Episode 22: The Shadow Curriculum Is Already Here- Adarsh Lathika on What Happens When Learners Stop Waiting for Institutions and Start Building Their Own Systems

Summary In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Adarsh Lathika explore what happens to human capability when AI starts doing more of the thinking. Adarsh, a strategy and learning systems practitioner, introduces concepts like the shadow curriculum, cognitive debt, and the Anatomy of Work framework to explain how learners and employees are increasingly bypassing formal learning systems and building their own AI-powered solutions. They discuss why institutions and employers are losing relevance as learning providers, how prioritizing speed and output over depth is eroding foundational skills, and why human biology, judgment, and context are becoming the true competitive advantages in an AI-first world. Adarsh also unpacks three major shifts reshaping the field: from institutions to individuals, from courses to systems, and from knowledge to judgment. Takeaways Learners are building their own AI-powered learning tools outside formal systems. Knowledge is now abundant and instant; judgment is the real differentiator. AI is shortcutting the repetitive work that historically built domain expertise. Junior professionals are losing the chance to develop intuition through experience. Prioritizing speed and output creates only superficial skill development. Employees no longer trust that organizations are invested in their growth. L&D must shift from curating courses to building self-sustaining learning systems. Human biology, discipline, and habits outside work directly affect workplace performance. Transparency between employers and employees is essential to navigating this transition. Institutions must become places where cognitive and behavioral skills are built, not just credentials earned. Watch the full episode The Shadow Curriculum Is Already Here- Adarsh Lathika on What Happens When Learners Stop Waiting for Institutions and Start Building Their Own Systems