The eLearning Champion Pod

L&D as a Business Transformation Engine ft. Matt Haag

What happens when Learning &Development stops acting like a course factory and starts operating like a business transformation engine? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, we sit down with Matt Haag, Senior Organizational Effectiveness and Learning Leader, to explore how enterprise learning is evolving in the age of AI, rapid change, and business disruption. Matt shares why traditional training modelsare no longer enough, how AI is reshaping workplace learning, and why L&D leaders must shift from delivering content to enabling business readiness. From AI adoption strategies to AI governance, leadership behavior change, performance support, and preserving thehuman side of learning — this conversation is packed with practical insights for modern L&D leaders. If you're thinking about the future ofcorporate learning, AI in L&D, workforce readiness, or organizational transformation, this episode is for you.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔ Why L&D must move beyond course creation ✔ How AI is changing enterprise learning ✔ The role ofperformance support in modern workplaces ✔ Why human judgment matters more than ever ✔ Practical AI guardrails organizations should build ✔ Who should own AI governance inside enterprises ✔ What digital learning still cannot replace ✔ How learning leaders can earn a strategic seat at the table If you’re an L&D leader navigating AI, workforce transformation, and the future of workplace learning, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how to position L&D as a true driver of business readiness and performance.

Value-Based Selling in the Age of AI ft. Marianne Portmann

What does it take to move B2B sales beyond price conversations and toward real customer value? In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Marianne Portmann — Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Sales Officer at IGP Powder Coatings — shares how modern sales teams can build trust, strengthen commercial capability, and use AI to become more consultative and customer-centric. From value-based selling and role-specific sales training to AI-powered coaching simulations, this conversation explores how commercial leaders can align strategy, learning, and technology to drive smarter growth in complex industries. Tune in to discover: • Why price-first selling weakens long-term customer relationships • How consultative sales conversations create competitive advantage • What effective “license to sell” training looks like • How AI is transforming sales practice and feedback • Why sales training should be treated as a business initiative — not a support function A must-listen for sales leaders, L&D professionals, enablement teams, and anyone navigating the future of B2B selling.

The Power of Curious Conversations at Work ft. Kirsten Siggins

The Power of Curious Conversations at Work What if the biggest barrier to better teamwork, trust, and innovation isn’t a lack of skill—but a lack of curiosity? In this episode, RK Prasad speaks with Kirsten Siggins about the power of curious conversations at work and why listening, asking better questions, and reducing judgment can transform the way teams collaborate. They explore how curiosity strengthens trust, supports innovation, and shapes workplace culture—especially in environments where speed, certainty, and compliance often leave little room for open dialogue. The conversation also looks at how stress influences behavior and communication, and why leaders must create safe conditions for people to speak, listen, and think differently. Whether you’re an L&D professional, manager, HR leader, or anyone interested in building healthier workplace conversations, this episode offers practical insights on improving listening, reducing reactive responses, encouraging diverse viewpoints, and creating a culture where curiosity can thrive.

How AI empowers and Elevates the Work of Instructional Designers ft. Gerry White

Episode 66 | The eLearning Champion Pod | Conversations with a Learning LeaderHow AI empowers and Elevates the Work of Instructional DesignersIn this episode of The eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath sits down with Gerry White, Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University, to explore how AI is transforming instructional design and learning experiences.Gerry shares insights on: * How AI empowers instructional designers instead of replacing them * The role of empathetic reasoning and creativity in an AI-driven world * How learning personas and AI agents can create adaptive, personalized learning * Key skills every L&D professional should develop — from prompting to ethical AI use * What “vibe coding” is and why it’s the next frontier for instructional designers A must-watch for educators, instructional designers, and L&D leaders looking to navigate the AI-powered learning revolution with confidence and creativity. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more updates and insights into the world of digital learning. Click the bell icon to get notified about our latest videos. Let’s learn and grow together!

Human Centered Learning in The Age of AI ft. Dave Stevens

What does human-centered learning really mean in today’s AI-driven world? 🤔In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath speaks with Dave Stevens, CLO and Founder of Advanced Learning Strategies, to explore how L&D leaders can balance automation with authenticity.Dave shares:🔵 Why human-centered learning isn’t about efficiency but transformation🔵 The key differences between performance training and growth learning🔵 How AI can take over performance training, freeing L&D to focus on what truly matters — helping people grow🔵 Why learning experiences that challenge and transform us are essential for future-ready organizations💡 Key takeaway:Don’t confuse what’s scalable with what’s strategic. Growth learning — reflective, messy, and deeply human — is what will keep organizations adaptable and resilient in the age of AI. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more updates and insights into the world of digital learning. Click the bell icon to get notified about our latest videos. Let’s learn and grow together!