Shows
Learning MattersEP 39: The Secret to Leadership Success? Grit, Gratitude, and Good CoachingIn this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Adam Hickman, VP of Organizational and Employee Development at Partners FCU, to explore what truly makes a great leader in today’s workplace.From his early days cleaning flea markets to leading L&D strategy for a Disney-affiliated credit union, Adam shares his real-world insights on leadership transitions, practical applications of AI in learning, and why grit and gratitude are the keys to long-term success.We discuss:✔ What separates good managers from great ones✔ The overlooked skill of decision-making in leadership✔...2025-07-1738 min
Learning MattersEP 38: How to Align L&D with Business Strategy for Maximum ImpactIn this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Regina Dunning, US VP of Learning and Organizational Development at SThree, to explore what it takes to build an L&D strategy that truly drives business results.Regina shares her journey from accidental trainer to strategic learning leader and offers real-world insights into aligning learning with business goals, measuring impact, supporting leadership development, and integrating AI into onboarding programs. If you’re looking for practical tips on showing ROI, building leadership capacity, or embracing skills-based talent management, this conversation is for you.🎯 Topics Cover...2025-07-0327 min
Learning MattersEP 37: From HRBP to L&D Leader: How Nikki Ward Keeps Learning Simple and StrategicIn this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Nikki Ward, a learning and development leader with a rich background in HR and talent strategy. After 15 years at Athena Health, Nikki shares how her journey from HR business partner to head of L&D shaped her people-first approach to training.We dive into:✅ How to align learning programs with business goals✅ Using design thinking to simplify and scale L&D✅ Creating learner personas for better engagement✅ Trends like AI, learning analytics, and microlearning✅ How to prove R...2025-06-1936 min
Learning MattersEP 36: From Ballet to Boardroom: Liz Bruno on Bold Moves, Lifelong Learning, and the Future of L&DIn this episode of Learning Matters, host Doug Wooldridge sits down with Liz Bruno, former Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Health and a powerhouse in the L&D world. From her early days as a professional ballet dancer to leading system-wide training programs in healthcare, Liz shares her journey—and the bold mindset that’s guided her along the way.👉 Topics we cover:✅ Why aligning L&D with business goals matters more than ever✅ How to shift from order-taker to strategic partner✅ The truth about “shiny object” syndrome in learning tech✅ The divide...2025-06-0548 min
Learning MattersEP 35: Building a “Hire to Retire” Culture Through Strategic Learning and DevelopmentIn this episode of Learning Matters, Doug Wooldridge sits down with Dr. Sherri Brooks, Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care, to explore how her team is creating a “hire to retire” employee experience through innovative learning strategies.With over 22,000 employees across three states, Dr. Brooks shares how Baptist is:✅ Making L&D more flexible and accessible for frontline healthcare workers✅ Revamping leadership development across all levels✅ Leveraging Skillsoft’s Percipio platform to support upskilling and retention✅ Partnering with local colleges to reskill Patient Care Assistants into higher-impact roles✅...2025-05-1525 min
Learning MattersEP 34: Why Understanding Learner Pain Points Is Key to L&D SuccessIn this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Dasha Crosby, Learning Director at U.S. Bank, to talk about the future of learning and development!With over 15 years of experience in human capital management, talent strategy, and process improvement, Dasha shares why understanding learner pain points is critical for building effective learning strategies—and how communicating the value of learning is just as important as the content itself.We dive into:✅ How to design learning programs that truly resonate with learners✅ The importance of data, storytelling, and ROI measurement✅...2025-05-0129 min
Learning MattersEP 33: Forget AI Hype — Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle in L&DHow do you turn learning and development into a business essential and not just a checkbox? In this episode of Learning Matters, we’re joined by Carrie Berg, VP of Learning & Development at Teladoc Health, to talk about what it really takes to build an L&D strategy that delivers real impact.Carrie shares how she’s built programs leaders can’t live without, what metrics matter most, and why newer generations are reshaping the learning landscape. From building culture to leveraging tools you already own, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice for L&D profes...2025-04-1737 min
Learning MattersEP 32: Building a Culture of Learning Through MentorshipIn this episode of Learning Matters, we sit down with Bette Kidane, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Intermountain Health, to uncover how her team completely redesigned their training strategy—and achieved a 747% ROI in the process.🔗 Connect with Bette Kidane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bette-rogers-kidane-ms-pmp-crp-cit-9b58776/What's Inside This Episode?The power of peer mentoring in onboarding and performanceHow structured on-the-job training created deeper engagementLessons from a $1.9M/year savings initiativeBette’s take on AI in L&D—and where it fits (or doesn’...2025-04-0333 min
Learning MattersEP 31: From Training to Transformation: People-Centric Learning StrategiesThis week we're joined by Paul Stephenson Director, Learning - Client Relationships at TIAA to discuss his approach to learning and development. The secret is.... people. We cover everything from human connection, to AI, and cohort-based training. Hope you enjoy! 🔗 Connect with Paul Stephenson via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulr4stephenson/🔗Check out Pauls books here: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/pr4s🔗Learn more about TIAA: https://www.tiaa.org/publicWhat's Inside This Episode? People Over Tech: AI is a tool, not a replacement—L&D should al...2025-03-2039 min
Learning MattersEP 30: Staying Agile: How Learning & Development is Evolving with AI and DataEver feel like Learning & Development (L&D) moves at lightning speed? That’s because it does. Businesses are evolving rapidly, and training programs need to keep up. This week on the Learning Matters podcast I sat down with John Polaschek, Head of Global Learning Solutions at ServiceNow. He shared his thoughts on what makes L&D successful today and where it's headed next. Spoiler alert: It’s all about agility, AI, and leveraging data.What’s Inside This Episode?Agility is key – How John and his team stay flexible and responsive to changing business needs.AI...2025-03-0641 min
Learning MattersEP 29: Top Takeaways from a Year with Learning Matters: Highlights from 2024In this episode we take a look back on some of our favorite moments from this year of the Learning Matters Podcast. We want to thank all of our incredible guests that spent time sharing their incredible journeys and insights on the world of corporate learning. We can't wait to see you next year! –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq...2024-12-171h 01
Learning MattersEP 28: DevLearn 2024: 20 Years of Leading the Way in L&DThis week we take a trip to Vegas for this year's DevLearn Conference. This marks 20 years of the industry-leading learning technologies event shaping the future of L&D. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 2024-11-1907 min
Learning MattersEP 27: Measurement and Evaluation on a ShoestringThis week we're joined by Dr. Alaina Szlachta to discuss her new book "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring". Pre-order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Evaluation-Shoestring-Alaina-Szlachta/dp/1957157720 Year after year, talent development professionals report that lack of time, lack of support or partnership from stakeholders, and limited budgets are key barriers to measuring and evaluating their learning programs. Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring offers TD professionals a process to measure what matters to the organization with the tools and resources they have available. M&E pro Alaina Szlachta applies the Build-Borrow-Buy approach...2024-10-2930 min
Learning MattersEP 26: E-Learning and Corporate Training: Lisa Ekern’s Approach to Instructional Design SuccessThis week, we're joined by Lisa Ekern a Senior Instructional Designer for ttcInnovations. She takes us through her journey in L&D as well as where she gets inspiration from, how she stays on top of industry changes, and where she sees the future of corporate learning. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augment...2024-10-2221 min
Learning MattersPowering the Future: Custom Training Solutions for the Evolving Energy SectorThe world of learning and development (L&D) is always changing, but nowhere is that more evident than in the energy sector. With new technology emerging every day, governments investing in clean energy, and a new generation entering the workforce, training professionals have a lot on their plates. Anne Campbell, founder of Campbell Training Solutions, is someone who has embraced these challenges head-on. Her journey into the field of L&D is a reminder that sometimes the best career paths are the unexpected ones. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional...2024-10-1531 min
Learning MattersEP 24: Serious GamesThis week we're joined by Eric Berget and Rose Benedicks as they discuss the origins, process, and concept of Serious Games. We take a deep dive into what might be the most exciting new trend in Learning and Development. If you'd like to know more about Serious Games, Rose will be doing a presentation Oct 30th for The Training Industry. Sign up here: https://trainingindustry.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__2HUfOZ4Te2nVYF832lsGQ#/registration–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee co...2024-10-0833 min
Learning MattersEP 23: Service Delivery Team MeetupThis week we head to Kansas City to meet up with the heads of the Service Delivery Team at ttcInnovations, and they dove into some fascinating topics around learning, team development, and organizational changes. We were able to steal a little of their time to get some insights on how they approach learning and what they’re excited for in the future of ttcInnovations and corporate training.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences...2024-10-0114 min
Learning MattersEP 22: Fractional Consulting Experts, Extended Reality, and Utilizing DataThis week we're joined by Tarrel Pierson, Co-Founder of Navigant Learning to discuss his journey in L&D and the exciting things that Navigant have to offer corporate clients. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhP...2024-09-1026 min
Learning MattersEP 21: Tips From a Senior ID: Selecting SMEs, Engaging Learners, and the Future of L&DThis week we’re joined on the podcast by Margharita Nehme. Margharita is a Certified Professional in Talent and Development (CPTD) and an accomplished learning design and technology specialist. She holds a Master’s of Educational Technology and has over 15 years of experience in providing results-driven and impactful learning experiences. Her expertise includes creating, implementing, and evaluating training programs, learning blueprints, and technology integration. She’s also one of ttcInnovations’ Senior IDs.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking...2024-08-2847 min
Learning MattersEP 20: Why Learning MattersThis week we're taking a look back on the first few months of the podcast to showcase some of the incredible guests and their stories on why learning matters. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhP...2024-08-2053 min
Learning MattersEP 19: Creating and Managing Compelling Corporate ContentThis week we're joined by Kausta Spann of Kausation Consulting to discuss the importance of creating and managing compelling content for corporate learning. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🤝 Need extra hands fast? Try staff augmentation! Click here to get matched with experts in 48 hours - no job posting needed. https://bit.ly/4aOhPKq 🚀 Simplify outsourcing wit...2024-08-0619 min
Learning MattersEP 18: Using Experiential Learning to Take Start-Ups to the Next LevelThis week, we're excited to chat with Katie McLaughlin about the McLaughlin Method and the magic of experiential learning. Katie's journey into adult learning began when she realized how powerful theater techniques could be for creating engaging and immersive learning experiences. She blends her theatrical background with her expertise in adult learning principles, crafting interactive and memorable sessions that really resonate with people.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? C...2024-07-3032 min
Learning MattersEP 17: What Is XR and How Does It Benefit Employee Training?This week we’re joined by XR Training Lead, Brian Melven to discuss all things Virtual and Augmented Reality. As an XR training lead, Brian’s job is all about connecting the latest tech with effective learning solutions. He collaborates with experts, instructional designers, and developers to create immersive training simulations that let learners practice in safe, controlled environments.Brian's strength lies in understanding how VR and AR can meet specific training needs. He’s a big believer in experiential learning and is always looking for new ways to make training more engaging, interactive, and memorable.––––...2024-07-2324 min
Learning MattersEP 16: 4 Ways Storytelling Transforms Employee TrainingEric Berget is a renowned expert in the field of learning experience design, with a particular focus on harnessing the power of storytelling. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that well-crafted narratives can have on learners, captivating their attention, igniting their emotions, and leaving a lasting impression.Drawing from his extensive experience, Eric shares personal anecdotes and compelling examples of projects that have seamlessly integrated storytelling into their core. One such project involved designing a training program for a healthcare organization, where he wove together the stories of patients and caregivers, creating an im...2024-07-1633 min
Learning MattersEP 15: Highs and Lows of Owning a L&D Company, Navigating Labor Laws, & the Future of ttcInnovationsThis week we're joined again by Debbie Wooldridge CEO and founder of ttcInnovations as she answers questions from our audience ranging from the future of L&D, how corporate training has changed over the years, to favorite books from this year. We want to thank everyone who submitted questions. This was a fun one to record. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us for a free consultation! https://b...2024-07-0941 min
Learning MattersEP 14: Creating Scalable Social Learning Solutions for Corporate TrainingIn this week’s episode of the Learning Matters podcast, Doug chatted with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD, from Your Instructional Designer. Nicole is a pro in corporate instructional design and social learning at scale. They talked about Nicole's unique path into the learning and development field, her approach to creating impactful learning experiences, and the innovative strategies her company uses to foster continuous learning within organizations.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without...2024-07-0225 min
Learning MattersEP 13: Measuring Corporate Training Effectiveness & Fostering Employee KnowledgeWe're joined this week on the podcast by Megan Gutierrez, founder and CEO of Taproot Learning Connections. We discuss the Taproot method of measuring the effectiveness of corporate training, her beginnings in corporate instructional design, her passion behind learning and why training is so important, the origins behind her starting a corporate training business, as well as her company's focus on DEI and how to make diversity a staple in your adult learning programs. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance...2024-06-2546 min
Learning MattersEP 12: How TikTok Has Changed The Way We LearnJoin us this week on the show as we sit down with Venessa Alzate, founder and CEO of Anchored Training to discuss how TikTok and micro-learning have changed the way we learn. Find out how you can take your training from long-form to easily digestable, engaging, and exciting chunks to match the way most folks take in information in the new digital age. –––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change with immersive learning experiences. Through instructional strategy, design, and content development we empower employee confidence, performance, and results.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? C...2024-06-1835 min
Learning MattersEP 11: The Future of Voiceovers: How AI is Revolutionizing Audio ProductionWe got a bunch of questions from the episode where I talked about AI for voiceovers, so this week we dive into the fascinating world of AI voiceovers and how they're shaking up the L&D industry. Thanks to incredible advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, AI voices are now impressively human-like, capable of conveying emotions, tones, and all the quirks that make us unique.We’ll explore the journey from robotic-sounding voices to today’s remarkable AI-generated speech. Meet 11 Labs, the Swiss Army knife of AI voiceovers. From seamless text-to-speech and versatile speech-to-speech features to a...2024-06-1124 min
Learning MattersEP 10: Elevate Your L&D Team: The Art and Science of Working with Staffing ProvidersIn this episode, we're sharing a webinar with Teresa Chiaputo and Debbie Wooldridge discussing the art and science of working with staffing providers in the learning and development industry. They explore strategies for meeting evolving needs, such as adding more employees to the L&D team, purchasing off-the-shelf training, partnering with L&D staffing providers, or ignoring the problems altogether. They also discuss the importance of conducting training needs analysis, navigating talent needs and bridging skill gaps, cultivating a crew that sails in harmony and sparks innovation, and navigating change and future-proofing staffing strategies. The conversation emphasizes...2024-06-0459 min
Learning MattersEP 09: Freelance Instructional Design vs. Corporate Staff Augmentation Learning RolesDave's journey from creating presentation graphics to developing online training content has put him at the heart of major industry changes. He shares how multimedia elements and web-based training have transformed learning, making it more accessible and engaging.We also dive into the differences between freelancing and staff augmentation, the power of building strong relationships, and Dave's unique experience at Intel. Plus, we explore the challenges of using AI in training and what the future holds for learning and development.Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Dave's insights on staying adaptable...2024-05-2857 min
Learning MattersEP 08: Human vs. AI Voiceovers, Capturing Good Audio for Training, and Launching a PodcastIn this special episode, we flip the script and interview our host, Doug Wooldridge, to get his unique take on the podcasting world, AI voiceovers, and his personal passions like BBQ and baking. Doug shares his career journey, proudest moments, and future aspirations, mixing useful podcasting tips with engaging personal anecdotes.Tune in to hear about the pros and cons of AI voiceovers, essential tips for preparing for podcast interviews, must-have equipment for high-quality sound, and strategies for landing great guests. Plus, get a taste of Doug’s love for cooking, particularly his sourdough bread and BBQ ex...2024-05-211h 00
Learning MattersEP 07: Staying Competitive and Innovative: Tips for Senior Instructional DesignersJoin us on the podcast as we chat with Dr. Robin Sargent, a seasoned pro in learning and development. Discover her journey from teaching to founding IDOL Courses, an innovative program for instructional design. Learn about embracing imperfection, keys to success in instructional design, and the future of the field, including AI integration and the importance of data. Plus, find out how to stand out in this competitive market and explore the IDOL Courses Program, designed to kickstart or advance your career in instructional design in just 24 weeks. Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the...2024-05-1446 min
Learning MattersEP 06: How to Recruit, Hire, and Retain Top L&D TalentJoin us this week as we dive into the world of recruiting and maintaining instructional design talent with Nicole Whitney, Director of Talent at ttcInnovations. Discover the keys to crafting standout resumes and portfolios, acing interviews, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of corporate learning. Learn how Nicole stays ahead of industry trends and fosters a culture fit within her teams. Plus, uncover insider tips for recruiting success and maintaining your mojo in the hiring hustle. Tune in for expert advice and actionable strategies to build your dream team and drive results.–––––––––––––––––At ttcInnovations, we help businesses create lasting change w...2024-05-0743 min
Learning MattersEP 05: Amplifying Black Voices in L&D, Finding Community, and Work-Life BalanceIn this episode, join us as we chat with Mallori Steele, an Instructional Designer, entrepreneur, and community builder. Mallori shares her journey into Learning & Development (L&D) while living abroad, juggling motherhood and a quest for remote work. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and self-care as a working mom.Inspired by her experiences, Mallori founded the Badass Moms community, offering support and empowerment to mothers. She also sheds light on the need for diversity in L&D through initiatives like Black in L&D, promoting visibility for Black professionals and driving change.Tune...2024-04-3043 min
Learning MattersEP 04: How to Launch a New Service and Secure Clients Pre-LaunchJoin us this week on Learning Matters as we sit down with a portion of the ttcInnovations Sales team, Teresa Chiapputo and Brady Grover. We discuss the latest and greatest offering from ttcInnovations, the Subscription Learning Services, and how empowering your employees to come up with new ideas to best meet client needs breeds innovation. As well as how to bring those clients in pre-launch to work hand-in-hand to develop a product that can be a game changer for all clients, big or small.Resources:Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Buzz, our bi-weekly...2024-04-2345 min
Learning MattersEP 03: Cultivating Empathy: The Art of AI Storytelling in LearningJoin Eric Berget, our Creative Solutions Lead at Dashe, as we chat about how to make learning more fun and engaging using storytelling techniques and AI tools. If you want to grab your learners' attention and keep them interested, this episode is for you! Eric explains the difference between making learning experiences and instructional design, stressing the importance of thinking about what your learners really need and like. He also talks about using AI tools like Midjourney to make captivating images and graphics for your learning content. Tune in for the tradeoffs and a word of caution not to...2024-04-1652 min
Learning MattersEP 02: Secrets to Securing Repeat Business with Customer LoyaltyJoin us as we chat with Debbie Wooldridge, CEO and Founder of ttcInnovations, as she shares the key business strategies for building a sustainable learning and development company. Debbie shares her journey of reaching the million-dollar milestone, highlighting challenges in expanding her client base and positioning the company as a partner rather than just an outsourced solution. Emphasizing authenticity, integrity, and continuous improvement, Debbie also discusses strategies for staying motivated and overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges like burnout, alongside tactics for long-term success. She found growth opportunities through programs like Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, gaining new perspectives and ideas for...2024-04-1654 min
Learning MattersEP 01: From Corporate Instructional Designer to 6-Figure Freelancer in 1 YearWe're sitting down with our founder Debbie Wooldridge to dive into the early days of ttcInnovations, the challenges of navigating industry changes, and the lessons learned on her path to a 7-figure business. Debbie shares her journey from working in childcare to becoming an instructional designer and training manager in corporate America. She discusses the challenges she faced with new leadership and the impact of a changing company culture. Debbie also talks about her transition to contracting and starting her own instructional design business, DW Training and Development, Inc.. Throughout her journey, she emphasizes the importance of creating relevant...2024-04-161h 10
Learning MattersWelcome to the Learning Matters Podcast by ttcInnovationsWelcome to the Learning Matters podcast, your go-to resource for learning leaders and consultants passionate about professional growth and impactful development! Get weekly insights on instructional design, leadership, training tools, and staffing strategies to stay ahead. Hosted by Doug Wooldridge of ttcInnovations, we blend real-life case studies, stories, and insights from industry leaders and innovators to inspire impactful learning experiences.At ttcInnovations, we build custom training for businesses using top-tier talent to create dynamic learning ecosystems, driving lasting change through strategy, design, and development.💡 Looking for custom learning experiences without licensing fees? Contact us f...2024-03-2001 min