TorranceLearning has a Podcast! Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild as they discuss topics that are on everyone's mind in L&D.
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August 4, 202619 min
Episode 37: Helping Organizations Navigate Change with Fraser Lockhart
In this episode, Megan Torrance chats with Fraser Lockhart about his journey from leading sales performance at major organizations like Dawn Foods, Pepsi, Coke, and Campbell Soup to running his own business as a change coach. The conversation centers on navigating change during technology rollouts, why adoption stalls, and how learning, leadership, and change management converge. Key takeaways include: Why the ADKAR model is valuable for change and learning initiatives The similarities and crossover between L&D and change management The importance of early and ongoing alignment with both executive sponsors and people managers The productivity habit Fraser Lockhart uses to kickstart coaching sessions Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: Focal Point Coaching The Prosci ADKAR® Model | Prosci Connect with Fraser Lockhart on LinkedIn AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 28, 202627 min
Episode 35: Measuring AI Collaboration: PAICE.work with Sam Rogers
Organizations are investing in AI tools, tracking usage, and providing training—but are those measures telling us whether people can actually work with AI effectively? In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning , Megan Torrance talks with Sam Rogers, founder and CEO of PAICE.work, about measuring People + AI Collaboration Effectiveness . Sam explains why tool adoption, course completion, and self-reported confidence offer only a limited view of AI capability—and how behavioral observation can help organizations understand what people actually do when AI is incomplete, uncertain, or wrong. They explore AI collaboration as a performance system, the importance of governance readiness, and the role of privacy-first measurement in identifying organizational risks without turning assessment into employee surveillance. Sam also shares why effective AI use depends less on technical knowledge than on judgment, accountability, verification, and the ability to improve the work produced with AI in the loop. Key topics discussed Why AI usage and training completion do not necessarily demonstrate capability What PAICE—People + AI Collaboration Effectiveness measures The five dimensions of the PAICE framework: performance, accountability, integrity, collaboration, and evolution The difference between using AI and collaborating effectively with AI Why behavioral observation can reveal more than knowledge tests or self-assessments How PAICE evaluates performance through an adaptive, work-like AI simulation Governance readiness, including guardrails, review cycles, ownership, and escalation paths Measuring human-level AI risk rather than focusing only on the technology Protecting individual privacy while giving organizations an aggregate view of capability gaps Designing AI systems to support privacy, equity, accessibility, and responsible participation Sam’s multi-model workflow, Obsidian system, paper notebooks, and resistance to doing everything on a phone Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources and links from this episode Learning Transfer Evaluation Model: Will Thalheimer’s framework for evaluating learning outcomes and performance PAICE Framework Whitepaper: Measuring People + AI Collaboration Where It Actually Happens PAICE.work: Learn more about the behavioral assessment of People + AI Collaboration Effectiveness. Voice AI in Firms: A Natural Field Experiment on Automated Job Interviews AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 23, 202612 min
Episode 34: The AI Implementation Canvas: Human-Centered Adoption & Change (Part 4 of 4)
In the final episode of our four-part series on the AI Implementation Canvas, Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance explore Human-Centered Adoption & Change. They discuss how learning professionals can help organizations prepare people for AI-enabled work, support ongoing change, and keep human needs at the center of implementation. From AI literacy and upskilling, to fairness, inclusion, and social well-being, this episode focuses on the people systems affected by every AI decision. Listeners will learn: How learning professionals can facilitate cross-functional conversations about AI Why successful adoption requires more than introducing a new tool How to support people through changes to workflows, behaviors, and expectations The progression from AI literacy to proficiency and fluency Why AI learning and skill development must be revisited as technology evolves How fairness, equity, inclusion, and human well-being fit into AI implementation When high-impact or fast-moving decisions may require more review and human perspective Why Human-Centered Adoption & Change is an area where learning professionals can lead Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode Read Megan's New Book! Connect with Megan Torrance on LinkedIn AI Transparency Statement AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 21, 202612 min
Episode 33: The AI Implementation Canvas: Design & Implementation Enablers (Part 3 of 4)
In Part 3 of our four-part series on the AI Implementation Canvas, Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance explore the Design & Implementation Enablers section of the Canvas. They discuss how organizations can move from scattered AI experiments to structured pilots, thoughtfully select which ideas to pursue, and safely scale the projects that show promise. They also explore how learning professionals can bring their existing strengths in measurement, impact, collaboration, and capability building to AI initiatives. Listeners will learn: How repeated use of the AI Implementation Canvas builds organizational capability Why organizations need structured ways to propose, evaluate, and support AI pilots How consistent criteria can help identify which experiments should move forward What to consider when transitioning an AI project from pilot to scale Why security, stress testing, monitoring, and clear stop conditions become critical at scale How to measure AI activity, effectiveness, and business outcomes How experimentation can build skills, encourage collaboration, and connect employees with organizational goals Stay tuned for Part 4. Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode Connect with Megan Torrance on LinkedIn Read Megan's New Book! Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb AI Transparency Statement AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 14, 202613 min
Episode 32: The AI Implementation Canvas: Technology & Experience Infrastructure (Part 2 of 4)
In Part 2 of our four-part series on the AI Implementation Canvas, Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance explore the Technology & Experience Infrastructure section of the Canvas. They discuss why successful AI implementation requires more than selecting the right tools. Organizations also need to consider how technology fits into existing workflows, whether the user experience supports the people doing the work, and what governance practices are needed to keep AI use safe, transparent, and effective. Listeners will learn: Why AI implementation should bring technology, business, and learning teams together How learning professionals can help nontechnical stakeholders ask better questions Why user experience can determine whether an AI solution succeeds or fails How poorly-integrated tools can slow people down instead of improving performance What AI governance includes and why it matters How learning teams can advocate for users, support changing workflows, and help communicate new guardrails Stay tuned for Part 3. Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode Connect with Megan Torrance on LinkedIn Read Megan's New Book! AI Transparency Statement AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 10, 202611 min
Episode 31: The AI Implementation Canvas: Strategic Foundations (Part 1 of 4)
In this kickoff episode of our four-part series on the AI Implementation Canvas, Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance discuss the foundations of successful AI adoption in organizations. They introduce the AI Implementation Canvas—featured in the AI Implementation Guide from ATD Press—which outlines 14 planning dimensions, thoughtfully organized into four manageable sections. This episode is all about the first section: Strategic Foundations. Listeners will learn: The importance of aligning AI initiatives with organizational business strategy and goals How to consider workforce impact, talent planning, and evolving skill needs when introducing AI Legal and regulatory considerations in implementing AI, including the value of involving legal experts early How to assess organizational readiness, including data quality, process clarity, and partnership requirements Why learning professionals are uniquely positioned to connect the right stakeholders and facilitate these strategic conversations Stay tuned for deeper dives into Technology & Experience Infrastructure, Design & Implementation Enablers, and Human-Centered Adoption & Change in upcoming episodes! Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: Read Megan's New Book! Connect with Megan Torrance on LinkedIn AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 7, 202629 min
Episode 30: Behavioral Science in Learning: Insights & Applications with Joy VerPlanck
In this engaging episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, Megan Torrance sits down with Joy VerPlanck of JVP Creative Solutions to unpack the powerful intersection of behavioral science and learning design. Drawing from experiences in high-stakes environments and collaborations with global thought leaders, Joy VerPlanck shares practical insights on: The core concepts of behavioral science and its relevance beyond marketing—specifically within learning & development The paradox of choice and how limiting options can actually increase learner satisfaction The role of nudges and choice architecture in guiding learners toward successful outcomes Normative social influence and its double-edged power to shape learning culture—for better or worse Strategies for using social proof, opt-out design, and peer modeling to foster behavioral change at scale The conversation includes concrete examples, advice for leaders considering behavioral science as a tool for good, and recommendations for must-read books like Nudge and Good Awkward . Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: Connect with Joy on LinkedIn Good Awkward by Henna Pryor Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein JVP Creative Solutions AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
July 3, 202644 min
Episode 29: Crossover Episode w/ GrowthReady: Growth Is What You Learn From the Leap w/ Megan Torrance – Readiness, AI, and Leadership
This special crossover episode features Megan Torrance from TorranceLearning, who joined the GrowthReady podcast for an insightful discussion on growth, learning, and leadership. We're excited to reshare this episode with our listeners! In this episode, Steve sits down with Megan Torrance to unpack what it really means to be growth ready. Megan reframes growth as what we learn from a leap, not just the leap itself, and explains why readiness is less about feeling fully prepared and more about having the mindset, tools, support, and willingness to step into the next challenge anyway. Megan shares how real growth happens when people are clear on the goal, supported with the right systems, and willing to reflect in the middle of discomfort. Key topics and themes discussed: What “growth ready” really means Why growth comes from learning through the leap The difference between being a teacher and teaching Why workplace learning should focus on performance, not completion Reflection as a critical part of the learning loop The role of AI in personalized learning and leadership development Readiness, uncertainty, and the “gulp” before the next challenge Building systems that make the next right action easier Curiosity as a driver of long-term growth Expanding capacity inside and outside of work Lessons from ice hockey, coaching, and endurance hiking Resources & Links from this Episode: AI Platform for Schools & Districts | MagicSchool Khan Academy Megan Torrance on LinkedIn AI Implementation Guide for L&D by Megan Torrance About GrowthReady: GrowthReady is a podcast exploring what it takes to prepare for—and drive—meaningful growth, with a focus on leadership, organizational culture, and transformation. Resharing courtesy of the GrowthReady podcast.
June 30, 202634 min
Episode 28: Order Taker No More: Transforming L&D into Strategic Business Partners with Jess Almlie
In this episode of Tangents with Torranclearning, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild welcome Jess Almlie, author of "L&D Order Taker No More," to discuss the journey of evolving Learning & Development from transactional order fulfillment to a valued strategic business partnership. Jess shares the origin story behind her book, the necessity of aligning L&D work with business outcomes, and practical ways to break free from the "order taker" mindset. Key topics discussed include: The critical moment that inspired Jess Almlie to shift her approach to L&D The importance of business fluency and proactive collaboration for L&D professionals How to move beyond helpfulness toward true partnership Tips for making meaningful change, even when organizational structures reinforce old patterns The skills L&D practitioners need to succeed as strategic partners—including influence, consultation, measurement, and business acumen Listen for Jess Almlie's feisty message to the L&D community on ditching complaints and stepping into your strategic power. Whether you're an L&D leader or just starting your journey, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stop taking orders and start driving real impact. Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: L&D Must Change Podcast With Jess Almlie | Insights for L&D Leaders Leaders — Almlie Consulting Jess Almlie - Almlie Consulting | LinkedIn Amazon.com: L&D Order Taker No More!: Become a Strategic Business Partner: 9781960231260: Almlie, Jess: Books AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
June 26, 202616 min
Episode 27: Learning is a Journey, Not an Event: 10 Moments That Shape Learning
Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild continue their exploration of Learning, Science, and Experience (LSX) by unpacking on of the 10 design commitments—Learning is a Journey, Not an Event. They discuss how a learner-centric map of how capability develops over time. Drawing inspiration from Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher’s Five Moments of Need® model, Megan Torrance expands on the model to outline ten key points along the learning journey—from pre-awareness and preparation, through formal learning and real-world application, to troubleshooting, adapting to change, and ultimately teaching others. Key topics and resources discussed: LSX (Learning, Science, and Experience) The Five Moments of Need® model by Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher Brinkerhoff's High Impact Learning® Model The Prosci ADKAR® Change Management Model Learn why each point in the learning arc offers different opportunities for support and intervention, and discover practical tips for prompting application and habit formation. Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: Blooms Taxonomy | Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning Brinkerhoff’s High Impact Learning Model — Referenced by Megan Torrance in connection with preparation to learn and pre-learning conversations The Prosci ADKAR® Model | Prosci 5 Moments of Need: Workflow Learning for Job Performance AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.
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