Unleashing the Future of Training: AI, XR, and the Power of Learning Innovation

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with John Leh, CEO of Talented Learning, to explore how cutting-edge technologies like AI and XR are reshaping corporate training. With decades of experience evaluating learning systems, John shares his expert perspective on the future of learning and how organizations can leverage emerging tools to drive business success. Gain actionable insights on personalized learning, adaptive courses, and the evolving role of learning management systems.

John Leh is Founder, CEO and Lead Analyst at Talented Learning and the Talented Learning Center. John is a fiercely independent consultant, blogger, podcaster, speaker and educator who helps organizations select and implement learning technology strategies, primarily for extended enterprise applications. His advice is based upon more than 25+years of learning-tech industry experience, serving as a trusted LMS selection and sales adviser to hundreds of learning organizations with a total technology spend of more than $100+ million and growing. John would love to connect with John or on LinkedIn.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • The AI Revolution in Learning:
    • How AI is accelerating content development through automation.
    • Creating personalized learning paths tailored to individual needs.
  • XR for Hands-On Training:
    • Using XR for skill-based and safety-critical training.
    • Real-world examples of VR reducing costs and improving learner performance.
  • Just-in-Time Learning:
    • Role of AI-powered bots delivering instant, context-aware knowledge.
    • How adaptive learning ensures personalized training for thousands of employees.
  • Data-Driven Training Decisions:
    • Tying learning programs directly to business metrics like customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.
    • Why data analysis and AI-driven reporting are transforming training impact measurement.
  • The Future of Learning Systems:
    • The potential end of traditional LMS platforms.
    • Emerging trends in integrating learning with business operations in real time.
  • Success Insight – Finding the Right Learning Partner:
    • How Talented Learning’s Right Fit Grid helps organizations identify and evaluate the best learning system providers, saving time and maximizing ROI.
About Our Guest

John Leh is the CEO, Lead Analyst and LMS selection consultant at Talented Learning. He’s a trusted learning tech industry veteran with over 25 years and $100 million-worth of front-line experience in buying and selling complex learning solutions.

Since 2014, John has devoted himself to helping over 100 LMS buyers define their requirements and buy the right learning system for their needs.

How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-12-23T10:13:16-05:00December 25, 2024|

Unleashing Legal Secrets: Navigate Non-Competes, Contractors and Career Success with Peter Rahbar

In this insightful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Peter Rahbar, founder of The Rahbar Group and a seasoned workplace legal expert. With nearly two decades of experience, including serving as chief employment attorney for a global media giant, Peter unpacks critical legal issues affecting today’s workforce. From navigating non-compete regulations and managing independent contractors to leveling the playing field for employees, Peter delivers actionable advice for both businesses and professionals. Gain valuable legal insights to protect your career and elevate your organization’s compliance strategy.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Understand Non-Competes: The FTC’s proposed ban on non-compete agreements could reshape U.S. employment practices. Employers should consider alternatives like non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements.
  • Employee Legal Training: Companies should train employees on legal agreements like non-competes and confidentiality clauses to reduce disputes and ensure compliance.
  • Managing Independent Contractors: Properly classify contractors, avoid unnecessary control, and consider offering optional training to boost performance while minimizing legal risks.
  • Stay Legally Updated: Businesses must regularly update policies and agreements to comply with evolving labor laws and reduce liability.
  • Hire the Right Legal Support: Engage experienced, clear-communicating legal counsel to navigate complex employment issues and safeguard your business interests.
About Our Guest

Peter Rahbar is a workplace legal expert who guides clients through the most important decisions of their professional lives. After almost twenty years of representing major international corporate clients in high profile matters, including over a decade as the chief employment attorney for a major global media company, Peter founded The Rahbar Group, a boutique employment law practice based in New York City. Peter specializes in representing individuals, including C-Suite executives, media personalities and other professionals working in finance, media, sports, real estate, fashion and tech.

How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-12-20T14:33:16-05:00December 18, 2024|

Unleashing Mental Strength: Building Confidence, Boldness, and Leadership Resilience with Scott Mautz

In this powerful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Scott Mautz, renowned leadership and self-leadership expert, to discuss the essential elements of mental strength and its transformative impact on leadership. Scott, an acclaimed author of The Mentally Strong Leader, shares actionable insights on building mental muscles such as confidence, decision-making, and fortitude to excel in both work and life.

The conversation delves into the difference between grit and mental strength, explores tools for overcoming setbacks, and highlights the importance of self-regulation for effective leadership. Scott also shares his groundbreaking mental strength self-assessment, which has helped thousands understand and improve their mental resilience.

Whether you’re a leader looking to inspire your team or an individual seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you become mentally stronger and achieve your goals.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Defining Mental Strength: It’s not just about grit or IQ; mental strength is the ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, even during adversity.
  • Six Core Mental Muscles: Confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, fortitude, and messaging are key areas to develop for mental strength.
  • Responding vs. Reacting: Learn how to manage setbacks by reacting internally but responding externally with logic and optimism.
  • Building Resilience: Use the four lenses of resilience and Scott’s practical tools to overcome challenges and stay mentally strong.
  • The Mentally Strong Leader Assessment: A free self-assessment tool to measure and improve your mental strength across the six core areas.
About Our Guest

Scott Mautz is a dynamic speaker and expert in driving peak performance, employee engagement, and leadership motivation. A Procter & Gamble veteran, he led multi-billion-dollar businesses and brings this experience to his award-winning books and LinkedIn Learning courses, which have reached nearly 2 million learners. Scott’s latest book, The Mentally Strong Leader, offers a comprehensive guide to building the habits necessary for mental strength. Known for his engaging and humorous style, Scott is dedicated to delivering actionable insights that inspire lasting change.

How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-12-03T02:06:19-05:00December 11, 2024|

Unleashing Innovation in Training with Helen Paas

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Helen Paas, a certified coach and training consultant with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative training systems. Helen shares her insights into the current state of corporate training, the importance of understanding diverse learner needs, and how to create impactful training programs that break away from traditional methods. Learn practical strategies to make your training programs more engaging, effective, and aligned with the psychology of modern learners.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Strengths and Weaknesses in Training Today:
    • Strengths: Structured training systems and well-trained trainers.
    • Weaknesses: Lack of innovation and adaptation to changing learner needs.
  • Breaking Out of Comfort Zones:
    • Engaging learners in the design process.
    • Customizing training to different generational and learning preferences.
  • The 4MAT Model:
    • Using this system to cater to diverse learning styles and create inclusive training programs.
  • Creative Training Techniques:
    • Incorporating interactive exercises like drawing and storytelling in corporate settings.
    • Making e-learning engaging and playful with technology and gamification.
  • Success Story – Building Scalable Training at Wise:
    • Transitioning from training for 50 employees to 6,000+ globally.
    • Reducing onboarding time for customer support agents from two months to one month.
About Our Guest

Helen Paas is a seasoned consultant, mentor, trainer, and certified coach with over 15 years of experience in employee training and development. She specializes in creating scalable training systems tailored to the unique needs of organizations. Helen has worked with startups and multinational companies, helping them transition from small teams to global players. Passionate about leveraging psychology and innovative methods, Helen ensures that training programs resonate with diverse learners. Her consultancy, H2 Resolve, offers tailored solutions and resources to address any training-related challenge.

Helen’s Free Resources and Offer:
  • Access free tools and insights on training best practices at h2resolve.com.
  • The first five listeners who mention this podcast can claim a free one-hour consultation.
How to Connect:

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-12-02T23:22:42-05:00December 4, 2024|

Unleashing Opportunities Through Navigating Change with Curtis Bateman

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackle welcomes back Curtis Bateman, the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey and bestselling co-author of Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. Curtis shares his expertise on navigating change in organizations, focusing on how leaders can adapt to the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and use it as a tool for growth and innovation.

Listeners will gain practical strategies and real-world examples of how to approach change effectively, foster adaptability within teams, and create long-term success. Whether you’re a leader, trainer, or business professional, this episode provides actionable advice to thrive during times of transition.

“Change doesn’t have to be a roadblock—it can be a springboard for something even greater.” – Curtis Bateman

Key Topics Discussed:

Curtis’s Journey with Change Management
Curtis shares his extensive experience in leading change initiatives worldwide and how his career has shaped his unique approach to navigating uncertainty.

Transforming Change Into Opportunity
Curtis explains why change is often misunderstood and offers strategies for leaders to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Practical Tools for Change Leadership
Discover how to use frameworks like Change Element to implement structured and successful change in your organization.

Overcoming Resistance to Change
Curtis discusses common barriers organizations face during transitions and provides tips to help leaders overcome resistance and gain team buy-in.

Lessons from Leading International Teams
Drawing from his experience managing teams across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Curtis shares stories and lessons that illustrate the universal principles of effective change management.

About Our Guest

Curtis Bateman is the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey and co-author of the bestseller Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. With over 24 years in the training industry, Curtis is a recognized change consultant and coach who has guided organizations worldwide through successful transitions. Known for his practical solutions like Change Element, Curtis helps leaders and organizations thrive in the face of uncertainty.

How to Connect:

Watch the previous Episode with Curtis Bateman.

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-11-20T11:28:33-05:00November 20, 2024|

Unleashing Health in the Workplace: Small Changes, Big Results with David Medansky

In this episode of the Training Unleashed Podcast, host Evan Hackel welcomes David Medansky, known as “The Health Guy,” to discuss how small, positive changes can lead to significant health improvements and enhance productivity in the workplace. David shares his expertise on helping employees adopt healthier habits, which in turn benefits both the individuals and the companies they work for. The conversation covers practical tips for staying hydrated, the benefits of reducing soda consumption, and the importance of creating an empowering and encouraging environment for health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Small Positive Changes:

  • David emphasizes that making small, manageable changes can lead to substantial health improvements over time.
  • Encouraging employees to participate in health challenges can foster a culture of wellness and productivity in the workplace.

Ideal Client Profile:

  • David’s favorite clients are companies with 50 to 300 employees, with a sweet spot of 50 to 100 employees.
  • Successful health challenges typically involve at least 60-70% employee participation.

Creating a Positive Environment:

  • Challenges should be empowering and encouraging, rather than demanding or demeaning, to motivate employees to participate willingly.
  • When employees start seeing results from their efforts, they build momentum and are more likely to continue their healthy habits.

Special Offer:

David offers a PDF of the “9 Simple Golden Rules for Living a Healthy Life,” which listeners can request by emailing him.

About Our Guest

Top-selling author and speaker, David Medansky, is known as The Health Guy because he empowers CEOs, Executives, and individuals to master 9 Simple Golden Rules to Live a Healthy Life. David struggled with his own weight issues until July 2016 when his doctor told him to either lose weight or find a new doctor. During the next four months, David shed 50 pounds, almost 25 percent of his total body weight and has kept it off. He understands your frustrations and challenges to be healthy.

David, in June 2022, at age 67 hiked up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

His mission is to help others to adopt a healthier lifestyle so they can enjoy life to the fullest. The key to his success is alerting clients to the deceptive marketing tactics used by the food, pharmaceutical, and weight-loss industries, to manipulate you into purchasing their products and services that put their profits over your health.

Now, in addition to writing books about health, David is producing and hosting JADED HEALTH, a streaming TV series centered around the topics of health, wellness, and fitness.

How to Connect with David Medansky:
Additional Media:

2024-07-24T11:32:10-04:00July 24, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Training in Marketing: Navigating the Future with AI with Ford Saeks

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where staying ahead of the curve is essential for personal and professional growth, we find ourselves at the intersection of marketing, training, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). In this captivating conversation between seasoned experts Ford Saeks and Evan Hackel, we explore how effective training can elevate marketing efforts, drive organizational success, and navigate the transformative landscape shaped by AI.

The Foundation of Effective Training

As our discussion unfolds, Ford Saeks, a Hall of Fame speaker and serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience spanning various industries, emphasizes the foundational importance of training. Drawing from personal experience, he underscores that training is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process. “Training isn’t something you did. It’s something you do,” he asserts, emphasizing the continuous nature of learning and development.

Aligning Communication for Optimal Results

In the fast-paced world of marketing, effective communication is key. Our guest emphasizes the significance of aligning messaging with market needs and preferences. Whether it’s internal communication with staff or external communication with customers, the message must resonate to elicit the desired response.

The Customer-Centric Approach

Reflecting on a memorable marketing mishap, our guest underscores the importance of viewing business through the lens of the customer. Sharing an anecdote from a presentation to community bankers, he emphasizes the need to deliver on the promised value proposition. “You really need to look at your business model and your communications through the eyes of the customer,” he advises, stressing the importance of understanding and meeting customer expectations.

Embracing the Future with AI

Building upon the foundation laid by effective training, Evan Hackel, in his conversation with Ford Saeks, delves into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of society. Both speakers emphasize the importance of continuous learning in navigating the complexities of today’s world, urging individuals and organizations to embrace AI and understand its potential.

Practical Training for Tangible Results

The discussion further explores the value of practical, actionable insights in training sessions. From keynotes to webinars, the goal is to deliver content that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impact. Both speakers stress the significance of effective training delivery, tailored to the needs of the audience. Keeping participants engaged is key to maximizing the impact of training sessions.

Marketing Benefits vs. Features

Finally, the conversation touches upon the importance of marketing benefits over features. This results-driven approach ensures that clients understand the value proposition and are more likely to invest in growth opportunities.

In conclusion, our exploration of training and marketing reveals a symbiotic relationship that fuels business growth, fosters customer engagement, and embraces the transformative potential of AI. By unlocking the power of effective training and embracing emerging technologies, individuals and organizations can navigate the future with confidence, innovation, and growth.

About Our Guest

Ford Saeks is more than a hall of fame keynote speaker, he’s a research-based thought leader. An engine. An expert. An idea man and marketing machine. He helps businesses not by talking at them about success, but by talking them through the steps to get there.

He invites all listeners to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, with a special mention of Ford’s AI training webinar: https://profitrichresults.com/ai-training a must for anyone looking to harness the power of AI.

2024-04-03T10:26:25-04:00April 3, 2024|
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