabitsWhat separates top-performing sales professionals from everyone else?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Amy Lemire, Founder of AIM Training & Consulting Inc, to explore why technical sales skills are only part of the equation. Amy shares her approach to helping organizations accelerate sales performance by combining structured sales processes, effective playbooks, proven methodologies, and habit-based coaching that creates lasting behavioral change.
Together, they discuss the four pillars of successful sales organizations, the difference between a sales process, playbook, and methodology, and why habits often determine whether even the best...
2026-09-1453 minTraining Impact Podcast77. Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins: Proven Franchise Legal Strategies That Drive Successful GrowthWhether you're launching your first franchise or expanding an established brand, legal strategy plays a critical role in sustainable growth. In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with David Ramsey, Partner at Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins, to explore the legal and operational foundations that help franchise systems scale with confidence.
David shares practical insights into franchise compliance, Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), state registration requirements, franchise agreements, training considerations, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding joint employment. The conversation also examines how franchisors can protect their brands while empowering franchisees, why documented systems and...
2026-09-101h 03Training Impact Podcast76. Real Projects: Transformative Learning Localization and AI Strategies That Deliver Powerful Global Training ResultsCan artificial intelligence make learning more effective, or does success still depend on strong instructional design?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Scott Hewitt, CEO of Real Projects, to explore how organizations can combine AI, localization, metadata, and learning design to build engaging digital learning experiences that scale globally.
Scott shares the entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of Real Projects, how production disciplines from manufacturing shaped the company's approach to learning, and why focusing on one core mission helped the business grow. The conversation dives into...
2026-09-0759 minTraining Impact Podcast75. Motiva Education: Powerful AI and Learning Analytics for Smarter Learning ExperiencesCan artificial intelligence make learning more effective without replacing human expertise?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Ashley Etemadi of Motiva Education to explore how AI, learning analytics, predictive modeling, and simulation-based learning are reshaping education and workforce development.
Ashley shares how organizations can use AI to identify learners who need support, personalize learning experiences, create immersive practice environments, and improve learner outcomes while keeping people at the center of every learning experience.
Whether you're an L&D leader, instructional designer, educator, or training professional, this conversa...
2026-09-031h 12Training Impact Podcast74. Mary Ligon Company: The Leadership Skill That Changes Everything Starts WithinWhat separates truly great leaders from those who simply manage people?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Mary Ligon, founder of Mary Ligon Company, to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership: leading yourself before leading others.
Drawing from decades of experience coaching executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizational leaders, Mary shares practical strategies for developing emotional resilience, communicating with intention, and building workplace cultures where people genuinely want to contribute. The conversation challenges the traditional view of leadership as charisma or authority, revealing instead that...
2026-08-311h 02Training Impact Podcast73. IGNITE Humans: Why Human Connection Is the Missing Link in High Performance TrainingWhat if the biggest problem with corporate training isn't the content, but the way we think about learning?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Terry Hawkins, Founder and CEO of IGNITE Humans, to explore why lasting business performance starts with developing people, not simply delivering information.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience working with retailers, franchise organizations, professional services firms, and distributed workforces, Terry shares a human-centered approach to learning that moves beyond courses and compliance. The conversation explores how organizations can create learning systems that...
2026-08-2744 minTraining Impact Podcast72. Project Pals: The Powerful Future of AI-Driven Project-Based LearningWhat if artificial intelligence could make project-based learning easier to implement without replacing the teacher?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Miriam Bogler, founder of Project Pals, to explore how AI is helping educators create authentic, student-centered learning experiences that build collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Rather than using AI to provide answers, Project Pals leverages artificial intelligence as a learning coach, guiding students through the inquiry process while empowering teachers to facilitate meaningful projects more efficiently.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Wh...
2026-08-2457 minTraining Impact Podcast71. Align4Profit: The Powerful Leadership Advantage Behind Business PerformanceLeadership isn't just another training topic. It may be the single biggest driver of organizational performance.
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Helanie Scott, founder of Align4Profit, to discuss why organizations should invest as much in developing leadership behaviors as they do technical expertise.
Together they explore:
• Why "soft skills" should really be called "power skills" • How leadership behavior shapes organizational culture • Why accountability starts with leadership • The concept of Leadership Intimacy • How behavior change creates measurable business impact • Why franchise and partner organizations should invest in leadership...
2026-08-201h 00Training Impact Podcast70. InternCrew: The Game-Changing Workforce Strategy That Begins Before GraduationAmerica's workforce shortage is often viewed as a recruiting problem, but what if the real challenge begins years before an employer posts a job opening?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Corey Koopmans, co-founder of InternCrew, to explore how work-based learning, internships, career exploration, and mentorship can help bridge the gap between education and employment. Rather than focusing solely on hiring, the conversation examines how giving students meaningful exposure to careers before graduation can lead to better career decisions, stronger talent pipelines, and a more prepared workforce.
Corey shares i...
2026-08-171h 01Training Impact Podcast69. Boundless Markets: The Hidden Intelligence Already Living Inside Your NetworkWhat if the answers your organization needs are already hidden inside your network?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Brad Mehl, founder of Boundless Markets, to explore how organizations can uncover valuable insights from customers, employees, franchisees, dealers, distributors, and channel partners. Rather than relying solely on surveys, focus groups, and performance metrics, Brad shares how AI-powered self-guided interviews can help organizations capture deeper, more authentic feedback at scale.
The conversation explores the concept of network intelligence and why some of the most valuable knowledge in an organization often ex...
2026-08-1048 minTraining Impact Podcast68. Working to Winning: The Powerful Career Management Framework Every Professional NeedsWhat does it take to build a successful career in a world where jobs, industries, and technologies are constantly changing?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Thomas Powner of Career Thinker and Ellen Steverson of StartingBlock Career Services to discuss their forthcoming book, Working to Winning: The Power of Knowing What Matters. Drawing on decades of experience in career management, recruiting, workforce development, and professional coaching, they share a practical framework for helping people take greater ownership of their careers while helping organizations create stronger, more engaged workforces.
The conversa...
2026-08-0352 minTraining Impact Podcast67. PeopleBest: The Powerful Science of Predicting Performance and Unlocking Human PotentialWhat if you could predict employee success before making a hiring decision?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Jim Hunter, founder of PeopleBest, to explore how predictive analytics, behavioral science, and workforce data are changing the way organizations hire, develop, and retain talent.
Drawing inspiration from the Moneyball approach to analytics, Jim shares the story behind PeopleBest and explains how organizations can move beyond resumes, interviews, and gut instinct to identify the competencies, motivations, and behaviors that truly drive performance. The conversation explores why technical skills alone are often no...
2026-07-2752 minTraining Impact Podcast66. Christian Brothers Automotive: The Powerful Connection Between Culture and GrowthModern vehicles have become increasingly sophisticated, requiring technicians to master far more than traditional mechanical repairs. In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Dan Aldrich, Director of Technical Training and Development at Christian Brothers Automotive, to discuss how effective training, mentorship, and leadership development prepare technicians for success in a rapidly changing industry.
Dan shares insights from his career journey and explains how Christian Brothers Automotive has built a culture centered on continuous learning, personal growth, and operational excellence. The conversation explores technician development, workforce challenges, knowledge transfer, leadership pipelines, and the role...
2026-07-201h 12Training Impact Podcast65. NuScienta: Their Practical Guide to Thriving in the AI EraArtificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, and make decisions. But despite all the attention AI receives, many professionals still struggle to understand what it is, how it works, and how to use it effectively.
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with Dr. Mechie Nkengla, founder and CEO of NuScienta, about why AI literacy is becoming one of the most important skills for the future workforce.
Dr. Nkengla shares her journey from applied mathematics and data science to entrepreneurship and AI education, explaining why continuous learning and adaptability are esse...
2026-07-1342 minTraining Impact Podcast64. Virtuoso: Unlocking the Future of Mentorship Through Artificial IntelligenceWhat if AI could do more than answer questions? What if it could help scale mentorship?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Jared Shaw, Founder of Virtuoso, to explore a new approach to artificial intelligence in learning and development. Rather than focusing on content generation and automation, Virtuoso is using AI to create interactive, mentor-like learning experiences that adapt to individual learners while maintaining structured educational outcomes.
Jared shares his unique journey from professional drummer and content creator to EdTech entrepreneur, explaining how the limitations of traditional online learning...
2026-07-0656 minTraining Impact Podcast63. Vujade: The Powerful Future of Team Communication and CollaborationIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter interviews Monty Miller and Doug Breckenridge, co-founders of Vujade, about the science of communication, collaboration, and organizational performance.
The conversation traces their nearly thirty-year professional relationship, which began during a business transformation project in India and eventually led to the creation of Vujade. Drawing on decades of experience in organizational development, leadership consulting, and global business operations, they share the challenges they observed helping organizations improve performance.
Monty and Doug explain why traditional personality assessments often provide self-awareness but struggle to create actionable improvements in workplac...
2026-06-2934 minTraining Impact Podcast62. StudySpaces: Powerful Insights Into the Future of Learning Environments and Student SuccessWhat role does physical space play in learning success?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Axhens Mara of StudySpaces to explore a critical but often overlooked aspect of learning and development: the environments where learning takes place.
While organizations invest heavily in learning technologies, content development, instructional design, and training programs, the physical spaces that support learning are frequently treated as an afterthought. Axhens challenges that mindset by explaining how environmental design directly influences learner engagement, collaboration, focus, retention, and overall performance.
The conversation explores how modern l...
2026-06-2249 minTraining Impact Podcast61. Deliver Service Now Institute: The Disney-Inspired Systems Behind Exceptional Customer ExperienceIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Vance Morris, Chief Experience Officer of Deliver Service Now Institute and former Walt Disney World leader, to explore how businesses can intentionally design customer experiences that create loyalty, emotional connection, and long-term profitability.
Drawing from his years at Disney and his experience building multiple successful service businesses, Vance shares how operational systems, customer journey mapping, and retention-focused strategies can transform ordinary service interactions into memorable experiences that customers willingly pay more for.
Jeff and Vance discuss:
• Disney’s approach to customer expe...
2026-06-1544 minTraining Impact Podcast60. EmpathEQ: Revolutionary AI Simulations Are Reshaping the Human Side of Healthcare Training🎧 In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with Lucas Consoli, Co-Founder of EmpathEQ, about the future of AI-powered simulation training in healthcare. Together, they explore how emotionally authentic AI simulations are helping nursing schools and healthcare organizations train critical communication, empathy, and de-escalation skills at scale.
Lucas shares his journey from Argentina to Europe to the United States, working across startups, technology, education, and innovation before launching EmpathEQ. The conversation dives into how AI video simulations are being used to prepare nurses for difficult real-world interactions involving patients, families, colleagues, and healthcare leaders.
...
2026-06-0848 minTraining Impact Podcast59. Motor Age Training: Powerful Strategies Transform Automotive Technician DevelopmentIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Mike Willins of Motor Age Training to discuss the growing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of automotive technician training.
As modern vehicles become increasingly dependent on software, sensors, electronics, and advanced diagnostics systems, the role of the technician is evolving rapidly. Mike explains why today’s automotive professionals must go far beyond traditional mechanical repair skills and develop stronger diagnostic, analytical, and continuous learning capabilities to keep pace with the industry.
The conversation explores the widening technician skills gap, the ongoing workforce...
2026-06-0129 minTraining Impact Podcast58. Today’s Class: Reveals the Exciting Future of Automotive Workforce DevelopmentIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, to explore how adaptive microlearning and AI-driven personalization are changing the future of automotive workforce development.
As modern vehicles become increasingly complex, shops are facing growing pressure to keep technicians, service advisors, and service teams up to speed on rapidly evolving technology. At the same time, technician shortages, employee turnover, and limited training time continue creating major challenges across the industry.
David explains how Today’s Class approaches these challenges differently through daily three to five minute...
2026-05-2554 minTraining Impact Podcast57. CourseCreek Powerful Insights: Jeff Walter Joins Robert Lunte to Talk Training SystemsWhat happens when training stops being a support function and starts driving real business impact?
In this episode, Jeff Walter, Founder and CEO of LatitudeLearning, joins CourseCreek as a featured guest to explore how organizations can rethink training as a strategic asset. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in extended enterprise learning, Jeff shares how training programs can evolve beyond content delivery and become directly connected to performance, growth, and scalability.
The conversation dives into a critical shift happening across learning and development. Many organizations still measure success through course completions and participation rates, but high...
2026-05-1822 minTraining Impact Podcast56. Explosive Training Systems That Actually Actually Move MetricsMost training programs measure activity, not impact. In this special episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter shares highlights from his presentation at the Annual ATMC Conference and explains why training systems, not training programs, are what truly move business metrics.
Jeff introduces his Learn, Do, Teach framework and a five-stage roadmap for building scalable learning systems that improve technician performance, increase partner success, and drive measurable outcomes across dealerships, franchises, and channel networks.
You’ll learn how to connect training to metrics like productivity, fixed right first time, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, wh...
2026-05-1122 minTraining Impact Podcast55. FranServe: Escaping Career Frustration with a Brilliant Franchise FutureWhat if one small step could completely change your future?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with Alesia Visconti, CEO of FranServe, about how franchising creates life-changing opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Alesia shares her inspiring personal journey, the mission behind FranServe, and why so many people feel overwhelmed when exploring business ownership. She explains how FranServe helps candidates find the right franchise fit, build confidence, and move from uncertainty to action.
You’ll also hear insights on women in franchising, transferable career skills, and why franchise ownership can offer free...
2026-05-0458 minTraining Impact Podcast54. Blaze Pizza: Bold Reinvention Strategy That Transforms Franchise GrowthWhat does it really take to scale a modern franchise brand in a rapidly evolving market?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Kevin Moran, Chief Development Officer at Blaze Pizza, to explore how one of the most recognizable fast casual brands is reinventing itself for the next phase of growth.
This conversation goes beyond traditional franchise development. Kevin shares how his career path, which spans finance, operations, and strategy, shaped a cross-functional approach to building and scaling businesses. Rather than staying in a single discipline, he developed a...
2026-04-2738 minTraining Impact Podcast53. Freddy Media: The Brutal Reality of Weak Marketing ExecutionIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Adam Gaedke of Freddy Media to explore how influencer-driven marketing is transforming the automotive industry—and what it means for dealers, brands, and channel performance.
Freddy Media is redefining how companies connect with customers by leveraging a powerful network of social media influencers. Instead of relying on traditional advertising, they help automotive brands build trust, awareness, and demand through authentic, grassroots content that reflects real dealership experiences.
Adam shares how Freddy Media partners with companies to not only market their products, but also help...
2026-04-2034 minTraining Impact Podcast52. Tote&Carry: The Explosive Growth Strategy That's Changing Influencer MarketingWhat if your most effective growth channel wasn’t a franchise, dealer network, or sales team—but a network of influencers?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Emily Vernon, Head of Social Media at Tote&Carry, to explore how the brand is redefining channel development through ambassadors, affiliates, and creator-driven content.
Tote&Carry has built a distributed ecosystem where influencers act as an extension of the brand, generating content across platforms like TikTok and Instagram to drive visibility, engagement, and revenue. This approach goes beyond traditional marketing and reflects a n...
2026-04-0653 minTraining Impact Podcast51. CCAR: Building a Safer Automotive Industry Through Training and ComplianceHow does safety training protect an entire industry?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with Katherine Henmueller, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR). The discussion explores how specialized safety and hazardous materials training helps prevent accidents across the automotive repair ecosystem.
Founded in 1994 through an Environmental Protection Agency grant, CCAR has grown into a national safety advocate for the automotive industry. The organization develops eLearning programs that help repair shops, dealerships, logistics providers, and trade schools understand how to safely handle hazardous materials commonly...
2026-04-0245 minTraining Impact Podcast50. CourseCREEK: The Powerful Impact of Turning Expertise Into Scalable LearningHow do organizations turn expert knowledge into scalable digital learning?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with Robert Lunte, founder and CEO of CourseCREEK, about the process of transforming expertise into structured online learning programs.
Robert shares his journey from internationally recognized voice coach to leading an eLearning development company. After creating his own digital courses, he discovered how powerful digital education could be for scaling knowledge and helping professionals reach far larger audiences.
That realization led to the creation of CourseCREEK, a company focused on helping experts and orga...
2026-03-3038 minTraining Impact Podcast49. Immersivevision Technology: Solving the Hidden Gaps in Medical TrainingIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Steven King, President of U.S. Operations at Immersivevision Technology, to explore how immersive 3D visualization is transforming medical education and healthcare training.
Steven shares the story of how he discovered the company’s groundbreaking virtual dissection table and helped bring the technology to the United States. The system functions like a seven-foot interactive tablet, allowing students and clinicians to explore the human body layer by layer through fully interactive digital cadavers. Learners can examine male, female, pediatric, and prenatal anatomical models while also access...
2026-03-2646 minTraining Impact Podcast48. Ford Saeks: Powerful Growth Strategy, AI Integration, and Performance-Driven TrainingIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter talks with Ford Saeks, business growth accelerator, keynote speaker, and AI integration strategist, about what it really takes to drive measurable growth in today’s marketplace.
Ford Saeks shares how organizations can bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be through mindset clarity, disciplined strategy, and performance-driven training. The conversation explores AI integration, skill development, and why training must move beyond course completions to real business impact.
They discuss how AI can support role play simulations, personalized learning, and smarter decision m...
2026-03-2327 minTraining Impact Podcast47. MSA Worldwide: Critical Role of Brand Standards in Franchise Training SuccessIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter welcomes Marla Rosner of MSA Worldwide for a powerful discussion about the architecture behind effective franchise training.
Many franchisors believe training begins with content delivery. MSA Worldwide takes a different view. Training begins with documentation. Without clear, well-structured brand standards, franchise systems struggle to scale consistently.
Marla explains how MSA Worldwide helps franchisors convert founder knowledge into explicit brand standards manuals that align with legal agreements, operational requirements, and compliance expectations. She addresses a common misconception: that corporate training materials can simply be repurposed for franchis...
2026-03-1936 minTraining Impact Podcast46. Brandon Hall Group: The Critical Truth About the Future of Human Capital StrategyWhat does it really take to build a high-performing organization in today’s rapidly changing workforce landscape?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Michael Rochelle of Brandon Hall Group to explore the research shaping the future of human capital strategy. From AI-driven workforce disruption to persistent leadership gaps and the measurable impact of employee experience, this conversation goes beyond theory and into data-backed insights.
Michael shares what Brandon Hall Group research reveals about skills transformation, integrated talent ecosystems, and why organizations that align learning to business strategy consistently ou...
2026-03-1652 minTraining Impact Podcast45. ASE Education Foundation: The Powerful National Standard Transforming Automotive EducationThe automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and the need for highly skilled technicians has never been greater.
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Virginia Oden, Assistant Vice President of ASE Education Foundation, to explore how national accreditation, advisory boards, and industry partnerships are closing the automotive skills gap.
They discuss:
• How ASE Education Foundation aligns career tech programs with real industry needs
• Why accreditation serves as a powerful signal for employers
• The critical role of advisory boards in workforce development
• How modern technicians rely on...
2026-03-1244 minTraining Impact Podcast44. ASE: Inside the Creation of the Definitive EV Safety StandardIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Corey Glassman to explore how ASE developed a national EV safety standard and what that means for technician certification and workforce readiness.
As electric vehicles become mainstream, the automotive industry faces new safety challenges tied to high voltage systems, battery technology, and advanced diagnostics. Rather than reacting passively to change, ASE took deliberate action and developed a formal EV safety standard designed to define competence, reduce risk, and strengthen technician performance across the industry.
Corey shares the story behind the creation of...
2026-03-0950 minTraining Impact Podcast43. Sales Xceleration: Creating a Clear Path to Sale for Sustainable Revenue GrowthWhat separates unpredictable revenue from scalable growth?
In this episode, we explore how Sales Xceleration approaches sales leadership, structure, and long-term revenue stability for growth-stage organizations. The conversation centers on a common challenge: companies that have strong products and early traction but lack a defined, repeatable sales system.
Many businesses begin with founder-led selling. Revenue grows through relationships, hustle, and product knowledge. But as the organization scales, that informal approach begins to break down. Forecasts become unreliable. Sales cycles stretch. Customer concentration risk increases. Growth slows despite strong effort.
Sales Xceleration addresses this...
2026-03-0539 minTraining Impact Podcast42. Design Interactive: How XRMentor Is Turning Skill Development into a Measurable AdvantageIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Matt Johnston, Director of Commercial Solutions at Design Interactive, to explore how extended reality is transforming skill development.
For years, learning and development has excelled at delivering knowledge at scale. Courses, videos, and LMS platforms have made information widely accessible. But building real-world skill remains the harder challenge. Watching someone perform a task is not the same as performing it yourself.
That is where Design Interactive’s XRMentor platform comes in.
Matt explains how immersive technologies such as virtual reality and augmen...
2026-03-0254 minTraining Impact Podcast41. ASE Test Prep: The Performance Edge Traditional Study Methods LackIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Carl Borsani of ASE Test Prep to explore what it really takes to prepare technicians for certification in a high-stakes, performance-driven environment.
The conversation moves well beyond test questions and study tactics to examine how structure, discipline, and clarity shape learning outcomes in the automotive service industry. At the center of the discussion is ASE Test Prep, an organization purpose-built to help technicians succeed on ASE certification exams. What emerges is not just a story about test preparation, but a broader lesson in...
2026-02-2656 minTraining Impact Podcast40. Bojangles: Inside a Bold Training Shift That’s Driving Real PerformanceJeff Walter is joined by Lindsey Halson, Senior Director of Training and Development at Bojangles, to explore how the brand designs, delivers, and scales training for its field teams.
This conversation goes well beyond content libraries and one-time onboarding programs. Lindsey outlines a fundamental shift in how Bojangles thinks about training itself. The objective is not simply to ensure people know how to do their jobs, but to help them want to do their jobs, continue growing in them, and understand how their daily behaviors directly influence team performance, hospitality, retention, and profitability.
As Bojangles evol...
2026-02-231h 24Training Impact Podcast39. Excel Truck Group: Breaks the Training Mold to Scale PerformanceWhat does it really take to scale training in a high-risk, multi-location industry where mistakes are costly and downtime is not an option?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Tom Meyers of Excel Truck Group to explore how one of the nation’s largest commercial truck dealer networks approaches training as an operational system rather than a collection of courses.
Excel Truck Group operates in an environment where technician performance, service accuracy, and operational consistency directly affect safety, customer trust, and business outcomes. Tom shares how Excel Truck Gr...
2026-02-191h 00Training Impact Podcast38. American Dream:The Unstoppable Power of Scale and Experience-Based DestinationsWhat does it really take to sell, support, and scale an experience-based destination at massive scale?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Stan Kravitz, Director of Global Tourism Sales and Partnerships for American Dream, for a deep conversation on how one of the most ambitious destinations in the world thinks about partner enablement, channel strategy, and experience-driven growth.
Stan begins by reframing what American Dream actually is. Rather than calling it a mall, he describes it as a retail-tainment destination, a place where shopping, dining, attractions, and...
2026-02-1639 minTraining Impact Podcast37. AC Inc.: Turning Field Support into a Strategic Growth EngineIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter talks with Angela Cote, founder and CEO of AC Inc., about why field support is one of the most influential and least developed roles in franchising.
Angela brings a rare, end-to-end perspective shaped by a lifetime in the franchise industry. She grew up in a franchise system that scaled to nearly 500 locations, spent years working directly in field support, and later operated as a multi-unit franchisee herself for close to two decades. That experience exposed a consistent challenge across franchise brands. Even with strong onboarding, solid systems...
2026-02-1254 minTraining Impact Podcast36. Matthew Reyes: Training, Motivation, and the Human Needs That Drive PerformanceIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter welcomes Matthew Reyes for one of the most human-centered conversations the show has hosted to date. What begins as a discussion about customer experience and training quickly becomes a deeper exploration of motivation, habit formation, and why many training programs struggle to create lasting behavior change.
Matthew brings more than two decades of experience leading large customer experience and support organizations at companies including Crunchyroll, Milestone, and eSignal. Throughout the conversation, he challenges a common assumption in learning and development. Training does not fail because people are...
2026-02-091h 21Training Impact Podcast35. MCP Emerson Canada: Turning Technical Training into Confident Field PerformanceIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Kara Hale, Operations Director at MCP Emerson Canada, for a deep dive into what it really takes to scale complex partner operations across borders, brands, and retail channels.
MCP Emerson Canada plays a critical role in helping U.S. and global consumer product brands enter and succeed in the Canadian market. With more than 50 brands across health, wellness, OTC, and consumer packaged goods, and distribution reaching roughly 5,000 retail locations nationwide, the operational complexity is significant. Kara walks through how MCP Emerson Canada acts...
2026-02-0539 minTraining Impact Podcast34. Thryv: Unlocking Confident Small Business Growth Through Integrated EnablementWhat does confident growth really look like for small businesses?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Matthew Gourgeot of Thryv to explore how small businesses adopt technology, build confidence, and scale without adding unnecessary complexity. While many platforms focus on features, this conversation highlights why enablement and education are just as critical as the software itself.
Matthew shares how Thryv supports small business owners who are balancing sales, operations, marketing, and customer relationships all at once. Rather than overwhelming users, Thryv embeds guidance and learning directly into everyday workflow...
2026-02-0233 minTraining Impact Podcast33. Protein Bar & Kitchen: Scaling a Better-for-You Brand Without Sacrificing QualityIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Jimmy McFeeters to explore how Protein Bar & Kitchen has scaled thoughtfully while protecting food quality, brand culture, and operational clarity. While many franchise brands chase rapid expansion, Protein Bar & Kitchen has taken a different path—one rooted in intentional growth, experienced franchisee selection, and operational simplicity.
Jimmy brings more than a decade of franchise development experience across multiple restaurant systems. Together, he and Jeff unpack what tends to break when brands grow too fast and what it takes to avoid those pitfalls. From real es...
2026-01-291h 06Training Impact Podcast32. Secretsos: The Power of Operational ClarityWhat happens when a business grows faster than its systems?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with April Porter, co-founder of Secretsos, about why operational clarity is often the missing ingredient in organizations struggling to scale.
Many companies invest heavily in people, technology, and culture, yet still experience friction, burnout, inconsistent execution, and stalled growth. April explains that these challenges are rarely caused by a lack of effort or talent. More often, they stem from unclear processes, undocumented expectations, and systems that have not evolved alongside the business.
...
2026-01-261h 08Training Impact Podcast31. Adminify AI: The Strategic Advantage Behind Modern Channel EnablementIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Kevin Trost, Co-Founder and President of Adminify AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses scale, engage customers, and support channel partners.
Rather than focusing on AI hype or surface-level tools, this conversation digs into how AI assistants can function as a true execution layer inside a business. Kevin shares how Adminify AI helps organizations automate customer interactions across phone, text, web, and social channels while preserving transparency, personality, and trust.
Jeff and Kevin discuss why speed to lead...
2026-01-221h 12Training Impact Podcast30. Business Alliance, Inc. On Operational Excellence and Essential Franchise ValidationMost people assume franchising begins when an entrepreneur signs an agreement or opens their doors, but the real work happens long before that point. In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter talks with Jared Nassiff, Director of Business Development at Business Alliance, Inc., to uncover what truly happens behind the scenes of franchise development.
Jared explains how Business Alliance helps candidates understand their goals, strengths, lifestyle preferences, and financial expectations before they ever meet a franchisor. For consultants, the job is not selling. It is alignment. When expectations, capabilities, and support systems match, long-term...
2026-01-1942 minTraining Impact Podcast29. Broken Yolk Cafe: What Every Franchisor Can Learn to Achieve ConsistencyIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Ed Powers, Director of Operations at Broken Yolk Cafe, to unpack how a beloved San Diego breakfast spot grew from a single Pacific Beach landmark into a multi-state franchise system. Ed’s career journey—from regional operations leader at Chili’s to helping build Broken Yolk’s franchise infrastructure—offers practical insight into what it really takes to scale a restaurant brand without losing its soul.
Ed shares how the story of Broken Yolk Cafe begins with long lines, loyal customers, and steady demand that drew...
2026-01-1239 minTraining Impact Podcast28. ASE: The Advantage of Essential Skills and Evolving Standards in Automotive TrainingIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Matt Shepanek of the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence to explore how ASE shapes technician competence, shop performance, and customer trust across the automotive service industry. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence has long served as the gold standard for technician evaluation, and this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how ASE continues to evolve as vehicles and technologies change.
Matt explains how ASE develops its certifications, updates its assessments, and adapts to rapidly shifting vehicle technology. Today’s automotive landscape includes el...
2026-01-0527 minTraining Impact Podcast27. Elevate Your Talent: Why Play Is the Essential Missing Link in Training ProgramsIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter speaks with Jolynn Ledgerwood, founder of Elevate Your Talent, to explore how creativity, neuroscience, and tactile learning can reshape the way teams solve problems. Elevate Your Talent helps organizations unlock deeper thinking, strengthen collaboration, and move beyond traditional training methods that rely heavily on lecture-based content and left-brain processing.
Jolynn explains how hands-on engagement taps into a different part of the brain, enabling individuals to access more creative, intuitive, and innovative ways of thinking. Using LEGO Serious Play as a core methodology, Elevate Your Talent introduces...
2025-12-291h 03Training Impact Podcast26. Burn Boot Camp: The Powerful Playbook for Consistent Franchise SuccessIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Amber Burke, Chief Operating Officer of Burn Boot Camp, to explore how one of America’s fastest growing fitness franchises maintains its signature experience across more than 380 locations. What emerges is a closer look at how consistent training, thoughtful certification, and a philosophy centered on connection fuel both member transformation and system wide performance.
Amber shares the origins and mission of Burn Boot Camp. The brand was created to give women and families a place to grow stronger physically, emotionally, and mentally. It pairs hi...
2025-12-2254 minTraining Impact Podcast25. Design Pickle: Unstoppable Momentum Through Smarter, Scalable Designn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Wyatt Borchetta Platt, Revenue Operations Leader at Design Pickle, to unpack how scalable creative systems and smarter processes help companies grow without sacrificing quality.
Wyatt brings a rare blend of experience across sales ops, marketing, and cross-functional leadership. He explains how organizations can use structured creative workflows, automation, and data discipline to keep marketing moving at the speed of growth. From B2B SaaS and agencies to franchisors and enterprise brands, Wyatt breaks down why scalable creative support has become mission-critical.
🧩 Who...
2025-12-1545 minTraining Impact Podcast24. Dumpster Dudez: The Proven Training Framework Behind Rapid GrowthIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Willie Katinowsky, VP of Franchise Development of Dumpster Dudez, to explore how one of the fastest growing junk hauling and dumpster rental franchise systems built its momentum through simple operations, consistent execution, and a strong commitment to franchisee training.
Willie explains that Dumpster Dudez didn’t grow by accident. From day one, the team focused on designing a model that was approachable, operationally clear, and easy to teach. Franchisees come from all walks of life, including corporate professionals, tradespeople, veterans, and first-time business owners, an...
2025-12-0853 minTraining Impact Podcast23. KTA Financial Services: Building Trust Through Training and Transparency🎙️ A Conversation with Emily George of KTA Financial Services 📈 Training Impact Podcast – Hosted by Jeff Walter
When it comes to financial services, trust is everything. In this episode, Jeff Walter sits down with Emily George of KTA Financial Services to explore how a client-first philosophy, rigorous internal training, and a culture of transparency are redefining what financial stewardship looks like in a post-pandemic world.
💡 From Compliance to Confidence For Emily, financial education isn’t just for clients. It’s the foundation of KTA’s culture. Every team member, from new hires to senior advisors, participates in continuous learn...
2025-12-011h 09Training Impact Podcast22. BlueStreak Learning: Proven Strategy for Powerful ROI in Partner TrainingWhen BlueStreak Learning President Jennifer DeVries talks about extended-enterprise education, she isn’t talking theory—she’s talking measurable ROI. In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter explores how DeVries built a company that treats learning as a business strategy, not an operational cost. Her philosophy is clear: training should perform like any other investment—delivering results, growth, and long-term value.
Redefining ROI in Extended Enterprise Education For more than two decades, BlueStreak Learning has helped organizations design partner training and certification programs that generate measurable business outcomes. DeVries insists that every learning investme...
2025-11-2449 minTraining Impact Podcast21. The Secret Ingredient in Hungry Howie’s Success: Training That SticksThe Secret Ingredient in Hungry Howie’s Success: Training That Sticks
If you’ve ever walked into Hungry Howie’s whether it’s in Michigan, Florida, or Texas you know exactly what to expect: the smell of buttered crust, the energy of a team that knows its rhythm, and pizza made with the same consistency that’s defined the brand for 50 years.
That kind of reliability doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through training.
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, talks with Al Newman, Direct...
2025-11-1754 minTraining Impact Podcast20. Inside Care Patrol: How Education and Empathy Transform Senior CareWhen families face the emotional, time-pressured moment of moving a loved one into assisted or memory care, it’s rarely a business decision—it’s a crisis one. In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, talks with Mike Lamkin, Director of Business Development at Care Patrol of Northern Indianapolis, about how empathy, education, and franchise-level training intersect to transform one of life’s hardest transitions into an informed and compassionate process.
Care Patrol operates more than 200 locations across North America, helping families identify the right assisted-living, memory-care, or independent-living communities—at no cost...
2025-11-1058 minTraining Impact Podcast19. Scaling Smart: How Bloomin' Blinds Trains Franchisees for Growth and QualityIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, sits down with Jake Wharton, Director of Franchise Growth at Bloomin’ Blinds, to unpack what it really takes to scale a franchise system—without losing the craftsmanship and care that made it successful in the first place.
Bloomin’ Blinds is a fast-growing home service brand specializing in residential window coverings, with more than 150 units and 80 franchise owners across the U.S. But behind that growth is a methodical, data-informed training program that blends eLearning, field coaching, and performance metrics to develop both business acumen...
2025-11-031h 00Training Impact Podcast18. Creating Connection Through Content: The Brand Networks Approach🎙️ Episode Summary: “Creating Connection Through Content: The Brand Networks Approach”
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter welcomes Josh Gelfat, Vice President of Marketing at Brand Networks, for an insightful conversation on how digital marketing, automation, and education intersect to help businesses of all sizes thrive.
Josh brings a unique perspective shaped by an eclectic career across agency, publishing, and tech environments—having worked with brands like Oreo and Chips Ahoy, led branded content initiatives at BuzzFeed, and helped global advertisers reach audiences at Twitter. That cross-industry experience informs his approach at Brand Ne...
2025-10-2751 minTraining Impact Podcast17. From Fit to Flourish: How Franchise Fastlane Connects Visionaries with Operators Who ThriveIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host JeffWalter sits down with Patrick Sanchez, Vice President of BrandPartnerships at Franchise Fastlane, to unpack what makes a great franchise system work—not just on paper, but in practice.
Patrick’s journey into franchising started on construction sites in Kansas and led to owning 12 nutrition stores across the western United States. That hands-on experience shaped his deep understanding of how training, systems, and leadership drive operational success. Today, at Franchise Fastlane, he helps franchisors build repeatable systems that turn local concepts into national brands.
Patrick explains Fast...
2025-10-2046 minTraining Impact Podcast16. Building Learning Systems, Not Just Courses – Lessons from eLearningDOCIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with three powerhouse leaders from eLearningDOC—Angela Robbins, Toni DiMella, and Diana Brandon—to unpack how great learning design happens when creativity meets structure. Together, they explore what it takes to turn subject matter expertise, operational chaos, and big ideas into consistent, measurable, and scalable training programs.
For nearly two decades, eLearningDOC has helped organizations build clarity through learning. But as Angela shares, their success didn’t come from producing more content—it came from documenting better processes. “We realized early on that companies don’t just...
2025-10-1455 minTraining Impact Podcast15. Learning Designs: Apprenticeships Beyond the TradesIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with two seasoned leaders from Learning Designs, Inc. (LDI): Mary Carter, Founder and President, and Julie Hiatt, Manager of Business Development. Together, they explore how decades of experience in instructional design, workforce development, and corporate training can be applied to today’s biggest challenges—skills gaps, turnover, and preparing organizations for the future of work.
Mary shares her journey from working in GM’s Department of Education and Training to launching Learning Designs. Her motivation was clear: she saw that outside consultants often had more i...
2025-09-1054 minTraining Impact Podcast14. Powering Franchise Excellence: How Batteries Plus Trains Experts in ChargeIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Jason Moss, Vice President of Store Development and Training Operations at Batteries Plus, to explore how franchise training can drive business growth, brand consistency, and employee retention.
Jason shares his unlikely path into training—beginning as an entrepreneur running a carpet cleaning and disaster recovery business, then moving into property management, real estate, and ultimately to Batteries Plus. That entrepreneurial foundation shaped his belief in the power of systems, processes, and training as the backbone of scalable businesses.
Batteries Plus, founded in...
2025-09-041h 07Training Impact Podcast13. Service That Sticks: Ray Miller on Embedding Customer ExcellenceWhat does it take to truly transform an organization’s customer experience from the inside out?
In this powerful episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Ray Miller, Managing Partner of The Training Bank—a globally respected expert in customer experience training and leadership development. With more than 35 years of experience helping organizations embed service excellence into their culture, Ray shares a masterclass on turning training into a strategic, profit-driving engine.
Ray’s journey into the learning and development world began in an unlikely place: a small-town bank branch in Nova S...
2025-08-041h 29Training Impact Podcast12. Training Precision: How Ziemer Ophthalmic Raises The Bar For Medical Device TrainingIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Bill Ryan, the Director of Technical and Clinical Education at Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, a Swiss-based manufacturer of femtosecond lasers and diagnostic systems used in refractive and therapeutic eye surgeries. From LASIK flap creation to corneal transplants, these devices demand technical mastery—and Bill is the person behind ensuring that mastery happens.
With decades of experience in medical laser technology, Bill walks us through his fascinating journey from electronics engineer to building a sophisticated, multilayered global training infrastructure for Ziemer’s distributors, internal serv...
2025-07-1450 minTraining Impact Podcast11. The 10 Workstreams Behind Every High Impact Training ProgramIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Matt Anderson, a 20-year veteran of LatitudeLearning and head of the delivery team, to tackle a critical topic for any learning leader: the workstreams that take a training program from vision to execution—and keep it thriving.
As Jeff puts it, “This is where the rubber hits the road.” While past episodes have focused on planning and strategic alignment, this conversation shifts into doing. And in the world of enterprise learning—especially partner training—execution is everything.
What Are the 10 Training Workstream...
2025-07-0948 minTraining Impact Podcast10. Behind the Smoker: How Embedded Training Powers Tickle My RibsIn this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Sean Morris, a veteran of the restaurant industry and founder of the emerging franchise concept Tickle My Ribs. Together, they explore how deeply embedded, skills-based training can transform franchise operations, reduce turnover, and create a culture of long-term excellence.
Sean’s journey began in a family-owned Carolina barbecue chain, where hands-on learning was the norm. After spending 20 years in corporate roles with brands like Tia’s Tex-Mex, Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Denny’s—eventually overseeing $60 million in annual revenue across eight states—S...
2025-06-301h 40Training Impact Podcast9. From the Heart of the Community: How Academy 4 Trains 6,500 Volunteers to Mentor One-on-OneIn this inspiring episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Susan Demers, Manager of Learning and Development at Academy 4, a Texas-based nonprofit delivering one-on-one mentorship to fourth graders in Title I schools. The conversation redefines what "extended enterprise learning" means—moving beyond franchises and partners to focus on volunteer training in the nonprofit sector.
Susan walks us through the remarkable scale of Academy 4’s program, which pairs one volunteer with every fourth grader in 60 schools, reaching over 6,500 students in the upcoming year. These aren’t group mentoring sessions—each child gets an individu...
2025-06-2348 min
Built to Scale: B2B Growth with Rym BenchaarElevating Extended Enterprise Learning – Jeff Walter of LatitudeLearningIn this episode of Built to Scale: B2B Growth, we speak with Jeff Walter, Founder and CEO of LatitudeLearning, Inc., about transforming learning management for extended enterprise customers. Jeff brings over 30 years of experience in software across manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and financial services.He shares how LatitudeLearning helps organizations train partners, resellers, dealers, and end-users through a scalable SaaS LMS construction. With its award‑winning SurefireSetup methodology, Jeff discusses how to turn training programs into strategic business assets that boost engagement, performance, and retention.Whether you lead training in...
2025-06-1818 minTraining Impact Podcast8. Soft Skills, Real Impact: The Vertus Approach to Conflict ResolutionIn this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Rubens Tilkian—trial lawyer, master coach, mediator, and founder of Vertus Conflict Solutions. With over 70,000 resolved agreements and more than 550 professionals trained, Rubens brings deep experience and personal insight into one of the most overlooked elements of organizational success: conflict resolution through proactive training.
Rubens begins by reflecting on his legal background in Brazil, where even courtroom victories often left clients emotionally unsatisfied. This disconnect led him to an important realization: true resolution is not about winning a case, but ab...
2025-06-051h 31Training Impact Podcast7. IFA World Franchise Show: Turn Your Franchise Training into a Strategic AssetIn this powerful episode of the Training Impact Podcast, we spotlight Jeff Walter, Founder and CEO of LatitudeLearning, and his thought-provoking session at the 2025 IFA World Franchise Show. With over 20 years in Learning and Development, Walter brings clarity and urgency to a message franchisors need to hear: franchise training isn’t just a necessity—it’s a strategic weapon.
Walter opens by challenging the conventional belief that training is simply a cost of doing business. He explains how many executive teams instinctively fund sales, marketing, and product development as strategic investments while relegating training to operational overhead. His ar...
2025-06-0337 minTraining Impact Podcast6. The Core Difference: Partner vs. Employee Training ExplainedIn this unique episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter takes listeners on a reflective hike through the woods of Northern Michigan to answer a deceptively simple question: What makes partner training different from employee training? What begins as a casual query from a colleague unfolds into an in-depth comparison that explores the core design, objectives, and administration of two fundamentally different learning models.
Walter emphasizes the key distinction—focus. Employee training is inherently individual-centric, designed around onboarding, compliance, and career development. It presumes an established organizational structure where learners' roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines are we...
2025-05-2925 minTraining Impact Podcast5. How Emerging Franchisors can Scale Training for Growth: A Blended Learning BlueprintIn this episode of the Training Impact podcast, Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, shared insights from his time at the IFA World Franchise Show in Miami. A recurring concern among attendees—particularly emerging franchisors with 10 to 50 locations—was the challenge of scaling their franchise training programs. While many new franchisors provide robust, instructor-led onboarding for new franchisees, these methods quickly become unsustainable as the network grows.
Typically, the onboarding process for new franchisees includes several weeks of hands-on training at corporate headquarters, followed by field experience at an operating location. While this traditional, immersive model is effective in d...
2025-05-2122 minTraining Impact Podcast4. The Five Stages of Training Program Evolution: A Roadmap to High-Impact LearningIn a recent episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter breaks down a strategic framework called the Training Program Roadmap, a five-stage model that illustrates how organizations can evolve their training programs to significantly increase impact and return on investment (ROI). Drawing from years of implementation experience with LatitudeLearning and other platforms, Jeff shares how training programs can grow from basic to transformational by adopting best practices at each stage.
The roadmap begins at Stage 1: Self-Directed Learning, where learners voluntarily access content like courses and videos without mandatory assignments. These programs rely heavily on learner...
2025-05-0941 minTraining Impact Podcast3. The 7 Artificial Intelligence Use Cases for Learning and DevelopmentIn a recent episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter, founder and CEO of LatitudeLearning, explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the learning and development (L&D) industry. Drawing historical parallels to past technological revolutions such as steam power, electricity, the internet, and personal computing, Walter sets the stage for AI as the next major wave poised to reshape all facets of life—including education and workforce development.
Understanding AI's Trajectory
Walter cautions that like all past revolutions, the current wave of AI is accompanied by overhyped expectations and potential setbacks. Ho...
2025-04-2025 minTraining Impact Podcast2. Transform Your Training Program into a Strategic AssetIn the premiere episode of the Training Impact podcast, Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, breaks down how learning and development professionals can elevate their training programs into true strategic investments. At the heart of the episode is a challenge that many face: despite knowing the value of knowledge, L&D teams often struggle to secure executive buy-in and budgets. The key to reversing this trend? Understanding how executives think.
Executives categorize resources into two buckets: costs of doing business and strategic investments. Costs—such as accounting or legal departments—are essential but not growth drivers. Strategic investments, like...
2025-04-1824 minTraining Impact Podcast1. Welcome to the Training Impact PodcastThe Training Impact Podcast is focused on partner training programs and how to maximize their impact on organizations. As an industry, we've done a lot of great work at the course level, figuring out how to use technologies to help students learn and how to develop skills. But there hasn't been a lot of focus on the program level, how to have a highly impactful program.
And so that's the purpose of this podcast is we want to focus on the program level, how to develop a highly effective training programs. We've developed some frameworks I'll share w...
2025-04-1701 min
Brandon Hall Group- Excellence at WorkEpisode 280: Extended Enterprise Learning: Beyond Traditional Corporate TrainingToday's business landscape demands training solutions that extend beyond internal employees. In this Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work Podcast, Michael Rochelle sits down with Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, and David Proegler, VP of Product Management and Business Development at LatitudeLearning, to explore the complexities and opportunities of Extended Enterprise Learning.
2024-11-2031 min
Brandon Hall Group- Excellence at WorkEpisode 270: Are Your Employees Actually Learning Anything? Lessons from ExpertsJoin Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer and Principal Analyst at Brandon Hall Group™, sat down with Jeff Walter, CEO of LatitudeLearning, and David Proegler, Senior Managing Principal at LattitudeLearning, for a candid Roundtable discussion on this very topic. They dove into the persistent disconnect between simply delivering training and actually facilitating meaningful learning.
2024-04-2231 min
Brandon Hall Group- Excellence at WorkEpisode 248: The Impact of Measurement of Learning for the Extended EnterpriseGuest: David Proegler, Senior Managing Principal and LatitudeLearning Product Manager
2023-07-1822 min