Ep 53: Staying Ahead of the Curve: How to Upskill with AI and Emerging Tech скачать в хорошем качестве

Ep 53: Staying Ahead of the Curve: How to Upskill with AI and Emerging Tech

In this episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast, host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes Mel Milloway—servant leader, learning experience designer, and Co-Founder of This Side Up—to talk about how learning professionals and leaders can navigate rapid change through intentional upskilling. They discuss: • How to evaluate and adopt new learning tech • Why experimentation beats perfection • The shifting role of L&D teams in an AI-powered world • Ways to humanize learning even as tech evolves If you’re in HR, L&D, or thinking about your next skill leap, this episode is for you. ⸻ 🎙 Guest Bio: Mel Milloway is a lifelong learner, dog mom, and 3D-printing enthusiast with 14+ years of experience in learning design. She’s worked at Amazon and Miro, leads teams with a servant mindset, and brings innovation to every level of L&D. Check out her newsletter This Side Up on LinkedIn for insights on digital learning practices. 🌐 More from Mel: https://melmilloway.github.io/about   / melmilloway   ⸻ 📢 Please share this episode if it resonates—or if you know someone who’s exploring how to grow and lead in an AI-powered world. Your shares help amplify thoughtful conversations that go below the surface. ⸻ 🔗 Stay Connected: Change Coaches: https://www.changecoaches.io Change Coaches on LinkedIn:   / change-coaches   LaTonya Wilkins on LinkedIn:   / latonyawilkins   Leading Below the Surface: https://www.leadingbelowthesurface.com ⸻ [00:00] Introduction and welcome to the episode • LaTonya introduces guest Mel Milloway • Episode focus: Upskilling, AI, and future-forward learning tech [01:18] Mel shares her journey into learning experience design • From accounting to L&D to learning product innovation • How Mel carved a unique career path through experimentation [04:42] What’s changing in L&D and why experimentation is key • The evolution of learning roles in the age of digital transformation • Why trying new things is no longer optional for L&D pros [09:05] How Mel approaches new tools and AI in learning • Tips for vetting and testing emerging technologies • How to evaluate usefulness vs. hype [14:33] Advice for L&D professionals on keeping up with trends • Why building and sharing in public is a growth strategy • The importance of curiosity and continuous self-education [18:26] The role of curiosity and play in professional growth • Mel talks about creative side projects like 3D printing • Play as a powerful driver of innovation and learning [22:17] Reimagining learning strategy in fast-moving companies • How to shift from rigid frameworks to adaptable strategies • Ways to make L&D more responsive to real-time needs [27:51] Balancing performance, experimentation, and well-being • Why burnout-proofing your L&D strategy matters • Human-centered leadership and employee development [32:30] Mel’s thoughts on what’s next for learning professionals • Skills that will matter most in the future of work • The rise of learning technologists and data-savvy designers [37:40] Wrap-up and where to find Mel’s work • Highlights from Mel’s newsletter This Side Up • Links to Mel’s LinkedIn and GitHub learning resources