The Learning Curve with Kenny

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.

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.

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

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

Charles Thiede, CEO and co-founder of Zapnito, discusses the transformative power of peer-to-peer learning. He emphasizes the importance of trust and culture in fostering knowledge sharing within organizations. Listeners learn how to start small with micro-networks, promoting real-time problem solving. Thiede highlights the synergy of structured learning with informal methods, advocating for collaboration enhanced by digital tools. He also shares resources for cultivating vibrant expert communities and adapting to evolving training landscapes.

Jeremy Blain, a global keynote speaker and digital transformation consultant, dives into the pressing leadership crisis in today's digital age. He highlights that one in three digital strategies fail and emphasizes the need for a shift from leadership fluency to fluidity. Blain advocates for embracing human-centered skills, like empathy, and stresses that mindset is the ultimate tool for transformation. He shares insights on fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability, essential for effective leadership in a rapidly changing landscape.

Ashley Hinchcliffe, an L&D strategist and co-host of the 'Marketing for Learning' podcast, brings a fresh, data-driven perspective to Learning and Development. She discusses the crucial intersection of marketing and L&D, emphasizing how understanding audience insights can transform learning experiences. Ashley advocates for aligning training with business goals and moving past vanity metrics to truly measure impact. With real-world examples, she highlights the importance of rethinking engagement strategies and adopting a marketing mindset to connect better with learners.

Diego Fiche, Global Learning and Development Lead at a Fortune 500 company, is passionate about people-first leadership and narrative-driven learning. He dives into the emotional power of storytelling in L&D, explaining how authentic narratives foster deep connections and enhance retention. Diego discusses how leaders can become effective story-guides and the importance of real-world examples in making stories memorable. He also explores the role of VR and AI in creating immersive learning experiences, emphasizing storytelling's vital place in modern education.

Two industry experts share their views and advice on bridging Academia and Industry. In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny is joined not by one but by two guests: Prof. Peter Konhäusner, VP of Gisma University, and Jeffery Lovejoy, Talent Acquisition Team lead at GotPhoto. During the interview, they help us to understand the challenges for new talent when going from the University to the Industry . Their insights are invaluable to both new talent and L&D professionals. Key Take-aways: Evolving Curriculums: T-shaped skills (broad foundational knowledge + deep expertise) are essential for today's workforce. Digitalization and face-to-face interactions must coexist for optimal learning. Recruitment Challenges: Over-reliance on AI-generated applications can hinder authenticity. Cultural fit, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills are as vital as technical expertise. Partnerships Between Academia and Industry: Collaborations with companies (e.g., Google, Zalando) include hackathons, workshops, and guest lectures. Universities benefit from feedback to refine curriculums, while companies gain early access to talent. Advice for Students: Focus on developing soft skills: empathy, communication, and time management. Gain familiarity with data analytics, emotional intelligence, and hybrid work collaboration. Advice for HR Professionals: Invest in junior talent to ensure a sustainable and innovative workforce. Build relationships with universities to align academic programs with industry needs. 💬 About the guests: Prof. Peter Konhäusner is the VP of the Gisma University of Applied Science and Jeffery Lovejoy is a passionate Talent acquisition Lead. Both Peter and Jeffery have collaborated in the past to address the gap of new talent going from University to Industry. Both are striving to close the gap by critical questioning existing processes and offering new and innovative solutions.

Kayvon Touran expands our understanding of AI applications within the L&D space. In this episode of The Learning Curve, Kenny is joined by Kayvon Touran, the founder & CEO of Zal.ai who leads us on a journey to explore how AI is revolutionizing the learning and development (L&D) space, particularly through role-playing learning scenarios. Kayvon’s passion and vision for the application of AI for the L&D space truly sets new expectations for the industry. **Interview Takeaways: ** AI Enhances Learning Experiences: AI has evolved from improving efficiency to creating dynamic, personalized, and immersive learning scenarios, especially through role-playing. Active Learning Benefits: AI-driven role-playing boosts engagement and knowledge retention by providing context-specific, interactive simulations that mimic real-world situations. Challenges and Human Oversight: Successful AI implementation requires thoughtful integration, with human involvement to manage biases and validate outcomes. Real-World Applications: AI is already making a significant impact in areas like sales training, reducing onboarding time and improving performance metrics. Strategic AI Adoption: L&D professionals should focus on using AI to enhance learning outcomes rather than adopting it simply because it's trendy. **💬 About the guest: ** Implementing leading edge technologies and leveraging his forward thinking is a space wherein Kayvon thrives. With a strong background in early-stage technology startups the founder of ZAL.ai is using AI to solve challenges in the L&D space.