How to Build Thinkers, Not Just Task-Takers With Michelle Braden

INTROIn this episode, I sit down with Michelle Braden, one of the most decorated learning and talent development leaders in the world. Michelle is a certified executive coach and former Chief Learning Officer with over 25 years of experience transforming how organizations grow their people. She has led global learning functions that supported tens of thousands of employees worldwide and earned industry-leading recognition, including 2023 CLO of the Year and multiple Brandon Hall Gold Awards for innovation in leadership development, blended learning, and onboarding impact.We talk about how to design training that people actually remember, how to coach so your team can solve problems on their own, and how to use AI as a helper instead of a crutch. Michelle also shares her Why-What-How framework for developing any skill, her thoughts on the shortening of attention spans at work, and how leaders can empower their teams without losing accountability.If you want to build a team that thinks critically, takes ownership, and grows without you having to hold their hand, this conversation will show you how.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNThe Why-What-How framework for designing effective trainingHow to create a learning culture in companies without formal L&D departmentsWhy empowerment and accountability go hand in handHow to coach your team to think through problems, not wait for instructionsThe difference between delegation and true empowermentHow to build confidence and ownership in new hires fastThe impact of AI on learning and why critical thinking is still your superpowerRESOURCES MENTIONEDSituational Leadership Model – Helps leaders tailor their management style based on competence and commitment levelsThe Why-What-How Framework – Michelle’s practical method for structuring training so it is understandable, memorable, and applicableThe Learning Imperative Podcast – Michelle’s show exploring how continuous learning fuels organizational innovationThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – A book Michelle credits with shaping her leadership and coaching philosophyCONNECT WITH MICHELLELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbraden/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5yciplZSoX3QIa3xo9ISULGet More Time Back to Scale Your BusinessStart here → METEORDownload the VA Hiring Playbook here:METEOR VA/EA Hiring PlaybookConnect with JP:LinkedInInstagram