Performance Matters Podcast

Award Winning Podcast

The award-winning Performance Matters Podcast features business leaders, performance improvement practitioners, and learning and development professionals discussing their work alongside new trends and best practices.

Join host Michael Thiel, as he explores and analyzes emerging strategies, technologies, and their applications for learning and development.

Subscribe today and never miss an episode.

Three consecutive awards for the Performance Matters podcast for industry focused podcast.

Featured Episode

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

Are you ready to transform learning experiences and provide genuine performance support? In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel welcomes learning strategists Andrew Joly and Ella Richardson to discuss a pivotal moment in technological advancements and AI: delivering true learning in the flow of work.

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.

Tune in to discover practical strategies for implementing learning in the flow of work and learn how to leverage technology to design performance support into your technologies and learning experiences.


Recent Episodes

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.


Inspiring Aspiring Leaders

Nic Girvan joins the show to delve into the essential topic of nurturing aspiring leaders. Listen as she discusses how to identify potential leaders, the importance of investing in their development, and the challenges they may face. Nic shares valuable insights on the qualities that set aspiring leaders apart and offers practical advice for building a strong leadership pipeline. This episode is packed with real-world examples and strategies to help organizations cultivate the next generation of leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to elevate your leadership development initiatives.


The AI Dilemma: Trust, Transparency, and Leadership

Leah Clark joins the show to delve into a study by GP Strategies which surveyed leaders and individual contributors to assess their readiness for AI integration. The findings reveal high usage and enthusiasm for AI at work, but also highlight concerns about job elimination and ethical implications. The episode emphasizes the importance of leaders fostering open communication, psychological safety, and a growth mindset to successfully navigate AI-driven transformations.


Strategic Enterprise Skilling | Best Practices and Insights

In this episode of the Performance Matters podcast, host Michael Thiel dives into the concept of strategic enterprise skilling with industry experts Peggy Durbin, Chris Davis, and Matt Donovan. Listen as they discuss how organizations can future-proof their workforce by adopting a comprehensive skilling strategy. The experts share insights on the importance of aligning skilling initiatives with organizational goals, the benefits of a shared vocabulary, and the need for a flexible approach that accommodates both global coordination and local needs. They also highlight the critical role of HR and learning and development (L&D) in creating a cohesive talent lifecycle that supports career mobility and employee retention.


Upskilling, Reskilling, and Talent Management’s Role in Organizational Design

Dr. Cheryl Jackson joins the show to explore the rapidly evolving skills landscape, driven by automation and AI, and the necessity for organizations to continuously upskill and reskill their workforce. Listen as Dr. Jackson provides insightful distinctions between upskilling and reskilling, shares practical examples, and discusses the challenges and strategies for effective talent management.


Inclusion | The New Leadership Essential

Join DEI expert Nic Girvan as she explores the current political climate surrounding DEI programs, the critical role of inclusive leadership, and practical strategies for leaders to foster an inclusive culture.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the future of leadership and the tangible benefits of prioritizing DEI in their organization.


Coaching: A Key Strategy for Developing Dynamic Leaders

Co-Founder, President, and Chief Coaching Officer Lori Mazan from Sounding Board joins the show to discuss the transformative power of leadership coaching. Lori shares her unique journey from social work to becoming one of the early certified coaches, highlighting the evolution of coaching from a remedial tool for “derailed executives” to a developmental strategy for leaders at all levels.



Subscribe today and never miss an episode.


Award Winning Episode

In this episode of the podcast, Tom Pizer joins the show to discuss how the Metaverse is changing the way organizations will interface with their learners. Watch and experience what VR has to offer, from interacting with the simulated environment to showcasing various opportunities to deliver learning.

Virtual reality and the Metaverse can be effective with hard skills development, to develop skills in a safe and effective way. However, it can also be used for developing very important soft skills.”

Tom Pizer

Meet the Host

Michael Thiel

With nearly two decades of thought leadership in corporate L&D, Michael Thiel has a passion for developing experiential learning that “sticks”. Working on the agency side, Michael has directed award-winning content for some of the most admired brands in the world, including: Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Acura, BMW, Kia, and Sub-Zero Group.

Get in touch.

Learn more about our talent transformation solutions.

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight if you’re doing it right. We continuously deliver measurable outcomes and help you stay the course – choose the right partner for your journey.

Our suite of offerings include:

  • Consulting Services | Aligning vision and strategy to deliver integrated and systemic business results to drive growth and change through people.
  • Learning Services | Modern learning strategies, content, experiences, and delivery approaches that optimise workforce performance.
  • Technologies | An ecosystem of learning and talent tools, systems, platforms, and expertise that enable learning and talent transformation.