The Learning Curve with Kenny

Season 2 Episode 4: Using AI to sync community college programs with real workforce demand with Debra McCusker

How can AI-driven labor market analysis keep courses aligned with real job openings? Debra McCusker from Alamance Community College shares her insights About the Guest Debra McCusker leads AI-related programs at Alamance Community College and recently developed an AI labor market analyzer to align short-term training and courses with real-time job demand in the Research Triangle Park area. Her work spans curriculum updates, workforce programs and closer collaboration between community college offerings and employer needs. Takeaways • When data is large and analysis is needed, AI is your most powerful ally, but only if your prompting is precise. • AI handles the data work so leaders can focus on what matters most, the wisdom work: judgment, ethics, and strategy. • Technical skills alone aren't enough, communication ranks just as high as cloud computing in workforce demand, so build both.

Season 2 Episode 3: What High School Classrooms Get Right About Leadership in the Age of AI with Nicholas Kurian

Leadership, problem solving and truly thinking with AI, in conversation with high school data science teacher Nicholas Kurian About the Guest Nicholas Kurian is a high school teacher (data science, calculus, philosophy) and the architect of mentoring systems that help students thrive beyond graduation. Based in New York, he blends hands-on classroom practice with a mission to make education genuinely future-ready sharing practical insights for both educators and anyone interested in building better teams. Takeaways • Think before you automate, reflect, define, and design first. • True leadership means having the courage to say no. Reset, and choose a better path. • Progress is a team sport, structured feedback and learning together drives lasting results.

Season 2 Episode 2: Custom vs. Ready-Made: How AI Is Reshaping Learning Content with Craig Simon

Discover how AI is blurring the lines between bespoke and off-the-shelf learning content, with practical insights from Craig Simon, CEO of Rock Mouse. About the Guest Craig Simon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rock Mouse, an innovative learning solutions provider. With a background as a lifelong educator and deep expertise in applying technology for better learning, Craig brings a visionary, yet practical, perspective on how AI will transform the creation and delivery of learning content. Takeaways • Blended approaches win • Purposeful personalization matters • Start small and stay critical

Season 2 Episode 1: Human Skills & AI—How Tech-Powered Training Elevates Sales with John Golden

Learn how to future-proof sales teams with training that blends human strengths and AI-driven technology, with practical insights from John Golden, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM. About the Guest John Golden is Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM and publisher of SalesPop. With experience across sales enablement, AI-driven technologies, and authoring bestselling books, John is a leading voice on making sales training both more human and more effective in the digital age. Takeaways • Blend skills with tech • Make training a process, not a “one-off” event • Personalize and meet people where they are

Season 1 Episode 4: How Peer-to-Peer Learning Can Transform LnD

Charles Thiede on community learning, micro-networks, and peer-driven impact. About the Guest Charles Thiede is CEO and co-founder of Zapnito, a platform that powers expert communities and peer-driven knowledge sharing. He champions informal learning that empowers people to both teach and learn organically. Takeaways • Peer learning fosters real-time problem solving • Trust and culture are key to sharing • Start small with micro-networks • Learning is both structured and social