Learning is changing and evolving —fast.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Andrea Whittaker, Global Learning & Development Leader at Mars, to explore how the company fosters a culture of curiosity and growth across its vast and varied workforce. Andrea shares how Mars embeds learning into the flow of work, balances global strategies with local impact, and designs experiences that go beyond traditional training. We talk about the unique challenges of enabling professional development across a business that spans pet care, food, and confectionery—and how Mars stays true to its principles while embracing innovation.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Brissa Ramos, Senior Manager of Sales Enablement at ServiceNow, to explore how she’s rethinking partner enablement in today’s fast-moving tech landscape. With over two decades of experience, Brissa shares her unique perspective on supporting sales and pre-sales partners through AI-powered tools, hybrid learning models, and continuous feedback loops. From co-creating enablement experiences with learners to reimagining sales simulations with roleplay-free practice using Bongo AI, Brissa’s approach is all about empathy, experimentation, and measurable impact.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Mary Ng shares how she’s building strategic talent management from the ground up at City of Hope, focusing on practical application and human-centered design. She discusses the power of informal feedback, repeat engagement, and democratized mentorship as key indicators of program success. Mary also explores how her team is thoughtfully integrating technology—from AI to LMS platforms—to enhance learning while staying future-ready.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Brian Dennis, a Field Trainer at Growmark with extensive experience in learning and development, discusses how his team adapts to the evolving workforce, focusing on strategic planning, generational diversity, and continuous feedback. He shares insights into the tools and methods they use to assess skills gaps, measure training effectiveness, and drive behavioral change across multiple levels of the organization. Brian also highlights the role of technology in enhancing virtual learning experiences and supporting employee development in a dynamic industry.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Emily Wilson, Manager of Leadership Development for the American Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services, shares insights into training a predominantly volunteer workforce. She discusses the unique challenges of preparing volunteers—who lack the traditional incentives of paid employees—for high-stress disaster response roles and how the organization is evolving its leadership development programs. Emily also highlights the Red Cross’s shift toward more experiential and applied learning, aiming to improve supervisor effectiveness and volunteer retention in an era of continuous disaster response.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Melissa sits down with Cassie Matheson, a workforce development and international talent acquisition manager for a major healthcare system in Ohio. Cassie shares insights into the challenges of recruiting healthcare professionals post-pandemic, from declining nursing school enrollments to shifting immigration policies for international hires. She also discusses innovative workforce strategies, including early engagement programs for students, immersive VR training, and adapting to evolving technology to support the future of healthcare.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Lynn sits down with Nick Bartlett, Senior Head of Learning Content at the CFA Institute, to explore the evolving landscape of learning and development in the finance sector. Nick shares insights from his journey into L&D, the unique challenges faced by finance professionals, and how emerging technologies like AI and peer-to-peer learning are shaping the future of education. The conversation dives into strategies for engaging learners, measuring soft skills, and leveraging AI to enhance both content relevance and accessibility, offering valuable advice for L&D practitioners at all levels.

In the two-part Season 1 finale of NovoEDTalks, three industry thought leaders, Cara Halter, Matt Donovan and Judy Albers, participate in a roundtable discussion to explore AI’s growing influence on L&D strategies. The episode features clips from L&D professionals interviewed throughout Season 1, offering diverse perspectives on AI-driven innovation in the workplace. Together, they dive into what organizations should be thinking about, implementing, and watching for as they integrate AI into their learning programs to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Teodora Georgieva-Diaz, a Senior Learning Solutions Consultant at Telus Digital, shares insights from her 16-year journey in the learning and development field at the company. Teodora discusses how the industry has evolved, especially in response to changing learner needs and technological advancements. She highlights the importance of data-driven approaches, the growing role of AI, and the necessity for continuous learning and adaptability in leadership roles. Through a recent case study, Teodora demonstrates how thoughtful analysis and innovative solutions can lead to significant performance improvements.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Melissa sits down with Molly Reed, Manager of Enterprise Learning and Development at Conagra. Molly shares insights on integrating learning into the flow of work, addressing skill gaps with structured frameworks, and leveraging technology like NovoEd and AI tools to enhance employee development. She also highlights the success of Conagra’s Supply Chain Academy and its impact on learner engagement and performance.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Lynn chats with Jim Everidge, Market Director of Enterprise Platforms at TiER1 Performance. Jim shares insights into how organizations can streamline their learning and development ecosystems, highlighting the importance of technology, AI, and skill-based training to enhance employee performance. He also discusses future trends in L&D, emphasizing the need for agility, deep technology proficiency, and strategic alignment to drive organizational success.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Melissa interviews Cassidy Browning, Manager of Learning Solutions at Indeed. Cassidy shares her extensive background in education, human resources, and the arts, emphasizing how these fields influence her approach to learning and development. The discussion covers the importance of optionality in learning, the use of technology and tools like digital whiteboards and Slack, and the future potential of L&D to rehumanize the workplace and foster a culture of trust and innovation.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, we hear from Lindsay Russell, a seasoned learning experience design manager in the MedTech industry with over 20 years of educational experience. Lindsay shares her journey from teaching high school Spanish to her current role, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in engaging diverse learners, particularly during the rise of remote work. She discusses the importance of maintaining a positive learning culture, leveraging surveys to improve training programs, and exploring innovative technologies like AI and VR to enhance learning experiences.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Vimbai Nyakujara, Assistant Learning and Development Manager at Waldorf Astoria, shares insights from her decade-long career in the hospitality industry. She discusses the primary challenges in L&D, such as time constraints and communication barriers, and the innovative solutions like blended learning and in-house coaching programs adopted to address these issues. The episode highlights the critical role of technology in enhancing learning experiences and the necessity of continuous upskilling to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, we explore the dynamic intersection of hybrid training and cutting-edge technology in L&D. Heather Balcerek, Senior Manager of Corporate Learning and Development at Maximus, shares her extensive experience in building and reviving employee development programs across industries. Heather discusses how innovative tools like AI are reshaping training strategies, enhancing learner engagement, and addressing the unique challenges faced by today’s professionals.

Join us in this episode of NovoEdTalks as we chat with Leslie Simek, a training manager at Ecolab with 17 years of experience in regulatory affairs. Leslie discusses her approach to overcoming the challenges faced by a diverse global team of learners and shares insights into the importance of aligning L&D goals with business objectives. Discover how Ecolab leverages technology and innovative training programs to enhance employee development and drive organizational success.

In this episode of NovoEd Talks, host Melissa interviews Andrea Gregg, Director of Learning Experience Design and Associate Research Director at Penn State, to explore her 20+ year career in online education. Andrea discusses her role in developing micro-credentials, the challenges learners face, and the importance of leveraging technology like VR and AI in instructional design. She shares insights on how to effectively measure learning outcomes and highlights the evolving trends in the learning and development industry.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Lynn interviews Andrew Vecchiarelli, Senior Manager of Learning Strategy and Skills at Grant Thornton Canada. Andrew discusses the firm’s commitment to fostering a people-first culture and the challenges they face in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. He also highlights the importance of mentorship, the strategic use of technology in learning and development, and the necessity for L&D to be integrated into the broader business strategy to prepare for future disruptions.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Lynn meets up with Brian Ciccotelli, a learning technologist at HP, about the evolving landscape of learning and development. Brian discusses his role in enhancing the learner experience by leveraging technology to create personalized, seamless learning environments and shares insights from the ATD 2024 conference on the growing impact of AI in education. He also addresses the challenges of proving ROI in training programs and emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity in integrating new learning technologies.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Melissa engages in a deep conversation with Anders Forsberg, Head of Navistar University. Forsberg shares his journey of building a corporate university from scratch at Navistar, a company undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainable transportation. The discussion covers the unique challenges of training a diverse workforce, the impact of technology on learning and development, and the importance of staying closely aligned with business needs to drive effective learning outcomes.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, we welcome Theresa Zeller, Global Head of Learning Creation at Merck, to discuss the evolution of learning and development. Theresa shares how Merck, a global healthcare company with over 70,000 employees, navigates the challenges of providing accessible learning solutions across 150 countries while addressing rapid technological changes and shifting market dynamics. We also dive into the importance of creating an inclusive learning culture and fostering connections between generations in the workforce. Tune in to hear Theresa’s insights on leveraging technology, prioritizing learning, and building strong relationships to create a lasting impact.

In this episode of NovoEdTalks, Melissa welcomes Renzo Urzua, a global training manager at a Fortune 500 company, to discuss learning and development strategies in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Renzo shares insights into the challenges of training a global workforce, from coordinating across time zones to ensuring digital fluency, and explains how technology like AI avatars and virtual reality are reshaping L&D. He also emphasizes the importance of being agile, embracing new technologies, and continuously learning to stay ahead in the L&D field.

In this episode of the NovoEdTalks podcast, we chat with Christine Bednarz, a Corporate Vice President of Change Management and Learning at a Fortune 100 company. Christine shares insights into her role, focusing on learning experience design for field managers transitioning into management roles. She emphasizes the importance of intentional learning experiences and addressing misconceptions upfront. Christine also discusses adapting to remote work and virtual collaboration, highlighting the significance of data-driven approaches and the need for continuous learning amidst technological advancements. Tune in for valuable advice on leadership, aligning team goals with organizational objectives, and staying informed about emerging trends in learning and development.The opinions and views expressed in this podcast are solely the guests’s. They do no represent the views of any organization or company.

In this episode of the NovoEDTalks podcast, Melissa welcomes Abby Pinto, the Director of Talent Development at Thomson Reuters. Abby brings her wealth of experience in learning and development, international education, and consulting to the conversation. Throughout the discussion, Abby sheds light on the challenges faced by Thomson Reuters in talent development, such as the diverse skill sets within the organization and the rapid evolution of industries they serve. She also shares insights into how they approach these challenges, emphasizing the importance of fostering a growth mindset, identifying critical skill areas, and leveraging technology to personalize learning experiences.

In this episode of the NovoEd Talks podcast, Melissa sits down with Stephanie Lauridsen, Manager of Training at Jack In the Box, to discuss the challenges of training a diverse audience of restaurant employees. Stephanie shares insights into the unique demands of quick-service restaurant training, including the need for quick adaptation to market trends and the challenges of training in noisy, distracting environments. She emphasizes the importance of technology in delivering effective training solutions and highlights the role of empathy and creative design in addressing learner needs. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of employee training and development in the restaurant industry.

In this episode of the NovoEd Talks podcast, Lynn welcomes Kristi Larson, a Manager of Learning Design and Innovation Specialist at ADP with 16 years of L&D experience. Kristi shares insights into gamification in corporate training, emphasizing its role in increasing learner engagement and knowledge retention. She discusses challenges faced in addressing skill gaps and the importance of data-driven approaches in designing effective training programs. Additionally, Kristi highlights the integration of technology, such as AI-based tools, in enhancing employee learning experiences and measuring training effectiveness.

In this episode, we interview Emma McCall, Global Learning and Development Leader at Honeywell. Emma pulls from her extensive career in L&D to touch on challenges in implementing global learning programs, adapting to remote work, identifying and addressing skills gaps, measuring program effectiveness, and leveraging technology for employee training. She also shares insights into the evolving landscape of learning and development in general, emphasizing the importance of personalized, just-in-time learning experiences and the need for leaders to prioritize their own continuous learning.