The BLOC Podcast

In this solo episode, I share 3 best practices for getting more or better leadership support for your learning initiatives based on my experience and research.  Those three tips include: 1.  Knowing the common obstacles and how to overcome them 2. Aligning your work with business goals from the beginning 3. Showing the impact of your work (going above and beyond survey and assessment data) Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig [https://www.yellowdig.co/], if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities. To learn more and get more great resources: * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/] * Join our global Useful L&D Community [https://useful-stuff.circle.so/join?invitation_token=729b68d43899a5f480ee11363cc12b7a9b766573-aea3a980-a69c-4a70-b0f4-8d3b27a526c4] * Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/]

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Carrie Graham about how to consult with intention in the learning space, specifically how to treat clients and organizations with patience, respect, and grace when you begin work with them and have to tell them they're doing things wrong or poorly.  Carrie is a Learning Solutions Architect known for translating executive vision into tangible performance outcomes. She specializes in designing training strategies that align with organizational values, support business goals, and deliver measurable impact—often within just 90 days. Carrie’s strategic approach has led to a 40% reduction in onboarding time, an 85% improvement in knowledge retention, and a 3x return on training investment. Her work ensures consistent execution across all levels of an organization, seamlessly integrating learning with broader business strategy to drive real, scalable results.  Carrie's suggestion for someone getting started with consulting to try an focus in their strategy/vision? The best resource is your mind -- you have to understand your own process and document it so that you can implement it.  Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig [https://www.yellowdig.co/], if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities. To learn more and get more great resources: * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/] * Join our global Useful L&D Community [https://useful-stuff.circle.so/join?invitation_token=729b68d43899a5f480ee11363cc12b7a9b766573-aea3a980-a69c-4a70-b0f4-8d3b27a526c4] * Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/]

In this episode, I chat with Hanan Harb Sahourieh, author of Everybody, Be Cool! 6 Personal Development Lessons to Elevate Your Workplace Vibe [https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Be-Cool-Development-Workplace/dp/B0D2K9S66T]. We talk about what it really takes to level up at work, from asking tough questions to embracing self-awareness -- with plenty of pop culture and real talk along the way.  Hanan Harb Sahourieh is a writer, workshop facilitator, and learning & development strategist with over 20 years of experience in writing, marketing, and workforce development. As the author of 'Everybody, Be Cool!'—a practical (and real) guide to employee growth and communication—she’s captivated audiences as a keynote speaker at events like the ATD Sacramento Learning Conference and UKG’s Thrive Summit. Her insights have been featured in top industry outlets, including Training Industry, eLearning Industry, Chief Learning Officer, and Big Think. Hanan’s mission is simple: to help people and organizations grow, connect, and thrive by developing essential skills like empathy, introspection, and curiosity. Learn more about her work and approach at everybody-be-cool.com [https://www.everybody-be-cool.com/]. Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig [https://www.yellowdig.co/], if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities. To learn more and get more great resources: * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/] * Join our global Useful L&D Community [https://useful-stuff.circle.so/join?invitation_token=729b68d43899a5f480ee11363cc12b7a9b766573-aea3a980-a69c-4a70-b0f4-8d3b27a526c4] * Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/]

Linnéa Sjögren is a Stockholm-based educational training professional passionate about creating learning opportunities. With extensive experience in planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating various types of training, she creates everything from classroom training to blended learning and e-learning. Having worked in organizations that haven't always had the resources to hire external support, Linnéa has developed the skills to build everything from start to finish. Instructor materials, participant materials, exercises, videos, audio files, podcasts, and infographics are just a few of the things she can produce. More about her work can be found at www.linneasjogren.se [http://www.linneasjogren.se], and her educational tips are available under the hashtag #pedagogiskaverktygsladan or at www.pedagogiskaverktygsladan.wordpress.com [http://www.pedagogiskaverktygsladan.wordpress.com]. Linnéa's suggestion on honing in on your freelance skills? Ask your favorite AI or a friend "What it is I do that is so great?" Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig [https://www.yellowdig.co/], if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities. To learn more and get more great resources: * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/] * Join our global Useful L&D Community [https://useful-stuff.circle.so/join?invitation_token=729b68d43899a5f480ee11363cc12b7a9b766573-aea3a980-a69c-4a70-b0f4-8d3b27a526c4] * Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/]

In this episode I answer the question "What process, model, or framework do you use for needs analysis? Does it have to be a formal process?" For some great questions to ask during needs analysis, visit the Ultimate Guide to Working with SMEs [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/ultimate-guides/ultimate-guide-working-with-smes] on the Useful Stuff website.  For more on Roger Kaufman's work, I highly suggest visiting the HPT Treasures website [https://hpttreasures.wordpress.com/from-others/roger-kaufman-resources/]!  To learn more and get more great resources: * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/] * Join our global Useful L&D Community [https://useful-stuff.circle.so/join?invitation_token=729b68d43899a5f480ee11363cc12b7a9b766573-aea3a980-a69c-4a70-b0f4-8d3b27a526c4] * Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/]