Ditching the L&D Soapbox

Cutting through the noise of today's workplace requires more than just great content - it demands a true understanding of learners and their needs. In this engaging conversation Chris Bjorling had with Bianca Baumann, VP of Learning Solutions and Innovation at Ardent Learning, we explore how marketing techniques can revolutionize learning and development efforts.

Bianca shares her powerful guiding principle: "learner before content." This simple yet profound approach encourages L&D professionals to deeply understand their audience before developing materials, ensuring relevance and impact. As a newly published author (her book with co-author Mike Taylor launches next week!), Bianca brings fresh perspectives on creating learning experiences that genuinely resonate with today's workforce.

The discussion takes a candid turn when Bianca identifies communication as the most overlooked lever for improving workplace performance. "Especially now in this era of AI and technology, it's noisy, it's really really noisy out there and cutting through that noise is hard," she explains. Building trust emerges as a critical theme throughout our conversation, with Bianca highlighting its cascading positive effects on organizational culture.

Looking toward the future of L&D, Bianca challenges traditional structures with a bold vision: "In a perfect world, I would love for L&D to not report into HR but to sit in each business line and support the business right there." This perspective invites L&D professionals to enhance their business acumen, remove departmental blinders, and collaborate across organizational boundaries.

Whether you're an L&D professional seeking fresh approaches, a leader navigating today's complex talent landscape, or simply curious about the future of workplace learning, this episode offers actionable insights to transform how you approach people development. Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn or visit trainlikeamarketer.com to learn more about her groundbreaking work.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

Contact us to learn more!