Episode 31: Context Over Content
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Too often, training misses the mark because it skips the most important step. In this episode of L&D Must Change, Candice Mitchell joins Jess Almlie to unpack why context should always come before content in L&D. Candice shares practical strategies for uncovering business needs, building credibility, and shifting away from the traditional order-taker mindset. From gathering macro trends to asking the right stakeholder questions, she illustrates how deeper context leads to faster and more relevant learning solutions. Tune in for a lively, honest conversation full of actionable insights and a few nerdy laughs along the way.
Jess and Candice discuss
Flipping our ratio of context to content creation by spending more time understanding business context than creating the content.
A diversified process to gather context in any organization.
Overcoming time constraints with the stakeholder who doesn't want to allow for time to gather context.
Reframing requests in business terms vs. L&D terms.
How to demonstrate value through small wins and consistent communication.
Avoiding common pitfalls when responding to training requests.
About Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is the founder of Talent Development Nerds and the creator of the Talent Development Academy® which is a strategic learning program that helps L&D professionals become indispensable partners to the business. She’s a fractional Chief Learning Officer and trusted advisor to companies building capability from the ground up. Candice is known for cutting through the noise with practical, business-first advice and a healthy dose of tough love. Her work spans strategy, change, performance, and culture, and she’s on a mission to make L&D more impactful, more respected, and more energizing, for everyone involved.
Find and connect with Candice Mitchell
Website: www.talentdevelopmentnerds.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/
Instagram (so much fun!): https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
Podcast: Development Nerds – available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube link: https://open.spotify.com/show/56cZnQtmXloGpGcDt2McoP?si=d961aac2fadd412f
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd
Candice's Impact Toolkit: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/impact
Coming Soon!
Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join!
