Voices of the Learning Network

From Learning Activity to Real Impact

The Learning Network Season 1 Episode 6

What if L&D stopped counting completions and started multiplying impact?

In this episode, Bill Banham chats with Paul Matthews, renowned author, speaker, and long-time L&D practitioner about how learning teams can move beyond activity metrics and drive real behavior change that moves the business.

Paul unpacks the real leverage in learning: defining key behaviors, designing for application, and involving managers before and after training to ensure learning transfer sticks.

 They also explore how AI and technology can amplify - or derail - impact in learning, from AI copilots and job-embedded nudges to the risk of producing low-value outputs when design discipline is skipped. 

Key takeaways:

  • Focus on behavior change, not completion rates
  • Engage managers to reinforce learning transfer
  • Use AI to scale what already works—spaced prompts, job aids, feedback
  • Pilot small, measure what matters, and codify wins

Paul also shares insights on cultural differences in learning, why some AI projects fail, and how L&D leaders can stay credible in a rapidly changing world.

Connect with Paul Matthews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmatthews100/

Connect with Bill Banham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-banham-a932a0b/


Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/