269: How to Build Learning Programs That Move Individuals and Organizations Forward Fast

When it comes to building learning programs that move individuals and organizations forward, today's guest believes that we have to look beyond the obvious and take risks to make bold moves. According to Jon Peters, almost nothing is out of reach if we explore alternative paths. Jon is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of AthenaOnline, an award-winning e-learning company that developed and released the first enterprise "microlearning" platform. He's also a board member of the Institute for Management Studies (IMS), as well as a director and producer. Throughout his career, Jon has combined his passions for art and technology, running an award-winning technology-focused ad agency and working in computer marketing, corporate development, design, visual effects, and film. In our conversation today, Jon shares his advice for leading your own organization and explains why innovation can't take place in a vacuum, highlighting the importance of creativity, working backwards from your purpose, asking "what if?" and introducing diverse perspectives. Tune in today for an extremely insightful conversation with a truly innovative problem-solver and creator.   Key Highlights From This Episode: •   The importance of defining your purpose first and working backwards to implement it. [05:53] •   Advice for B2C companies about when to pivot and when to double down. [08:37] •   Why approaching problems head-on doesn't work for innovative problem solvers. [14:36] •   The essential role of asking "what if?" and conducting the necessary research. [18:00] •   Jon's take on diverse perspectives as an essential ingredient for innovation. [20:07] •   How you can benefit from avidly pursuing creativity, whatever form it takes. [24:14] •   What many organizations "get wrong" when it comes to adopting new innovations. [28:46] •   A closing anecdote about DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg that illustrates the value of embracing failure. [33:04]   For More Information: Jon Peters on LinkedIn Jon Peters on Facebook AthenaOnline Institute for Management Studies (IMS)   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Follow AthenaOnline on X and Facebook Create your own custom ChatGPT chatbot with CustomGPT   ——————— Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you're working and what you're capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let's work together and make that happen! While you might know me best as a podcast host and writer, a key focus in my work is career and leadership coaching for mid to high-level professional women around the globe. In my top-rated Career & Leadership Breakthrough 1:1 Program, I help professionals get what they want most, which includes more confidence, impact, recognition, advancement, financial reward, well-being, and fulfillment. And I also help them close their power gaps and embrace their most exciting visions for the future. In the past 16 years, I've worked with over 20,000 professionals and leaders across 6 continents. Before that, I served as a therapist, and prior to that, I was a corporate VP managing multi-million-dollar budgets and global initiatives. I leverage all of that experience to help people build a new chapter of work to reach their highest and happiest potential in careers they love. For organizations looking for top-level career and leadership coaching to support the emerging and seasoned female leaders in your workforce, please feel free to contact me here. Check out Career & Leadership Breakthrough Coaching Program - Kathy Caprino. I hope you'll register now. I'd love to support you!   ——————— Need some great podcast production support? Check out We Edit Podcasts! Are you thinking of launching a new podcast or have you been at it a while and recognize it's time for more or better production help to create the best podcast you can? I totally understand — I've been podcasting for over 6 years and know how challenging it can be. That's why I'm very excited to share key info about the great product team I'm using called We Edit Podcasts. I've been working with them for well over a year, and I've been so happy with the results! They're a full-service production agency and their services give me access to a wonderful team of seasoned audio engineers and editors who help create a polished, professional sound. And they work hard to ensure that my particular podcasting approach and style comes through in every episode. They also help me make sure my guests are reflected in the best possible light through the creation of terrific show notes, which is an important part of the show for me. Their process is easy and streamlined, and their responsiveness and customer service are terrific too. If you're ready for better production help, definitely check them out and take advantage of their FREE trial episode, allowing you to sample their process and quality to see if it's a great fit for you. I'm confident you'll love them. Just paste this link into your browser: >> http://weeditpodcasts.com/findingbrave   ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.    Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: "It's critical to define the purpose of what you're doing because a lot of people get stuck in the how-to-make-it [stage]. 'We're going to build this because we can,' but what is the reason behind it?" — Jon Peters [0:06:19] "We've come out with things that were very innovative but we've had to let them go because either the market wasn't ready for them or the technology wasn't ready for them." — Jon Peters [0:12:29] "People don't change unless there's a pain point. They have to want to change." — Jon Peters [0:13:59] "Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. It is a collaborative effort – It's not good for me to be with a lot of people [who are] exactly like me. I need people who are diverse thinkers." — Jon Peters [0:20:40] "Part of the problem with a lot of leaders is they want to feel like they're the smartest person in the room – and that can cause some trouble. It will shut people down, they won't share ideas, and you won't get the best innovation." — Jon Peters [0:23:23] "Sometimes, you have to embrace failure." — Jon Peters [0:33:27]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!