22: AI as a Coworker: Redefining Corporate Training and Leadership | Kelsey Kelly

What does the future of corporate learning look like—and how can learning & development professionals stay ahead in a world moving at lightning speed? In this energetic episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Kelsey Kelly, head of learning and employee experience at a mid-size consulting firm. Together, they explore how AI is transforming the day-to-day work of small L&D teams, why “soft” skills are actually the toughest to teach, and how to pivot learning programs in sync with rapid business change. Kelsey brings fresh, actionable insights on making learning genuinely impactful, building coaching cultures (not just mentorship programs), and future-proofing your organization through upskilling and agile methods. Whether you’re a practitioner, people manager, or lifelong learner, this conversation is your inside look at what’s next—and what works right now—in corporate L&D. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How AI can free up L&D teams for more strategic, human-centered work Why staying connected to both business trends AND learning science is essential for future-readiness Why the “half-life” of workplace skills is shrinking, and what that means for upskilling and reskilling How to move beyond formal mentorships to a culture where “everybody coaches everybody” The biggest shifts coming to corporate training—microlearning, individualized paths, and agile adaptation Why “soft skills” are the real leadership differentiators (and how to keep developing them) Timestamps 02:43 – How AI is freeing up L&D time and acting as a “second coworker” 05:16 – Aligning learning strategies with fast-changing organizational needs 07:49 – Building agile learning programs and knowing when to pivot 10:18 – Making upskilling and reskilling part of the daily workflow 11:30 – Embracing the “everybody coaches everybody” model 14:47 – What L&D trends are hype—and which are here to stay 16:57 – Balancing microlearning and community-based development 19:03 – The essential (and AI-adjacent) skills all employees need 22:12 – Designing for equity and access in global, hybrid, and virtual teams 24:00 – Why experience-sharing makes virtual learning vibrant 26:20 – Kelsey’s top leadership lesson: Being great isn’t enough 27:33 – The uncomfortable truth: Soft skills are the hard skills 29:23 – How to connect with Kelsey and continue the conversation  About Kelsey Kelly:  Kelsey Kelly leads Learning & Development and Employee Experience at a mid-size consulting firm, where she shapes company-wide strategies to drive growth, connection, and engagement. A seasoned instructional designer with expertise spanning leadership development, change management, and business alignment, Kelsey thrives on creating initiatives that empower employees at every level. Known for her energetic, innovative approach, she’s passionate about future-proofing organizations and building learning cultures centered on real human connection. Resources Referenced Kelsey Kelly’s LinkedIn: Kelsey Kelly Learnit Website Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.