Training Impact Podcast

In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter interviews Monty Miller and Doug Breckenridge, co-founders of ⁠Vujade⁠, about the science of communication, collaboration, and organizational performance.
The conversation traces their nearly thirty-year professional relationship, which began during a business transformation project in India and eventually led to the creation of Vujade. Drawing on decades of experience in organizational development, leadership consulting, and global business operations, they share the challenges they observed helping organizations improve performance.
Monty and Doug explain why traditional personality assessments often provide self-awareness but struggle to create actionable improvements in workplace relationships. They discuss how the Vujade platform takes a different approach by helping individuals understand how they communicate, process information, and collaborate with others.
The episode explores topics including communication styles, cognitive diversity, trust, vulnerability, team dynamics, and leadership effectiveness. The founders also share insights from working with high-performing teams, including lessons learned from NASA and other organizations that leverage diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
For learning and development leaders, HR professionals, executives, and managers, this conversation provides practical insights into improving workplace communication and building stronger teams through a deeper understanding of human differences.
Learn more about Vujade: ⁠https://vujade.ai⁠
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What role does physical space play in learning success?
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Axhens Mara of ⁠StudySpaces⁠ to explore a critical but often overlooked aspect of learning and development: the environments where learning takes place.
While organizations invest heavily in learning technologies, content development, instructional design, and training programs, the physical spaces that support learning are frequently treated as an afterthought. Axhens challenges that mindset by explaining how environmental design directly influences learner engagement, collaboration, focus, retention, and overall performance.
The conversation explores how modern learning has evolved beyond traditional classroom models and why today's learning environments must support collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and multiple learning styles. From workplace training and higher education to workforce development and hybrid learning, the discussion highlights how thoughtfully designed spaces can remove barriers to learning and create conditions that help people perform at their best.
Jeff and Axhens also discuss psychological safety, flexible learning environments, workplace design trends, and the growing connection between learning science, organizational development, and human-centered design.
For learning leaders, educators, training professionals, and organizational development teams, this episode offers valuable insights into how learning environments can become strategic assets that support long-term growth and performance.
Learn more about StudySpaces: ⁠https://studyspaces.com⁠

In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Vance Morris, Chief Experience Officer of Deliver Service Now Institute and former Walt Disney World leader, to explore how businesses can intentionally design customer experiences that create loyalty, emotional connection, and long-term profitability.
Drawing from his years at Disney and his experience building multiple successful service businesses, Vance shares how operational systems, customer journey mapping, and retention-focused strategies can transform ordinary service interactions into memorable experiences that customers willingly pay more for.
Jeff and Vance discuss:• Disney’s approach to customer experience systems• Why emotional connection drives customer loyalty• How small experience details increase revenue• Customer retention vs. customer acquisition economics• Franchise operations and scalable service consistency• Journey mapping and brand differentiation• Authenticity and trust in an AI-driven world
This episode is packed with practical insights for franchisors, service businesses, training leaders, and organizations focused on improving customer retention and operational performance.
Learn more about Deliver Service Now Institute:https://deliverservicenow.com/
52 Ways to Wow Your Customers Without Breaking the Bank:https://wow52ways.com/
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🎧 In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter speaks with Lucas Consoli, Co-Founder of EmpathEQ, about the future of AI-powered simulation training in healthcare. Together, they explore how emotionally authentic AI simulations are helping nursing schools and healthcare organizations train critical communication, empathy, and de-escalation skills at scale.
Lucas shares his journey from Argentina to Europe to the United States, working across startups, technology, education, and innovation before launching EmpathEQ. The conversation dives into how AI video simulations are being used to prepare nurses for difficult real-world interactions involving patients, families, colleagues, and healthcare leaders.
The discussion explores:• Why soft skills are becoming one of healthcare’s biggest training challenges• How AI-driven simulations create scalable practice environments for nurses• The importance of empathy, communication, and behavioral learning in healthcare• The rise of the “learning worker” in the AI era• How simulation-based learning compares to traditional instructor-led methods• Why emotionally authentic AI interactions may reshape workforce training
Jeff and Lucas also discuss the broader implications of AI in education and workforce development, including creativity, entrepreneurship, learning agility, and the changing nature of work.
If you’re interested in healthcare training, AI-powered learning, workforce development, simulation technology, or the future of professional education, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most rapidly evolving areas of learning and development.
Learn more about EmpathEQ: https://www.empatheq.ai/
#TrainingImpactPodcast #EmpathEQ #HealthcareTraining #AIinLearning #SimulationTraining #NursingEducation #LearningAndDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #ExtendedEnterprise #LeadershipDevelopment #TrainingStrategy #HealthcareInnovation #EmotionalIntelligence #LearningTechnology #AI

In this episode of the⁠ Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with Mike Willins of ⁠Motor Age Training⁠ to discuss the growing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of automotive technician training.
As modern vehicles become increasingly dependent on software, sensors, electronics, and advanced diagnostics systems, the role of the technician is evolving rapidly. Mike explains why today’s automotive professionals must go far beyond traditional mechanical repair skills and develop stronger diagnostic, analytical, and continuous learning capabilities to keep pace with the industry.
The conversation explores the widening technician skills gap, the ongoing workforce shortage impacting repair shops and dealerships, and why many organizations are struggling to recruit and retain highly skilled technicians. Jeff and Mike also discuss how training programs must evolve from occasional certification events into ongoing learning strategies that directly support operational performance, customer satisfaction, and technician retention.
Mike shares how Motor Age Training supports technicians and automotive organizations through diagnostics education, workforce development, and modern training approaches designed to help learners adapt to rapidly changing vehicle technologies. The discussion highlights why diagnostics has become one of the most valuable skills in today’s repair environment and how stronger learning cultures can create long-term competitive advantages for automotive organizations.
Whether you are a dealership leader, repair shop owner, trainer, technician, or learning and development professional, this episode delivers valuable insight into how automotive training is transforming alongside the industry itself.
Learn more about Motor Age Training: ⁠Motor Age Training⁠

In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter sits down with David Boyes, President of ⁠Today’s Class⁠, to explore how adaptive microlearning and AI-driven personalization are changing the future of automotive workforce development.
As modern vehicles become increasingly complex, shops are facing growing pressure to keep technicians, service advisors, and service teams up to speed on rapidly evolving technology. At the same time, technician shortages, employee turnover, and limited training time continue creating major challenges across the industry.
David explains how Today’s Class approaches these challenges differently through daily three to five minute learning experiences delivered through an adaptive mobile platform. Instead of relying on occasional classroom sessions or static online courses, the system continuously evaluates each learner’s strengths, weaknesses, confidence levels, and retention patterns to personalize training over time.
Jeff and David discuss how AI and machine learning help create highly targeted learning experiences that evolve daily based on employee performance, business priorities, seasonality, and long-term knowledge retention. The conversation also explores how shops can use learning data to improve engagement, support ASE preparation, strengthen service advisor communication skills, and create stronger learning cultures throughout their organizations.
This episode is a fascinating look at the future of adaptive learning, continuous workforce development, and how modern automotive organizations can turn training into a long-term competitive advantage.
Learn more about Today’s Class: ⁠https://todaysclass.com⁠
Follow the Training Impact Podcast on Social Media: ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast⁠
#AutomotiveTraining #AdaptiveLearning #Microlearning #TechnicianTraining #AITraining #WorkforceDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #AutomotiveIndustry #TrainingImpactPodcast

What happens when training stops being a support function and starts driving real business impact?
In this episode, Jeff Walter, Founder and CEO of ⁠LatitudeLearning⁠, joins ⁠CourseCreek⁠ as a featured guest to explore how organizations can rethink training as a strategic asset. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in extended enterprise learning, Jeff shares how training programs can evolve beyond content delivery and become directly connected to performance, growth, and scalability.
The conversation dives into a critical shift happening across learning and development. Many organizations still measure success through course completions and participation rates, but high-performing teams are aligning training with real business outcomes. Jeff explains how this shift changes everything, from how programs are designed to how success is measured.
A key focus of the discussion is structure. Jeff outlines how training programs must progress through stages, moving from basic knowledge acquisition to skill development and ultimately to performance-driven learning. This evolution allows organizations to create consistency across distributed teams, improve execution, and deliver measurable results at scale.
The episode also explores the growing role of AI in training. Rather than replacing human expertise, AI is enabling faster content creation, more personalized learning experiences, and better visibility into what is actually driving performance. Jeff emphasizes that the goal is not more training, but smarter, better-aligned training that supports learners in real time.
As a guest on CourseCreek’s platform, Jeff brings a collaborative perspective that connects strategy with practical application. Whether you’re leading training for a franchise system, managing partner enablement, or building internal learning programs, this episode offers a clear path forward for turning training into a competitive advantage.
🎧 Watch the full episode here 👉 ⁠https://www.latitudelearning.com/ai-lms/portfolio/57-coursecreek/⁠ 
#TrainingImpact #LearningAndDevelopment #ExtendedEnterprise #FranchiseTraining #PartnerEnablement #LMS #AIinLearning #CorporateTraining #TrainingStrategy #WorkforceDevelopment

Most training programs measure activity, not impact. In this special episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter shares highlights from his presentation at the Annual ATMC Conference and explains why training systems, not training programs, are what truly move business metrics.
Jeff introduces his Learn, Do, Teach framework and a five-stage roadmap for building scalable learning systems that improve technician performance, increase partner success, and drive measurable outcomes across dealerships, franchises, and channel networks.
You’ll learn how to connect training to metrics like productivity, fixed right first time, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, while also exploring how AI is reshaping knowledge access, course creation, and personalized learning.
If you want training to become a strategic asset instead of a cost center, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.
Learn more at https://www.latitudelearning.com/
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#TrainingImpactPodcast #JeffWalter #ATMC #TrainingSystems #LearningAndDevelopment #WorkforceTraining #TechnicianTraining #DealerTraining #BusinessGrowth #TrainingROI #AIinLearning #LeadershipDevelopment

What if one small step could completely change your future?
In this episode of the ⁠Training Impact Podcast⁠, Jeff Walter speaks with Alesia Visconti, CEO of ⁠FranServe⁠, about how franchising creates life-changing opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Alesia shares her inspiring personal journey, the mission behind FranServe, and why so many people feel overwhelmed when exploring business ownership. She explains how FranServe helps candidates find the right franchise fit, build confidence, and move from uncertainty to action.
You’ll also hear insights on women in franchising, transferable career skills, and why franchise ownership can offer freedom, growth, and purpose.
If you’ve ever considered owning a business or reinventing your career, this episode is for you.
Visit FranServe: ⁠https://www.franserve.com⁠
For more from the Training Impact Podcast, follow us on Social Media: ⁠https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/trainingimpactpodcast

What does it really take to scale a modern franchise brand in a rapidly evolving market?
In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, Jeff Walter sits down with Kevin Moran, Chief Development Officer at Blaze Pizza, to explore how one of the most recognizable fast casual brands is reinventing itself for the next phase of growth.
This conversation goes beyond traditional franchise development. Kevin shares how his career path, which spans finance, operations, and strategy, shaped a cross-functional approach to building and scaling businesses. Rather than staying in a single discipline, he developed a deep understanding of how every part of the organization connects. That perspective now plays a critical role in how Blaze Pizza evaluates franchise partners, designs support systems, and drives performance across its network.
A central theme of the episode is what Kevin describes as Blaze 2.0. As customer expectations shift and digital ordering becomes a dominant channel, Blaze Pizza is rethinking its entire operating model. From store design and kitchen layout to labor strategy and customer flow, the brand is evolving to reflect how customers behave today, not how they behaved a decade ago.
At the heart of this transformation is Ignite by Blaze, a live innovation restaurant where new ideas are tested in real-world conditions. This is not a theoretical exercise. It is a fully operational location where Blaze experiments with equipment, digital ordering systems, and service models while gathering direct feedback from customers. The result is a continuous learning environment that allows the brand to refine its strategy before scaling it across the franchise system.
The discussion also explores the growing impact of digital ordering on restaurant operations. As more customers engage through online channels, brands must rethink how they balance in-store experiences with digital demand. Blaze Pizza is addressing this by separating workflows, improving efficiency, and reducing friction for both customers and employees.
Kevin also shares valuable insights on international expansion. From understanding cultural preferences to navigating supply chain and regulatory challenges, he explains why global growth requires flexibility and strong local partnerships. Success comes from adapting the brand to fit the market while maintaining its core identity.
Throughout the episode, one theme consistently emerges: curiosity. The willingness to ask better questions, explore how things work, and challenge assumptions is what drives innovation and long-term success. It is also what enables leaders to build stronger systems and more effective partnerships.
This episode is especially relevant for franchise leaders, training professionals, and operations teams looking to scale performance in a complex and changing environment.
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For more information on Blaze Pizza, visit their websitehttps://www.blazepizza.com/
 
#BlazePizza #FranchiseGrowth #RestaurantInnovation #FranchiseDevelopment #TrainingImpact #RestaurantStrategy #DigitalTransformation #FastCasual #BusinessGrowth #ScalingPerformance