This episode flips the script as Josh Cardoz, Chief Creative and Learning Officer at Sponge, joins the podcast to discuss the influences L&D can take from other worlds, in a conversation informed by Kate’s experience at the SXSW tech conference. Drawing on new experiences from XR, open world games, and AI, this conversation sees Josh and Kate explore how these influences can be applied to inspire and refresh the work of L&D.

Exploring the power of spatial storytelling and tools like Quill and Tilt Brush that enable new forms of expression, this discussion delves into the rise of the "transition generation" grappling with the shifts brought about by AI's convergence with multiple technologies – and the impact this is having on the workplace. Josh and Kate dig into questions around the future of talent and the value of human work in a world undergoing ever more rapid technological advancement.

Ultimately, Josh and Kate highlight the need for embracing creation over consumption, enabling autonomy and collaboration, and finding inspiration from unexpected places to craft learning experiences that captivate the modern workforce.

For those looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible in creative learning design, this episode provides a unique view into how emerging tools and platforms can be used to craft immersive, engaging experiences that stick with learners. By looking outside of traditional L&D boundaries to virtual worlds, games, and frontier technologies, this conversation illuminates paths toward humanising learning experiences in an increasingly digital era - and calls for L&D to be boldly creative and human-centered in designing solutions that empower modern learners.

JD Dillon brings over 20 years of experience enabling frontline workforces, from his start as a Disney cast member to roles in L&D and authoring “The Modern Learning Ecosystem”. In this wide-ranging discussion, JD shares insights on what sparked his passion for frontline training - tracing it back to the excellent onboarding he received at his first job. He discusses the pivotal role of frontline employees in executing daily operations, highlighting the opportunity for learning innovations to better support these frontline "heavy lifters".

JD explores an overlooked burnout crisis brewing among frontline managers. He advocates innovative strategies to make these critical roles more sustainable long-term, including rethinking expectations, metrics, and development models. While corporate skills strategies can lack rigour in taxonomy and measurement, JD suggests the well-defined skills pathways common to frontline learning could inform strategies to improve development across broader employee groups.

Drawing on concepts from his recent book, JD explains his framework for implementing disruption-ready learning ecosystems. From shared knowledge flows to performance support and reinforcement, he offers tangible examples to activate knowledge sharing across organisations. JD also prompts learning leaders to brace for AI disruption across operations - forecasting adoption timelines and inevitable workforce impacts. He recommends reskilling programs should prepare employees for how their roles will be enhanced by AI, rather than only teaching them to carry out their current duties. The focus should be on developing new capabilities that will be useful alongside AI systems.

Throughout the discussion, JD blends strategic perspectives with tactical recommendations grounded in real frontline needs. Tune in for visionary insights from a leader dedicated to creating human-centered workforce experiences.

As CEO of The Learning Guild, David Kelly offers an unmatched perspective on the current state of play in L&D. He is committed to advancing the industry, running large-scale events like Learning 2023 and DevLearn, and keeping a sharp eye on the emerging themes that will define L&D in 2024.     

In this episode, David discusses the value of building community in L&D and the rapid adoption of AI and other emerging tech by L&D teams, while noting the slower progress in getting a strategic seat at the executive table. As DevLearn prepares for its 20th anniversary, David reflects on key milestones and predicts more integration between formal learning and workplace experience powered by new technologies. Throughout the episode, his expertise offers insider perspective on L&D's evolution and priorities like developing capabilities in AI implementation to stay ahead of rapid change. 

Critically, David emphasises how AI will change the way organisations work, creating new expectations for the skills and curiosities L&D need to stay at the top of the game. Ultimately, he poses a provocative question – what will L&D teams do with the time gained from tech-enabled efficiencies?