Talent Talks

34. The Manager Multiplier: Bringing Development Into the Flow of Work with Al Dea

Why do so many managers feel unprepared to develop their teams when it's a core part of their role? In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Al Dea to explore why managers are the missing link in developing talent and how we can equip them to make sure learning happens organically in the flow of work. From simple practices like "bullpen" sessions to building a culture of everyday development, we unpack how managers can move from overseeing performance to actively growing their teams and advocating for them when they're not there. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast [https://www.talentlms.com/podcast]

33. The L&D subtraction strategy: Why simplification wins with Lavinia Mehedintu

What if the biggest problem in L&D right now isn't a lack of learning but too much of it? In this episode we chat to Lavinia Mehedintu, co-founder of Offbeat, to explore why more content doesn't always lead to better performance. From challenging the "content creation factory" model to making the case for saying no, we unpack what it really takes to simplify learning without losing impact. Along the way, we dive into the role of skills visibility, smarter metrics, and why focusing on real business problems—not just more training—might be the key to building capability that actually sticks. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast [https://www.talentlms.com/podcast]

32. Solving the Training Impact Mystery with "L&D Detective" Kevin M. Yates

In this episode, we sit down with self-described "L&D Detective" Kevin M. Yates to uncover what it really takes to prove the impact of learning. We explore why traditional L&D metrics only tell part of the story, how to design training around business performance, and why L&D professionals need to think like performance consultants rather than order takers. Kevin also shares practical questions that help uncover real performance gaps and explains why training is sometimes only one part of the solution. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast [https://www.talentlms.com/podcast]

31. AI in L&D: Beyond the Buzzwords and Gimmicks with Donald Taylor

In this episode, we talk to Donald Taylor, one of the most influential voices in global L&D and a long-time authority at the intersection of learning and technology. From the dangers of the "AI efficiency trap" to why L&D teams need to move beyond being a content house, we explore where AI genuinely adds value, where it creates risk, and how learning leaders can stay relevant as expectations shift. A grounded, honest conversation about using AI in L&D with purpose, not hype. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast [https://www.talentlms.com/podcast]

30. L&D in 2026: Learning Debt, AI, and Transformation with David Kelly

As work continues to transform, L&D in 2026 is being forced to rethink how it supports people on the job. In this episode, we sit down with David Kelly - longtime industry analyst and influential L&D thinker - to dig into our Annual TalentLMS Benchmark Report. We unpack why learning debt is rising, why legacy L&D models are breaking under modern work demands, how AI should raise the ceiling of human work, and why skills matter more than job titles. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast