36: Design Learning That Drives Real Change | Sarah Lundy

Winning teams—and learning cultures—aren’t built on checklists. They’re built on curiosity, clarity, and intentional design. In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD. is joined by Sarah Lundy, seasoned L&D leader and “forever learner,” for a candid look at what it takes to make blended learning programs that actually work. Together, they unpack today’s most common pitfalls (hello, box-checking and “smile sheets”), explore what alignment with business goals really feels like, and share the human-centered tactics that make digital, in-person, and on-the-job learning click—for any industry. From manufacturing floors with zero laptops to hybrid cohorts craving belonging, this episode brims with real stories, practical tools, and fresh thinking for L&D pros, people leaders, and anyone intent on making learning stick. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the definition of “blended learning” has evolved—and why the old classroom vs. eLearning debate misses the mark The keys (and warning signs) for evaluating if your learning programs are truly working—or if you’re just “training for training’s sake” Why defining success upfront is essential for behavior change, not just satisfaction surveys Creative strategies for making virtual, digital, and in-person experiences truly equitable—even for remote or non-desk teams The crucial role of leaders in championing (and measuring) learning outcomes on the job Insider advice for new L&D leaders about audience research, accessibility, and what shortcuts to avoid Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge, today’s topic and guest intro 02:36 – Defining blended learning: past vs. present 04:39 – How to spot when blended learning is working (or not) 06:18 – Why alignment with the business is non-negotiable 08:35 – The high cost of unchecked, misaligned training 09:41 – Measuring learning: Beyond smile sheets, toward behavior change 12:14 – Why (and how) to involve leaders post-training 14:13 – Applying the 70-20-10 model… and why it may need an update 16:44 – Making digital/virtual training feel human, especially for non-office teams 19:39 – How manufacturing and “deskless” workforces demand creative L&D 22:23 – Are we overestimating people’s self-directed learning ability? 23:43 – Is in-person learning a “luxury” now? Considering fairness and equity 25:36 – Masterclass: How to facilitate hybrid training that feels inclusive 28:23 – Sarah’s best advice for first-time blended learning designers 30:36 – Leadership lesson: trust and relationships move mountains 31:59 – The uncomfortable truths and hidden biases in leadership development 34:33 – Connect with Sarah Lundy and episode wrap-up About Sarah Lundy Sarah Lundy is a passionate learning and development leader with a decade of experience designing impactful programs across multiple industries, most recently manufacturing. A self-described “forever learner,” Sarah is pursuing her master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology while bringing fresh curiosity and human-centered thinking to every audience she serves. Her approach blends research, real talk, and a deep belief in putting people—and their lived realities—at the center of professional growth. Sarah lives in Northern Nevada with her husband and adventurous dachshund puppy. Resources & Mentions: Connect with Sarah: Sarah’s LinkedIn 70-20-10 Learning Model Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Connect with Mickey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/ Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.