The L&D Hot Seat: Recent Episodes
Russell Sweep
Welcome to The L&D Hot Seat! A podcast that focuses on challenging scenarios in the field of learning and development. Every 2 weeks we interview a professional in the field of L&D and present them with 3 challenging scenarios to see how they would solve those problems. Let's see how they handle The Hot Seat! Visit the Show Notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
In this episode, Nicole and I chat about:
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The signs that your team is struggling during crunch time
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The parts of a project that can be outsourced to meet a deadline
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How you can run your own stress-test with your team
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Wheatley and I discuss:
-What do you do with the information you learn while training?
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How do you set boundaries for yourself when wanting to help learners?
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Should you have a set of emotional baseline questions for learners when you start training?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Heather and I chat about:
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How do you navigate developing training while meeting the requirements for Non-profit grants?
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What role does project management play in federated organizations?
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How important is it for there to be a community collective for your unique work?
Connect with Heather through LinkedIn and her business, Skill Masters Market
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode Joseph and I chat about:
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Having to adopt new tools when pivoting to a new position
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How to stomp down imposter syndrome when facilitating on a topic you're not as familiar with?
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How to get more involved with your online community when you don't have a lot of real-world experience?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Jolene and I discuss:
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How do you introduce people to the conversation about race who are uncomfortable and have little experience?
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How important is it to advocate for diversification at conferences? How do you advocate for it?
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Why is it important to be familiar with not just your title of someone’s ethnicity/race/sexual orientation, but also their culture?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Jon and I chat about:
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How to keep pop cultural references relevant towards learning
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The importance of a community of practice
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When and where to mix your passions with your work
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Justin and I talk about:
-Communicating the realities of AI to your stakeholders
-How to use AI for soft skill development
-How to train AI to communicate with failure in mind
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Kerry and I chat about:
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How do you disagree with someone but keep the conversation productive?
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How can we demonstrate that we value the differences in our teams?
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What is effective feedback withing your team?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Heidi and I outline our top tips for how you can support your network of L&D Professionals on LinkedIn. Every tip has intentionality behind it, so you can implement these tips immediately and foster the value of your community!
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Robin and I discuss:
- The importance of deliberate practice
- How we can automate tasks in L&D
-What her top tips from running a vocational school, are
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Matthew and I discuss:
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What skills a beneficial for a learner's next step in development?
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How important is telling a story that reflects your knowledge or skill?
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What are learner barriers for career pathways and cultures of learning?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Tom and I turn up the heat and answer 5 burning questions:
-Why use YouTube to teach others about L&D?
-How do you ensure your content is engaging and valuable to your audience?
-Are there any common mistakes or pitfalls that new creators should be aware of and avoid?
-What tools, resources, or skills should aspiring creators acquire?
- How do you create a community around your channel and make sure others can find your videos?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, I chat with Rebecca on:
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How to avoid scoop creep when designing a course?
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How to safeguard a learner's cognitive load?
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How to convert in-person training to effective eLearning?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Mark and I chat about:
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What speaking at a conference can do for you and your career?
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How do you format your submission to have the best possible chance of being accepted?
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How important is your Bio when submitting to speak at a conference?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Yvonne and I chat about:
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How to apply universal design to your work?
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How to advocate for accessible standards when a team is rushing on a project?
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How does accessibility communicate diversity, inclusion, and belonging?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Darren and I chat about:
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How important is it to adopt skill training in an organization?
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What does the future of skills look like for companies?
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What inspiration led to the development of his Seattle-based conference, Learnapalooza?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Amy and I talk about:
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How do you advocate for your learners when your company is experiencing changes?
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How can you show the impact of your L&D team on internal/external audiences?
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How to care for yourself when experiencing a layoff or career disruption?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Debbie and I chat about:
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The value that virtual reality can bring to a company.
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How to get buy-in from stakeholders for adopting virtual reality?
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How to adopt virtual reality company-wide?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Matt and I chat about:
1) How can someone overcome imposter syndrome in high-risk training?
2) Training a group that's more competent in the material than yourself.
3) How to leverage previous experience in your current L&D role?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Eric and I chat about:
How to train new managers?
Why listening is an important skill?
How important are leadership styles when managing a team?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Taresa and I discuss:
- How to get started when searching for L&D contract work?
- What to do when a stakeholder asks for more "engagement"?
- How to get started in building your own business?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Ross and I chat about:
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Factors to consider when adopting a new product on a team.
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How to meet the learner where they are with new tools?
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What is "Ikigai" and how can you balance passion and work?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, John and I talk about:
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How do you apply gamification in your training for the video game industry?
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How do you support your learners that might experience tight deadlines?
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What can we learn from video games to improve our learning design?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Dolores and I list priorities for a new L&D project when dealing with challenges like timeline and buy-in.
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this Podcast crossover, Betty and I discuss:
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How to keep a discussion on track and moving along when hosting multiple guests?
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What should you prep when hosting a topic you know nothing about?
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How to guide your discussion with you're listeners in mind?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Alison and I chat about:
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What materials should you begin with when upskilling in L&D?
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How can you lay down standards for your team to build effective courses?
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How do you support an L&D community when everyone has differing skill levels?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Luis and I chat about:
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The importance of networking within L&D and how to do it right.
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How to begin a successful online community.
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Doing research on "Influencers" and focusing on what is valuable for you.
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Mariana answers:
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How do you become competent in handling high-risk translations?
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What to consider when rolling out a project with different cultures?
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How to make a project easier for a translation team?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In our first Podcast Crossover episode, Brent and I chat about:
- How to get started in creating your own podcast?
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Salvaging an interview when your plans go down the drain.
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How to spark interaction and feedback from your audience?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Kera and I chat about:
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How to explain the merits of other training options, other than E-Learning, to your company?
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Working accessibility practice into the foundation of your project.
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How to organize your design and communicate shortcuts when you need to troubleshoot with others?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Luke and I chat about:
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The importance of researching a Subject Matter Expert (SME) before meeting with them.
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Why public speaking is important in L&D and how to get better at it.
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How Higher Ed teachers and staff can leverage their experience and transition into learning and development.
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Andrew and I talk about:
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Making the shift from attending a conference to now speaking at one
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How to stick with your beliefs and make a change in L&D
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The point of starting the Women Talking about Learning Podcast
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Vanessa talks about:
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How to convince a stakeholder to adopt a model like TikTok?
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The difference between social media marketing and a strategist using social media.
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What L&D trends are worth the effort and where to find them?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Sara and I face the challenges of:
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How to request a training update from your supervisor when time and budget are of main concern?
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How to schedule training during work so employees don't have to cram during their free time?
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How does a teacher overcome bias for their previous role and demonstrate worth when applying for a corporate position?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, John and I talk about:
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Why Instructional Design has gotten so popular as a field and what alternatives exist for those starting out in L&D?
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How can you figure out your brand and how can you market it?
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What steps should you plan out when creating something of your own?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Kim Scott talks with me about:
- How to use the skills you currently have to transition into a learning and development role.
- What should you consider when adopting a new learning management system (LMS).
- How to trim down a resume and demonstrate the impact you can bring to a company.
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
In this episode, Devlin talks about:
- How to balance your portfolio so it demonstrates the right skills for an employer?
- The difference between drawing influence from others and plagiarism.
- The pros and cons of freelance Instructional Design.
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Shawn and Russell talk about their experiences at Devlearn 2022. Questions include:
- The main topics that were discussed at the event and what really stood out.
- Their advice for getting the most out of Devlearn. - What was missing from this event and how could it be improved upon?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Heidi talks about:
- How to tell if a company really values L&D?
- Where you should get your evidence-based information for adult learning models?
- How do you bring up the conversation with your employer when you know the content you're being asked to make won't help the learner?
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Tom chats about:
-When clients request a specific authoring tool.
-If difficult subject matter experts (SMEs) really exist?
-How to justify the sticker price of your services?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Dolores talks about
-Dealing with an increased workload.
-Not getting discouraged during job searches.
-How to determine your worth at a company?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
Linnéa speaks up about
-How best to navigate scheduling issues with clients?
-How to get the most out of learning and development classes?
-What to tell a client who wants the moon but has no budget?
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com
I wanna tell you about my new podcast: The L&D Hostseat.
For many of us, learning and development can place you in a solitary position. We receive the instructions for a new project and we get to work, but we may not have as much interaction as other people on the team. We may even run across some problems and based on our position, don’t know where to turn for answers.
That feeling of scrambling around for a solution when all eyes are suddenly on you, that’s what I like to call: The Hotseat.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone! Consider this resource as your proverbial watercolor, where you get to hear from someone who has dealt with similar problems and came up with their own solutions.
Every two weeks I want to speak to a professional in the field of learning and development and present them with 3 challenging scenarios that we could all come across on our journey.
Some topics we cover are: E-Learning requested when training isn’t needed, “gamification” added when you know it won’t help, and how to navigate bogus courses on upskilling that aren’t worth their salt.
My hope is that you draw on the experience of these incredible guests and they inspire you to seek out an answer to that problem.
So whether you're just transitioning into L&D or you’re a lifelong learner, I hope that there’s a nugget of wisdom in these recordings you can draw on next time you’re in The Hotseat.
Follow the show notes at: https://www.russellsweep.com/hotseat
See the videos at: https://www.instagram.com/ldhotseat/
Email us at: LDhotseat@gmail.com