Workplace Stories by RedThread Research

By: Stacia Garr & Dani Johnson
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  • Summary

  • At RedThread, we love our data, but we know that what you remember is stories. So we spend time listening to thinkers, writers, leaders, and practitioners as they tell their stories about what works in the workplace, what they’ve learned, and what they hope to see in the future. We hope you find it inspirational, motivational, and a touch irreverent.
    RedThread Research 2024
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Economics Management
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Episodes
  • L&D Tech: What’s In and Out through an Investor’s Lens

    L&D Tech: What’s In and Out through an Investor’s Lens
    Jan 8 2025
    Most organizations waste money on L&D technology because they don’t think like investors. We sat down with Kimberly Williams, CEO of Absorb Software, to talk about her unique perspective on learning and development technology. As someone with a private equity background, Kimberly offers a fresh take on how investment thinking can shape smarter decisions in the L&D space.Our conversation covered everything from AI’s role in upskilling to trends driving workforce productivity. Kimberly shared practical advice for leaders making tech investments and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how organizations can align learning tools with real business outcomes.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • How Kimberly’s Background Ties L&D to Investments [2:41]
    • Major Trends Shaping People Tech [3:54]
    • AI’s Role in Upskilling and L&D Tech [6:07]
    • AI Integrating Learning Into Work [8:30]
    • If L&D Is Becoming More Strategic [10:20]
    • Corporate L&D as a Consultative Role [13:10]
    • Creating Measurable Value in L&D [15:20]
    • Exciting Investments in People Tech [28:00]
    • Evaluating Vendors’ Stability and Growth [34:40]
    • Lessons From Mistakes Were Made [42:52]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Absorb Software
    • Harvard Business Review – Article that touches on the “half-life of skills”.
    • "Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)" by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
    • Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K)
    Connect with Kimberly Williams
    • Find Kimberly Williams on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    47 mins
  • The Art of Finding and Growing Niche Skills with Cari Bohley

    The Art of Finding and Growing Niche Skills with Cari Bohley
    Dec 27 2024
    Cari Bohley, Vice President of Talent Management at Peraton, talks about solving real workplace problems by focusing on skills. From finding highly specialized talent in competitive markets to helping employees see clear career paths, Cari explains how tools like AI are changing the game. She shares what it takes to turn skills into a practical solution for hiring, retention, and engagement—especially in an industry where the stakes are high. Her story offers actionable insights for tackling challenges in hiring and L&D while proving the value of these efforts to leadership.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Cari’s role at Peraton and its mission-critical focus [0:00]
    • Metrics that make leadership care about skills [1:20]
    • How timing impacts a business case [2:00]
    • Using AI to hire in niche markets [7:07]
    • Boosting retention with clear career paths [13:10]
    • Skills as the foundation for hiring and growth [16:10]
    • Tailoring a business case for leadership buy-in [32:30]
    • What success looks like with skills tools [35:00]
    • Lessons from implementing too quickly [39:06]
    • Why Cari enjoys the “fun” side of HR [40:20]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Peraton
    • SeekOut
    • Constellation Research Supernova Awards
    Connect with Cari Bohley
    • Cari Bohley on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    42 mins
  • The Existential Crisis of L&D with Albertsons’ Michelle Kay

    The Existential Crisis of L&D with Albertsons’ Michelle Kay
    Dec 23 2024
    What happens to an organization when learning and development disappears? It’s a question more leaders are facing as L&D teams shrink or are deprioritized, even as the demand for a skilled workforce grows.

    Michelle Kay, Head of Learning and Development at Albertsons, has a clear answer: the unique expertise of L&D is irreplaceable. Managing learning for over 355,000 associates across one of the nation’s largest grocery chains, Michelle demonstrates how L&D can be a driving force behind business success, even in the face of change and uncertainty.

    Michelle’s perspective blends optimism and realism as she tackles pressing challenges like AI integration, burnout, and evolving workforce expectations. She explores how L&D functions as a critical link between talent development and business needs, offering tools for long-term growth and innovation.

    Through her candid insights and stories, she shows how learning teams can remain relevant, impactful, and future-focused—despite the shifting dynamics of the workplace.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • How L&D can remain relevant in shrinking organizations [2:10]
    • How generative AI might reduce burnout and simplify work [12:00]
    • Balancing alignment and innovation in L&D leadership [17:22]
    • Why curiosity is key for navigating rapid change [21:00]
    • The unique skills L&D professionals bring to the table [25:55]
    • How to approach AI experimentation in a low-risk way [30:10]
    • What happens when L&D teams partner with AI for growth [33:30]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, AI voice generators):
      Explore ChatGPT | AI Voice Generators like ElevenLabs
    • Malcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point audiobook
    Connect with Michelle Kay
    • Michelle Kay on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins

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