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  • 22 - Charles "Evan" Smith on Self-Awareness for Learning, Performance, and Change

    22 - Charles "Evan" Smith on Self-Awareness for Learning, Performance, and Change
    2025/07/24
    🌟 Episode SynopsisWe all like to believe we’re self-aware—but what if we’re not as clear-eyed as we think? In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I sit down with Charles Evan Smith (known to most as Evan), a seasoned coach, consultant, and change architect, to explore why self-awareness is the hidden foundation for personal and organizational transformation.With more than 25 years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations, Evan brings a rare blend of systems thinking, neuroscience, and deep empathy to his work. Together, we discuss why self-awareness is so rare (spoiler: 90% of people think they have it, but only 10% actually do), how blind spots can derail performance, and what leaders can do to foster change from the inside out.You’ll hear stories of organizational turnarounds, powerful coaching questions like "And what else?", and research that shows how behavior monitoring can spark real growth. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or simply someone striving to grow, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools to help you raise your own self-awareness and make meaningful change.👤 About the GuestCharles Evan Smith is a coach, consultant, and facilitator with more than two decades of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate meaningful change. As the founder of Metamorphosis Management Group, Evan partners with leaders to translate self-awareness into measurable business results and lasting personal growth.He also works with Box of Crayons to deliver curiosity-led leadership programs and with Empactful Advisors to align leadership, culture, and performance. Certified in tools like the Leadership Circle Profile and ICF Team Coaching, Evan brings a unique combination of systems thinking, behavior change theory, and deep empathy for the human side of work.Website: metaMG.comLinkedIn: Charles Evan Smith🧠 Key Topics CoveredWhat self-awareness is and why it’s the foundation for personal and organizational changeThe surprising gap between perceived and actual self-awarenessHow leaders can model “learning out loud” to energize changeThe neuroscience of habits and why patterns are hard to changeTools and practices for cultivating self-awareness, from feedback loops to habit trackersCommon barriers to self-awareness and why it’s often dismissed as a soft skillPractical ways to deepen your own self-awareness and apply it to learning and performance🛠️ Tools and Practices MentionedThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierLeadership Circle 360 RallyBright Team AssessmentHabit tracking and journalingMorning intention-setting practices📝 Detailed Show Notes and TranscriptCheck out the full recap with show notes hereRead the full transcript here📚 Learn More – Further ResourcesInsight by Tasha EurichEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierWhat You Don’t Know About Making Decisions (HBR) by David GarvinAmy Edmondson on Psychological SafetyHawthorne Effect🎧 Related EpisodesJon Walker on Self-Compassion for Learning, Performance, and Joy (#21)Nicole L’Etoile on Accessibility and Inclusive Design (#20)Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety in Teams (#9)📬 Connect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I (Pat Healy) help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design.Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn: Patrick HealyConnect with me and let’s explore how we can improve your learning and performance today!
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    1 時間 31 分
  • #15 - Noah Rasheta on Using Buddhism to Become a Better Person

    #15 - Noah Rasheta on Using Buddhism to Become a Better Person
    2024/12/05
    In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Noah Rasheta, a Buddhist philosopher, author, and podcaster dedicated to making Buddhist philosophy accessible and practical for everyday life. Noah's podcast, The Secular Buddhism Podcast, shares Buddhist principles and practices that modern people can use to learn, perform, and live more wisely. His book, "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners," breaks down key Buddhist concepts for a Western audience and is an invaluable resource for those seeking to incorporate mindfulness and philosophical insights into their daily routines. In the conversation, Noah and I discuss some basic ideas from Buddhism and ways people from a secular background can leverage Buddhism. Noah enjoys photography, paragliding, volunteering as a school bus driver, and spending time with his wife and kids in Utah. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Noah and I hit on several topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is secular BuddhismThe Four Noble TruthsThe difference between pain and sufferingSeeing life as a gameThe power of awareness and attention for learning and performanceCommon myths and misconceptions about Buddhism and mindfulnessEnlightenment as a journey vs. a destinationUnlearning as a tool for learningAcknowledging multiple perspectivesThe Middle Way of optimal performanceThe power of pausing and returning to the breathDoing things for the sake of itQuestioning the judgments and evaluations we make ABOUT THE GUEST: Noah Rasheta is a Buddhist philosopher, best-selling author, and podcast host. He has presented his teachings at some of the world's most renowned organizations, such as Apple®, PwC, YPO, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and many others. His teachings have been downloaded millions of times by individuals all around the world. CONNECT WITH NOAH: Secular Buddhism websiteInstagramFacebookTwitter/X MENTIONS and RESOURCES: Performance vs. effort - See this and this Secular Buddhism - See this and this and thisFirst Noble Truth - Truth of Suffering - See this and thisSecond Noble Truth - Truth of the Cause of Suffering - See this and thisThird Noble Truth - The End of Suffering - See this and thisFourth Noble Truth - Eightfold Path to End Suffering - See this and this AND this Pain vs. Suffering - See this and thisGroundlessnessLife as Chess vs. Tetris - The Myth of Having a Totally Happy Life Life Bingo Myth: Meditation as a Way to Feel Good (Catch the Butterfly) vs. a Way of Better Seeing/Feeling (Flashlight to Raise Awareness) Happiness as a ButterflyMyth: Enlightenment as an End Goal vs. a JourneyImportance of awareness in learning and teaching Unlearning as a tool for learningParable of the Blind Men and the Elephant - different ways of understanding thingsLearning styles vs. preferencesSecular Buddhism podcastNo Nonsense Buddhism for BeginnersThe Power of the PauseFlow experienceThe Middle Way of PerformanceDoing things for the sake of it Not tying identity to outcomes Parable of the Farmer and the Horse - "Who knows what is good/bad?"Life is short, so make the most of it
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    1 時間 28 分
  • #7 - Michael Sweeney on L&D, Coaching, Leadership, Teams, and Beyond!

    #7 - Michael Sweeney on L&D, Coaching, Leadership, Teams, and Beyond!
    2024/01/18
    In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with Michael Sweeney, Chief Strategy Officer at RallyBright and founder of SaberCoaching, about his career enhancing the capacity and performance of individuals, teams, and organizations. Formerly VP of Digital Learning at Bain & Company, Mike has over two decades of experience in operations management, L&D, learning design, leadership development, coaching, and technology training. A lifelong learner himself, Mike enjoys finding ways to help others perform better and master their crafts. Mike holds a Masters in Organizational Psychology from William James College and is a Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) coach. Outside of work, Mike enjoys reading, running marathons, coaching athletes, playing with his dog, and being the best dad he can be for his three teenage daughters. Mike currently lives and works in Boston, Massachusetts. In our conversation, we hit on a wide range of topics, including: The critical role of culture, values, and behaviors in organizational effectivenessThe difference between peak performance and high performanceThe neuroscience of learning and skill developmentAfter-action reviews (AARs)Leadership and leadership developmentCoaching and feedbackMotivation vs. inspirationRecruiting sponsors to drive organizational changeAnd a whole lot more! Mentioned in the conversation: 6:28 - Values-Based Leadership7:28 - Deliberate vs. Evolutionary/Emergent Strategy8:18 - Values: Espoused vs. Enacted/In-Use8:30 - Bain Values and Operating Principles8:52 - Definition of culture13:00 - Operationalizing values14:02 - Edgar Schein on culture14:59 - Humble Inquiry17:42 - Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People20:11 - Peak vs. High Performance21:05 - Learning in the brain23:11 - Unlearning23:52 - The P/PC Balance24:58 - Atomic Habits24:59 - The Power of Habit25:56 - After-Action Review26:36 - Teams that Work28:30 - Agile retrospective28:45 - Lean manufacturing30:06 - John Maxwell's Leadership Law #2 - Leadership as influence31:07 - Maxwell's Leadership Law #1 - Law of the Lid32:12 - Feedback Model - Situation, Behavior, Impact34:13 - Tim Ferriss on Learning to Learn42:39 - Tim Gallwey's The Inner Game of Tennis44:12 - Building High-Performing Teams course48:29 - The Losada Ratio48:55 - Designing the Coach-Client Alliance50:25 - Alfie Kohn on the Downsides of Punishment51:22 - Positive Intelligence53:58 - Radical Candor1:05:00 - The Sponsorship Spine1:07:15 - John Kotter's Leading Change1:07:45 - John Kotter's The Heart of Change1:09:45 - Spaced repetition1:11:30 - Learning moments of truth1:16:23 - Outlive by Peter Attia1:20:06 - CTI Fundamentals Connect with Mike: Michael SweeneySaber CoachingRally Bright
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    1 時間 39 分
  • #6 - Rachel Koblic on Designing Online Programs and Professional Development Communities

    #6 - Rachel Koblic on Designing Online Programs and Professional Development Communities
    2023/12/06
    In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with ⁠Rachel Koblic, former VP of Learning Experience at 2U and co-founder of StarlingLX, a professional development startup that offers mid-level leaders the learning experiences, real-world resources, and social support they need to thrive in their roles, nurture the people around them, and create better workplaces. A generalist at heart, Rachel has held a variety of roles designing learning experiences and leading learning teams across a range of industries. She has a Masters in instructional technology from Indiana University and is a true lifelong learner. Rachel lives and works in upstate New York with her partner on a farm with a whole mess of critters! In our conversation, we touch on a range of topics in online learning and professional development including: Rachel’s journey into edtech and learning design The 4 key elements of impactful online learning Rachel’s role in developing 2U’s Learning Experience Framework The evolution of online learning in higher education What “quality” online learning means to learners Rachel’s decision to start Starling and the need it serves Starling’s unique approach to professional development for mid-level professionals Much more! Learn More About Rachel: LinkedIn StarlingLX Mentioned in the Conversation 7:40 - Performance vs. Mastery Objectives 15:25 - Learning management systems (LMS) LinkedIn Learning Thinkific Kajabi 19:01 - Ideal Customer Personas (ICPs) 19:25 - Micro-lessons and micro-learning 21:02 - 2U’s Learning Experience Framework (LXF) 22:17 - Bruce Spatz 22:35 - Clark Quinn 25:00 - Intrinsic motivation 26:13 - Learning Design Hooks 28:32 - The Power of Questions 34:15 - StarlingLX 34:38 - Disco community learning platform 36:00 - Jeff Sirroni 38:30 - Human-centered leadership 39:45 - Capacity planning 40:12 - Power to the Middle (McKinsey) 44:58 - Chris Dede’s The 60-year curriculum 45:04 - Stanford’s Open Loop University 46:06 - MasterClass 53:38 - Professional user manuals 56:25 - Self-determination theory 1:00 - Ego-centrism 1:02 - Tasha Eurich’s Insight
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    1 時間 14 分
  • #20 – Nicole L’Etoile on Designing More Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    #20 – Nicole L’Etoile on Designing More Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences
    2025/05/22
    In this episode of the Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with Nicole L’Etoile—learning experience designer, accessibility advocate, and founder of L’Etoile Education—about how to design digital learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all learners.Nicole brings deep experience as a former educator, LMS administrator, accessibility auditor, and course creator. In our conversation, she shares actionable strategies to help learning designers and organizations create accessible content that supports every learner—not just some.Whether you’re new to accessibility or a seasoned learning pro looking to go deeper, this episode is packed with practical advice, frameworks, and resources to support your work.Topics Covered:In our conversation, we cover a range of topics relevant to learning and performance, including:What accessibility is and why it mattersThe POUR framework: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, RobustWhy accessibility is often overlooked or treated as an afterthoughtCommon accessibility barriers in online learning and how to avoid themMyths about accessible learning being "less engaging"Tools, techniques, and workflows for building accessible contentHow to conduct an accessibility auditNicole’s own journey—from educator to accessibility advocateHow accessibility work shaped her as a learner, leader, and professionalAdvice for learning designers and L&D teamsThe future of accessibility and the role of AIThe value of safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environmentsConnect with Nicole🌐 Website: letoile-education.com📧 Newsletter + Cohorts: Making Online Content Accessible for All🔗 LinkedIn: Nicole L’EtoilePeople MentionedCrystal Scott – Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) and designer of Nicole’s websiteTaylor Arnt – Accessibility and assistive tech advocate who created WCAG and AT-focused ChatGPT botsLuke Hobson – Instructional designer and founder of Instructional Design Institute; collaborator with NicoleMolly Huddle – Former Olympian and coach of Nicole’s racing teamTools and Tech Mentioned:Storyline, iSpring – E-learning authoring toolAmara – Open-source captioning and subtitling toolHemingway App – Writing tool for improving readability and plain languageFlesch-Kincaid Readability Test – Tool to assess reading level of contentChatGPT / Claude / Google Gemini – Used to interpret WCAG guidelines and assist in accessibility practicesWCAG GPT Bot by Taylor Arnt – Available hereAssistive Tech GPT by Taylor Arnt – Chatbot to simulate screen reader experienceFrameworks and Guides:WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) – Quick Reference GuidePOUR Framework – Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, RobustW3C (World Wide Web Consortium) – https://www.w3.orgWebAIM – https://webaim.orgUniversal Design for Learning (UDL) – CAST GuidelinesAccessibility Shield – https://www.accessibilityshield.comOrganizations and Platforms:L’Etoile Education – Nicole’s consulting business: https://www.letoile-education.comInstructional Design Institute by Luke Hobson – Nicole's course is hosted hereBrightspace / D2L – LMS used to deliver Nicole’s flagship accessibility courseTranscript
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    1 時間 6 分
  • 24 - Jim Young on Beating Burnout and Achieving Sustainable Performance

    24 - Jim Young on Beating Burnout and Achieving Sustainable Performance
    2025/10/09
    Episode OverviewBurnout isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a chronic condition that can drain energy, cloud purpose, and leave us feeling isolated or ashamed. In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with Jim Young, Director of Organizational Development at Keiter Corporation and author of Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout.After hitting burnout himself in 2018 and stepping away from corporate life, Jim went on a journey of recovery, reinvention, and reconnection. Today, he helps individuals and organizations pursue sustainable performance — balancing short-term demands with long-term health and purpose. Together, we explore what burnout really is, why it happens, and what it takes to recover and thrive.About The GuestJim Young is the Director of Organizational Development at Keiter Corporation in Western Massachusetts. He previously built a career in IT leadership and project management before experiencing burnout in 2018, which led him into coaching, writing, speaking, and teaching others about sustainable performance. Jim is also the author of Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout and a trained improv comedian. Connect with Jim:Website: ⁠thecenteredcoach.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Jim Young⁠Book: Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout (⁠Amazon⁠)Key Topics & InsightsPerformance, Learning, and Purpose — Jim’s view of high performance as doing work you love, that you’re good at, and that serves something larger than yourself.What burnout really is — not momentary tiredness, but a chronic condition involving loss of purpose, confusion, isolation, comparison, and shame.Common myths about burnout — why throwing the term around too loosely can downplay its seriousness.Root causes — including isolation, unrealistic social ideals, and cultural pressure to always achieve more.Identity and masculinity — how socialized expectations of men as “providers” and “tough guys” contribute to burnout.Pillars of recovery — therapy, recovery programs, intimacy, support groups, community, and service.Balancing resources and demands — the shift from reactive to creative modes when we’re resourced enough to meet life’s challenges.Boundaries and balance in practice — Jim’s decision to step back from a stressful executive role into organizational development work that better aligns with his strengths.Leadership lessons — how distributed leadership and autonomy help organizations sustain high performance.Improv wisdom — why acceptance, presence, and partnership on stage — and in life — can lead to better outcomes.Resources Mentioned:Expansive Intimacy: How Tough Guys Defeat Burnout by Jim Young (Amazon)The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Amazon)4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman (Amazon)Fried: The Burnout Podcast with Kate Donovan (Podcast)Research on burnout: Christina Maslach & Michael Leiter’s work on the Maslach Burnout InventoryNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg (CNVC)Transcript & Show NotesTranscriptShow NotesConnect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design. Connect with me here and let's start making a difference in your learning and performance today:Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-healy-95924543/
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    1 時間 20 分
  • 21 - Jon Walker on Self-Compassion for Learning, Performance, and Joy

    21 - Jon Walker on Self-Compassion for Learning, Performance, and Joy
    2025/06/26

    What if your inner critic is the biggest thing holding back your learning and performance? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jon Walker—retired physician, self-compassion teacher, and founder of Modestly Mindful—about why self-compassion isn't just self-care, but a powerful tool for improving our ability to learn and perform at our best. Jon and I discuss what compassion is, why it's important, and how to bring it into your work and life. Whether you’re a teacher, manager, student, or anyone navigating pressure, struggles, or setbacks, Jon makes the case for being kinder to yourself—and shows you how.


    👤 About the Guest

    Dr. Jon Walker is a retired physician and certified mindful self-compassion teacher. He has completed training at UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center and holds credentials from the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. Through Modestly Mindful, Jon offers free courses and resources that make self-compassion accessible, practical, and powerful for everyday life. His past experience in high-stress clinical settings brings real credibility to his teaching.


    🧠 Key Topics Covered:

    In this episode, we explore:

    • What self-compassion really is (and isn’t)
    • The 3 core components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness
    • The difference between “tender” and “fierce” self-compassion
    • Cultural myths around self-compassion—especially for men
    • Jon’s personal journey from burnout to renewal
    • Why high performers often resist self-compassion—and need it most
    • How trauma and childhood messages shape our self-talk
    • A guided self-compassion break practice (starting around 46:00)
    • Research on self-compassion and PTSD, healthcare, education, and more
    • Tips for applying self-compassion in daily life, even in 30-second bursts
    • The concept of “backdraft” and why things sometimes get harder before they get better

    • 🧰 Tools and Practices Mentioned
      • Self-Compassion Break (3-step real-time practice)
      • Supportive Touch (ways to activate your body’s calming system)
      • The Question: “What do I need right now?”
      • Reframing the inner critic as a caring coach
      • The importance of practicing at “turtle speed” and customizing practices


      📚 Further Resources

      • ⁠Center for Mindful Self-Compassion⁠ – Home of the model developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer
      • ⁠Kristin Neff, Ph.D.⁠ – Research, books, and talks
      • ⁠Paul Gilbert’s Compassion-Focused Therapy⁠ – Especially for those with a trauma background
      • ⁠Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education⁠


      🗣️ Transcript

      HERE
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    1 時間 14 分
  • #16 - Mark Sheppard on Innovation in L&D Products, Processes, and Practices

    #16 - Mark Sheppard on Innovation in L&D Products, Processes, and Practices
    2025/01/08
    Overview: In this episode of the L&P podcast, I speak with Mark Sheppard, a learning architect, designer, and self-proclaimed L&D “geek" about ways that that L&D professionals and teams can innovate their products, processes, and practices. Mark is the owner and founder of 2Sphynx Innovations, an L&D consultancy serving the public and private sectors in Canada and the US. With an impressive academic background and 30 years+ in the L&D field, Mark and I discuss a wealth of principles and practices you can use to change the way you consult, design, create, and lead. Key Topics: In the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including: Striking the right balance between efficiency and innovation in L&D performanceThe yin-yang relationship between learning and performanceThe role of emotions—both positive and negative—in impactful learningLearning in the flow of workDos and don’ts of online instructionThe value of full-stack L&D consultingMark’s advice on being a freelancer/contractorThe value of open-ended questions and challenging assumptions when working with stakeholdersThe many uses of LLMs for L&DWhy context often trumps content when it comes to learningThe crucial difference between gamification of learning and game-based learningThe shortcomings of traditional L&D frameworks and some better alternativesBarriers to innovation in L&D and how to overcome themAnd much more! Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marksheppardBlue Sky: https://publictest.bsky.cz/profile/did:plc:jk4hydiju4stbfzvtamktpjq2Sphynx: https://2sphynx.com/ Mentions and Resources: Performance as a function of efficiency AND innovationRole of emotion in learningEducation vs. learningLearning and performance as yin and yangBob Mosher - Learning in the workflowThe roots of instructional design in the militaryOnline instruction: dos and dont's - (1) The importance of having a co-facilitator for live online learning, (2) the importance of videos and office hours for asynchronous online courses Being a "full-stack" L&D professionalTips on being a freelance L&Der- (1) Being a trusted advisor, (2) having empathy for SMEs and learners, (3) thinking like an entrepreneur/owner, (4) focusing on solving problems>providing training solutions, (5) watching out for bad contracts, (6) engaging in regular marketing and sales and articulating your value prop The role of powerful questions (e.g., "how might we") in building trust, challenging assumptions, and creating better solutionsImportance of pre-boarding to successful onboardingThe value of LLMs for L&D - (1) knowledge management, (2) time saving, (3) content design and development, (4) sounding board, (5) thought partner, (6) devil's advocate, (7) needs analysis and evaluation, (8) data analysis and insightsLLM watch outs - too much focus on content production>processThe role of play and fun in learningPerformance analysis and improvement - Guy Wallace, Geary Rummler, Joe Harless, W. Edwards Deming MicrolearningPerformance supportImportance of context and activities>content and eventsIterative L&D - agile, rapid prototyping, SAMThe Kirkpatrick Framework and its shortcomingsThe CIPP Evaluation Framework (Context-Input-Process-Problem)Will Thalheimer's Learning Transfer Evaluation ModelThe ADDIE Framework - a macro doctrine, NOT a process or project plan3 targets of innovation for L&D - (1) Product, (2) Process, and (3) PracticeBarriers to innovation in L&D - (1) fear, (2) inertiaGame-based learning/design vs. gamifying learningPromises and pitfalls of gamificiationThe psychology of game-based learning - social learning, novelty, choice, experimentation/safetyConditions vs. constraints in design of gamesDunning-Kruger Effect - mismatch between competence and confidenceYerkes Dodson Curve - Moderate anxiety as a beneficial for learningImportance of breaks and working with your brain in mind
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    1 時間 35 分