Mary Pelusi, Director of KPMG, shares how AI is reshaping the learning and development sector and what it means for facilitators and leaders. She discusses the rise of generative AI, the shift toward microlearning and the role of the modern facilitator. From ethical AI frameworks to experience orchestration, Mary explains how L&D can embrace innovation while staying grounded in human connection.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

06:00 AI is not just another tool but a transformational shift across content creation and personalization.

07:30 The real opportunity is augmenting facilitators, not replacing them.

09:00 AI can streamline prep, analyze feedback and create targeted improvement plans.

11:00 Microlearning fits into the small cracks of the day and respects learner attention.

12:00 Responsible AI use requires structured frameworks like Think Prompt Check.

19:00 Modern facilitators must move from lecture style to experience orchestration.

21:00 Strategic questioning, storytelling and psychological safety drive engagement.

27:00 AI should enable creativity while human leadership remains essential.

28:00 Radical candor balances personal care with direct challenge.

Resources Mentioned:

Mary Pelusi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-pelusi/

KPMG | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpmg-us/

KPMG | Website

https://kpmg.com/

“Applying AI in Learning and Development” by Josh Cavalier

https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Learning-Development-Platforms-Performance/dp/1960231529

“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott

https://www.amazon.com/-/es/dp/1250235375

Training Magazine

https://trainingmag.com

TRACOM Group

https://www.tracom.com

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment

On this episode, Liz Ramon, Director of Talent Management of Castle Group, joins us to discuss how learning and development continues to evolve and why L&D plays a critical role in developing confident leaders, adaptable workforces and practical learning experiences that drive performance. Liz shares her career journey into L&D, the shift toward microlearning and learning in the flow of work, and what skills matter most for leaders navigating constant change.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:10 L&D focuses on practical and relevant learning experiences that can be applied immediately.

05:35 Microlearning and on-demand content reshape how people learn, driven by learner expectations for fast, targeted information.

07:50 L&D must meet multiple generations where they are, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

08:15 Capturing institutional knowledge becomes critical as tenured employees exit the workforce.

08:40 Learning increasingly happens in the flow of work, supported by technology but still grounded in human connection.

08:55 Leaders are expected to coach and mentor more, especially emerging leaders who lack prior experience in people leadership.

11:10 Strong mentorship accelerates growth by developing not only skills but also confidence, judgment and empathy.

15:20 Adaptability and self-awareness are essential skills that help leaders stay relevant and build trust during constant change.

Resources Mentioned:

Liz Ramon

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-ramon/

Castle Group

https://www.linkedin.com/company/castle-group/

Association for Talent Development (ATD)

https://www.td.org

Training Industry

https://trainingindustry.com

Training Magazine Conference

https://www.trainingconference.com

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36072.The_7_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining

Alissa Weiher, Senior Director of Organizational Development, Engagement and Retention of UCHealth, reflects on her 20-year career in learning and development. She shares how L&D has evolved from tactical training to a strategic function shaped by AI, data and cross-functional collaboration while keeping the human experience at the center of change.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:49 Career paths into L&D often begin through hands-on training.

03:48 L&D evolves from tactical support to strategic influence.

05:15 Direct relationships strengthen learning insight and decision-making.

08:17 Learning functions as part of the total rewards experience.

09:24 AI changes how work is designed and performed.

11:14 Human judgment remains essential alongside AI.

21:02 Learning agility enables effective navigation through change.

28:28 L&D leadership requires ongoing self-development.

Resources Mentioned:

Alissa Weiher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissaweiher/

UCHealth | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uchealth/

UCHealth | Website

https://www.uchealth.org/

Association for Talent Development (ATD)

https://www.td.org

Learning Geeks podcast

https://www.learninggeekspodcast.com

“Leading the Learning Function” by MJ Hall and Laleh Patel

https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Learning-Function-Techniques-Organizational/dp/1950496619

Thanks for listening to “Learning Leader Spotlight: Interviews with corporate L&D leaders.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of the insightful conversations.

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment