Episode 43: What AI Means for Your L&D Job
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AI isn’t coming for your job… it’s rewriting it.
In this episode, Jess and AI-in-L&D veteran Josh Cavalier dig into his provocative “Human Machine Performance Analyst” L&D role, why content creation is still on the table, and how to build the business, data, and learning-science muscles you’ll actually need. They unpack the real story behind AI layoffs, the emerging L&D tech ecosystem, and practical, low-risk ways to get your AI learning and practice reps in today.
Jess and Josh Discuss
Why Josh believes L&D must evolve into “Human Machine Performance Analysts.”
The shift from building courses to orchestrating human AI performance.
Core skills for L&D to double down on: performance consulting, business acumen, data and analytics, and learning science.
Which L&D tasks AI will automate.
What AI-related layoffs are really funding.
How the AI ecosystem flows from platforms like Microsoft, Google, and Workday down into L&D tools.
The risks of shadow AI usage and protecting organizational IP.
Cross-functional AI operations to enable responsible adoption
Simple, safe ways to start with AI in content creation and get your “AI reps” in.
Why strategic curiosity, not fear, is L&D’s best response to AI.
About josh cavalier
Josh Cavalier is on a mission to bridge the gap between Learning & Development professionals and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. His own "aha!" moment arrived in late 2022 when an AI generated a remarkably effective educational video script on his prompt, instantly revealing its potential to revolutionize learning. Drawing on 30+ years of experience, including leading Lodestone Digital to radically improve clients' edtech implementations, Josh now guides organizations through the complexities of AI integration.
Through JoshCavalier.ai, he directly addresses the concerns and opportunities facing L&D. Forget the fear of job loss – Josh argues AI necessitates a shift in roles, amplifying the need for human expertise and insight. He cuts through the myth of "automatic" AI, emphasizing that L&D professionals are crucial collaborators in the process. His focus? Pragmatic strategies and tools that help teams navigate the AI ecosystem, understand human-machine partnership, and significantly increase their AI skills.
Josh makes complex AI accessible and actionable. His training, popular YouTube channel, and the fun, interactive live show "Brainpower" reach thousands, offering easy-to-use methods for working with AI. Committed to the L&D community, he consults, runs workshops, and shares his strategic insights at major industry events (DevLearn, Learning Solutions, ATD ICE), empowering professionals to leverage AI for hyper-personalized learning and greater organizational impact.
Find and Connect with josh cavalier
Website: JoshCavalier.ai
YouTube Show: Brainpower: Your Weekly AI Training Show
Book: Applying AI in Learning & Development: From Platforms to Performance
