The Business of Learning

Hosted by Training Industry, Inc.

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Business of Learning is produced by the team at TrainingIndustry.com, and focuses on the intersection of business performance and human capital development. Our guests are experts and innovators in organizational learning and development, and we highlight original research on trends and best practices in corporate training.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 2, 202628 min

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: Learning Transformation — the Science, Strategy and Tech Behind Real Impact

What does learning transformation look like in practice, and how can L&D leaders move past simply delivering training to creating meaningful business and learner impact? In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by TalentLMS, Nick Gonios, vice president of learning transformation and company ambassador at TalentLMS, shares tips on how organizations can rethink learning strategies to better engage modern employees and drive lasting change. Tune in now for insights on: What learning transformation really means in today’s workplace How cognitive science and modern learner behavior should shape L&D strategies The role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling effective learning transformation

May 27, 2026Episode 9727 min

The Business of Learning, Episode 97: Measuring Training Impact and ROI

How can learning leaders prove the value of training in an environment where budgets are tight and business impact matters more than ever? In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by VPS, Paul Kent, director of functional development at PepsiCo, shares actionable strategies for measuring training ROI and building stronger alignment between learning and organizational goals. Tune in now for insights on: How the concept of training ROI has evolved in today’s business climate Common mistakes organizations make when measuring learning impact First steps for L&D teams looking to strengthen their measurement strategy

April 30, 2026Episode 9726 min

The Business of Learning, Special Episode: A CLO’s Look at L&D in the Future of Work

Learning and development (L&D) is stepping into a more strategic role as organizations navigate constant change, evolving skill demands and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). As expectations shift, how can L&D teams adapt? In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Instructure, we spoke with Melissa Loble, chief learning officer at Instructure, to explore how L&D is evolving in the future of work and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly complex environment. Tune in now for insights on: Why L&D is becoming a key driver of organizational success How AI is transforming learning design and development The skills CLOs need now to stay competitive How to align learning strategies with business outcomes

April 23, 2026Episode 9640 min

The Business of Learning, Episode 96: Training the Frontline Workforce

Frontline workers are the backbone of many organizations, and their learning needs require approaches that are both flexible and job-relevant. With limited time, inconsistent access to technology and constantly shifting demands, traditional training approaches don’t always stick. So, how can L&D better support this critical audience? In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with JD Dillon, advisor, speaker and author of “The Frontline Enablement Playbook” and “The Modern Learning Ecosystem,” to explore how organizations can rethink training for front-line employees and embed learning into the flow of work. Tune in now for insights on: Why traditional training often fails front-line workers — and what to do instead How to design learning that fits seamlessly into the flow of work The critical role managers play in reinforcing learning and driving real behavior change

March 26, 2026Episode 9529 min

The Business of Learning, Episode 95: Navigating Imposter Syndrome as an L&D Leader

Imposter syndrome can quietly undermine even the most accomplished L&D professionals, causing self-doubt, hesitation and stress in day-to-day work. But what does it really look like in training and development, and how can professionals overcome it to lead with confidence? In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Loren Sanders, CPTM and vice president of learning strategy and consulting at WeLearn Learning Services, and Ruth Phillips, training and education senior specialist at Higginbotham, to explore practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome. Tune in now for insights on: How imposter syndrome can show up in L&D professionals’ daily work Mindset shifts and practical strategies to manage self-doubt Advice for learning leaders to reframe pressure and move forward with confidence

February 27, 2026Episode 9425 min

The Business of Learning, Episode 94: Developing Emotionally Intelligent Leaders in the Age of AI

Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly critical for leaders, especially in workplaces shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change. But what does it actually mean to lead with emotional intelligence, and how can L&D teams help develop this capability in leaders? In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Dr. Mikah Sellers, best-selling author, workforce futurist and enterprise transformation leader, to explore how organizations can cultivate emotionally intelligent leaders and why this skill set is more essential than ever. Tune in now for insights on: What emotionally intelligent leadership looks like in practice in AI-driven workplaces Why emotional intelligence is a trainable and strategic leadership capability How organizations can assess and measure emotional intelligence effectively

January 29, 2026Episode 9325 min

The Business of Learning, Episode 93: Applying Product Management Principles to Your L&D Strategy

Learning and development (L&D) teams are increasingly expected to think beyond programs and courses to operate more like strategic partners to the business. But what does that actually look like in practice? One approach is applying product management principles to how L&D designs and delivers learning. In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Rashi Kakkar, global portfolio leader, leadership and development at McKinsey’s Leadership Center of Excellence, to explore how product management mindsets can help L&D teams align learning more closely with business outcomes and learner needs. Tune in now for insights on: The similarities between product management and modern L&D processes What L&D can learn from product managers about taking a more strategic, business-first approach How customer-centric thinking can improve learning design and impact

December 16, 2025Episode 9328 min

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: How to Advance Your L&D Career

Moving into higher-level or executive positions in learning and development (L&D) requires strategic thinking, business alignment and a clear understanding of what senior L&D roles truly entail. From building the right competencies to navigating common career roadblocks, L&D professionals need a roadmap for stepping into roles like chief learning officer (CLO) or vice president of learning. In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Amy DuVernet, Ph.D., CPTM, vice president of learning products at Training Industry, to explore what it takes to grow your L&D career into executive leadership. Tune in now to hear insights on: Key higher-level L&D job titles to know The core skills and competencies required to step into executive positions The role certifications and professional development programs can play in career advancement Common roadblocks L&D professionals face when pursuing higher-level roles — and how to overcome them

December 9, 2025Episode 9248 min

The Business of Learning, Episode 92: Leadership Skills Development

Developing effective leaders is more important than ever, but understanding which skills matter most and how to build them can be challenging. From navigating new team dynamics to giving impactful feedback, today’s leaders need both foundational and modern leadership capabilities to thrive. In this episode of The Business of Learning, we spoke with Gena Cox, Ph.D., organizational psychologist and speaker, and Jevon Gondwe, founder of Influential Skills, to discuss how learning and development (L&D) can help leaders succeed in today’s evolving work environment. Tune in now for insights on: How leadership skills have shifted in recent years and which foundational skills remain essential Key challenges leaders face today and strategies for overcoming them How L&D can support leaders in giving effective feedback to improve team performance Approaches to measuring the impact of leadership skills training

November 19, 202521 min

The Business of Learning, Bonus Episode: Unpacking L&D Trends

In celebration of Training Industry’s 20-year anniversary, we asked our listeners to share their perspectives on the past, present and future of learning and development (L&D). In this bonus episode of The Business of Learning, we dig into your submissions and explore the L&D trends that shaped the last two decades — and those that will define the future of the field. Tune in now to hear insights on: How AI-powered role-play is reshaping skills development The ways the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the L&D industry Why, despite new technologies, the future of L&D remains deeply human