The Evolving Role of L&D: Embracing Visuals, AI, and Workforce Participation

Learning and development isn’t just up to the folks in the L&D department anymore. In this episode, we hear how modern workplace communication and learning extend to the wider organization, thanks to technology breaking down barriers in visual communication.

Host Matt Pierce sits down with David Kelly, former Chairman and CEO of The Learning Guild, to explore how L&D has changed over his career and why the role of an L&D professional needs to go beyond just creating content.

David brings over two decades of learning and performance leadership to this episode, sharing his take on how AI and modern communication tools are transforming the way we learn and share our messages across workplaces.

We talk about the cultural shifts happening in L&D (and workplaces in general) in the age of AI and visual communication, plus how leaders can model those behaviors for their teams. He also breaks down the key skills that L&D people need today, including innate curiosity and the ability to articulate well.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 – 01:47 Introduction to David
• 01:47 – 03:21 David’s biggest tip for using images or video in learning and development
• 03:21 – 05:42 How to embrace areas of discomfort in modern learning design
• 05:42 – 09:45 Why L&D pros need to move beyond the mindset of just producing content
• 09:45 – 14:10 The must-have skills that L&D people need today
• 14:10 – 16:43 The role of visuals in modern workplaces and L&D
• 16:43 – 20:34 How to get people to embrace using visuals as part of their everyday lives 
• 20:34 – 25:00 What leaders can do to push that culture forward
• 25:00 – 29:50 David’s speed round questions
• 29:50 – 30:41 David’s final take on L&D
• 30:41 – 31:34 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lnddave/