Being Intrepid: Navigating the Future of Learning with Sam Herring

Physicians are trained to have the right answer under pressure. But when a doctor becomes a CEO, that expertise can become a ceiling. The real work is an identity shift, from expert to enterprise leader. Raj Ramachandran, Senior Partner for Leadership Advisory at WittKieffer, joins Sam Herring to unpack how he develops senior healthcare leaders through executive coaching, stoic philosophy, and structured reflection. In this episode: Why the shift from problem-solving to "holding complexity" catches new executives off guard How the stoic framework E + R = O helps leaders focus on how they respond  The TFAL method, "Think for a Living," and why blocking time without an intention doesn't work Why a dyad coaching model (leadership coach + physician mentor) works for healthcare executive development Where AI coaching shows promise and why it falls short with executives Guest: Raj Ramachandran, Senior Partner, Leadership Advisory, WittKiefferConnect with SamCatch more Being Intrepid Podcast episodes at https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/

Most enterprise AI investments are funded backwards—93% to technology, 7% to people—and the ROI is falling short as a result. In this episode, Sam Herring sits down with Matt Stevens, Managing Director for Human Performance and Learning at Deloitte Consulting, to explore what it actually takes to move AI from fragmented pilots to enterprise-wide adoption. Matt draws on client work across financial services, healthcare, and beyond to make the case that learning isn't a support function for AI strategy. It is the strategy. In this episode: Why organizations are underinvesting in workforce readiness and what it's costing them in AI ROI How one client's AI Academy started with a CEO workshop and cascaded across the organization The difference between building AI technical skills and the human skills that complement them—curiosity, critical thinking, judgment What L&D leaders must shift: from content production to experience design A practical starting point for AI in L&D without a massive budget Guest: Matt Stevens | Managing Director and Market Offering Leader, Human Performance and Learning | Deloitte Consulting 

How do you build strong onboarding experiences in a healthcare organization where the work is both operationally complex and deeply human? In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring sits down with Gordon Trujillo, Vice President and Head of Talent Management and Development at DaVita Kidney Care. DaVita welcomes thousands of caregivers into the organization each year—nurses, patient care technicians, and other frontline roles supporting people living with chronic kidney disease. Gordon shares how DaVita is studying the new hire journey, from attraction to onboarding to manager support, to better understand what drives engagement, retention, and patient care. They discuss the role of curiosity in leadership, why belonging begins during the first weeks on the job, and how AI can strengthen learning through practice and coaching without replacing the human connection that defines great care. What you’ll learn: Why onboarding is a critical moment for engagement and retention How managers who lead with curiosity create stronger teams Where AI can support practice and coaching in learning Why the earliest weeks of employment shape long-term successConnect with GordonConnect with SamListen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/#LeadershipInTheAIAge

In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring sits down with Malika Viltz-Emerson, Chief Learning Officer at Allstate, to explore what happens when leaders meet learners where they are. Anchored by a powerful story about helping a mother and daughter navigate an escalator for the first time, Malika challenges learning leaders to recognize that every learner starts from a different place. She shares how AI can amplify personalized learning, surface gaps in learning design, and accelerate insight while also warning against moving too fast or ignoring bias and equity implications. What you’ll learn: The promise of adaptive learning powered by AI How AI can reveal gaps in learning design Why learning leaders must slow down and ask, “What are we solving for?” The importance of keeping humans in the loop with AI solutions Connect with Malika  Connect with Sam  Listen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring talks with Scott Blanchard, CEO at Blanchard, about what leadership looks like in a time when people show up to work already stressed. Scott shares why psychological safety is a real prerequisite for learning, what still matters most as the “how” of leadership development shifts, and why spaced learning over time can outperform the one-day workshop. Scott also discusses the Blanchard Institute and Student Self Leadership, a free program helping teens build responsibility, confidence, and self-leadership skills. What you’ll learn: Why managers are under unique pressure right now How safety unlocks learning and performance Spaced learning vs. the one-day classroom model The “manager has my back” leadership test How Blanchard is investing in teen self-leadership Connect with ScottBlanchard | Blanchard InstituteConnect with SamListen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

How do you design executive education that creates business impact at scale? In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring speaks with Anna Seguret, Executive Director of Participant Experience at INSEAD Executive Education. Anna shares how her background in video game development shaped her approach to learning design, and why the future of executive education lies in immersive, learner-centered journeys rather than one-off programs. They explore how INSEAD blends face-to-face, online, and in-the-flow experiences, how organizations can better measure learning impact, and how AI can meaningfully enhance learning without replacing the human experience. And lastly, Anna also discusses INSEAD’s Microcredentials program, recently recognized with a Brandon Hall Group award, as an example of how flexible, rigorous learning can fit into the flow of work while delivering measurable outcomes. Key topics include: Designing learner-centered executive education journeys Delivering transformation by scaling impactful learning across an organization Measuring impact for leadership and soft skills How AI can enable scaling learning without losing the human touchConnect with AnnaConnect with SamListen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

Most organizations exploring skills strategies remain “skills curious” to skills ready, and struggle with where to start. In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring sits down with Craig Friedman, Talent and Skills Transformation Leader at St. Charles Consulting Group, and author of Enterprise Skills Unlocked to demystify skills-based talent strategies and what they mean for learning leaders. Craig explains why a skills-based strategy is fundamentally a data transformation, and how it can unlock diverse enterprise value such as career mobility, opportunity marketplaces, and personalized learning pathways. He also flags the biggest trap he sees: buying technology before defining the business strategy. Tune in for a practical roadmap for leaders ready to move from interest to execution. Key topics: What a “skills-based strategy” really means in practice Learning pathways, gigs, and staffing tied to skills Common implementation traps and how to avoid them AI’s role in making skills data usable at scale Getting started with a business-driven roadmap Connect with CraigOrder Craig’s book: Enterprise Skills Unlocked: A Blueprint for Building Skills-based Talent Management Connect with Sam

Imposter syndrome is part of the human experience worldwide, but generative AI and rapid change are amplifying it in new ways. In this DevLearn Unwrapped episode of Being Intrepid, Betty Dannewitz, Learning Solutions Architect at Blanchard and host of the ifyouaskbetty podcast, joins host Sam Herring to explore how imposter syndrome shows up for L&D professionals, how technology can trigger it, and what it means for both practitioners and learners. Betty shares insights from her interviews and practical research, along with personal stories about reframing and extending grace to ourselves. Listeners will gain language and strategies to recognize imposter feelings, respond more constructively, and intentionally design learning experiences that build confidence over time for learners who often feel like imposters when they face something new. Connect with BettyConnect with Sam Catch more Being Intrepid Podcast episodes at https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

In this DevLearn Unwrapped episode of Being Intrepid, Megan Torrance, CEO (Chief Energy Officer) and Founder of TorranceLearning, joins host Sam Herring to unpack Agile learning project management with the LLAMA framework, her three-zone view of AI in L&D, and new research on what tools organizations are actually using. Megan explains how to design for change, avoid “random acts of AI,” and keep business performance at the center. Listeners will walk away with practical ways to experiment thoughtfully with AI, structure projects for inevitable change, and make smarter choices about evaluating new technology investments. Connect with MeganConnect with Sam

Virtual classrooms have come a long way from early corporate training experiences in the 2000s to the emergency pivot to Zoom and Teams in 2020, yet many organizations are still suboptimizing virtual learning experiences. In this DevLearn Unwrapped episode of Being Intrepid, Cindy Huggett, virtual training expert, consultant, facilitator, author, and speaker, joins host Sam Herring to explore how virtual facilitation is evolving in the age of AI. Cindy shares stories from global programs including real-time translation, AI-supported video overviews, and avatars that help hesitant participants show up on camera. She also explains why human communication skills like active listening are more important than ever. Listeners will come away with a clearer view of how AI can support facilitators and why human presence, judgment, and active listening remain irreplaceable. Connect with CindyConnect with Sam Catch more Being Intrepid Podcast episodes at https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

Sometimes big transformations begin with a small problem. For Nick Bird, that problem was improving audio quality for e-learning and it opened the door to exploring new ways of designing and facilitating learning experiences with genAI tools. In this DevLearn Unwrapped episode of Being Intrepid, Nick Bird, Director of Learning and Development at American Tire Distributors, joins host Sam Herring to share his practical journey leveraging genAI to improve learning experiences. Nick started with a simple text to speech need, and steadily expanded into using generative AI for scenario design, knowledge management, and everyday instructional design tasks. Nick offers clear advice on context-rich prompting, experimenting with different tools, safety, and keeping humans firmly in the loop. In this episode, you will learn: How a single audio problem opened the door to using AI for design at ATD Ways to use LLMs across instructional design workflows How to balance speed with quality and safety Why you should experiment with multiple LLMs, not just one Why AI powered coaching could be a major opportunity for L&D Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-d-bird/   Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-herring-5944b/   Catch more Being Intrepid Podcast episodes at https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

What happens when you look at learning strategy through the lens of cognitive science instead of the latest buzzwords? In this DevLearn Unwrapped episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring sits down with Clark Quinn, Executive Director at Quinnovation, to explore how learning science, spaced learning, and reactivation should shape modern design. Clark shares his journey from early computer-based education and cognitive science doctoral research to a career advising organizations on how people really think, learn and work. You will hear thoughtful takes on industry buzzwords like microlearning and “learning in the flow,” as well as the hype around generative AI, plus practical guidance on where to start with better design. In this episode, you will learn: Why learning professionals must understand the fundamentals of learning science What spaced learning is and how it works How microlearning can be used to reactivate learning over time Why Clark is cautious about the learning efficacy of large language models  Connect with Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/  Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-herring-5944b/   Catch more Being Intrepid Podcast episodes at https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

In this DevLearn Unwrapped episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring sits down with Josh Cavalier, Founder and CEO of JoshCavalier.ai and author of Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance. Josh shares how his diverse background in art, science, and technology prepared him for the rapid rise of generative AI, and why he believes L&D roles are shifting toward what he calls the “Human Machine Performance Analyst.”  Listeners will hear practical advice on getting started with genAI for learning professionals, the importance of finding a community to support your professional development, and preparing for a future where audio-based coaching and bi-directional learning experiences become mainstream.  In this episode, you will learn: How the role of “Human Machine Performance Analyst” reframes the profession How to navigate fear and change through community Why audio may be the most underrated generative AI capability  Connect with Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/  Order Josh’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960231529/ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_0Y138BYGSJDHX9RZY145 Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-herring-5944b/  Catch more Being Intrepid Podcast episodes at https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

Healthcare is complex and getting more digital every day. How do you prepare a frontline workforce for that reality while staying focused on human connection and business impact?  In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring sits down with Christy Pletcher, Vice President of Learning & Development at UnitedHealthcare, to explore how her team is reshaping learning in a high-stakes, highly regulated environment. Christy shares how UHC is striving to make the healthcare experience feel more like retail, upskilling advocates for tougher calls, and using AI to coach at scale and cut weeks from training.  You will learn: Why being both a business and L&D expert matters How UnitedHealthcare is driving digital adoption and self-service The skills frontline advocates need to successfully serve members How “Drive to Digital” and academies support ongoing upskilling Where AI coaching delivers real savings and better experiences  Connect with Christy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-pletcher-228a7919/ Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-herring-5944b/  Listen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

How do leaders actually execute on strategy in a volatile world? They start by taking an honest assessment of their life experiences and recognize how they show up at work. They get curious about their teammates’ life experiences. And they have the courage to help the team talk openly about the patterns and hidden rules on their teams that may hold them back.  In this episode, Janet McDonald, CEO of Onsite, and Carlos Martinez, Lead Clinician at Onsite, join Sam to unpack human-centered leadership. You’ll experience a brief grounding practice, a practical “above/below the line” tool, and how clinical insight meets business execution to help teams say the unsaid, faster.  What you’ll learn:  Why emotions affect execution more than the best laid plans How vulnerability increases trust and alignment A simple tool to check the urge to “be right” in real time Ways to sustain change back at work with ongoing practice When digital helps — and when human connection is essential  Connect & Resources: Onsite: https://experienceonsite.com/ Onsite Onsite on LinkedInConnect with Sam Listen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

How do you turn learning into Cisco’s innovation engine?  Cisco Chief Learning Officer Marci Paino joins host Sam Herring to share how her team anchors learning to business strategy, builds AI skills for the everyday worker, and scales quality through continuous feedback. From the global AI Workforce Consortium to Cisco’s new “Edge Up” learning experience, Marci offers a practical blueprint for L&D leaders navigating the AI era.  You’ll learn: How guiding principles drive experimentation and durable growth The data behind AI’s impact on technology roles across G7 economies Where AI upskilling gaps are and how to close them How “minimal lovable products” accelerate learning quality  Guest: Marci Paino, Chief Learning Officer, Cisco Connect with Marci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcipaino/ Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-herring-5944b/  Listen to more episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

The L&D market is bigger and louder than ever – and it’s never been more challenging to navigate as a learning leader. In this candid conversation, RedThread Research Co-Founder and Principal Analyst Dani Johnson maps what’s changing and what leaders should do next. From the post-pandemic drop in L&D influence to the real promise of GenAI, Dani offers practical direction and a sharper definition of the learning leader’s true remit: ensure a skilled workforce.  You’ll learn how to balance in-the-flow support with deep skill building, the importance of focusing on building effective systems not just individual interventions, and why focusing on the “unsexy” data genAI can harvest and analyze is most important.  What we cover: Why L&D influence halved in recent years and how to rebuild it Learning portfolio management: efficiency vs depth High-impact “unsexy” AI use cases Defining L&D’s remit around skills  About Dani Johnson: RedThread Research – About Us Explore RedThread’s work: RedThread Research – Research & Data  Catch more Being Intrepid episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

Professional learning is shifting fast. Simplicity, integration, and trust now define great experiences for customers, partners, and credentialed professionals.  In this episode, host Sam Herring talks with Corri McQuaid, Senior Manager of Business Development, Professional Learning and Enterprise at VitalSource, about delivering secure, scalable content and applying learning science in the flow of work. Corri explains the power of the Doer Effect, a learning science principle, and how Bookshelf+ provides learners an AI-powered study partner within the trusted platform of Bookshelf while protecting publisher IP.  You’ll learn: The Doer Effect and why practice beats passive reading What “stupid simple” looks like post-COVID How Bookshelf+ supports secure, AI-enhanced study Business model flexibility for internal and external use  Learn more about VitalSource: https://vitalsource.com Connect with Corri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corrimcquaid  Catch more Being Intrepid episodes: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/ 

This special crossover episode of Being Intrepid and SBI, The Growth Advisory brings together Sam Herring (Intrepid by VitalSource) and Ray Makela (SBI Growth Advisory) to explore how AI is reshaping sales, enablement, and learning.They swap insights on how:AI is changing sales coaching and buyer engagementHyper-personalized learning is transforming collaborative cohortsSales managers and L&D leaders can leverage AI-driven insightsTeams can balance automation with the human side oftrainingIf you want to understand how AI is revolutionizing the way we train, coach, and sell, this episode is a must-listen for sales leaders, enablement pros, and learning innovators.Discover more conversations at the intersection of sales, learning, and AI:Being Intrepid – Learning & AI Innovation: https://www.intrepidlearning.com/category/podcasts/SBI, The Growth Advisory – Sales & Growth Strategy: https://sbigrowth.com/value-creation-podcastFollow Being Intrepid for more conversations with innovators in learning and leadership.

Brian Hackett didn’t set out to start a movement—he just needed advice. That simple ask turned into The Learning Forum and CLO Lift: two platforms where learning leaders rewrite the future of work, one challenge at a time.  In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring interviews Brian on: His unexpected path from fired to founder The “big lie” of AI productivity Why the CLO title may be fading, but its purpose is more critical than ever How L&D leaders are building thought leadership and culture, together Tips for aligning with strategy, AI officers, and the business  This is an episode for anyone who leads learning, or wants to.  Follow Being Intrepid for more conversations with innovators in learning and leadership. 

How can learning leaders prepare their organizations for the AI revolution?  In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring talks with Tal Goldhamer, founder of Find The Tailwind and former CLO at EY, about practical strategies for AI upskilling, why mindset is key, and how formal learning itself will evolve. What you'll learn: How to design practical AI upskilling strategies for your workforce Why mindset is the biggest barrier (and opportunity) in AI adoption The surprising decline of formal learning in an AI-enabled world The enduring human skills professionals will need most How CLOs can secure a strategic seat at the table during AI transformation  Tal shares candid advice for CLOs looking to stay relevant and lead boldly in an AI-driven world.  Subscribe for more bold conversations on the future of learning.  Listen now and hit follow to stay ahead.  

In this special episode of Being Intrepid, host Sam Herring talks with JR Burch, Director of Learning Experience Design at Intrepid, about the real future of AI in corporate learning. They discuss Intrepid’s innovative new AI Activity feature as a lens into how generative AI enables more personalized, adaptive, and practice-driven learning experiences.  Discover: Why designing for practice is more important than content delivery How to design adaptive learning with AI Old mindsets instructional designers must unlearn, and new mindsets they need to adopt What’s next for personalized learning in the flow of work  This episode is a must-listen for L&D leaders, instructional designers, and anyone curious about how AI is shaping the future of work and learning.   Listen now and hit follow to stay ahead.  

What happens when corporate learning stops being a support function—and starts becoming a strategic engine?   In this episode of Being Intrepid, Sam Herring speaks with Marilyn Allison of BD about how she uses learning to activate the CEO’s vision. Drawing on her academic roots and real-world leadership, Marilyn explores the paradoxes that define modern L&D—from the need for scalable personalization to the importance of enduring human skills in an age of rapid change.  Listen in for insights on: Embedding learning into business strategy Creating space for reflection in a fast-paced world Building agility into leadership development Staying ahead of change through deep sensing  Listen now and hit follow to stay ahead. 

How do you unify learning across a massive, distributed health system? How do you make the case that learning is a strategic asset—not a sunk cost? In this episode, Darci Hall of Kaiser Permanente joins Being Intrepid to share how she’s leading a sweeping learning transformation at one of the largest nonprofit healthcare providers in the U.S. We explore: How Kaiser is creating alignment with a system-wide learning governance model Why it’s time to view learning as an investment that drives value How to earn executive sponsorship for talent and workforce initiatives The impact of helping frontline employees move into clinical roles Why healthcare needs to embrace more experimentation in L&D A look ahead at the future of learning in healthcare—powered by AI and personalization Whether you’re in healthcare, pharma, or any highly regulated industry—this episode is packed with insights on how to lead learning change that matters. Hosted by Sam Herring, Being Intrepid features bold conversations with leaders reimagining how people and organizations grow.  Listen now and hit follow to stay ahead. 

In this Being Intrepid special episode, we recorded live from ATD25 to share bold insights from leading voices in L&D.  Sam Herring interviews top business and learning executives from TalentSmart EQ, Acumen Learning, Mobile Coach, Blanchard, Grant Thornton, GP Strategies, and Mass General Brigham—exploring the future of learning and critical advice for how learning leaders can meet the moment.  We asked: What’s the most valuable insight you’re taking away from ATD25? The future of learning is…? What’s one way learning leaders can be intrepid today? From leaning into change, to demonstrating curiosity, to leading with empathy, this episode offers a rapid-fire, real-world pulse on where learning is headed, and the mindset needed to be a successful leader. Tune in for 20 minutes of fresh perspective from the floor of the biggest workplace learning event of the year.  Listen now and hit follow to stay ahead.

Being Intrepid is here—and we’re launching with a bang. In this debut episode, Amy Happ from Grant Thornton shares how her team built a leadership program that actually moves the needle.She walks us through how their Manager Development Program led to measurable increases in utilization and managed revenue—yes, real ROI from L&D.You’ll hear how Grant Thornton:Tracks and proves business impact Engages senior leadership in learning Builds cross-functional networks through milestone programs Offers a ‘one stop shop’ for manager development Hosted by Sam Herring, this is the podcast for learning leaders who want to create programs that scale, stick, and matter. Listen now and hit follow to stay ahead.