Training Impact Podcast

What if the biggest problem with corporate training isn't the content, but the way we think about learning?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Terry Hawkins, Founder and CEO of IGNITE Humans, to explore why lasting business performance starts with developing people, not simply delivering information.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience working with retailers, franchise organizations, professional services firms, and distributed workforces, Terry shares a human-centered approach to learning that moves beyond courses and compliance. The conversation explores how organizations can create learning systems that build confidence, strengthen communication, develop self-awareness, and inspire lasting behavioral change.
You'll learn why traditional training often fails to improve performance, how the Five Cs Learning Loop transforms information into lasting capability, and why empathy, coaching, and repeatable systems are essential for creating consistent customer experiences across franchise networks, partner organizations, and frontline teams.
Whether you're responsible for employee training, franchise education, customer learning, leadership development, or extended enterprise learning, this episode offers practical insights for building learning programs that create stronger people, stronger cultures, and stronger businesses.
In this episode you'll discover:
• Why information alone doesn't change behavior• The Five Cs Learning Loop for creating lasting learning• Why productive struggle is an essential part of learning• How systems create consistency without scripting employees• The role of empathy and self-awareness in organizational performance• The seven stages of learning maturity• How to scale learning across franchises, partners, and distributed teams• Why great training develops better humans, not just better employees
Learn more about IGNITE Humans:https://www.ignitehumans.com/
For more on Terry Hawkins, visit: https://www.terryhawkins.com/ 
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#TrainingImpactPodcast #LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #FranchiseTraining #CustomerTraining #ExtendedEnterprise #EmployeeDevelopment #LearningStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #Coaching #LMS #LatitudeLearning #IGNITEHumans

What if artificial intelligence could make project-based learning easier to implement without replacing the teacher?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Miriam Bogler, founder of Project Pals, to explore how AI is helping educators create authentic, student-centered learning experiences that build collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Rather than using AI to provide answers, Project Pals leverages artificial intelligence as a learning coach, guiding students through the inquiry process while empowering teachers to facilitate meaningful projects more efficiently.
In this episode, you'll learn:• What makes authentic project-based learning different from traditional classroom projects• Why collaboration is essential for deeper learning• How AI can guide inquiry instead of replacing critical thinking• Strategies for helping students solve real-world problems• How Project Pals is making project-based learning more accessible for educators
Whether you're an educator, instructional designer, learning leader, or simply interested in the future of AI in education, this conversation offers practical insights into how technology can enhance learning while keeping human curiosity at the center.
Learn more about Project Pals:https://projectpals.com/
Follow the Training Impact Podcast:https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast
 
#ProjectPals #ProjectBasedLearning #AIinEducation #EducationalTechnology #LearningAndDevelopment #EdTech #StudentCollaboration #CriticalThinking #InstructionalDesign #ArtificialIntelligence #TrainingImpactPodcast #LatitudeLearning

Leadership isn't just another training topic. It may be the single biggest driver of organizational performance.
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Helanie Scott, founder of ⁠Align4Profit⁠, to discuss why organizations should invest as much in developing leadership behaviors as they do technical expertise.
Together they explore:
• Why "soft skills" should really be called "power skills" • How leadership behavior shapes organizational culture • Why accountability starts with leadership • The concept of Leadership Intimacy • How behavior change creates measurable business impact • Why franchise and partner organizations should invest in leadership development • How habits become the leading indicators of organizational success
Whether you lead an L&D team, manage franchise training, or are responsible for organizational performance, this episode offers practical insights into building stronger leaders and higher-performing organizations.
Learn more about Align4Profit: ⁠https://www.align4profit.com⁠
For more Training Impact Podcast episodes: ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast⁠

America's workforce shortage is often viewed as a recruiting problem, but what if the real challenge begins years before an employer posts a job opening?
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Corey Koopmans, co-founder of ⁠InternCrew⁠, to explore how work-based learning, internships, career exploration, and mentorship can help bridge the gap between education and employment. Rather than focusing solely on hiring, the conversation examines how giving students meaningful exposure to careers before graduation can lead to better career decisions, stronger talent pipelines, and a more prepared workforce.
Corey shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey through payroll, workforce analytics, HR technology, and education technology, explaining how those experiences led to the creation of InternCrew. The discussion explores why skilled trades continue to face significant labor shortages despite offering rewarding, high-paying careers, and why many students never consider these opportunities simply because they lack real-world exposure to them.
Jeff and Corey also discuss the barriers that often prevent employers from participating in internship and work-based learning programs, how InternCrew removes much of that administrative complexity by serving as the employer of record, and why mentorship benefits both students and experienced professionals alike. The episode concludes with an insightful conversation about artificial intelligence and how today's students may use AI as a powerful tool to reshape the future of work and career development.
Whether you're a learning and development leader, educator, HR professional, franchise executive, employer, or business leader focused on workforce development, this episode offers practical insights into building stronger talent pipelines by connecting students with meaningful career experiences before they enter the workforce.
Learn more about InternCrew: ⁠https://interncrew.com/⁠
For more Training Impact Podcast episodes: ⁠https://www.latitudelearning.com/insights/podcast/⁠
Follow the Training Impact Podcast on social media: ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast⁠
#TrainingImpactPodcast #InternCrew #WorkforceDevelopment #WorkBasedLearning #Internships #CareerReadiness #SkilledTrades #LearningAndDevelopment #TalentDevelopment #CorporateTraining #FutureOfWork #AI #Mentorship #WorkforceReadiness #ExtendedEnterprise

What if the answers your organization needs are already hidden inside your network?
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Brad Mehl, founder of ⁠Boundless Markets⁠, to explore how organizations can uncover valuable insights from customers, employees, franchisees, dealers, distributors, and channel partners. Rather than relying solely on surveys, focus groups, and performance metrics, Brad shares how AI-powered self-guided interviews can help organizations capture deeper, more authentic feedback at scale.
The conversation explores the concept of network intelligence and why some of the most valuable knowledge in an organization often exists outside of formal reports and dashboards. Brad explains how companies can identify hidden opportunities, discover emerging trends, surface innovation from the front lines, and transform tribal knowledge into actionable business intelligence.
Jeff and Brad also discuss the importance of learning from your network, not just training it. They examine how organizations can create feedback loops that help leaders better understand customer needs, partner challenges, and operational realities while uncovering the "golden nuggets" that often drive breakthrough improvements and innovation.
The episode also introduces Actify, a platform designed to transform reports, webinars, transcripts, and other content into interactive, action-oriented experiences that help people quickly find, understand, and act on the information most relevant to them.
Whether you lead a franchise system, dealer network, channel partner program, customer training initiative, or learning and development function, this conversation offers practical insights into how AI can help organizations listen better, learn faster, and make smarter decisions.
Topics include:
• Network intelligence
• Customer insights and audience research
• AI-powered interviews
• Organizational learning
• Tribal knowledge capture
• Franchise and dealer networks
• Partner engagement
• Innovation discovery
• Knowledge management
• Learning and development
• Business intelligence
• Audience feedback at scale
Learn more about Boundless Markets: ⁠https://www.boundlessmarkets.com/⁠
Learn More about Actify: ⁠https://actifythis.com/ ⁠
🎧 For more from the Training Impact Podcast, follow us on social media: ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast⁠
#TrainingImpactPodcast #BoundlessMarkets #CustomerInsights #AudienceIntelligence #KnowledgeManagement #LearningAndDevelopment #AI #FranchiseTraining #ChannelPartners #BusinessGrowth #OrganizationalLearning #InnovationManagement
 

What does it take to build a successful career in a world where jobs, industries, and technologies are constantly changing?
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Thomas Powner of ⁠Career Thinker⁠ and Ellen Steverson of ⁠StartingBlock Career Services⁠ to discuss their forthcoming book, Working to Winning: The Power of Knowing What Matters. Drawing on decades of experience in career management, recruiting, workforce development, and professional coaching, they share a practical framework for helping people take greater ownership of their careers while helping organizations create stronger, more engaged workforces.
The conversation explores the difference between career development and career management, the importance of business fluency, the One Life, One Career philosophy, and why continuous learning has become essential in today's workplace. Thomas and Ellen also discuss how employers can play a more active role in supporting career growth, improving employee retention, and creating meaningful development opportunities.
Whether you are an employee looking to navigate your career more intentionally, a leader responsible for developing talent, or a learning and development professional focused on workforce growth, this episode offers practical insights for building stronger careers and stronger organizations.
Topics Covered
Working to Winning: The Power of Knowing What Matters
Career management versus career development
The One Life, One Career philosophy
Business fluency and employee engagement
Workforce development and talent retention
Learning while earning
Professional growth and career resilience
Leadership and career conversations
Continuous learning in the age of AI
The future of work
#WorkingToWinning #CareerManagement #CareerThinker #WorkforceDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeRetention #LearningAndDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureOfWork #TrainingImpactPodcast
 
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What if you could predict employee success before making a hiring decision?
In this episode of the⁠ Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Jim Hunter, founder of ⁠PeopleBest⁠, to explore how predictive analytics, behavioral science, and workforce data are changing the way organizations hire, develop, and retain talent.
Drawing inspiration from the Moneyball approach to analytics, Jim shares the story behind PeopleBest and explains how organizations can move beyond resumes, interviews, and gut instinct to identify the competencies, motivations, and behaviors that truly drive performance. The conversation explores why technical skills alone are often not enough, how organizational fit influences success, and why understanding a person's coachability and trainability may be one of the most valuable insights a company can gain.
Jeff and Jim discuss the hidden factors that separate top performers from average performers, how organizations can define success before measuring it, and why talent development should be aligned directly with business outcomes. They also examine the role of culture, leadership, employee development, and behavioral analytics in building stronger teams and creating long-term organizational success.
Whether you're a learning and development leader, HR professional, recruiter, executive, or business owner, this episode provides practical insights into using data-driven talent strategies to unlock human potential and improve workforce performance.
Learn more about PeopleBest: ⁠https://peoplebest.com/⁠
For more from the Training Impact Podcast: ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast⁠

Modern vehicles have become increasingly sophisticated, requiring technicians to master far more than traditional mechanical repairs. In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Dan Aldrich, Director of Technical Training and Development at ⁠Christian Brothers Automotive⁠, to discuss how effective training, mentorship, and leadership development prepare technicians for success in a rapidly changing industry.
Dan shares insights from his career journey and explains how Christian Brothers Automotive has built a culture centered on continuous learning, personal growth, and operational excellence. The conversation explores technician development, workforce challenges, knowledge transfer, leadership pipelines, and the role training plays in creating exceptional customer experiences.
Whether you are an L&D leader, training manager, operations executive, franchise leader, or automotive professional, this episode offers practical lessons on building high-performing teams through intentional learning and development.
Learn more about Christian Brothers Automotive: ⁠Christian Brothers Automotive⁠
#TrainingImpactPodcast #ChristianBrothersAutomotive #DanAldrich #AutomotiveTraining #TechnicianDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #EmployeeTraining #TechnicalTraining #Mentorship #TrainingStrategy #AutomotiveService #ContinuousLearning

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, and make decisions. But despite all the attention AI receives, many professionals still struggle to understand what it is, how it works, and how to use it effectively.
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter speaks with Dr. Mechie Nkengla, founder and CEO of ⁠NuScienta⁠, about why AI literacy is becoming one of the most important skills for the future workforce.
Dr. Nkengla shares her journey from applied mathematics and data science to entrepreneurship and AI education, explaining why continuous learning and adaptability are essential in a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore practical approaches to AI adoption, workforce readiness, productivity improvement, and building confidence with artificial intelligence.
Rather than focusing on technical complexity, this conversation highlights how professionals, leaders, educators, and organizations can develop the knowledge needed to work alongside AI and make smarter decisions in an AI-driven future.
Topics include AI literacy, workforce development, career reinvention, AI adoption strategies, productivity, leadership, learning and development, and the future of work.
Learn more about NuScienta: ⁠https://nuscienta.com/⁠
Follow the Training Impact Podcast for more conversations on learning, performance, and workforce transformation. ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast

What if AI could do more than answer questions? What if it could help scale mentorship?
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Jared Shaw, Founder of ⁠Virtuoso⁠, to explore a new approach to artificial intelligence in learning and development. Rather than focusing on content generation and automation, Virtuoso is using AI to create interactive, mentor-like learning experiences that adapt to individual learners while maintaining structured educational outcomes.
Jared shares his unique journey from professional drummer and content creator to EdTech entrepreneur, explaining how the limitations of traditional online learning inspired the creation of Virtuoso. The conversation explores the gap between consuming information and truly understanding it, highlighting the critical role mentorship plays in learning, skill development, and knowledge retention.
Jeff and Jared discuss how Virtuoso combines AI-powered interaction with curriculum-driven instruction, allowing learners to engage in meaningful dialogue, receive personalized guidance, and progress through structured learning pathways. They also explore the platform's innovative approach to personalization, which considers not only what learners know, but who they are, including their interests, experiences, and learning preferences.
The discussion extends into workforce development, technical skills training, onboarding, certifications, and the future of learning technology. Throughout the episode, Jared emphasizes that AI should not replace human expertise but should help organizations extend the reach and impact of coaches, instructors, trainers, and mentors.
Key topics include AI mentorship, personalized learning, adaptive instruction, workforce training, curriculum-driven AI, skill development, learning engagement, and the future of learning and development.
Whether you are an L&D leader, training manager, educator, instructional designer, or simply curious about the future of AI-powered learning, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology can make learning more personal, engaging, and effective.
Learn more about Virtuoso: ⁠https://virtuvision.app/⁠
Connect with the Training Impact Podcast for more conversations about learning, performance, workforce development, and organizational success.