Welcome to Forward Thinking Experts, a podcast bringing guests together to share their expertise and advice on navigating business and education in a technology-driven world. From entrepreneurs to vendors, higher education to corporate leaders, we’ll uncover their perspectives regarding the latest trends and technologies impacting your career or business. Got a question? Forward Thinking Experts answer!
073: Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences with Annette Levesque
Welcome back! In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Forward Thinking host Sher Downing reconnects with Annette Levesque to explore one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today: how to move beyond superficial training and create learning experiences that truly stick.
From workplace onboarding and AI-powered learning tools to employee engagement, retention, and organizational change, this episode dives deep into why traditional “check-the-box” learning often fails—and what leaders can do differently.
Whether you're in education, corporate training, HR, leadership, or EdTech, this conversation offers practical strategies for building a real learning culture that improves retention, performance, and innovation.
Check-the-box training doesn’t create lasting learning — memorization without application leads to poor retention and disengagement
Relevancy is everything — adult learners need to understand why the training matters to their work and growth
Experiential learning drives retention — real-world scenarios, problem-solving, and active participation create meaningful learning experiences
Microlearning works — smaller, ongoing learning moments are more effective than overwhelming all-day training sessions
AI can improve learning experiences — personalized assessments, adaptive learning, and contextual support tools are changing the game
Learning cultures outperform training programs — organizations that encourage collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning see stronger results
Fear often blocks innovation — empowering early adopters and peer mentors helps teams navigate change more confidently
Employee development impacts retention — investing in meaningful growth opportunities strengthens engagement and loyalty
Learning shouldn’t end when the quiz is complete.
The organizations that thrive in the future will be the ones that create environments where employees continuously learn, experiment, collaborate, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Technology and AI can support that journey—but real transformation still starts with people.
Learn more and connect with Annette here: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasloise)
https://annettelevesque.com (https://annettelevesque.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettelevesque (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettelevesque)
https://twitter.com/annettelevesqu_ (https://twitter.com/annettelevesqu_)
https://www.youtube.com/@AnnetteLevesque.education (https://www.youtube.com/@AnnetteLevesque.education)
https://www.facebook.com/annettelevesque.education (https://www.facebook.com/annettelevesque.education)
https://www.instagram.com/annettelevesque.education (https://www.instagram.com/annettelevesque.education)
https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.levesque (https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.levesque)
https://www.threads.net/@annettelevesque.education (https://www.threads.net/@annettelevesque.education)
#EdTech #LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #EmployeeEngagement #DigitalLearning #Leadership #Innovation #WorkplaceLearning #OrganizationalDevelopment #Microlearning #ChangeManagement #InstructionalDesign #AIinEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #TrainingAndDevelopment #EducationInnovation #HRLeadership
27 Apr 2026
072: Embracing Technology with a Human-Centered Approach: Insights from Evan J. Schwartz
In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, we sit down with Evan J. Schwartz to explore a refreshing and necessary perspective on digital transformation—one that puts people first.
Evan challenges the typical tech-first mindset and makes a compelling case for why sustainable innovation depends on human-centered thinking. From AI and ERP systems to education and ethics, this conversation connects the dots between technology, business outcomes, and real human impact.
Key Takeaways:
People drive transformation — Technology succeeds or fails based on how well people adopt and engage with it
AI is a tool, not a replacement — The future lies in blending human intuition with machine efficiency
Sustainability is operational — It goes beyond ESG metrics into logistics, waste reduction, and cost savings
ERP success hinges on change management — Organizational alignment matters as much as system selection
Education must evolve — Preparing students for an AI-augmented world requires rethinking traditional models
Ethics matter more than ever — Data privacy, governance, and responsible AI use are non-negotiable
SMBs have opportunity — Smaller organizations can adopt smart, sustainable practices without massive budgets
Technology should never be the end goal—it should be the enabler. As Evan reminds us, the real power of AI and digital transformation lies in how intentionally we use it to serve people, improve systems, and build a more sustainable future.
The tools are here. The opportunity is now. The outcome? That’s still up to us.
Learn more and connect with Evan here: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasloise)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjschwartz/
https://www.evanjschwartz.com/
https://www.amcsgroup.com/
https://twitter.com/EvanJSchwartz
#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #HumanCenteredDesign #FutureOfWork #Sustainability #ERP #TechForGood #Innovation #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #DataSecurity #ResponsibleAI #ChangeManagement #BusinessStrategy #Automation #SmartBusiness #TechTrends #AIForBusiness
30 Mar 2026
071: Building Authentic Connections: The Vision Behind Gildre for Founders and Startups
In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, Sher Downing, PhD, introduces the innovative minds behind Gildre: Brian Lee, Michael J. Frank, and Taiga Gamell. Their mission is to create a community that transcends traditional networking, focusing instead on building meaningful relationships among founders. This insightful conversation reveals the intentionality driving Gildre and how it aims to reshape the startup ecosystem.
The Genesis of Gildre
Brian Lee shares that the inception of Gildre stemmed from their collective experiences in the startup world. He emphasizes the fragmentation in existing communities, which often cater to either niche groups or vast numbers of members without fostering real connections. Gildre was conceptualized to address this gap, aiming to create an environment where founders can build authentic relationships.
For instance, Brian reflects on the often superficial nature of networking events, where quantity overshadows quality. Gildre seeks to change this by encouraging meaningful interactions that can lead to impactful collaborations. By focusing on a curated group of individuals, they hope to foster an atmosphere where members can engage deeply and support one another.
The Importance of Intentional Relationships
The discussion shifts to the significance of intentionality in building relationships. Brian points out that time is an invaluable resource for founders, and Gildre aims to optimize this by facilitating genuine connections. This sentiment is echoed by Tega, who reminisces about his journey as a founder and the challenges he faced in finding a supportive community. He explains that having access to experienced mentors and like-minded individuals can make a substantial difference in a founder's journey.
Michael J. Frank adds to this by highlighting the importance of mentorship within the community. His experiences on trading floors and mentoring startups have shaped his understanding of the need for guidance in entrepreneurship. He stresses that being part of a community means having access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, which can significantly enhance a founder's chances of success.
Adapting to the Evolving Landscape of Entrepreneurship
As the conversation unfolds, the team discusses the rapid changes brought about by advancements in technology and the emergence of AI. Tega notes that many new founders are navigating their paths after being displaced by AI technologies. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, with founders needing to identify unmet needs in the market.
Brian emphasizes that while the barriers to entry for launching a startup may be lower due to AI, the real challenge lies in distribution and understanding the target audience. Michael reinforces this point by encouraging founders to focus on their end users and the specific problems their products aim to solve. This perspective is crucial for building a sustainable business in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
This discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of startup communities and the importance of fostering genuine relationships among founders. Gildre's mission to create a supportive and intentional network stands out as a beacon for entrepreneurs looking for guidance and connection.
Key Thoughts:
- The significance of building authentic relationships over transactional networking.
- The role of mentorship in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
- The necessity of understanding market needs and focusing on distribution strategies.
Gildre exemplifies a fresh approach to community-building in the startup ecosystem. By prioritizing meaningful connections, they are paving the way for founders to thrive in a dynamic environment.
#Gildre #startupcommunity #entrepreneurship #networking #mentorshi #AIinbusiness #foundersupport #authenticrelationships.#AI #ForwardThinkingExperts
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5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
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Engagement
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