Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth

What if company culture wasn’t just a set of values on the wall—but a daily operating system?In this episode of Catalysts, Jacob Ratliff sits down with Chris Dyer—globally recognized leadership speaker, best-selling author, and remote work pioneer—to break down what high-performance culture actually looks like in practice.Chris has been named a Top 50 Global Thought Leader, a #1 Leadership Speaker by Inc. Magazine, and the CEO of one of America’s fastest-growing companies. His message is clear: Culture isn’t a vibe. It’s a system. And leaders have to own it.In this conversation, we explore:Why most culture efforts fail—and what to do insteadChris’s 7 Pillars of Culture and how to put them into actionWhat happens when leaders don’t model clarity and accountabilityThe secret to balancing speed, trust, and flexibility—especially in remote teamsWhy transparency isn’t just ethical—it’s strategicWhat new managers and senior execs need to unlearn to lead effectivelyHow to create cultures of intentional communication, not chaosWhy “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—but only if it’s designed, not assumedIf you want your people to move faster, collaborate better, and stick around longer, this episode gives you the blueprint.🎧 Listen now on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth🔗 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn🌐 chrisdyer.comConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, Jacob Ratliff sits down with Ash Seddeek, founder of Executive Greatness Institute, to talk about what it really takes to elevate your executive presence, master influence, and earn trust in the rooms where decisions get made.Ash has coached senior leaders at Amazon, Salesforce, Cisco, and Capital One—and his message is clear: If you can’t communicate with clarity and power, you won’t move the business forward.In this conversation, we dig into:Why trust is the real currency of leadership—and how to earn itThe difference between executive visibility and self-promotionWhat it means to speak the “language of power” without posturingHow to tailor your message to different stakeholders—including the C-suiteThe 3 big communication mistakes even smart leaders makeWhy being strategic isn’t about talking more—it’s about listening differentlyHow to break the “curse of knowledge” and communicate for impact, not informationWhat L&D leaders can do to coach executives through growth momentsAsh doesn’t just teach influence—he helps leaders embody it. Whether you’re coaching senior leaders or stepping into bigger visibility yourself, this episode is a masterclass in strategic communication that moves people—and businesses—forward.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth🔗 Connect with Ash: LinkedIn | executivegreatness.comConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

If your learning team is still seen as a cost center, this episode will change how you show up.Jacob sits down with Andrew Scivally, CEO of ELB Learning, to explore why L&D’s credibility is suffering—and what it takes to reposition the function as a performance-driven strategic partner.Andrew has worked with Fortune 100s, led L&D at JPMorgan Chase and Zion’s Bank, and now helps learning teams stop building “fluff” and start driving results.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why traditional L&D metrics like completion rates and smile sheets are killing your team’s influenceThe language shift needed to earn a seat at the table with executivesHow to position L&D as a revenue generator, not just a training teamWhat it looks like to build onboarding experiences that match your external brand promiseHow marketing principles can help you sell the value of learning internallyWhy learning professionals need to become business professionals with an expertise in human capital transformationThe connection between needs assessment, strategic planning, and C-suite credibility that ELB is building next to support the future of AI-powered, performance-focused learning💡 “If you want to be seen as strategic, stop calling yourself a learning team. Call yourself a performance team. That’s what the business actually cares about.”This is a bold, practical, and energizing conversation for any L&D leader ready to step up and be seen as essential to business growth.🎧 Listen now and get ready to transform how you lead learning:👉 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn👉 Explore ELB LearningConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Rahul Karan Sharma—organizational development consultant, fractional CLO, and Forbes Coaches Council member—to explore what it really takes to lead through change that matters.Rahul has spent 20+ years helping companies navigate post-merger integration, cultural alignment, and leadership acceleration. But his secret isn’t in a strategy deck—it’s in centering the people behind the process.Together, we unpack:Why most change efforts fail—not because of planning, but because of peopleHow poor communication during transitions drives attrition and burnoutThe difference between executing a training and building real leadership capabilityHow fractional CLOs can fill a crucial gap for small and mid-size organizationsWhat leaders get wrong at the “achiever” stage—and how to move beyond itRahul’s proprietary CLIMB Framework, a roadmap for evolving from invisible contributor to legacy-building influencerWhy internal trust is the most undervalued currency in transformationHow “visibility is the new currency”—and why content matters for leadersTransformation is personal. It requires consistency, empathy, and the courage to lead from the inside out.🔗 Connect with Rahul on LinkedIn or at rahulkaransharma.comConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Ron Price, Chief Learning Officer at Yukon Learning—Articulate’s official training partner for over 17 years. Ron brings a rare blend of deep instructional design expertise and hands-on development experience, helping organizations turn good ideas into great learning experiences.Together, we explore:Why scenarios and storytelling are essential for meaningful e-learningThe “3 Cs” model—Challenge, Choice, and Consequence—and how it transforms passive content into immersive learningWhy bad design speaks louder than good contentThe hidden value of aligning tools, strategy, and design with learner intentHow Yukon balances training teams to use Articulate with building courses for themWhat most e-learning creators get wrong—and how to fix itRon shares how his team helps organizations move beyond rote click-through courses to design learning that earns its place—and drives real behavior change. Whether you’re an L&D leader, an instructional designer, or just curious about elevating the digital learning experience, this episode is packed with practical insights and expert perspective.🎧 Listen in and learn why Ron believes the future of e-learning isn’t about covering content—it’s about helping learners uncover it.🔗 Learn more about Ron and Yukon Learning: https://www.yukonlearning.com📺 Watch their free Articulate tutorials on YouTube: Yukon Learning on YouTube🔗 Connect with Ron: Ron Price on LinkedInConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Arika Pierce Williams, CEO and Founder of Piercing Strategies, to talk about what it really means to lead in the AI era—without losing what makes us human.Arika isn’t just rethinking leadership—she’s rebranding it. Through her Human-First Leadership™ framework, she’s helping organizations develop leaders who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and equipped to guide teams through rapid change, without burning out.We dive into:Why Gen Z is reshaping how leadership is defined—and what they want from itWhat “conscious unbossing” is, and why some emerging leaders are opting out of promotionsHow AI is freeing up time—but also eroding connection, unless we’re intentionalThe five elements of the HUMAN method: Hear, Understand, Motivate, Amplify, NavigateWhy reflection, habits, and vulnerability are key to lasting behavior changeWhat L&D teams must do now to remain strategic partners in cultural transformationThe importance of relationship-based learning in creating real, lasting impactHow Arika balances thought leadership with grounded, client-driven insightsIf you’ve been wondering how to build the next generation of leaders—and how to help people managers lead with empathy, resilience, and authenticity—this episode is your roadmap.🔗 Connect with Arika on LinkedIn or at piercingstrategies.comConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Mark Cruth, Principal Modern Work Coach at Atlassian, to explore what it really takes to create effective, energized, and high-performing teams in today’s complex world of work.Mark is a keynote speaker, collaboration coach, and one of the leading voices in the future of teamwork—internally at Atlassian and across the broader industry. He’s helped shape how 16,000+ employees at Atlassian operate while also empowering countless other organizations to rethink how teams learn, grow, and lead.We unpack:How Atlassian scaled its culture from 2,000 to 16,000 peopleThe secret to decentralized decision-making (and why most orgs get it wrong)What makes Atlassian’s Team Playbook such a powerful operating toolWhy curiosity—not content—is the future of learningThe evolving role of the facilitator in an AI-powered workplaceHow team learning creates deeper trust, faster behavior change, and longer-lasting resultsWhy visibility matters for leaders—and how to show up without selling outThe one mindset shift every emerging leader should make to spark changeIf you care about how teams work—and how learning can accelerate that work—this is an energizing, practical, and deeply human conversation you don’t want to miss.🔗 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn or at markcruth.com🔍 Explore the Atlassian Team Playbook: atlassian.com/team-playbookConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by DavidLee Richardson, Head of Organizational Leadership Development at Harris & Harris. David brings a grounded, deeply human approach to developing leaders—focusing on trust, credibility, and connection as the foundation for high-impact leadership.We explore:Why employee engagement data should drive leadership developmentHow he turned How Full Is Your Bucket? into a training program that boosted NPS and team connectionWhat it really means to “give the team away”—and how it transforms cultureWhy credibility isn’t self-defined—and how to earn itThe difference between being collaborative and being perceived as collaborativeHow people skills will define the next generation of leaders in the age of AIWhy empathy, listening, and emotional intelligence are non-negotiables for the future of workDavidLee doesn’t just talk about leadership—he models it. Tune in for a rich conversation full of insights on leading with intention, building trust, and becoming better at being human.🎧 Listen now on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth🔗 Connect with DavidLee Richardson on LinkedIn or visit davidlee.aiConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Andrew O’Malley, instructional designer and learning strategist, to talk about how L&D is evolving—and what it takes to stay ahead. From experimenting with AI to designing emotionally intelligent learning experiences, Andrew is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in training and development.We explore:How AI is transforming content development (and where it still falls short)Why speed doesn’t equal quality—and what’s needed to evaluate AI-generated materialsThe emerging importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and learningLessons from building a course in a day using generative toolsWhy reflection, empathy, and resilience matter more than ever in L&DAdvice for newcomers breaking into the instructional design fieldWhether you’re experimenting with new tools or rethinking your leadership approach, Andrew brings clarity, candor, and creativity to the future of L&D.🎧 Listen now on Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth 🔗 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or follow his insights on YouTube and Instagram @andrewomalley.idConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Cole Bastion, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at HOA Brands, where he's helped reduce management turnover by 10% and transformed L&D into a powerful driver of enterprise-wide change.We dive deep into how Cole positions his team not as order-takers—but as change makers.Key topics we cover:Why L&D must become the “epicenter of transformation” in the orgThe risks of staying in the traditional training laneHow Cole earned the trust to facilitate annual strategy sessions with the executive teamHis process for evaluating new tech (and avoiding shiny object syndrome)Why visibility matters—and what it’s opened up for him as a leaderCole’s story is packed with insight on what it really takes to lead learning with purpose, partnership, and influence.🔗 Connect with Cole on LinkedIn: Cole Bastion, MSIOP🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Catalysts: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and Growth.Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

David Grad was once leading creative teams at MTV. Now, he’s solving one of the toughest problems in learning and development: how to make live training actually stick.In this episode of Catalysts, David shares the origin story behind elevator9, the learning tech company he co-founded to ensure live training drives measurable, lasting impact. Drawing from learning science, cognitive psychology, and real-world application, elevator9 has created a platform that transforms what happens after the workshop—so that insights aren’t lost the moment people return to work.We also explore the mindset shifts L&D leaders must embrace to position learning as a strategic value driver—not a cost center—and how David’s journey from media to learning has shaped his passion for empowering people through evidence-based design.We cover:Why most live training fails to deliver—and what to do insteadThe core learning science principles that drive behavior changeHow elevator9 uses AI to gather and analyze qualitative training dataA step-by-step look at how companies implement the platformHow L&D leaders can finally prove—and improve—their business impactWhy learning is a revenue driver, not just an expenseDavid’s advice for L&D professionals who want to grow their influenceConnect with David Grad:David on LinkedInelevator9🎧 Subscribe to Catalysts so you don’t miss future episodes highlighting the bold thinkers shaping the future of learning and growth.Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning & Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning.Keith is a powerhouse in the world of learning strategy—a practitioner-scholar who believes L&D shouldn’t just defend its worth, but amplify its impact. We dive into what it truly means to be a trusted learning advisor, why L&D needs to stop chasing surface metrics, and how to lead your team out of the “order-taker” trap and into strategic partnership.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why L&D’s real power lies in creating value—not just delivering contentHow to move from reactive defense mode to proactive business alignmentWhy metrics like butts-in-seats are holding us backThe science of learning—and how to make stakeholders care about itHow to build trust with both leaders and learnersWhat most orgs get wrong about reskilling, equity, and inclusionThe role of visibility, storytelling, and self-belief in shaping the future of L&DKeith’s journey—from high school dropout to doctoral scholar—is a testament to the life-changing power of learning. And his message is clear: L&D isn’t a support function. It’s a strategic driver. But only if we choose to show up that way.🎧 Tune in for a deeply human, sharply strategic conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what you do—and why it matters.Connect with Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist at Beyond the Sky and host of You in 2042: The Future of Work. With a background in marketing and leadership roles at companies like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo, Danielle brings a uniquely human—and deeply practical—lens to some of the biggest shifts happening in the world of learning and work.We dive into how AI is reshaping workforce expectations, why empathy and emotional regulation are the real future-proof skills, and what it actually takes to design learning that drives behavior change.🔑 Key Takeaways:AI won’t replace us—but it will reshape what “valuable” work looks like.Skills like empathy, adaptability, and critical thinking are no longer optional.Content-based training is flooding the market, but it’s practice that drives change.AI can accelerate soft skill development—when paired with intentional design.Effective learning starts with the right business conversations, not content.The cost vs. effectiveness debate in L&D is really a question of priority.If you’ve ever wrestled with how to balance emerging technology with human connection—or how to make soft skills training actually stick—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and learn how to build learning solutions that are both efficient and effective.🔗 Connect with Danielle:LinkedIn | Beyond the SkyConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

What if the real key to innovation isn’t speed, strategy, or structure—but the ability to sit with discomfort long enough to transform it?In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Janet Harvey, CEO of inviteCHANGE, former global president of the International Coaching Federation, and one of the most influential voices in coaching and leadership development over the past three decades.With more than 12,000 hours of coaching experience across six continents, Janet shares how she’s seen the coaching field evolve—and what leaders must now embrace if they want to create real, sustainable change.We explore:Why coaching is no longer reserved for the top of the house—and how it can strengthen people managers at every levelHow to move from a scarcity mindset to a wholeness mindset in leadershipWhy building connection isn’t optional—it’s our biological defaultHow AI and tech can become partners, not threats, in building more human workplacesWhat it means to “fall in love with the problem” in order to unlock generative thinking and innovationJanet’s wisdom is powerful, grounded, and deeply human—and her call to action is clear: Stop avoiding tension. Start transforming through it.📌 Links MentionedJanet’s work: inviteCHANGEJanet's new platform: go.invitechange.comYouTube: Invite Change ChannelConnect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Bianca Baumann, award-winning strategist, international speaker, and author of Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro. With over 15 years in the field, Bianca brings a rare blend of creativity, empathy, and business alignment to the way organizations approach learning.We talk about the mindset shifts that L&D teams need to make—starting with listening more and building for behavior change, not just content delivery.Inside the conversation:Why listening is the most underrated skill in L&DHow to balance long-term workforce strategy with short-term executionThe marketing principles every L&D leader should steal—todayWhy compelling writing is a non-negotiable for learning that sticksHow course titles, taglines, and narrative structure can dramatically increase engagementThe role of learner personas in driving motivation and performanceWhat executives still don’t understand about learning—and how to educate themWhy visibility and working out loud matter more than ever in L&D leadershipBianca also shares her own evolution as a leader, what she’s learned from mentoring teams, and the small actions that can make a big impact—especially for L&D professionals doing it all on their own.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Catalysts—where we spotlight the leaders shaping the future of learning and growth.Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer at Docebo, to explore the future of learning and development in a world reshaped by AI, transformation, and trust.Brandon is a globally recognized L&D leader and the author of Learning in the Age of Immediacy and L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age. He’s led learning strategy at Walmart, Starbucks, and now Docebo—and his vision for the next decade of work is bold, clear, and deeply human.We talk about:The three tectonic shifts that have redefined L&D since the 1970sWhy COVID—not AI—was the real catalyst for L&D’s elevationThe shift from scalable efficiency to scalable learningHow HR and L&D can restore workforce trust in the age of AIWhat it takes to lead talent development with empathy and strategyBrandon’s advice for emerging leaders—and the one skill he calls your “back pocket differentiator”This episode is a roadmap for any L&D professional looking to lead boldly, scale human potential, and architect the future of work.Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

What does real transformation look like in learning and development—and how do we design for it in a world defined by disruption?In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Sean Bengry, Chief Learning Officer at Sablethorn Consulting and a global leader in educational innovation, to explore the intersection of human-centered design, technology, and organizational change.With over 20 years of experience leading global L&D strategy, Sean shares why effective learning ecosystems don’t start with solutions—they start with curiosity, empathy, and trust.We unpack:Why falling in love with the problem is more important than falling in love with the solutionHow to use the 5 Whys without triggering defensivenessThe difference between digital transformation and cultural transformationWhat it really takes to shift mindsets inside complex organizationsAnd how AI might make us more human—not lessSean also introduces the Bengry Paradox—his belief that if you try to automate yourself out of a job in a year, you’ll never actually be without one.If you’re leading learning strategy, navigating AI disruption, or rethinking how change actually happens inside organizations, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Sean on LinkedIn »Connect with Sean on X »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Steven Van Cohen—global leadership consultant, executive coach, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Connectable. Dubbed “The Leadership Whisperer,” Steven helps companies reduce isolation, improve well-being, and foster true belonging in the workplace.We explore what it really takes to build a culture of connection—far beyond icebreakers and happy hours. From combatting loneliness and creating psychologically safe teams to rethinking one-on-ones and using learning as a tool for relational growth, Steven shares actionable insights backed by data and grounded in empathy.If you care about creating teams that perform, stay, and grow together—this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why connection is one of the most underrated performance levers in businessWhat it means to be “connectable” as a leader (and how to get there)Why one-on-ones fall short without structure and intentionHow L&D can counteract rising workplace lonelinessThe role of vulnerability—beyond just “getting personal”Why micro-moments of connection matter more than you thinkHow to build a social regimen into your team's workflowConnect with Steven on LinkedIn »Learn More About SyncLX »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Megan Dillon, Director of Learning and Development at Q-Centrix. Megan leads with clarity and heart, aligning workforce development with business strategy and building systems that create real behavior change—not just training events.We explore how L&D is evolving from content creation to business enablement, and what it looks like to step into the role of strategic advisor. From leveraging AI as a co-pilot, to shifting mindsets around ROI, to developing managers into career coaches, Megan offers insight after insight for L&D professionals ready to elevate their work—and their influence.Whether you're leading a team or shaping learning strategy inside your organization, this episode will push you to think deeper about the role of L&D in shaping the future of work.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why the future of learning is personalized, adaptive, and AI-supportedHow L&D can shift from reactive support to proactive strategyWhat it really means to take a consultative approach inside the businessHow to partner with managers to turn learning into sustained behavior changeThe role of visibility, curiosity, and learning in public for modern leadersWhy you shouldn’t wait for permission to innovateConnect with Megan on LinkedIn »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Patty Miller, a senior HR executive with over 24 years of experience helping leaders navigate complex people challenges across North America. Patty is known for her sharp insights, unshakable integrity, and powerful frameworks like the Core Values Index and Vitality Pulse Review that bring clarity to messy, fast-moving workplaces.We talk about the evolution of leadership—from fixing problems to facilitating transformation—and how leaders can unlock better results through psychological safety, personalized development, and just the right mix of structure and storytelling.If you care about building stronger teams, leading with empathy, and turning workplace complexity into confidence, this conversation is for you.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why the future of learning will feel less more personalized and targetedHow the Core Values Index can help leaders hire better and build stronger teamsWhy asking the right questions is more powerful than having the right answersHow leaders can use visibility, vulnerability, and voice to expand their impactWhy psychological safety isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a performance strategyConnect with Patty on LinkedIn »Visit Patty's Website »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Nick Day, a learning leader at Roundtable Learning, where he designs immersive, tech-driven learning solutions for enterprise clients—including over 50 Fortune 500 companies.Nick shares why XR (extended reality) is more than a buzzword—and how it can deliver measurable impact when paired with the right learning strategy. We explore real use cases for AR, VR, and mixed reality in soft skills development, onboarding, and performance support, plus the surprising data insights these tools can reveal.Whether you’re exploring immersive tech for the first time or trying to separate the hype from the real opportunities, this conversation is full of strategic takeaways.Here's what we chat about:How virtual reality improves soft skills by offering _real practice with real feedback)The power of tracking body language, decision timing, and eye contact in VRWhy Roundtable focuses on learning problems—not just tech solutionsWhat bold innovations are being tested right now with real-world hardware + XRWhy learning leaders need to slow down, ask better questions, and avoid shiny object syndromeHow visibility, partnerships, and peer conversations accelerate innovationConnect with Nick on LinkedIn »Learn More About Roundtable Learning »The Training & Development Channel on YouTube »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

What does it really take to create learning that sticks?In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Taresa Scott, founder of Bleuprint, for a refreshing and thought-provoking conversation about what’s broken in traditional L&D—and what we need to do differently.We talk about why emotional intelligence belongs at the center of learning strategy, how consulting skills can help L&D professionals get a seat at the table, and why supporting first-time managers isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Teresa also shares her take on how AI is shaping the future of development and why curiosity—not compliance—is what drives real growth inside organizations.If you’re tired of learning being treated like a box to check, this one’s for you.Connect with Taresa:LinkedIn »Bleuprint »Taresa's Newsletter »Self-Awareness in Leadership »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Aaron T. Jones, Director of Onboarding and Training. With a background in performance and a passion for people, Aaron brings a storytelling-driven approach to L&D that’s both strategic and deeply human.We explore how his skills-first onboarding framework has led to major gains in retention and time-to-productivity—and why that success starts with consulting skills, deep curiosity, and a clear connection to the business’s bottom line. From integrating AI into learning design to empowering first-time managers, Aaron shares actionable insights for creating high-impact programs that prioritize people and performance.Whether you’re building a team, designing onboarding, or simply trying to make learning more effective, this conversation is packed with ideas you can run with today.Click here to connect with Aaron on Linkedin »Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!

🎙️ New Podcast Launching Soon...CATALYSTS: The Leaders Shaping the Future of Learning and GrowthThis isn’t just about improving how we learn and lead.  It’s about redefining it—so it actually reflects the complexity, urgency, and opportunity of this moment.I’m launching Catalysts to spotlight the bold voices shaping the next decade of learning and organizational growth—founders, executives, and consultants who aren’t just reacting to change…they’re driving it.These aren’t your typical industry soundbites.They’re candid conversations with the people building what’s next.👉 If you’re in learning and development, talent, or leadership—and you want a glimpse of the future—we’re going there.🔗 And if we’re not already connected on LinkedIn, let’s fix that:  linkedin.com/in/jacobratliffPS: Interested in joining us as a guest? Click here to let me know you're interested!Connect & Learn More Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!