News & Thinking

The advertising agency business is rapidly changing, making learning and development more essential than ever. In this episode of Powered by Learning, Sean McGlade, Senior Vice President of Talent and Learning Solutions at the 4As, shares how the association provides agencies of all sizes with innovative learning experiences that keep their business leaders, media strategists and technical and creative teams ahead of the competition.

UGI Corporation’s Global Enterprise Lead, Learning & Development Wendy Laverty shares how “Breakthrough Thinking” is reshaping leadership, structure, and strategy at UGI. She explains how a series of workshops with team members has encouraged intentional reflection, language, and a culture of curiosity that’s unlocking new solutions and sustainable change.

Our guest Mike Kaput of SmarterX takes us inside the new AI Academy, a membership-based learning platform for organizations and individuals. Find out how their AI Academy delivers AI literacy for all—through frameworks, certifications, and personalized learning journeys that help organizations roll out AI training responsibly and at scale.

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of Powered by Learning with a special conversation with past podcast guests Dr. Kristal Walker, Marjorie Van Roon, Ajay Pangarkar, Robyn DeFelice, and Connie Malamed. Together, we reflect on the past five years in L&D—AI’s promise (and limits), the rise of data-informed decisions, accountability for performance and ROI, and the renewed push for personalized, human-centered learning. Listen for an energizing look at where L&D is headed—and how your organization can evolve.

Instructional design isn’t just about what learners know—it’s about what they can do. In this episode, Dr. Karl Kapp discusses his new book, Action First Learning, and why engagement, application, and challenge are essential for lasting impact.

Designing training that is engaging, compassionate and informative is key for instructional designer Hallie Martyniuk, principal at TD3 Consulting. She shares how working in crime victim services has shaped her approach to designing learning about subjects that need to be addressed with sensitivity.

When every second counts, the right training can make all the difference. Ken Zipovsky, Grants Manager and Technology Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, joins us to share how the Pennsylvania Virtual Training Network (PAVTN) is transforming law enforcement education. Discover how online training helps officers stay prepared, adapt to new technology, and meet evolving community expectations.

When Penske Logistics set out to build a training curriculum for operations managers, they decided to go beyond eLearning and job aids—they added a powerful new tool: internal podcasts. Pat Schneider, Senior L&D Consultant at Penske Logistics shares how his team uses podcasts to bring authentic leadership voices to the forefront of learning.

Members of Central PA ATD’s leadership—Phyllis Metzler, Gina Sweeney, and Robyn DeFelice talk about the power of community, mentorship, and stepping up to lead. Discover how joining and volunteering with ATD helped them grow their careers and their networks—and how it can do the same for you.

 

At Flagger Force, safety is more than policy—it’s their culture. And it starts with smart, accessible training and open communication. Luke Lazar and Leslie McRobbie of Flagger Force, an industry-leading, short-term traffic control company, share how their “In the Zone” app and FF Learn microlearning program are keeping thousands of field employees engaged, informed, and safe every single day.