Performance Matters Podcast

Resistance to Readiness: How Gibson Guitars Tuned Tradition into Transformation

In this special episode, Rob Ulrich from Gibson Guitars shares a story of navigating change at one of the world’s most iconic brands, tracing the path from resistance to readiness. We discover how organizations and individuals move through the discomfort of change to achieve transformation.

Instructional Design’s Molecular Makeover

Matt Donovan joins the show to introduce a transformative approach to instructional design which breaks learning into its smallest meaningful components, like atoms and molecules, rather than traditional course structures.

Learning is no longer built as monolithic courses but as modular, recombinable assets which can be assembled dynamically by AI based on learner needs, context, and performance goals. But it must be used to foster meaningful connections and not just automate content creation.

Future-Ready Isn’t a Buzzword, It’s a Strategy for Organizational Survival

Nic Girvan joins the show to challenge the traditional approach to training budgets and advocates for investing in individual contributors. Nic explores how empowering frontline employees with development opportunities can drive performance, engagement, and long-term growth.

Learn about the concept of the corporate lattice, a modern alternative to the outdated corporate ladder, how it supports diverse career paths, deeper expertise, and how people-centered development can transform your culture and prepare your workforce for whatever comes next.

Fostering Resilience and Well-Being During Workplace Transformation

Join Leah Clark and Dr. Cheryl Jackson as they dive into the essential role of resilience and well-being in today’s ever-evolving workplace. With decades of experience in leadership consulting and organizational psychology, Leah and Cheryl share practical strategies and real-world insights on how individuals and organizations can thrive—not just survive—through constant change.

Future Focus | AI News for L&D

In this kickoff episode of our new Future Focus series, host Michael Thiel is joined by GP Strategies’ innovation leaders Cara Halter and Theodora Michaelidou to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the learning and development (L&D) landscape.

From boosting productivity to enabling scalable coaching and role-play simulations, this episode dives into real-world examples of AI in action—plus what’s coming next. You’ll hear how L&D teams are using AI to co-design content, streamline workflows, and even transcribe and organize sticky-note brainstorms in seconds.

When Values Collide: Aligning Personal Values with Professional Responsibilities

What happens when personal values collide with professional responsibilities?

Jeremy Lewis, a senior inclusion trainer at GP Strategies, joins the show to explore how fundamental values can lead to conflicts in the workplace. He highlights the increasing prevalence of disputes rooted in core beliefs, driven by factors such as polarized politics, social media, and heightened awareness of societal issues.

Learning in the Flow of Work: Moving from Concept to Practicality

With AI-driven tools like super coaches and chatbots, along with emerging technologies, organizations can scale impact in the flow of work like never before. Given the current business pressures to drive change and grow rapidly, learning in the flow of work has never been more important.

AI-Powered Learning: Maximizing Your Content for Point of Need Learning

Discover how accessing knowledge at the moment you need it can transform your professional life. This episode explores strategies and technologies that enhance learning efficiency and flexibility. Tune in to learn how point-of-need learning can help you thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.