Episode 100: AI, Data, and the Future of Learning & Development

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of Powered by Learning with a special conversation with past podcast guests Dr. Kristal Walker, Marjorie Van Roon, Ajay Pangarkar, Robyn DeFelice, and Connie Malamed. Together, we reflect on the past five years in L&D—AI’s promise (and limits), the rise of data-informed decisions, accountability for performance and ROI, and the renewed push for personalized, human-centered learning. Listen for an energizing look at where L&D is headed—and how your organization can evolve. 

Show Notes: 

Our podcast guests and co-hosts share practical perspectives you can use now while looking ahead to the future of L&D. 

• AI is a powerful assistant and creative partner—use it to draft content, visuals, questions, and interactions, but always apply expert human review to ensure accuracy and instructional soundness. - Connie Malamed, Mastering Instructional Design Community 
• The real shift is toward data and performance—L&D must tighten its partnership with the business, lead with data-informed decisions, and mature its advisory role. - Robyn DeFelice, Learning Strategist 
• Treat AI as an accelerator, not a replacement—let it handle the basics so teams can focus on human-centered elements; expect growing emphasis on professional upskilling and certifications to keep a “seat at the table.” - Dr. Kristal Walker, VP Employee Wellbeing, Sweetwater 
• Accountability is rising—L&D must show performance and financial impact. Build financial literacy to demonstrate value or risk losing resources to other priorities. - Ajay Pangarkar, Author & Speaker 
• AI boosts brainstorming, editing, translation, and recommendations, but watch for bias, hallucinations, and cultural nuance; learners prefer shorter, visual, sometimes in-person experiences, and Gen Alpha will amplify demand for interactive, gamified learning. - Marjorie Van Roon, Senior Manager, Learning & Development, Best Buy Canada 

The d’Vinci co-hosts also shared some important key points: 

• AI is still in its early days for L&D—what matters most is balancing ethical use with creating better, higher-impact learning. Instructional designers must remain the “human check and balance” to avoid bias, hallucinations, or copyright issues. - Luke Kempski, d’Vinci CEO
• AI works best as a creative partner and brainstorming tool. At d’Vinci, teams use it across functions—from design to strategy to development—but always within clear governance policies that align with client expectations. -  Mason Scuderi, d’Vinci President
• The rising learner demand for convenient, relevant, and personal training is pushing L&D professionals to grow their own design and consulting skills. The biggest opportunity ahead is balancing business impact with meaningful learner experiences. Jenny Fedullo, d’Vinci Learning Experience Director

 
Read the extended show notes and get links to past Powered by Learning podcast episodes featuring today's guest on d'Vinci's website.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook