Learning is changing and evolving —fast.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Amy Ashley, Director of Learning & Development at Caterpillar, to explore how a global organization with over 113,000 employees builds a culture of continuous learning. Amy shares how her team empowers employees to own their development, balances human-centered skills with technological innovation, and aligns programs with evolving business and customer needs. From large-scale AI learning experiments to embedding curiosity as a core capability, she offers valuable insights into preparing the workforce for a rapidly changing future.

Jennifer Rice, SVP of Learning & Organizational Development at Universal Music Group, shares how her team supports 10,000+ employees across labels and countries by embedding change readiness, innovation, and hybrid culture into programs for every level. She details a data-driven L&D model, tight people business partner intake, bespoke and just-in-time learning, mentorship, plus coaching that correlates with retention gains and standout promotion rates. Looking ahead, Jennifer sees AI enhancing access and efficiency, but maintains that trust, listening, and care will always power culture and performance.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Madison Gattis, Director of Client Experience at TED@Work, shares how her career in nonprofits, consulting, and organizational transformation shaped her belief in learning as a driver of workplace happiness and mobility. She explores today’s most pressing challenges, from developing Gen Z and mid-level managers to preparing organizations for AI, while highlighting strategies that balance human skills with emerging technology. Madison also shares a client case study on moving from compliance-only learning to a culture of self-led development, offering leaders lessons on curiosity, trust, and celebrating wins.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Kim White, IO psychologist and founder of WOW Consulting, shares how fast-growing companies can “work on what matters” by aligning people, processes, and purpose. She unpacks today’s L&D pressures such as diverse learner needs, time constraints, and AI disruption, and urges a shift from one-size-fits-all courses to contextual, human-supported learning enhanced by thoughtful AI. Her playbook is to lead with curiosity, set simple measurable practices like personal development goals and peer share-backs, and embrace failure to build truly adaptable cultures.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Jessica Pharm, Learning and Development Program Manager at Alaska Airlines, shares how she builds equitable, people-first programs that empower employees across all levels, from frontline workers to emerging leaders. Jessica highlights initiatives like educational assistance, career workshops, and the Developing Emerging Leaders program, which are designed to close opportunity gaps and create inclusive growth pathways. With a focus on adaptability, learner mindset, and thoughtful use of technology, she emphasizes that leadership is less about titles and more about influence, advocacy, and continuous development.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Sue Novak, Dealer Engagement and Experience Training Manager at BMW of North America, who brings over 20 years of global experience in learning and development, HR, and leadership coaching. Sue shares how she and her team are addressing the fast-paced challenges of the retail automotive world by building adaptable, trust-based training programs that emphasize immediate applicability and human connection. From co-creating customer experience programs in Las Vegas to integrating technology mindfully, Sue offers rich insight into how leadership development must evolve without losing its humanity.