Episode 66 | The eLearning Champion Pod | Conversations with a Learning LeaderHow AI empowers and Elevates the Work of Instructional DesignersIn this episode of The eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath sits down with Gerry White, Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University, to explore how AI is transforming instructional design and learning experiences.Gerry shares insights on:

• How AI empowers instructional designers instead of replacing them
• The role of empathetic reasoning and creativity in an AI-driven world
• How learning personas and AI agents can create adaptive, personalized learning
• Key skills every L&D professional should develop — from prompting to ethical AI use
• What “vibe coding” is and why it’s the next frontier for instructional designers

A must-watch for educators, instructional designers, and L&D leaders looking to navigate the AI-powered learning revolution with confidence and creativity.

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What does human-centered learning really mean in today’s AI-driven world? 🤔In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath speaks with Dave Stevens, CLO and Founder of Advanced Learning Strategies, to explore how L&D leaders can balance automation with authenticity.Dave shares:🔵 Why human-centered learning isn’t about efficiency but transformation🔵 The key differences between performance training and growth learning🔵 How AI can take over performance training, freeing L&D to focus on what truly matters — helping people grow🔵 Why learning experiences that challenge and transform us are essential for future-ready organizations💡 Key takeaway:Don’t confuse what’s scalable with what’s strategic. Growth learning — reflective, messy, and deeply human — is what will keep organizations adaptable and resilient in the age of AI.
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more updates and insights into the world of digital learning. Click the bell icon to get notified about our latest videos. Let’s learn and grow together!

CEO Mindset 10 Questions on World-Class LeadershipWhat makes a world-class leader?In this episode of the E-Learning Champion Podcast, Andrea Petrone — trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and host of The World Class Leaders Show — joins us to explore the CEO mindset and what separates good leaders from great ones.Discover insights on:✅ Building clarity and a legacy-driven vision✅ Driving engagement and execution across teams✅ Overcoming leadership struggles amid uncertainty✅ The habits and mindsets of top CEOs✅ Why culture, trust, and integrity are the real game-changersAndrea also shares his inspiration behind WCL21, a global platform helping CEOs connect, learn, and lead in times of change.🎧 Tune in for an inspiring discussion that helps L&D professionals, leaders, and aspiring CEOs understand how to align learning with leadership success.

Building your L&D Team for Business ImpactHow can L&D teams move from being order-takers to true business partners?

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna talks to Mary Rappaport, Learning Strategist and creator of The Strategic Playground, about how L&D teams can elevate their role and drive measurable business outcomes.👉 What you’ll learn:

• How to transform L&D into a strategic business partner
• Building business acumen within your L&D team
• Asking the right stakeholder questions
• Shifting from activity-based metrics to business impact
• Using strategic thinking to prioritize and influence effectively

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more updates and insights into the world of digital learning. Click the bell icon to get notified about our latest videos. Let’s learn and grow together!

How can organizations better support frontline workers and managers in today’s fast-changing workplace?In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath speaks with JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect at Axonify and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Disney, AMC, and Kaplan, JD shares practical insights on:

• Why frontline enablement is different from traditional training
• How AI and digital assistants are transforming day-to-day frontline work
• Reducing friction and empowering employees to perform at their best
• What organizations often miss in onboarding and retention strategies
• How to support frontline managers, the “glue” holding operations together

If you’re an L&D leader, HR professional, or business manager looking to improve employee experience, retention, and performance, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas.

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath talks with Mike Taylor — learning strategist, author, and instructional design expert — about why L&D needs a marketing mindset to truly make an impact.Mike Taylor shares:

• The $350 billion problem in corporate training
• How marketing principles can revolutionize learning outcomes
• The "SURE" framework for writing content that clicks
• Why first impressions in training matter (even before the first word is read)
• Practical automation tools to save time and improve learner engagement
• Two quick wins you can try tomorrow to make your training more effective

If you’re ready to design learning that grabs attention, connects emotionally, and drives real performance, this episode is packed with ideas you can use immediately.

In this episode of The E-learning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath sits down with Violet Zillman — an AI strategist, global workforce leader, and lifelong learner — to discuss the real-world applications of AI in Learning & Development (L&D).🎙️ Topics Covered:

• How AI enhances onboarding and team performance
• The role of digital avatars in knowledge transfer
• Custom GPTs for knowledge access
• Behavior change through mindful AI tools
• Ethical use of AI in corporate training
• The generational impact of AI in the workplace

Why human connection must remain at the heart of automation💡 Violet shares practical strategies for L&D professionals to build AI literacy, foster psychological safety in teams, and co-create content while keeping their human voice alive.

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna sits down with Lucy Hutchinson and Anna Shildrick, Co-Founders of The AI Connective and educators with 30+ years of experience. 🌍They explore powerful ideas like:

• Making learning truly meaningful for employees
• Why productive struggle fuels deep learning
• How AI can amplify (not replace) thinking
• Measuring cognitive growth beyond completion rates
• The truth about agency, curiosity, and reflection at work

💡 Whether you're an L&D leader, trainer, or someone passionate about impactful learning—this is an episode you don’t want to miss!