Learner Experience Evolution

SummaryIn this conversation, Ron Zamir and John Nelson discuss the transformative impact of the USA Clay Target League on youth sports and education. They explore the journey of the organization, innovative training methods, the importance of safety, and the challenges faced in promoting clay target shooting as a recognized sport. The discussion highlights the significance of engaging both students and instructors in the learning process, overcoming resistance to change, and the broader community impact of their mission.TakeawaysEffective training builds brands & opens doorsThe USA Clay Target League prioritizes safety, fun, and marksmanship.Innovative training methods are essential for engaging youth in sports.Balancing self-paced and live training enhances learning outcomes.Interactive learning is crucial for student engagement.Resistance to change often comes from traditionalist instructors.Branding efforts focus on proving the safety and inclusivity of the sport.Nonprofit leadership requires a focus on mission over profit.Engaging young people in sports leads to better life outcomes.Mentorship plays a vital role in youth development.Innovation can manifest in small, everyday changes.About John Nelson, President, USA Clay TargetAfter working in the advertising agency business for more than 25 years, John started his journey with the USA Clay Target League at the kitchen table when the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League was formed in 2008. Since then he has served as a board of director member and has been president since 2018.

Change can be anything. That’s part of what makes it so complex, and why people may hesitate to embrace it—or may even fear it. But leaders who master the art of navigating change can create high-impact opportunities to support learners and achieve critical business goals even during times of volatility. How prepared are you to navigate the nuances of change and help your organization thrive?Find out by listening to the next episode of our Learner Experience Evolution podcast, which follows Dr. Kate Worlton-Pulham, Director of Strategic Solutions at AllenComm, and Becky Muller, General Manager of Learning Experience for Delta Reservations. They discuss Delta's innovative approach to training and change management, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also share fresh insights into what it means to create training that empowers learners, harnesses creativity, promotes adaptability, and measures performance to inspire lifelong learning and growth.TakeawaysDelta focuses on customer-centric training for specialists.Successful change management empowers employees with skills and confidence.Training should be continuous and adaptable to evolving needs.Creativity is essential in navigating large-scale changes.Virtual training can be as effective as in-person training.Measuring success is crucial for learning initiatives.Collaboration with leaders enhances measurement strategies.Trusting learners leads to quicker proficiency.A supportive environment is key to managing change.Lifelong learning is essential for professionals in the industry.

It’s no secret that the L&D landscape is always evolving. But change brings challenges, as well as opportunities. In the third episode of our podcast, Ron Zamir, CEO of AllenComm, interviews Will Thalheimer, an expert in L&D and author of "The CEO's Guide to Training, eLearning & Work." They discuss how leaders can plan for and adapt to change, measure performance, and overcome the pitfalls of over-training while preparing the next generation of L&D professionals to successfully enter the field. 

Effective leaders use change as a catalyst to drive sustainable results. In this next episode of the Learner Experience Evolution podcast, Michael Noble interviews Shana Storey, Learning and HR Leader for Progyny. They dive deeper into what it means to embrace the discomfort of change, build empathy, model a passion for innovation, and sow the seeds of growth that prepare an organization for the future—even if it means negotiating the way processes are handled today.

In this inaugural episode, Michael Noble, VP of Marketing at AllenComm interviews Ron Zamir CEO about the rationale and aspirations for a new podcast series for organizational learning leaders. They discuss the nature of change in organizational learning, and Ron touches on his experiences as a learning expert in the Israel Defense Forces and as a consultant in South Africa. He also shares practical advice for managing change in your own organization.