Episode 58: Secrets to Optimizing L&D with Brad Batesole
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What if L&D has been optimizing all the wrong things?
In this episode, Jess sits down with Brad Batesole, founder of Madecraft and former LinkedIn Learning leader, to explore why learning often feels harder than it should. They discuss designing learning that matches how people actually consume content, advocating for resources in budget-conscious organizations, using AI to personalize rather than replace learning, and setting realistic stakeholder expectations that move L&D beyond checking boxes toward creating meaningful business impact.
Jess and Brad Discuss
Why L&D often optimizes for cost, completion, and volume instead of learning effectiveness.
How poor learner experiences create compliance instead of engagement.
Why workplace learning should mirror how people naturally consume content outside of work.
Designing for "interstitial time" with short, meaningful learning experiences.
Layering just-in-time, durable, and long-tail learning to support real skill development.
How L&D can advocate more effectively for budget by connecting learning to business outcomes.
Setting realistic expectations with stakeholders when resources limit what's possible.
The role of AI in personalization, practice, and learner support without replacing human expertise.
Why experimentation should be treated as a necessary investment for L&D teams.
Small changes L&D teams can make today to create learning people actually want to use.
About Brad Batesole
Brad Batesole co-founded Madecraft in 2018 after two decades at the forefront of online learning. At Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning, he created top-performing marketing courses that amassed over 20 million views and built a LinkedIn following of 96,000 professionals. An internationally recognized speaker and storyteller, Brad advocates for learning strategies that match how people consume content today.
