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Explore every episode of the podcast Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

Dive into the complete episode list for Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Human-First in the Age of AI: Arika Pierce Williams on Rebranding Leadership for a New Era12 Aug 202500:34:27

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Arika Pierce Williams, CEO and Founder of Piercing Strategies, to talk about what it really means to lead in the AI era—without losing what makes us human.

Arika isn’t just rethinking leadership—she’s rebranding it. Through her Human-First Leadership™ framework, she’s helping organizations develop leaders who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and equipped to guide teams through rapid change, without burning out.

We dive into:

  • Why Gen Z is reshaping how leadership is defined—and what they want from it
  • What “conscious unbossing” is, and why some emerging leaders are opting out of promotions
  • How AI is freeing up time—but also eroding connection, unless we’re intentional
  • The five elements of the HUMAN method: Hear, Understand, Motivate, Amplify, Navigate
  • Why reflection, habits, and vulnerability are key to lasting behavior change
  • What L&D teams must do now to remain strategic partners in cultural transformation
  • The importance of relationship-based learning in creating real, lasting impact
  • How Arika balances thought leadership with grounded, client-driven insights

If you’ve been wondering how to build the next generation of leaders—and how to help people managers lead with empathy, resilience, and authenticity—this episode is your roadmap.

🔗 Connect with Arika on LinkedIn or at piercingstrategies.com

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From Tension to Transformation: Janet Harvey on Coaching, Culture, and Leading with Wholeness17 Jun 202500:36:31

What if the real key to innovation isn’t speed, strategy, or structure—but the ability to sit with discomfort long enough to transform it?

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Janet Harvey, CEO of inviteCHANGE, former global president of the International Coaching Federation, and one of the most influential voices in coaching and leadership development over the past three decades.

With more than 12,000 hours of coaching experience across six continents, Janet shares how she’s seen the coaching field evolve—and what leaders must now embrace if they want to create real, sustainable change.

We explore:

  • Why coaching is no longer reserved for the top of the house—and how it can strengthen people managers at every level
  • How to move from a scarcity mindset to a wholeness mindset in leadership
  • Why building connection isn’t optional—it’s our biological default
  • How AI and tech can become partners, not threats, in building more human workplaces
  • What it means to “fall in love with the problem” in order to unlock generative thinking and innovation
    Janet’s wisdom is powerful, grounded, and deeply human—and her call to action is clear: Stop avoiding tension. Start transforming through it.

📌 Links Mentioned

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Speak the Language of Power: Ash Seddeek on Executive Presence and Strategic Influence07 Oct 202500:27:48

In this episode of Catalysts, Jacob Ratliff sits down with Ash Seddeek, founder of Executive Greatness Institute, to talk about what it really takes to elevate your executive presence, master influence, and earn trust in the rooms where decisions get made.

Ash has coached senior leaders at Amazon, Salesforce, Cisco, and Capital One—and his message is clear: If you can’t communicate with clarity and power, you won’t move the business forward.

In this conversation, we dig into:

  • Why trust is the real currency of leadership—and how to earn it
  • The difference between executive visibility and self-promotion
  • What it means to speak the “language of power” without posturing
  • How to tailor your message to different stakeholders—including the C-suite
  • The 3 big communication mistakes even smart leaders make
  • Why being strategic isn’t about talking more—it’s about listening differently
  • How to break the “curse of knowledge” and communicate for impact, not information
  • What L&D leaders can do to coach executives through growth moments

Ash doesn’t just teach influence—he helps leaders embody it. Whether you’re coaching senior leaders or stepping into bigger visibility yourself, this episode is a masterclass in strategic communication that moves people—and businesses—forward.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

🔗 Connect with Ash: LinkedIn | executivegreatness.com

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Better at Being Human: DavidLee Richardson on Leadership, Credibility, and the Power of Empathy29 Jul 202500:33:36

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by DavidLee Richardson, Head of Organizational Leadership Development at Harris & Harris. David brings a grounded, deeply human approach to developing leaders—focusing on trust, credibility, and connection as the foundation for high-impact leadership.

We explore:

  • Why employee engagement data should drive leadership development
  • How he turned How Full Is Your Bucket? into a training program that boosted NPS and team connection
  • What it really means to “give the team away”—and how it transforms culture
  • Why credibility isn’t self-defined—and how to earn it
  • The difference between being collaborative and being perceived as collaborative
  • How people skills will define the next generation of leaders in the age of AI
  • Why empathy, listening, and emotional intelligence are non-negotiables for the future of work

DavidLee doesn’t just talk about leadership—he models it. Tune in for a rich conversation full of insights on leading with intention, building trust, and becoming better at being human.

🎧 Listen now on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

🔗 Connect with DavidLee Richardson on LinkedIn or visit davidlee.ai

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L&D as a Change Catalyst: Cole Bastion on Leading L&D as a Strategic Engine15 Jul 202500:38:40

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Cole Bastion, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at HOA Brands, where he's helped reduce management turnover by 10% and transformed L&D into a powerful driver of enterprise-wide change.

We dive deep into how Cole positions his team not as order-takers—but as change makers.

Key topics we cover:

  • Why L&D must become the “epicenter of transformation” in the org
  • The risks of staying in the traditional training lane
  • How Cole earned the trust to facilitate annual strategy sessions with the executive team
  • His process for evaluating new tech (and avoiding shiny object syndrome)
  • Why visibility matters—and what it’s opened up for him as a leader

Cole’s story is packed with insight on what it really takes to lead learning with purpose, partnership, and influence.

🔗 Connect with Cole on LinkedIn: Cole Bastion, MSIOP

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth.

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Designing Smarter, Leading Better: Andrew O’Malley on AI, Emotion, and the Future of L&D22 Jul 202500:30:47

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Andrew O’Malley, instructional designer and learning strategist, to talk about how L&D is evolving—and what it takes to stay ahead. From experimenting with AI to designing emotionally intelligent learning experiences, Andrew is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in training and development.

We explore:

  • How AI is transforming content development (and where it still falls short)
  • Why speed doesn’t equal quality—and what’s needed to evaluate AI-generated materials
  • The emerging importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and learning
  • Lessons from building a course in a day using generative tools
  • Why reflection, empathy, and resilience matter more than ever in L&D
  • Advice for newcomers breaking into the instructional design field

Whether you’re experimenting with new tools or rethinking your leadership approach, Andrew brings clarity, candor, and creativity to the future of L&D.

🎧 Listen now on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

 🔗 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or follow his insights on YouTube and Instagram @andrewomalley.id

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Learning Isn’t a Checkbox: Taresa Scott on Strategic, Emotionally Intelligent L&D20 May 202500:29:52

What does it really take to create learning that sticks?

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Taresa Scott, founder of Bleuprint, for a refreshing and thought-provoking conversation about what’s broken in traditional L&D—and what we need to do differently.

We talk about why emotional intelligence belongs at the center of learning strategy, how consulting skills can help L&D professionals get a seat at the table, and why supporting first-time managers isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Teresa also shares her take on how AI is shaping the future of development and why curiosity—not compliance—is what drives real growth inside organizations.

If you’re tired of learning being treated like a box to check, this one’s for you.

Connect with Taresa:

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Culture Is a Practice: Chris Dyer on Leading with Clarity, Speed, and Trust14 Oct 202500:41:40

What if company culture wasn’t just a set of values on the wall—but a daily operating system?

In this episode of Catalysts, Jacob Ratliff sits down with Chris Dyer—globally recognized leadership speaker, best-selling author, and remote work pioneer—to break down what high-performance culture actually looks like in practice.

Chris has been named a Top 50 Global Thought Leader, a #1 Leadership Speaker by Inc. Magazine, and the CEO of one of America’s fastest-growing companies. His message is clear: Culture isn’t a vibe. It’s a system. And leaders have to own it.

In this conversation, we explore:

  • Why most culture efforts fail—and what to do instead
  • Chris’s 7 Pillars of Culture and how to put them into action
  • What happens when leaders don’t model clarity and accountability
  • The secret to balancing speed, trust, and flexibility—especially in remote teams
  • Why transparency isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic
  • What new managers and senior execs need to unlearn to lead effectively
  • How to create cultures of intentional communication, not chaos
  • Why “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—but only if it’s designed, not assumed

If you want your people to move faster, collaborate better, and stick around longer, this episode gives you the blueprint.

🎧 Listen now on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

🔗 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

🌐 chrisdyer.com

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The Future of Work Is Human: Danielle Wallace on AI, Empathy, and Effective Learning24 Jun 202500:35:22

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist at Beyond the Sky and host of You in 2042: The Future of Work. With a background in marketing and leadership roles at companies like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo, Danielle brings a uniquely human—and deeply practical—lens to some of the biggest shifts happening in the world of learning and work.

We dive into how AI is reshaping workforce expectations, why empathy and emotional regulation are the real future-proof skills, and what it actually takes to design learning that drives behavior change.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • AI won’t replace us—but it will reshape what “valuable” work looks like.
  • Skills like empathy, adaptability, and critical thinking are no longer optional.
  • Content-based training is flooding the market, but it’s practice that drives change.
  • AI can accelerate soft skill development—when paired with intentional design.
  • Effective learning starts with the right business conversations, not content.
  • The cost vs. effectiveness debate in L&D is really a question of priority.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to balance emerging technology with human connection—or how to make soft skills training actually stick—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to build learning solutions that are both efficient and effective.

🔗 Connect with Danielle:
LinkedIn | Beyond the Sky

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From Cost Center to Catalyst: Dr. Keith Keating on Redefining the Value of L&D01 Jul 202500:33:09

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning & Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning.

Keith is a powerhouse in the world of learning strategy—a practitioner-scholar who believes L&D shouldn’t just defend its worth, but amplify its impact. We dive into what it truly means to be a trusted learning advisor, why L&D needs to stop chasing surface metrics, and how to lead your team out of the “order-taker” trap and into strategic partnership.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why L&D’s real power lies in creating value—not just delivering content
  • How to move from reactive defense mode to proactive business alignment
  • Why metrics like butts-in-seats are holding us back
  • The science of learning—and how to make stakeholders care about it
  • How to build trust with both leaders and learners
  • What most orgs get wrong about reskilling, equity, and inclusion
  • The role of visibility, storytelling, and self-belief in shaping the future of L&D

Keith’s journey—from high school dropout to doctoral scholar—is a testament to the life-changing power of learning. And his message is clear: L&D isn’t a support function. It’s a strategic driver. But only if we choose to show up that way.

🎧 Tune in for a deeply human, sharply strategic conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what you do—and why it matters.

Connect with Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn »

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Leading Through Disruption: Rahul Karan Sharma on Human-Centered Transformation26 Aug 202500:36:18

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Rahul Karan Sharma—organizational development consultant, fractional CLO, and Forbes Coaches Council member—to explore what it really takes to lead through change that matters.

Rahul has spent 20+ years helping companies navigate post-merger integration, cultural alignment, and leadership acceleration. But his secret isn’t in a strategy deck—it’s in centering the people behind the process.

Together, we unpack:

  • Why most change efforts fail—not because of planning, but because of people
  • How poor communication during transitions drives attrition and burnout
  • The difference between executing a training and building real leadership capability
  • How fractional CLOs can fill a crucial gap for small and mid-size organizations
  • What leaders get wrong at the “achiever” stage—and how to move beyond it
  • Rahul’s proprietary CLIMB Framework, a roadmap for evolving from invisible contributor to legacy-building influencer
  • Why internal trust is the most undervalued currency in transformation
  • How “visibility is the new currency”—and why content matters for leaders

Transformation is personal. It requires consistency, empathy, and the courage to lead from the inside out.

🔗 Connect with Rahul on LinkedIn or at rahulkaransharma.com

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Designing for Change: Sean Bengry on Trust, Tech, and Transformation05 Jun 202500:41:09

What does real transformation look like in learning and development—and how do we design for it in a world defined by disruption?

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Sean Bengry, Chief Learning Officer at Sablethorn Consulting and a global leader in educational innovation, to explore the intersection of human-centered design, technology, and organizational change.

With over 20 years of experience leading global L&D strategy, Sean shares why effective learning ecosystems don’t start with solutions—they start with curiosity, empathy, and trust.

We unpack:

  • Why falling in love with the problem is more important than falling in love with the solution
  • How to use the 5 Whys without triggering defensiveness
  • The difference between digital transformation and cultural transformation
  • What it really takes to shift mindsets inside complex organizations
  • And how AI might make us more human—not less

Sean also introduces the Bengry Paradox—his belief that if you try to automate yourself out of a job in a year, you’ll never actually be without one.

If you’re leading learning strategy, navigating AI disruption, or rethinking how change actually happens inside organizations, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn »
Connect with Sean on X »

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Unlocking Modern Work: Mark Cruth on Curiosity, Collaboration, and Making Change Stick05 Aug 202500:40:35

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Mark Cruth, Principal Modern Work Coach at Atlassian, to explore what it really takes to create effective, energized, and high-performing teams in today’s complex world of work.

Mark is a keynote speaker, collaboration coach, and one of the leading voices in the future of teamwork—internally at Atlassian and across the broader industry. He’s helped shape how 16,000+ employees at Atlassian operate while also empowering countless other organizations to rethink how teams learn, grow, and lead.

We unpack:

  • How Atlassian scaled its culture from 2,000 to 16,000 people
  • The secret to decentralized decision-making (and why most orgs get it wrong)
  • What makes Atlassian’s Team Playbook such a powerful operating tool
  • Why curiosity—not content—is the future of learning
  • The evolving role of the facilitator in an AI-powered workplace
  • How team learning creates deeper trust, faster behavior change, and longer-lasting results
  • Why visibility matters for leaders—and how to show up without selling out
  • The one mindset shift every emerging leader should make to spark change

If you care about how teams work—and how learning can accelerate that work—this is an energizing, practical, and deeply human conversation you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn or at markcruth.com

🔍 Explore the Atlassian Team Playbook: atlassian.com/team-playbook

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Designing Skills-First Onboarding with Aaron T. Jones of Live Nation15 May 202500:29:53

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Aaron T. Jones, Director of Onboarding and Training. With a background in performance and a passion for people, Aaron brings a storytelling-driven approach to L&D that’s both strategic and deeply human.

We explore how his skills-first onboarding framework has led to major gains in retention and time-to-productivity—and why that success starts with consulting skills, deep curiosity, and a clear connection to the business’s bottom line. From integrating AI into learning design to empowering first-time managers, Aaron shares actionable insights for creating high-impact programs that prioritize people and performance.

Whether you’re building a team, designing onboarding, or simply trying to make learning more effective, this conversation is packed with ideas you can run with today.

Click here to connect with Aaron on Linkedin »

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Designing with Intention: Ron Price on the Power of Experiential E-Learning19 Aug 202500:38:49

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Ron Price, Chief Learning Officer at Yukon Learning—Articulate’s official training partner for over 17 years. Ron brings a rare blend of deep instructional design expertise and hands-on development experience, helping organizations turn good ideas into great learning experiences.

Together, we explore:

  • Why scenarios and storytelling are essential for meaningful e-learning
  • The “3 Cs” model—Challenge, Choice, and Consequence—and how it transforms passive content into immersive learning
  • Why bad design speaks louder than good content
  • The hidden value of aligning tools, strategy, and design with learner intent
  • How Yukon balances training teams to use Articulate with building courses for them
  • What most e-learning creators get wrong—and how to fix it

Ron shares how his team helps organizations move beyond rote click-through courses to design learning that earns its place—and drives real behavior change. Whether you’re an L&D leader, an instructional designer, or just curious about elevating the digital learning experience, this episode is packed with practical insights and expert perspective.

🎧 Listen in and learn why Ron believes the future of e-learning isn’t about covering content—it’s about helping learners uncover it.

🔗 Learn more about Ron and Yukon Learning: https://www.yukonlearning.com

📺 Watch their free Articulate tutorials on YouTube: Yukon Learning on YouTube

🔗 Connect with Ron: Ron Price on LinkedIn

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From Order-Taker to Strategic Partner: Megan Dillon from Q-Centrix on the Future of L&D29 May 202500:30:56

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Megan Dillon, Director of Learning and Development at Q-Centrix. Megan leads with clarity and heart, aligning workforce development with business strategy and building systems that create real behavior change—not just training events.

We explore how L&D is evolving from content creation to business enablement, and what it looks like to step into the role of strategic advisor. From leveraging AI as a co-pilot, to shifting mindsets around ROI, to developing managers into career coaches, Megan offers insight after insight for L&D professionals ready to elevate their work—and their influence.

Whether you're leading a team or shaping learning strategy inside your organization, this episode will push you to think deeper about the role of L&D in shaping the future of work.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why the future of learning is personalized, adaptive, and AI-supported
  • How L&D can shift from reactive support to proactive strategy
  • What it really means to take a consultative approach inside the business
  • How to partner with managers to turn learning into sustained behavior change
  • The role of visibility, curiosity, and learning in public for modern leaders
  • Why you shouldn’t wait for permission to innovate

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn »

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From Cost Center to Business Driver: Andrew Scivally on Rebranding L&D for Impact30 Sep 202500:32:30

If your learning team is still seen as a cost center, this episode will change how you show up.

Jacob sits down with Andrew Scivally, CEO of ELB Learning, to explore why L&D’s credibility is suffering—and what it takes to reposition the function as a performance-driven strategic partner.

Andrew has worked with Fortune 100s, led L&D at JPMorgan Chase and Zion’s Bank, and now helps learning teams stop building “fluff” and start driving results.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why traditional L&D metrics like completion rates and smile sheets are killing your team’s influence
  • The language shift needed to earn a seat at the table with executives
  • How to position L&D as a revenue generator, not just a training team
  • What it looks like to build onboarding experiences that match your external brand promise
  • How marketing principles can help you sell the value of learning internally
  • Why learning professionals need to become business professionals with an expertise in human capital transformation
  • The connection between needs assessment, strategic planning, and C-suite credibility that ELB is building next to support the future of AI-powered, performance-focused learning

💡 “If you want to be seen as strategic, stop calling yourself a learning team. Call yourself a performance team. That’s what the business actually cares about.”

This is a bold, practical, and energizing conversation for any L&D leader ready to step up and be seen as essential to business growth.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to transform how you lead learning:

👉 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

👉 Explore ELB Learning

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Making Learning Stick: David Grad on the Science, Strategy, and Business Case for Live Training That Delivers08 Jul 202500:34:11

David Grad was once leading creative teams at MTV. Now, he’s solving one of the toughest problems in learning and development: how to make live training actually stick.

In this episode of Catalysts, David shares the origin story behind elevator9, the learning tech company he co-founded to ensure live training drives measurable, lasting impact. Drawing from learning science, cognitive psychology, and real-world application, elevator9 has created a platform that transforms what happens after the workshop—so that insights aren’t lost the moment people return to work.

We also explore the mindset shifts L&D leaders must embrace to position learning as a strategic value driver—not a cost center—and how David’s journey from media to learning has shaped his passion for empowering people through evidence-based design.

We cover:

  • Why most live training fails to deliver—and what to do instead
  • The core learning science principles that drive behavior change
  • How elevator9 uses AI to gather and analyze qualitative training data
  • A step-by-step look at how companies implement the platform
  • How L&D leaders can finally prove—and improve—their business impact
  • Why learning is a revenue driver, not just an expense
  • David’s advice for L&D professionals who want to grow their influence

Connect with David Grad:

🎧 Subscribe to Catalysts so you don’t miss future episodes highlighting the bold thinkers shaping the future of learning and growth.

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Think Like a Marketer, Lead Like an L&D Pro: Bianca Baumann on Learner-Centric Strategy and Visibility12 Jun 202500:31:38

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Bianca Baumann, award-winning strategist, international speaker, and author of Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro. With over 15 years in the field, Bianca brings a rare blend of creativity, empathy, and business alignment to the way organizations approach learning.

We talk about the mindset shifts that L&D teams need to make—starting with listening more and building for behavior change, not just content delivery.

Inside the conversation:

  • Why listening is the most underrated skill in L&D
  • How to balance long-term workforce strategy with short-term execution
  • The marketing principles every L&D leader should steal—today
  • Why compelling writing is a non-negotiable for learning that sticks
  • How course titles, taglines, and narrative structure can dramatically increase engagement
  • The role of learner personas in driving motivation and performance
  • What executives still don’t understand about learning—and how to educate them
  • Why visibility and working out loud matter more than ever in L&D leadership

Bianca also shares her own evolution as a leader, what she’s learned from mentoring teams, and the small actions that can make a big impact—especially for L&D professionals doing it all on their own.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Catalysts—where we spotlight the leaders shaping the future of learning and growth.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn »




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From Fixer to Connector: Patty Miller on Leading with Curiosity and Clarity27 May 202500:29:22

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Patty Miller, a senior HR executive with over 24 years of experience helping leaders navigate complex people challenges across North America. Patty is known for her sharp insights, unshakable integrity, and powerful frameworks like the Core Values Index and Vitality Pulse Review that bring clarity to messy, fast-moving workplaces.

We talk about the evolution of leadership—from fixing problems to facilitating transformation—and how leaders can unlock better results through psychological safety, personalized development, and just the right mix of structure and storytelling.

If you care about building stronger teams, leading with empathy, and turning workplace complexity into confidence, this conversation is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why the future of learning will feel less more personalized and targeted
  • How the Core Values Index can help leaders hire better and build stronger teams
  • Why asking the right questions is more powerful than having the right answers
  • How leaders can use visibility, vulnerability, and voice to expand their impact
  • Why psychological safety isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a performance strategy

Connect with Patty on LinkedIn »
Visit Patty's Website »

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Catalysts: Coming Soon30 Apr 202500:01:46

🎙️ New Podcast Launching Soon...
CATALYSTS: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth
This isn’t just about improving how we learn and lead. 
It’s about redefining it—so it actually reflects the complexity, urgency, and opportunity of this moment.

I’m launching Catalysts to spotlight the bold voices shaping the next decade of learning and organizational growth—founders, executives, and consultants who aren’t just reacting to change…they’re driving it.

These aren’t your typical industry soundbites.
They’re candid conversations with the people building what’s next.

👉 If you’re in learning and development, talent, or leadership—and you want a glimpse of the future—we’re going there.

🔗 And if we’re not already connected on LinkedIn, let’s fix that: 
linkedin.com/in/jacobratliff

PS: Interested in joining us as a guest? Click here to let me know you're interested!

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Beyond the Buzzword: Nick Day from Roundtable Learning on Making XR a True Learning Strategy22 May 202500:27:20

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Nick Day, a learning leader at Roundtable Learning, where he designs immersive, tech-driven learning solutions for enterprise clients—including over 50 Fortune 500 companies.

Nick shares why XR (extended reality) is more than a buzzword—and how it can deliver measurable impact when paired with the right learning strategy. We explore real use cases for AR, VR, and mixed reality in soft skills development, onboarding, and performance support, plus the surprising data insights these tools can reveal.

Whether you’re exploring immersive tech for the first time or trying to separate the hype from the real opportunities, this conversation is full of strategic takeaways.

Here's what we chat about:

  • How virtual reality improves soft skills by offering _real practice with real feedback)
  • The power of tracking body language, decision timing, and eye contact in VR
  • Why Roundtable focuses on learning problems—not just tech solutions
  • What bold innovations are being tested right now with real-world hardware + XR
  • Why learning leaders need to slow down, ask better questions, and avoid shiny object syndrome
  • How visibility, partnerships, and peer conversations accelerate innovation

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn »
Learn More About Roundtable Learning »
The Training & Development Channel on YouTube »

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Connection is a Business Strategy with WSJ Bestselling Author Steven Van Cohen03 Jun 202500:37:31

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Steven Van Cohen—global leadership consultant, executive coach, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Connectable. Dubbed “The Leadership Whisperer,” Steven helps companies reduce isolation, improve well-being, and foster true belonging in the workplace.

We explore what it really takes to build a culture of connection—far beyond icebreakers and happy hours. From combatting loneliness and creating psychologically safe teams to rethinking one-on-ones and using learning as a tool for relational growth, Steven shares actionable insights backed by data and grounded in empathy.

If you care about creating teams that perform, stay, and grow together—this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why connection is one of the most underrated performance levers in business
  • What it means to be “connectable” as a leader (and how to get there)
  • Why one-on-ones fall short without structure and intention
  • How L&D can counteract rising workplace loneliness
  • The role of vulnerability—beyond just “getting personal”
  • Why micro-moments of connection matter more than you think
  • How to build a social regimen into your team's workflow

Connect with Steven on LinkedIn »
Learn More About SyncLX »

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From Cost Center to Growth Engine: Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer @ Docebo10 Jun 202500:41:42

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer at Docebo, to explore the future of learning and development in a world reshaped by AI, transformation, and trust.

Brandon is a globally recognized L&D leader and the author of Learning in the Age of Immediacy and L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age. He’s led learning strategy at Walmart, Starbucks, and now Docebo—and his vision for the next decade of work is bold, clear, and deeply human.

We talk about:

  • The three tectonic shifts that have redefined L&D since the 1970s
  • Why COVID—not AI—was the real catalyst for L&D’s elevation
  • The shift from scalable efficiency to scalable learning
  • How HR and L&D can restore workforce trust in the age of AI
  • What it takes to lead talent development with empathy and strategy
  • Brandon’s advice for emerging leaders—and the one skill he calls your “back pocket differentiator”

This episode is a roadmap for any L&D professional looking to lead boldly, scale human potential, and architect the future of work.

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn »

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