How can organizations better support frontline workers and managers in today’s fast-changing workplace?In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath speaks with JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect at Axonify and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Disney, AMC, and Kaplan, JD shares practical insights on:

• Why frontline enablement is different from traditional training
• How AI and digital assistants are transforming day-to-day frontline work
• Reducing friction and empowering employees to perform at their best
• What organizations often miss in onboarding and retention strategies
• How to support frontline managers, the “glue” holding operations together

If you’re an L&D leader, HR professional, or business manager looking to improve employee experience, retention, and performance, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas.

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath talks with Mike Taylor — learning strategist, author, and instructional design expert — about why L&D needs a marketing mindset to truly make an impact.Mike Taylor shares:

• The $350 billion problem in corporate training
• How marketing principles can revolutionize learning outcomes
• The "SURE" framework for writing content that clicks
• Why first impressions in training matter (even before the first word is read)
• Practical automation tools to save time and improve learner engagement
• Two quick wins you can try tomorrow to make your training more effective

If you’re ready to design learning that grabs attention, connects emotionally, and drives real performance, this episode is packed with ideas you can use immediately.

In this episode of The E-learning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath sits down with Violet Zillman — an AI strategist, global workforce leader, and lifelong learner — to discuss the real-world applications of AI in Learning & Development (L&D).🎙️ Topics Covered:

• How AI enhances onboarding and team performance
• The role of digital avatars in knowledge transfer
• Custom GPTs for knowledge access
• Behavior change through mindful AI tools
• Ethical use of AI in corporate training
• The generational impact of AI in the workplace

Why human connection must remain at the heart of automation💡 Violet shares practical strategies for L&D professionals to build AI literacy, foster psychological safety in teams, and co-create content while keeping their human voice alive.