Making Learning Stick: David Grad on the Science, Strategy, and Business Case for Live Training That Delivers

David Grad was once leading creative teams at MTV. Now, he’s solving one of the toughest problems in learning and development: how to make live training actually stick.

In this episode of Catalysts, David shares the origin story behind elevator9, the learning tech company he co-founded to ensure live training drives measurable, lasting impact. Drawing from learning science, cognitive psychology, and real-world application, elevator9 has created a platform that transforms what happens after the workshop—so that insights aren’t lost the moment people return to work.

We also explore the mindset shifts L&D leaders must embrace to position learning as a strategic value driver—not a cost center—and how David’s journey from media to learning has shaped his passion for empowering people through evidence-based design.

We cover:

• Why most live training fails to deliver—and what to do instead
• The core learning science principles that drive behavior change
• How elevator9 uses AI to gather and analyze qualitative training data
• A step-by-step look at how companies implement the platform
• How L&D leaders can finally prove—and improve—their business impact
• Why learning is a revenue driver, not just an expense
• David’s advice for L&D professionals who want to grow their influence

Connect with David Grad:

• David on LinkedIn
• elevator9

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