Best Heather Burright Podcasts (2025)

1
Heather Burright: From "just put it in 2 slides" to building respect and saving lives 44:47

10d ago44:47

44:47

This is a story of quiet confidence and big impact. In this episode, I talk with nonprofit learning strategist Heather Burright about the real impact Learning & Development can have—beyond the slide deck. We dive into how she accidentally fell in love with instructional design, the power of raising your hand for opportunities, and how to earn respe…

1
Curious about Working in Nonprofit? Get an Inside Look from These Nonprofit L&D Pros 1:07:45

11h ago1:07:45

1:07:45

I often get questions about working in nonprofit, so I launched Career Conversations - a series of LinkedIn Live conversations with people currently in nonprofit L&D roles. We are talking about their organizations, teams, and personal career journeys. Today, I’m bringing two of these conversations to you. We’re hearing from Nadra Dennis, the learni…

1
Jo Watson: From "Shush, Sweetheart" to Sharp Tongued Storyteller 59:48

3d ago59:48

59:48

You’re in for a treat (and probably a few spit-take laughs) in this episode with Jo Watson – the copywriter hired by people with great taste in copywriters. We go back in time to awkward teenage work placements, waitress tips from nuns, misogyny in football, and that moment Jo literally walked out of a toxic meeting — holiday booked, no job lined u…

1
How to Measure the Impact of L&D (Way Beyond ROI) 20:07

6d ago20:07

20:07

Let’s be real, most L&D measurement? It’s garbage. Completion rates, smiley sheets, post-training quizzes… they might look good in a report, but they don’t prove business impact. And leadership knows it. In this episode, I break down exactly why traditional L&D metrics fall short—and how to start tracking what actually matters. You’ll learn how to:…

1
If You've Never Conducted a Training Needs Analysis, Listen to This 9:34

8d ago9:34

9:34

Understanding your training audience may be the best thing you can do as an instructional designer. Yet, many of us have never been taught how to conduct a training needs analysis. On this episode of Learning for Good, I want to talk about what you should be learning about your audience. What do you actually need to know? Tune in to find out. ▶️ If…

1
Align learning with the business strategy 21:21

13d ago21:21

21:21

Most L&D teams get this completely backward. They lead with training instead of business strategy—and then wonder why nothing changes. In this episode, we’re flipping the script. I’ll walk you through the exact 5-step method I use—called the L&D Satellite View—to align learning with business priorities. This isn’t about running more workshops. It’s…

1
3 Ways to Identify Training Audience Needs 11:44

15d ago11:44

11:44

In L&D, when we are approached with a training request, it's our job to do a little research for ourselves about training audience needs. Often, the time you have to do this research is limited. Your capacity and the capacity of your subject matter expert is limited, and you may not even feel like you have the expertise to do the analysis. So how c…

1
Danny Delvecchio: From Cabana Boy to LinkedIn Video King 58:21

17d ago58:21

58:21

Danny Del Vecchio: From Cabana Boy to Video Content King of LinkedIn — a story of grit, growth, and getting paid to be yourself online What if your lowest moment was actually the beginning of your best chapter? In this episode, I’m joined by Danny Del Vecchio, the video content strategist behind some of LinkedIn’s most recognizable creators. But be…

1
What is Strategic Learning and Development, and why is it important? 19:56

20d ago19:56

19:56

In this kickoff episode of the Strategic L&D for Business Impact series, we’re getting straight to the heart of what it really means to be strategic in learning and development. If you’re tired of being seen as a support function—if you’re done with L&D being the first to get cut when budgets shrink—this episode will challenge how you think, and ch…

1
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: The Key to Stronger Nonprofit Leadership with Kim Andrews 31:02

22d ago31:02

31:02

The fear of failure impacts our learners’ ability to learn, so we need to help them move to a growth mindset. A growth mindset is a place where it's okay to try new things, fail, and continue to show up and be persistent even in the face of failure. For this episode, I've invited certified professional coach, consultant, and learning facilitator Ki…

1
Paul Matthews: From Sahara Guide to L&D Pioneer – A Story of Learning by Living 44:03

24d ago44:03

44:03

Ever wonder how someone goes from grubbing weeds in New Zealand to running a global L&D software company? This episode of Development Nerds dives into the wildly unexpected career journey of Paul Matthews, mechanical engineer turned desert explorer turned learning strategy pioneer. We talk gorilla encounters (yes, really), sheep logic, overland exp…

1
Ready to step into strategic L&D? This is your next step 15:49

27d ago15:49

15:49

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell peels back the layers of the Talent Development Academy (TDA) to reveal why it's a game-changer for learning and development professionals. From exclusive frameworks and expert guidance to a supportive community that truly understands your challenges, TDA offers more than just another training …

1
How to Conduct a Training Project Debrief 12:51

29d ago12:51

12:51

Do you take the time to intentionally reflect after a training project ends? Reflection is powerful and it's something we often do, but it's not something we often do with intentionality. That’s why on this episode of Learning for Good, I want to share the seven steps I follow each time I close out a training project and why they set you up for suc…

1
Christopher Lind: From Paperboy to CLO 54:43

1M ago54:43

54:43

Ever had a job so random that it had nothing to do with where you ended up? Christopher Lind has had several. From assembling anchors and selling Camel Cigarettes to building corporate learning programs that made more money than the company’s products, Christopher’s career has been anything but traditional. In this episode of Development Nerds, he …

1
Leading Teams and Projects: Essential Skills for L&D Professionals 34:56

1M ago34:56

34:56

You can have the best learning strategy in the world, but if you can’t execute, it doesn’t matter. L&D professionals are expected to drive learning across entire organizations, yet we rarely have direct authority over the people, budgets, or KPIs we need to influence. We have to lead without authority, gain buy-in from multiple stakeholders, and ex…

1
Small L&D Team? How One Nonprofit University Uses Volunteers to Increase their Capacity with Ashley Dugger 33:30

1M ago33:30

33:30

If you are looking to transition to L&D, your experience matters! Volunteering can help you fill in the gaps. This is exactly what Dr. Ashley Dugger is here to talk about. Ashley engages volunteers in her organization to help increase the capacity of her team. It also gives those volunteers a chance to deepen their skills in instructional design. S…

1
Jess Almie: From Squeegeeing Locker Rooms to Elevating Talent Development 47:46

1M ago47:46

47:46

What happens when you go from squeegeeing a locker room floor for $3.85 an hour to leading Learning & Development strategy at a Fortune 500 company? Jess Almie knows firsthand. Her journey from babysitting her nine younger siblings to shaking up the L&D industry is nothing short of fascinating. In this episode, Jess gets real about the pivotal mome…

1
Building Influence: How to Lead Without Authority 32:37

1M ago32:37

32:37

So, you want to be a leader in L&D, but you don’t have a big title, a team, or decision-making power? Here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence. And influence is something you can build, no matter your role. Some of the most powerful people in organizations aren’t executives—they’re the trusted voices, the ones who sha…

1
My 4-Step Process to Write Better Learning Objectives 9:42

1M ago9:42

9:42

In this episode, I want to share my 4-step process to write better learning objectives. What do I mean by better? This is not a lesson on making them SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely) though that is important. This is about the actual process I go through when writing objectives. This thought process is what gets me to…

1
Yogi Mueller: From Theme Parks to Transformational Leadership 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

How do you go from working at Disney to running your own leadership consulting firm? Yogi Mueller’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless curiosity. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 How he accidentally found his way into L&D (and never looked back) 🔹 The hardest year of his career & what it taught him about leadership 🔹 The power of…

1
When Things Go Wrong: How Great L&D Leaders Navigate Challenges 23:19

2M ago23:19

23:19

Things will go wrong in L&D. Budgets get cut. Projects stall. Stakeholders resist. The real test of leadership isn’t if you face challenges, it’s how you respond to them. In this episode, we’re breaking down: 🔹 Why leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges but navigating them 🔹 The three leadership mindsets that help you thrive under pressure 🔹 A …

1
Are Your Learners Bored? How Building a Learner Persona Can Help. 11:34

2M ago11:34

11:34

Are your learners bored? So often our training audience attends training that isn't relevant or engaging, contains so much extra information they feel lost, or the included scenarios make no sense for them and their role. Context is one of the most important things in creating effective learning. That’s why in this episode, I want us to explore lea…

1
Dr. Keith Keating: From Self-Doubt to Self-Made: A story of building a career that matters 37:36

2M ago37:36

37:36

What does it take to rewrite your story? Dr. Keith Keating has lived it. From dropping out of high school and working in fast food to becoming a CLO, an academic advisor for an Ivy League university, and an author, his journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and sheer determination. In this episode, Dr. Keith shares his unconventional career pat…

1
Why leadership skills matter in L&D 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Are You Leading in L&D, Or Just Taking Orders? The Mindset Shift You Need Too many Learning & Development (L&D) professionals are stuck in a support role, waiting for permission to lead. But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about your title—it’s about your impact. If you're tired of being brought in at the last minute to "execute training" instea…

1
How Building Your Personal Board of Directors Will Enhance Your Career with Jarrett Ransom 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

What’s the value of an outside perspective? An outside perspective will help you be more consistent, improve your awareness and confidence, and accelerate your career because they can see the things you can't. This is true in all areas of life, including your career. That’s why on today’s episode, I'm talking to self-proclaimed nonprofit nerd, Jarr…

1
Kelsea Warren: From Running on Empty to Running a Business That Heals 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

Burnout doesn’t just happen to people in toxic workplaces—it can happen even when you’re deeply passionate about your work. That was the case for Kelsea Warren, who, after years in mental health and therapy, found herself drained, exhausted, and questioning whether she could keep going. In this episode, Kelsea shares how she made the bold decision …

1
Real world experience vs. Credentials: what matters more? 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell challenges the conventional wisdom in the L&D world by asking: Which truly carries more weight—real-world experience or certifications? Dive into a conversation that goes beyond credentials to explore how the right mindset and the ability to apply knowledge effectively can set you apart as a le…

1
3 Components of Leadership Development | What Nonprofits Can Learn from the Aviation Industry with Craig Coyle 25:16

2M ago25:16

25:16

A lot of what we do in Learning and Development is not life and death. We often have the freedom to experiment with new ideas in our nonprofit training and while we want the best possible outcome, we can feel safe to fail. This is not the case in every industry. In this episode I want us to take some time to learn from another industry - the aviati…

1
David Gilbert: From Climbing the Ladder to Finding the Right Hill: A Career Reinvention Story 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

Join us in this episode of Development Nerds as David Gilbert shares his unconventional career journey— from working at a deli restaurant at age 14 to becoming a successful voice actor. Discover how he found his 'Emerald City' and learn actionable insights on pushing your own boulder up the right hill. This is one you won't want to miss! David Gilb…

1
How to choose L&D qualifications that will actually support your career 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep into the crucial decisions around choosing the right Learning and Development (L&D) qualifications that will genuinely propel your career forward. Explore the common mistakes professionals make when selecting courses and discover the power of integrating knowledge from fields beyond …

1
Improving the Health of Your Nonprofit through People Manager Development and Enablement with Kamaria Scott 34:13

2M ago34:13

34:13

People managers have a hard job. They have to set goals, manage resources, support real humans who are not always easy to support, and keep everything moving on time and within budget so the organization can meet its goals. That’s why I’ve invited Kamaria Scott, an I/O psychologist focused on people manager development and enablement, to join me …

1
Tara Rynders: From Giving to Receiving: Redefining Care in the Workplace 39:15

2M ago39:15

39:15

Join us as Tara Rynders (MFA BSN BA RN) (she/her) reveals the transformative power of play and care in the workplace, sharing her deeply personal journey from nurse to artistic healer and how a simple act of receiving care redefined her life's mission. Tara Rynders, she/her, RN, MFA, BSN, BA aka "the dancing nurse" is a speaker, storytelling, resea…

1
Top certifications in L&D 33:52

3M ago33:52

33:52

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell cuts through the noise to reveal the certifications, degrees, and communities that can truly accelerate your career in Learning and Development. From industry-recognized credentials like ATD and SHRM to specialized programs and invaluable professional networks, discover what really makes a diff…

1
The Business Case for Mentoring - What's the Value? with Neil Cunningham 21:35

3M ago21:35

21:35

We know the impact a good mentor can have. Yet, according to a Forbes article, only 37% of professionals have a mentor. This means there are still many people out there who aren't benefiting from this type of relationship. How do we know when to create a mentoring program? And if we look at the needs and determine we should create one, how do we cr…

1
Tim Slade: from catching shoplifters to developing award-winning eLearning courses 39:38

3M ago39:38

39:38

In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Tim Slade to explore his unique journey from a high school concession stand to a successful instructional design entrepreneur. Discover the secrets behind his transformation, the lessons learned from his unexpected career shifts, and his empowering advice on harnessing imposter syndrome as a superpow…

1
Do you need certifications to succeed in L&D? 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Wondering if certifications are really the key to success in learning and development? In this episode, Candice Mitchell breaks down the different paths to L&D, from newcomer to career switcher, and reveals what truly matters for career growth. Don't miss her no-fluff Are certifications the golden ticket to a thriving career in learning and develop…

1
The Belonging Blueprint: How to Create Connection among Your Teams with Abigail Finck 36:27

3M ago36:27

36:27

While work may never be the top place you feel belonging, it can be a place where you can be yourself, where you can feel safe, and where you can feel connected to your work and team. However, this doesn’t happen organically, we have to work to create a space like this. That’s why in this episode, leadership and mindset coach Abigail Finck is shari…

1
Nicholas Plotnicoff: From Career Setbacks to AI Success – Mastering Resilience and Reinvention 39:36

3M ago39:36

39:36

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep with Nicholas Plotnicoff, a multifaceted professional who transitioned from gaming and eyewear to AI innovation. Discover how Nicholas faced career-defining challenges, overcame setbacks in the crypto market, and leveraged resilience and mentorship to find success in AI business deve…

1
L&D as your competitive advantage in 2025 25:04

3M ago25:04

25:04

In a rapidly evolving workforce, standing still is the same as falling behind. Join Candice Mitchell in this eye-opening episode as she reveals why Learning and Development is the ultimate competitive advantage for 2025. Packed with compelling statistics, real-life examples, and actionable strategies, this episode is your wake-up call to start inve…

1
How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association 12:34

3M ago12:34

12:34

Measuring behavior change and impact is hard in most organizations, but add the complexities of federated nonprofit organizations or membership associations, and it suddenly feels impossible. In this episode, I’m exploring why measuring behavior change and impact is so hard in these organizations and I’m sharing some creative ideas to measure them…

1
Clay Gill: From Frustration to Fulfillment – Embracing the Squiggly Career Path with Purpose 53:19

3M ago53:19

53:19

In this episode of Development Nerds, Clay Gill takes us on a ride through his "squiggly" career path, revealing how embracing frustration and understanding neurodivergence can unlock hidden potential. Discover his transformative approach to career fulfillment and actionable strategies for real, meaningful change. About the guest: As a mindset coac…

1
How Integrated Talent Strategies Drive Business Success 20:39

3M ago20:39

20:39

Unlock the secret to building a high-performing, powerhouse team. Ever wondered how the collaboration between Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and Learning & Development can drive your organization’s success to new heights? In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell breaks down real-world strategies, shares inspiring success stori…

1
Using a Blended, Cohort Training Model to Create Behavior Change with Nonprofit Leader Rebecca Kelley 25:12

3M ago25:12

25:12

Creating behavior change is no easy task. So when Rebecca Kelley of Waterford.org approached me about a change she wanted to facilitate in one of her teams, I knew we had a lot of work to do. Today’s episode is a case study of sorts - we're taking a closer look at how my team at Skill Masters Market partnered with Rebecca's team at Waterford to add…

1
Vanessa Raath: From Scuba Diving to Building a Global Brand 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

Dive into the world of solopreneurship with Vanessa Raath as she unveils the raw challenges of balancing a solo business, maintaining a personal brand, and why her journey from scuba instructor to international keynote speaker is a roadmap for any aspiring professional looking for grit and practical insights. Vanessa Raath is an internationally rec…

1
Tech in L&D: let's talk all things Tech in L&D 34:21

3M ago34:21

34:21

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell delves into the cutting-edge world of Learning and Development, uncovering how technology and cross-disciplinary insights are reshaping the landscape. From leveraging AI for personalized learning paths to adopting design thinking and marketing strategies, we explore practical ways to break free…

1
I'm 20 Years into My Career. If You're New to L&D, Listen to This. 14:58

4M ago14:58

14:58

I feel strongly that you don't need a formal education in adult learning to be a good instructional designer. But I do think instructional designers have to be open to learning new things. I’ve learned a lot over my 20 year career in Learning and Development and in this episode, I’m sharing three of my most valuable lessons. ▶️ I'm 20 Years into My…

1
Jennifer Recla: From Drama to Development - Jen’s Leadership Story 38:38

4M ago38:38

38:38

Signup for Jennifer's webinar: "Navigating your Workload: Prioritization & Resilience" happening January 14th, 2025. Ever wondered how joy and leadership intertwine, or how mishaps like spilling a tray of drinks can shape your career? Join Candice Mitchell and Jen Recla as they dive into joy at work, career-defining moments, and the long game of pr…

1
How One Nonprofit Improves Emotional Intelligence through Training with Erin Harris 30:38

4M ago30:38

30:38

Boundaries, coping skills, conflict resolution, empathy, mental health, and self-care are skills we all need in life, and the nonprofit Un/Do Mindset is on a mission to make sure everyone has them. They're working to build a more resilient and compassionate society and I think we need more of that in the workplace too. That’s why I invited the foun…

1
Setting Values-Based Goals for 2025 13:12

4M ago13:12

13:12

People with goals are 10 times more likely to succeed. That’s the kind of momentum I want as I head into 2025. I've worked with others to set goals for years. I've coached people through career transitions. And I've led project teams with a specific goal in mind so I know how important a goal can be. In this episode, I’m bringing you some recommend…

1
Economic realities for L&D 31:12

4M ago31:12

31:12

In this episode of Development Nerds, host Candice Mitchell explores the evolving role of L&D as it transitions from a support function to a strategic enabler. Learn how to uncover root business problems, create tailored solutions, and measure tangible business impact. Tune in for insights on transforming L&D into an indispensable force driving rev…

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