NovoEDTalks

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Todd Harrison, Vice President of Global Leadership Development at GE Healthcare, to explore how leadership development is evolving in an increasingly AI-driven and uncertain world. Todd shares how his team is developing more adaptable, human-centered leaders through coaching, experiential learning, and scalable leadership programs designed for over 8,000 leaders globally. The conversation dives into balancing technical expertise with durable human capabilities, why coaching acts as a force multiplier, and how organizations can use AI to enhance leadership development without losing the critical human context that drives trust, judgment, and connection.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa Fiske sits down with Chris Chappell, Director of Learning and Development at Weis Markets, to explore how organizations can build learning cultures that prioritize curiosity, continuous improvement, and real-world application. Chris shares how his team approaches leadership development, durable “meta skills,” AI adoption, and learning measurement across a complex workforce of 23,000 employees — while balancing operational execution with long-term capability building. The conversation dives into why application matters more than content consumption, how AI should function as a “thought partner,” and why the future of work will depend on organizations developing more human-centered leadership capabilities.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Sarah Remijan, Director of Learning and Development at Rotary International, to explore what it takes to drive meaningful learning across a truly global nonprofit organization. Supporting over 1.2 million volunteer leaders across cultures, languages, and regions, Sarah shares how her team designs learning experiences that engage, stick, and translate into real-world impact—despite limited time and no formal incentives. From participant-centered design to facilitation and applied learning, this conversation unpacks how Rotary is redefining global L&D at scale in one of the most complex learning environments imaginable.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Melanie Lepine, Global Head of Talent and E-Learning at a global real estate services firm, to explore how such a large, global organization is rethinking learning at scale. They unpack the shift from role-based development to skills-based agility, the growing importance of IQ, EQ, and TQ, and how organizations can balance global consistency with local relevance. Mel also shares practical insights on what actually drives learning impact—from experiential design to psychological safety and real-world application.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Sara Loncka, CEO of Experience Institute, to explore why traditional approaches to learning and leadership development are falling short in today’s rapidly changing world. Sarah shares how experiential learning, personal motivation, and “learning by doing” create deeper, more lasting behavior change than convenience-driven programs. Together, they unpack what it takes to design learning that sticks — and how organizations can prepare leaders to navigate constant disruption and uncertainty.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Sara Cavallucci, Director of Training, Development, and Customer Service at GS1, to explore what it takes to design learning that truly works across a global, federated organization. Sara shares how her team embeds learning into the flow of work, prioritizes adoption over attendance, and balances technical expertise with human capability in complex environments. Together, they discuss the growing importance of informed judgment, the responsible role of AI in learning strategy, and what L&D leaders must unlearn to stay relevant.

In this two-part NovoEDTalks Season 2 Finale, Dr. Benjamin Granger (Qualtrics), Karen Ganitsky (3M), and Kathy Burton (Robert Half) unpack how mentoring, succession planning, and knowledge transfer can protect institutional legacy while preparing the next generation of leaders. Across the conversations, they explore the realities of leading across five generations, the rise of inclusive leadership, and the human-centered skills needed to thrive alongside AI and constant change. Together, they show how HR and L&D can move beyond “programs” to become true change agents—designing cultures, systems, and development pathways where every employee has a voice, a mentor, and a clear path to grow.Related Insights Discussed:-⁠Qualtrics'⁠ and ⁠Charter's⁠ take on the joint research done about the importance of mentoring: -⁠Qualtrics 2025 Employee Experience Trends report⁠ which discusses younger workers - their optimism and desire to challenge the status quo

In this two-part NovoEDTalks Season 2 Finale, Dr. Benjamin Granger (Qualtrics), Karen Ganitsky (3M), and Kathy Burton (Robert Half) unpack how mentoring, succession planning, and knowledge transfer can protect institutional legacy while preparing the next generation of leaders. Across the conversations, they explore the realities of leading across five generations, the rise of inclusive leadership, and the human-centered skills needed to thrive alongside AI and constant change. Together, they show how HR and L&D can move beyond “programs” to become true change agents—designing cultures, systems, and development pathways where every employee has a voice, a mentor, and a clear path to grow.Related Insights Discussed:-Qualtrics' and Charter's take on the joint research done about the importance of mentoring: -Qualtrics 2025 Employee Experience Trends report which discusses younger workers - their optimism and desire to challenge the status quo

In this Episode of NovoEDTalks, John Jell, Director of Organizational Development at Dole Packaged Foods, unpacks what frontline and people leader development looks like when it’s built for real business constraints. John shares how engagement and exit insights revealed career development as a top driver and how “people planning” can be integrated into annual planning so development is proactive, not delayed. The conversation also explores the power of structured onboarding, the limits of “digital-first” learning, and why instructor-led training still matters when it’s relevant, engaging, and immediately applied.

In this Episode of NovoEDTalks, we chat with Mark Monaghan, VP of Organizational Development at iQor, to explore how leadership development can scale across 40,000+ employees in 10 countries while staying deeply human. Mark shares how iQor uses a competency model, mentoring structure, and measurable assessments to build internal pipelines—while adapting programs over time to meet evolving workforce needs. They also discuss the role of AI in simulation, mentor support, and adaptive learning—and close with a powerful reflection on leadership, gratitude, and legacy.

In this Episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa speaks with Caroline Hanke, SVP of People and Culture and Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, about what it truly means to become a skills-led organization at enterprise scale. Caroline shares how SAP is unifying skills data, workforce planning, organizational design, and learning to prepare more than 110,000 employees for rapid technological change—especially in the era of AI. The conversation explores why adaptability, transparency, and human-centered development are essential to building a resilient, future-ready workforce.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Rony Shir breaks down how Miami Herbert Business School designs modern executive education programs that keep pace with rapid technological and cultural change. She shares why growth mindset, adaptability, and human-centered leadership are the core competencies organizations need now — and how her team blends faculty expertise, organizational insights, AI-enabled tools, and hands-on simulations to prepare leaders for uncertainty. Rony also opens up about measuring multidimensional ROI, redesigning programs mid-flight, and helping organizations embrace change without losing sight of the people at the center.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Comcast VP of Learning and Development, Sara Dionne, shares how her fully centralized uLearn team serves 65,000 employees while still personalizing learning by role, level, and moment of need. She explains Skill Forward, an enterprise skills program that crowdsources priorities from the entire workforce, blends micro-learning with social practice and coaching, and reports adoption and ROI stories that leaders can trust. Sarah also looks ahead to a future where human skills and AI converge, urging L&D teams to start with learner voice and business needs, build critical thinking, and redesign their own practices for speed and impact.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Jamie Worrall, Senior Manager of Global Leadership Development and Coaching at Amgen, takes us inside her work helping district managers shift from a directive, “telling” approach to a culture of curiosity and collaboration. She discusses how her team redesigned Amgen’s manager onboarding into an immersive “Coaching Clinic,” blending virtual emotional-intelligence training, real-world scenario practice, and in-person labs that strengthen peer connection and trust. Jamie also shares how Amgen is using AI tools like Copilot to save time without sacrificing human interaction—capturing talk-listen data, building resilience in the face of constant change, and reminding leaders of one timeless rule: be a pleasure to work with.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Tarisse Grant-Shelton, Senior Manager of Active Learning Classrooms at iQor, breaks down how she supports a global community of nearly 500 trainers across 40 sites and 10 countries — from brand new classroom assistants fresh off the phones to 20-year veteran facilitators. She shares how iQor’s flipped classroom model, certification pathways, and long-form coaching practicum are designed to drive speed-to-proficiency for clients without burning out new hires or losing them after week one. We also dig into how she measures trainer impact (not just learner attendance), how AI is already being used for simulation and coaching, and why “be open to feedback” might be the most powerful career strategy in L&D.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Broadcom Learning Experience Researcher Nanxi Meng shares how she’s helping preserve critical mainframe knowledge while preparing the next generation for emerging technologies. She explains how Broadcom partners with universities, leverages data, and builds global learning communities to keep legacy systems vibrant in a modern world. From student mentorships to paid learning programs, Nanci reveals how innovation, accessibility, and collaboration can keep critical skills, and people, thriving for decades to come.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Tim Foley, Head of AI Adoption at International Motors, shares how his team transformed a company-wide mindset around AI by starting small, building trust, and scaling intentionally. Drawing from 35 years in organizational development, Tim reveals how early adopters, social learning, and a bottom-up approach helped overcome fear and resistance to change. Listeners will walk away with a blueprint for sustainable AI adoption grounded in trust, habit-building, and real business impact.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Voltage Control’s VP of Learning Experience, Erik Skogsberg, shares how facilitation competency turns messy, fast-changing work into momentum. He breaks down a practical leadership framework that centers on being purposeful, inclusive, clear, crafted, and adaptive, then shows how to build those muscles with guided reps, reflection, and real team practice. Erik also explains why AI should be treated as a teammate, how to measure growth with multiple data points, and why “no purpose, no meeting” is a culture shift worth making.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Will Campbell, Director of Learn and Development for JLL’s Google Americas account, shares how he serves a vast, role-diverse workforce that ranges from reception and culinary teams to engineers and facilities leaders. He dives into making learning truly point-of-need—keeping resources relentlessly findable, focusing on skills over titles, and using assessments to spark real manager-employee development conversations. Will also unpacks a standout win, the Assistant Facility Manager Bootcamp, which relieved career bottlenecks, created community, and translated training into visible behavior change and mobility.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Michelle Goad from Delaware North shares how a 40,000-person hospitality workforce is upskilled through intentional onboarding, a hospitality mindset built on proactive empathy, and multi-level leadership academies. She outlines a data-informed talent review process that surfaces capability gaps and powers targeted learning paths in a new LMS that personalizes content and encourages self-directed growth. Michelle also digs into AI’s near-term role in just-in-time coaching and practice—supplementing, not replacing, the human connection that defines memorable guest experiences.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Amy Ashley, Director of Learning & Development at Caterpillar, to explore how a global organization with over 113,000 employees builds a culture of continuous learning. Amy shares how her team empowers employees to own their development, balances human-centered skills with technological innovation, and aligns programs with evolving business and customer needs. From large-scale AI learning experiments to embedding curiosity as a core capability, she offers valuable insights into preparing the workforce for a rapidly changing future.

Jennifer Rice, SVP of Learning & Organizational Development at Universal Music Group, shares how her team supports 10,000+ employees across labels and countries by embedding change readiness, innovation, and hybrid culture into programs for every level. She details a data-driven L&D model, tight people business partner intake, bespoke and just-in-time learning, mentorship, plus coaching that correlates with retention gains and standout promotion rates. Looking ahead, Jennifer sees AI enhancing access and efficiency, but maintains that trust, listening, and care will always power culture and performance.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Madison Gattis, Director of Client Experience at TED@Work, shares how her career in nonprofits, consulting, and organizational transformation shaped her belief in learning as a driver of workplace happiness and mobility. She explores today’s most pressing challenges, from developing Gen Z and mid-level managers to preparing organizations for AI, while highlighting strategies that balance human skills with emerging technology. Madison also shares a client case study on moving from compliance-only learning to a culture of self-led development, offering leaders lessons on curiosity, trust, and celebrating wins.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Kim White, IO psychologist and founder of WOW Consulting, shares how fast-growing companies can “work on what matters” by aligning people, processes, and purpose. She unpacks today’s L&D pressures such as diverse learner needs, time constraints, and AI disruption, and urges a shift from one-size-fits-all courses to contextual, human-supported learning enhanced by thoughtful AI. Her playbook is to lead with curiosity, set simple measurable practices like personal development goals and peer share-backs, and embrace failure to build truly adaptable cultures.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Jessica Pharm, Learning and Development Program Manager at Alaska Airlines, shares how she builds equitable, people-first programs that empower employees across all levels, from frontline workers to emerging leaders. Jessica highlights initiatives like educational assistance, career workshops, and the Developing Emerging Leaders program, which are designed to close opportunity gaps and create inclusive growth pathways. With a focus on adaptability, learner mindset, and thoughtful use of technology, she emphasizes that leadership is less about titles and more about influence, advocacy, and continuous development.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Sue Novak, Dealer Engagement and Experience Training Manager at BMW of North America, who brings over 20 years of global experience in learning and development, HR, and leadership coaching. Sue shares how she and her team are addressing the fast-paced challenges of the retail automotive world by building adaptable, trust-based training programs that emphasize immediate applicability and human connection. From co-creating customer experience programs in Las Vegas to integrating technology mindfully, Sue offers rich insight into how leadership development must evolve without losing its humanity.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Nicole DaCosta, a learning and talent development leader and belonging and inclusion strategist, shares how onboarding, inclusion, and human connection shape impactful employee experiences across industries. Nicole offers insight into creating agile, accessible learning strategies that meet diverse employee needs while reinforcing business goals. From leveraging AI-driven tools to preserving the human spark in development, she emphasizes the importance of building cultures where people grow, belong, and lead with heart.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, bestselling author and COO of Notion, Laura Ashley-Timms, shares how operational coaching can transform overwhelmed managers into confident, people-centered leaders. She discusses the data-backed results of embedding coaching into daily workflows—highlighting a landmark study that showed a 74x ROI per learner and a 70% increase in time spent coaching. With insights from her acclaimed book and award-winning STAR® Manager program, Laura explores how technology, behavioral science, and human connection can come together to unlock performance, retention, and engagement across organizations.Laura's book: The Answer Is a Question: The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and LeaderAvailable in all formats from Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Question-Superpower-Everything-Transform/dp/0117093912 and all other major retailers - full list available here: https://theanswerisaquestion.com/buy-now The multi-award-winning programme STAR® Manager:http://STARmanager.global You can also connect with Laura via LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ashley-timms/

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Dr. Benjamin Granger, Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics, shares how organizations can create powerful learning environments by focusing on leadership development, honest employee feedback, and the cultivation of critical “meta-skills.” Drawing on global data and real-world case studies, he explores how technology can facilitate confidential, two-way conversations that surface true employee needs—and why mentorship and human connection are more essential than ever in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Maris Krieger, Senior Director of Talent Learning & Development at Hearst Corporation, shares how the small but mighty team she is a part of is building agile, personalized learning experiences for 15,000 employees across a diverse portfolio of industries. She takes us inside Hearst’s rapid AI upskilling initiative, discusses the power of co-creation with business leaders, and explores the balance between technical and evergreen “power” skills. Throughout, Maris emphasizes the need to treat learning as a business driver—not a support function—and to move fast, personalize deeply, and never be afraid to experiment.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Matt Barry, Head of Global Learning Solutions and Field Platform Training at a global life sciences company, shares how his team is rethinking scale, personalization, and relevance in global L&D. He breaks down how they empower local field trainers, connect global efforts through strategic learning solutions, and center empathy and relationship-building to drive impact. Matt also shares why getting learners to pause and reflect — even in fast-paced environments — can be the most powerful tool for transformation.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Cassandra Limoges, Manager of Learning and Development at Denny’s Restaurants Canada, shares how she supports 75 locations through people-first leadership and deeply embedded values-driven programs. Drawing from decades of experience in hospitality, Cassandra discusses the importance of shifting away from reactive training toward relationship-centered development that drives sustainable performance. She also explores the evolving role of technology, the need for mindset shifts post-COVID, and her belief that true leadership begins with genuine care, connection, and influence.

On this episode of NovoEDTalks, Michael Martin, Senior Director of Sales Enablement at Calix, shares how his team uses AI-powered tools, just-in-time microlearning, and real-time simulations to scale impactful training for a busy global salesforce. He explains why aligning with leadership, reinforcing learning through practice, and treating enablement as a proactive, diagnostic function are key to lasting behavior change. Michael also reflects on the evolving role of technology in talent development — and why truly valuable training must always respect the time and context of its learners.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Anne Griswold, Whole Brain Catalyst at Herrmann International, shares how whole brain thinking can transform leadership development and team dynamics across all levels of an organization. She discusses how cognitive diversity, agile thinking, and strategic learning ecosystems can close skill gaps, foster collaboration, and drive measurable business results. With a strong call to “use your voice,” Anne encourages L&D professionals to champion human connection and learning as core drivers of organizational success.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Jim Mathrusse, Director of Curriculum Development for Cloud Operations at Microsoft, explores what it takes to build scalable, role-based learning in a complex, fast-moving organization. He shares how his team personalizes learning for both office-based and data center employees, builds learner confidence through structured role paths, and integrates just-in-time training and AI tools to reduce time to value. With lessons drawn from decades in both education and IT, Jim offers a thoughtful, systems-level perspective on how learning teams can stay adaptable while always keeping people at the center.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Andreia Gadioli, a senior learning leader in the casino and hospitality industry, shares how she’s using learning programs to build confidence, connection, and psychological safety in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. From onboarding 6,000 employees during a pandemic to piloting innovative approaches that blend empathy with technology, Andreia reflects on the power of adaptability and tech-enabled human connection. She offers a candid look at what it takes to support frontline workers and leaders alike, especially in an era of AI and constant change.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Elizabeth Gomez, Director of People Experience at Costa Farms, to explore how she supports a diverse workforce ranging from farm workers to corporate professionals. Elizabeth shares powerful strategies for fostering a people-centric culture, including failure-based learning, paid learning during work hours, and human-centered technology adoption. From GED programs to AI pilots, Costa Farms is cultivating growth—both in plants and people.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Jennifer Boyd, a human resources leader at a global retail chain, shares how her team supports over 9,000 employees through adaptable, tech-forward learning strategies and mentorship programs. She explores the evolving challenges of workforce development across generations and emphasizes the need to stay ahead of technological shifts while maintaining human-centered learning experiences. Jennifer also discusses how data, feedback, and a culture of continuous improvement drive meaningful outcomes in performance, engagement, and organizational growth.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Swati Valsangkar, Senior Manager of Leadership Development at Atos, shares how she is transforming leadership development and mentoring to meet the needs of today’s evolving workforce. She discusses how Atos is leveraging technology, AI, and digital platforms to deliver personalized, flexible, and globally accessible learning experiences—while also building strong alumni networks and fostering social learning communities. Swati also reflects on key industry shifts in L&D and offers advice on staying adaptable, curious, and focused on creating real value through trust and connection.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Andrea Mead, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Gannett, shares how she is scaling impactful mentoring, coaching, and sales enablement across a dispersed workforce. She discusses balancing traditional hands-on training with emerging technologies like AI role-play simulations and call coaching tools, while fostering a community where managers and reps share real-world applications of AI like Microsoft Copilot. Andrea also reflects on the importance of gaining diverse experiences—across sales, coaching, and training—to build a strong foundation for leadership.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we hear from Zac Coontz, Senior Manager of Training and Quality at iQor, as he shares how technology and data-driven strategies are transforming frontline employee development and retention. Zac details how his team has dramatically reduced attrition through innovative onboarding, mentoring, and AI-enabled learning experiences. He also reflects on lessons learned over the past five years and how continuous personal growth fuels his leadership journey.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Eddie Brasher, Learning and Development Manager at Starbucks, to explore how L&D can power digital transformation and inclusive leadership. Eddie shares how his team supports finance professionals through capability roadmaps, tech-enabled learning, and mentoring programs that build confidence and unlock potential. Tune in to hear his insights on ethical AI, project management, and what it takes to design impactful learning that keeps pace with change.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Andrea Whittaker, Global Learning & Development Leader at Mars, to explore how the company fosters a culture of curiosity and growth across its vast and varied workforce. Andrea shares how Mars embeds learning into the flow of work, balances global strategies with local impact, and designs experiences that go beyond traditional training. We talk about the unique challenges of enabling professional development across a business that spans pet care, food, and confectionery—and how Mars stays true to its principles while embracing innovation.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Chantelle Nash, Director of Functional Training and Enablement at BAE Systems, shares how her team supports a highly regulated frontline workforce through streamlined training and effective communication strategies. She discusses the challenges of balancing compliance with operational demands and the importance of foundational processes, voice-of-customer feedback, and clear metrics. Chantelle gives a great overview of how she is building scalable systems that prioritize both technical skill development and human connection.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Brissa Ramos, Senior Manager of Sales Enablement at ServiceNow, to explore how she’s rethinking partner enablement in today’s fast-moving tech landscape. With over two decades of experience, Brissa shares her unique perspective on supporting sales and pre-sales partners through AI-powered tools, hybrid learning models, and continuous feedback loops. From co-creating enablement experiences with learners to reimagining sales simulations with roleplay-free practice using Bongo AI, Brissa’s approach is all about empathy, experimentation, and measurable impact.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, we sit down with Fola Ajisafe, Associate Director of App Development for Learning Technology at Verizon, to explore how his team builds and delivers user-centric learning technologies that support a global workforce. Fola shares how he balances in-house innovation with external vendor solutions, ensures high adoption and engagement through continuous feedback and data, and creates dynamic, personalized learning experiences like digital hubs. His forward-looking approach to skill development, ROI measurement, and tech agility offers a roadmap for empowering learners and driving workforce transformation at scale.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Mary Ng shares how she’s building strategic talent management from the ground up at City of Hope, focusing on practical application and human-centered design. She discusses the power of informal feedback, repeat engagement, and democratized mentorship as key indicators of program success. Mary also explores how her team is thoughtfully integrating technology—from AI to LMS platforms—to enhance learning while staying future-ready.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Arlene Mabrey shares how her work at the intersection of equity, mentoring, and leadership development is transforming traditional approaches to talent growth. She discusses the importance of visibility, connection, and intentional systems design—highlighting how technology and AI can power more personalized, inclusive mentorship experiences. With wisdom, warmth, and actionable insight, Arlene encourages us to mind our lives, find our light, and build ecosystems where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Brian Dennis, a Field Trainer at Growmark with extensive experience in learning and development, discusses how his team adapts to the evolving workforce, focusing on strategic planning, generational diversity, and continuous feedback. He shares insights into the tools and methods they use to assess skills gaps, measure training effectiveness, and drive behavioral change across multiple levels of the organization. Brian also highlights the role of technology in enhancing virtual learning experiences and supporting employee development in a dynamic industry.

In this episode of NovoEDTalks, Melissa sits down with Erica Cason, an experienced learning and development facilitator, to explore the challenges and opportunities in employee training and workforce development. Erica shares insights into onboarding new hires, addressing skills gaps, and leveraging technology to enhance continuous education programs. She also discusses the importance of learner feedback, organizational support, and evolving strategies to ensure employees stay engaged, adaptable, and prepared for the ever-changing demands of the workplace.