Talent Development is changing and evolving —fast.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Dr. Benjamin Granger, Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics, shares how organizations can create powerful learning environments by focusing on leadership development, honest employee feedback, and the cultivation of critical “meta-skills.” Drawing on global data and real-world case studies, he explores how technology can facilitate confidential, two-way conversations that surface true employee needs—and why mentorship and human connection are more essential than ever in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Maris Krieger, Senior Director of Talent Learning & Development at Hearst Corporation, shares how the small but mighty team she is a part of is building agile, personalized learning experiences for 15,000 employees across a diverse portfolio of industries. She takes us inside Hearst’s rapid AI upskilling initiative, discusses the power of co-creation with business leaders, and explores the balance between technical and evergreen “power” skills. Throughout, Maris emphasizes the need to treat learning as a business driver—not a support function—and to move fast, personalize deeply, and never be afraid to experiment.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Cassandra Limoges, Manager of Learning and Development at Denny’s Restaurants Canada, shares how she supports 75 locations through people-first leadership and deeply embedded values-driven programs. Drawing from decades of experience in hospitality, Cassandra discusses the importance of shifting away from reactive training toward relationship-centered development that drives sustainable performance. She also explores the evolving role of technology, the need for mindset shifts post-COVID, and her belief that true leadership begins with genuine care, connection, and influence.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Michael Martin, Senior Director of Sales Enablement at Calix, shares how his team uses AI-powered tools, just-in-time microlearning, and real-time simulations to scale impactful training for a busy global salesforce. He explains why aligning with leadership, reinforcing learning through practice, and treating enablement as a proactive, diagnostic function are key to lasting behavior change. Michael also reflects on the evolving role of technology in talent development — and why truly valuable training must always respect the time and context of its learners.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Anne Griswold, Whole Brain Catalyst at Herrmann International, shares how whole brain thinking can transform leadership development and team dynamics across all levels of an organization. She discusses how cognitive diversity, agile thinking, and strategic learning ecosystems can close skill gaps, foster collaboration, and drive measurable business results. With a strong call to “use your voice,” Anne encourages L&D professionals to champion human connection and learning as core drivers of organizational success.