Learning and development (L&D) leaders are responsible for helping others build the skills they need to move the business forward. But who helps learning leaders grow?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, learning leaders Brandi Smith, CPTM, director of operations, and Sarah Hughes, CPTM, currently an instructional designer at STIHL, Inc., share how they have leveraged professional development to strengthen their skills, advance their careers and grow as L&D professionals.

Check out the episode now for insights on:

• Real-world L&D career paths

• Building senior-level L&D skills and capabilities

• Advice for L&D leaders considering professional development options

More Resources:

• [Course] Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) Credential

• [Course] Training Industry Senior Leaders Program

• [Quiz] Is CPTM Right for Me?

• [Resource] Learning and Development Careers: A Guide to L&D Roles and Career Paths

As organizations look for more personalized, intelligent and connected learning experiences, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing what learning management systems (LMSs) can offer. AI-native platforms are driving new ways for how employees access learning and how L&D teams support workforce development.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Harbinger Group, Poonam Jaypuriya, vice president of eLearning at Harbinger Group, discusses how LMS platforms have evolved, what it means for a platform to be AI-native and how L&D leaders can prepare for the future of learning.

Check out the episode now to learn:

• What sets an AI-native LMS apart from traditional learning platforms

• How AI can personalize learning based on employees’ roles, skills and business needs

• What L&D leaders should prioritize when selecting a future-ready LMS

More Resources:

• [Toolkit]: Managing Your Learning Tech Stack

• [Course]: Managing Learning Technologies Certificate

• [Wiki] The Learning Technology Lifecycle

AI is changing how organizations approach learning and development, but questions remain about what’s really working and how L&D teams can apply AI effectively.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, recorded during the Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) 2026, Tom Whelan, Ph.D., facilitates a panel discussion on what’s working with AI in L&D today. Claire Cole, Mike Groesser, Maria Rodriguez, Ph.D., and Artrell Williams, CPTM, discuss navigating AI adoption, supporting learners and preparing for the future of work.

Check out the episode now to learn:

• Strategic capabilities that will remain uniquely human in an AI-driven future of work

• How early AI adopters can help inform and accelerate broader AI strategies

• How L&D teams can support learners throughout their AI adoption journey

More Resources:

• [Toolkit]: AI in Training Toolkit

• [E-Book]: The AI Divide: What High-Performing Organizations Do Differently

• [Course]: The AI Essentials for Training Managers Certificate

• [Wiki]: AI in Training

IT and technical certifications can help organizations validate skills, strengthen workforce capabilities and prepare employees for emerging technologies. But realizing their full value requires integrating credentials into broader learning and talent development strategies.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, sponsored by Pearson, Krista Ketchmark, an executive sales leader at Pearson, shares insights from Pearson's recent research on the value of IT certifications and explores how organizations can use credentials to build workforce capabilities, support career development and navigate the evolving demands of an AI-driven workplace.

Tune in now for insights on:

• Key findings from Pearson's research on the value of IT certifications and what they reveal about today's workforce

• Strategies for integrating certifications into continuous learning, career pathways and talent development programs

• How certifications can help organizations build confidence in employees' skills, adapt to emerging technologies and strengthen business outcomes

More Resources:

• [Article]: Why IT Certifications Work Best as Part of a Capability Framework

• [Resource]: Corporate Training Strategy: A Practical Guide for L&D Leaders

• [Wiki]: Certifications for Training Professionals

L&D leaders are constantly finding new ways to turn business challenges into opportunities for learning, growth and impact.

In episode 100 of The Business of Learning, recorded in person at the 2026 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE), Jazmin Webster, chief learning curator at the Quality Experience, and Chris Cassell, director of North America training and development at Align Technology, share real-world L&D success stories and lessons learned from their experiences.

Tune in now for insights on:

• How L&D leaders can use training to address real business challenges

• What it takes to move a learning initiative from idea to execution and make it successful

• The lessons these learning leaders have taken from their experiences and how they’re shaping their work going forward

More Resources:

• [Certification] The Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™) program

• [E-Book] The L&D Professional’s Guide to Corporate Training

• [Resource] Learning and Development Careers: A Guide to L&D Roles Career Paths

Change has become a constant in today’s workplace, and organizations need resilient employees and leaders who can adapt, navigate uncertainty and continue moving forward.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, recorded at the 2026 Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE), Cassi Chandler, motivational leadership expert and the FBI’s first African American female special agent assistant director, shares actionable tips for building organizational resilience and how L&D leaders can proactively prepare employees to navigate constant change.

Tune in now for insights on:

• How L&D leaders can proactively prepare employees for constant change rather than reacting to disruption
• The skills and capabilities organizations should prioritize to help employees adapt and thrive
• How L&D can measure whether its efforts to build organizational resilience are working

Learning doesn't end when training is complete. Lasting behavior change depends on understanding what truly motivates employees to learn, grow and apply new skills on the job.

In this episode of The Business of Learning, Jess Ekstrom, bestselling author and founder of Mic Drop Workshop and Headbands of Hope, shares actionable insights on the psychology of motivation and how L&D leaders can design learning experiences that inspire lasting engagement and performance.

Tune in now for insights on:

• The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and why it matters for corporate training
• Common training practices that unintentionally undermine learner motivation
• Strategies for designing learning experiences that foster lasting engagement and manager support

What does learning transformation look like in practice, and how can L&D leaders move past simply delivering training to creating meaningful business and learner impact?

In this episode of The Business of Learning, brought to you by TalentLMS, Nick Gonios, vice president of learning transformation and company ambassador at TalentLMS, shares tips on how organizations can rethink learning strategies to better engage modern employees and drive lasting change.

Tune in now for insights on:

• What learning transformation really means in today’s workplace
• How cognitive science and modern learner behavior should shape L&D strategies
• The role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling effective learning transformation