Earlier this month while in Atlanta, I had the incredible honor of guiding a group of young professional women on a journey to discover strategies to unleash their executive leadership voices. Amidst the backdrop of innovation and personal growth, we delved into the crucial aspect of creating personal brands. The enthusiasm, ingenuity, and sheer brilliance these women brought to the table were awe-inspiring. They embraced the concept wholeheartedly, demonstrating not just their talent and intelligence but also the unique beauty they bring to the professional world. Our sessions were not j ..read more

In the dynamic world of corporate training, where each learner's path is as distinct as their individual aspirations and interests, traditional one-size-fits-all approaches to learning have lost their relevance. Recognizing and addressing a range of learning needs is not just beneficial—it's imperative for fostering meaningful engagement and achieving tangible outcomes. Enter the innovative realm of gamified learning, a method that not only acknowledges but celebrates the uniqueness of each learner's journey. Let's explore the transformative potential of personalized gamified learnin ..read more

A Lesson for Corporate Learning Recently, an ice cream fruit roll-up challenge inspired by a popular YouTube trend served as an unexpected catalyst for a profound learning moment, both for my grandsons and, surprisingly, for me in the realm of corporate learning and development (L&D). My grandsons, eager participants in the world of YouTube challenges, convinced me to try creating a snack that involved rolling ice cream in fruit roll-ups, freezing it briefly, and then enjoying what was promised to be a delightful treat. The result was underwhelming, to say the least, but the experience ope ..read more

In the hurried corridors of the Atlanta Airport, amid the noise of hurried footsteps and glaring overhead announcements, I encountered a moment that perfectly encapsulated the power of imagination — and the often-missed opportunities to harness it. The airport's underground train system, known as "The Plane Train," serves a vital functional purpose, shuttling passengers between terminals, baggage claim, and ticketing areas. Yet, to a young observer standing next to me, its name promised something far more enchanting than the reality delivered. This seven-year-old boy repeatedly asked his fathe ..read more

You stand before a canvas of endless potential when it comes to the development and delivery of your training programs. Today, I want to share with you an approach that harnesses the power of familiarity and fun to elevate your learning initiatives: the reskinning of well-loved board games for corporate training. We are using this technique in an upcoming event where we'll be applying the innovative technique of reskinning the classic game Werewolf for corporate training. The Why: Advantages of Reskinning Popular Games Traditional and popular games are a trove of untapped potential ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of education and training, the art of creating engaging and effective learning experiences has taken center stage. While reading this morning, it struck me that as we conclude another successful Gamification Journeyman (Level 2) cohort, the art of crafting gamified and game-based learning aligns seamlessly with the principles espoused in Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. In the world of instructional design, particularly in the creation of gamified learning courses, the process may not involve tabletop game pieces, but the underlying principles and benef ..read more

Due to the overwhelming number of inquiries, I'm thrilled to share the results of our "Name Our Young Steampunk Adventurer" challenge publicly here in our newsletter. The creativity and thought put into each submission were truly inspiring, and it was evident how much the spirit of steampunk and the aura of the golden age of exploration resonated with everyone. Nevan Evanstone's tale captivated us all, as we imagined the humming gears of Gearford and felt his relentless drive to solve the puzzle of his missing piece. Your contributions have shaped his story, giving life to a character that emb ..read more

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the importance of continuous learning and development cannot be overstated. The progress of a company is deeply intertwined with the growth of its employees. This is not merely an opinion; it's a reality backed by extensive research. Why Professional Development Matters More Than Ever A startling statistic from the Monster Job Index reveals that a significant 80% of professionals believe their current employers do not provide adequate growth opportunities. This gap in professional development can lead to a disengaged workforce, ultimately impact ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of virtual corporate training, the need for effective time management and engagement strategies has become more critical than ever. Recently, a client approached me with a valid concern about maintaining CEU (Continuing Education Units) eligibility during half-day training sessions. Their Accreditations Specialist wanted to ensure that participants receive the appropriate amount of content hours without succumbing to the infamous "Zoom fatigue." This led me to ponder the importance of breaks and the potential solutions to address this challenge. Zoom Fatigue: A R ..read more

How often have you found yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole, trying to figure out "How do I...?" Imagine spending the next 92 minutes, maybe more, wading through endless online resources, only to end up more confused than when you started. Now, picture a different approach. What if, instead of exhausting yourself over the "how," you could simply step into one of our topic-specific circles and ask "who"? Our Game Garage unlocks this possibility. Within our diverse circles, you'll find a rich community of experts, thought leaders, and like-minded professionals ready to share their knowledge ..read more