CELab: The Customer Education Lab

Customer education has outgrown the LMS era. In this episode of CELab we down with Zayd Badwan, Chief Revenue & Customer Officer at Uplimit, and Yash Tekriwal, who leads education and cohort programs at Clay, to ask a hard question: if your main metric is still course completion, are you already behind? Together, they unpack how AI, cohort-based learning, and practice-first design are transforming customer education from “check-the-box training” into a true lever for product adoption and revenue. You’ll hear how Uplimit and Clay are using AI to automate the admin work that slows teams down, generate practice experiences at scale, and actually measure behavior change and skill improvement—not just time spent watching videos. The conversation ranges from cohort-based onboarding for enterprise customers, to AI-powered role plays and rubrics, to tying learning programs directly to product usage and activation metrics. If you care about Customer Education, Customer Success, or Enablement, this episode is a blueprint for moving beyond the hype and building programs your CFO—and your customers—will love. Key Takeways: dolive, deployed workflowhow well

In this episode of the Customer Education Lab, Adam Avramescu sits down with his Personio teammate and Senior Learning Experience Designer Roberto Aiello for a deep dive into what modern customer education really looks like in 2026. They unpack how an international company with an English working language and a massive German market grapples with localization, terminology, and tone—including why “just translate it” fails, and how to design for truly native experiences instead. Roberto shares concrete stories from Personio’s Voyager Academy, like localizing character names, handling UI screenshots in multiple languages, and deciding what not to translate. From there, the conversation shifts into AI-assisted content creation and distribution. Roberto walks through how he used AI to co-create a compensation course—turning scarce SME time into a solid 60–70% draft—and then scaled that approach into reusable assistants for brainstorming, course design, and promotional comms. Adam and Roberto also dig into how they mapped academy content to activation milestones, setup wizards, and implementation email journeys, so customers see the right learning at exactly the right moment. If you care about Customer Education, Digital CS, or scaled CX, this episode is a masterclass in moving from “more content” to measurable customer outcomes. Episode Highlights: localization ≠ translationforcing English tone and structurewhat terminology to localize vs. leave in English (“Dinglish”)vendors + native reviewers + AIAI assistants (via langdock)on-brand and consistentpromo copystrategic thinkingtranslation memory and maintenancePartaCluesoAI Surge WeekActivation milestonesAcademy contentSetup wizard stepsImplementation email journeysExample:people data uploadsurfacing the right content at the right timeThe future:“talk” to custom...

Customer education is outgrowing the idea of “just an LMS.” In this episode, Dave Derington sits down with Mia Čomić, Product Marketing Manager at LearnWorlds, to unpack how the platform is evolving from a traditional course host into a true learning operating system for modern SaaS. Mia shares how her background in Comparative Literature, localization, and academy building shaped her perspective on learning as a continuous product experience—not a one‑off content drop. We explore how AI is reshaping Customer Education: from speeding up content creation to orchestrating just‑in‑time learning, routing the right learner to the right asset at the right moment. They dig into the 2026 State of AI in Customer Education report, the idea of “structured professional balance” between humans and AI, and why completion rates are no longer enough. If you’re leading Customer Education, CS, or scaled enablement and wondering how to make AI practical (not gimmicky), this episode is for you. Key topics & takeaways 2026 State of AI in Customer Education Report

In this end-of-year special, Adam Avramescu and Dave Derington look back at 2025 through the lens of the things they love most outside of work: video games and live music. They unpack how titles like Helldivers 2, Peak, and Megabonk model great onboarding, community-based learning, and continuous engagement—and what Customer Education and Customer Success teams can steal from modern game design. On the music side, they explore Louis Cole, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Black Country, New Road, St. Vincent, and Tune-Yards. Adam and Dave connect venue, context, and stagecraft to how we design learning environments, build resilient teams, and foster community around our programs. If you’re thinking about onboarding, product adoption, AI-era education, or how to keep your learners coming back, this episode is packed with fresh, unexpected parallels. Key topic bullets (Customer Education & CS–focused) Onboarding by design:Helldivers 2Context > contentvenueLouis ColeKing GizzardPerformance support vs. upfront training:Community-based learning:Peak Resilient teams after setbacksBlack Country, New RoadEmergent learning & retentionMegabonkEdges and surprise in learning:St. VincentTune-YardsAI and emergent workflows:

In this episode of CELab – The Customer Education Lab, host Adam Avramescu sits down with Bessie Weiss, Senior Director of Customer Education at Webflow, to unpack what it really takes to evolve a beloved PLG education motion into an enterprise-ready engine. Bessie shares how she inherited the iconic Webflow University, the “don’t mess it up” mandate from leadership, and the practical tradeoffs her team makes every day between pixel-perfect production and keeping pace with a rapidly changing SaaS + AI product. They dive into the org design behind Webflow’s modern education function—video production, instructional design, platform, certifications, and onboarding—and how those pieces work together to support both self-serve users and large enterprise accounts. From launching high-stakes certifications in under a year, to deciding when humor helps (or hurts) learning, to using AI for exam development and just‑in‑time learning, this episode is a masterclass for Customer Education and Customer Success leaders building programs that actually move product adoption and revenue. Highlights:

What happens when you stop thinking about “training” and start designing a revenue architecture? In this episode, we down with Sean Reay - a seasoned revenue enablement leader with experience at companies like Outreach and Canva, and now leading enablement for an AI-first CX company, Intercom. We unpack how AI, enablement, customer education, and customer success are converging into one continuous fabric of learning that spans your entire go-to-market motion. This episode dives into ideas like an “operating system for execution that reduces friction,” why many traditional LMS-centric approaches need to evolve (or die), and how AI agents can finally deliver “learning in the flow of work” instead of more information overload. We explore practical patterns - from conversational intelligence tools to AI roleplay and contextual knowledge delivery in Slack - that help revenue and CS teams ramp faster, execute with clarity, and deliver truly personalized experiences at scale. If you’re in Customer Education, Enablement, or Customer Success and trying to make sense of AI, this conversation is a rich, tactical blueprint. Key Takeaways: From training to clarity:AI in the workflow: at the exact moment of needPersonalization at scale: Agentic learning: Customer education + enablement ≠ silos:“Pull” vs. “push” learning: AI-assisted coaching:Rethinking the LMS:Revenue architecture lens:Accountability and impact sprints:

Are you ready to rethink the way your team delivers customer education? In this episode of CELab, host Dave Derington welcomes Sarah Sedgman, CEO and founder of LearnExperts, for an inspiring discussion about the power of AI in instructional design and customer training. Sarah shares her decades of experience transitioning from instructional designer to entrepreneur, and how LearnExperts’ LEAi platform is reshaping training efficiency and scalability for SaaS and enterprise teams. Listen in to discover proven approaches to accelerate course development, create certification-ready exams, and empower both instructional designers and business experts to deliver high-quality, impactful customer learning at scale. Key Topics: by up to 85%Overcoming human resistanceembedding domain expertise and learning science

In the last episode of the CELab podcast, co-host Dave Derington explored the profound shifts redefining the learning landscape—from the legacy of transactional, revenue-generating education services to agile, outcome-driven customer enablement. Customer Education and Education Services are converging, and Dave continues sharing his thoughts on how B2B SaaS organizations are reimagining what learning means for their customers, partners, and teams. Drawing on his journey through small to large businesses - including Atlassian, Outreach, Gainsight, and ServiceRocket - he breaks down why businesses need to move beyond simply selling training—embracing continuous, measurable, and truly impactful learning experiences. This offers listeners an inside look at the systems, teams, and metrics that set elite learning teams apart. Packed with stories from the frontlines—including modular content wins, the challenge of getting measurable outcomes, and real examples of change led by forward-thinking leaders—this episode is a roadmap for anyone looking to level up their Customer Education or Customer Success game. Want to dive deeper or connect with us? Have stories to share? Reach out to us today through this link on the CELab website, or contact us through LinkedIn! Episode Highlights: without

What does the future hold for Customer Education in the ever-evolving world of B2B SaaS? In this solo episode, CELab co-founder and host Dave Derington explores the profound shifts redefining the learning landscape—from the legacy of transactional, revenue-generating education services to agile, outcome-driven customer enablement. Drawing on industry experience and personal insights, Dave examines how the disciplines of Education Services and Customer Education are merging to drive both business outcomes and Customer Success. Listeners will discover how digital transformation, the subscription economy, and post-pandemic realities have forced learning organizations to adapt at unprecedented speed. Using real-world examples and honest reflection, Dave highlights practical strategies, common pitfalls, and the importance of continual innovation in customer education. Whether you lead a startup or enterprise, this episode arms you with actionable ideas for thriving in the modern era of learning. Key Highlights:

In this episode of the Customer Education Lab, host Dave Derington welcomes Dan Braithwaite, Senior Director of Product Training at Mediaocean, for a deep dive on modern Instructor-Led Training (ILT) and its powerful impact in B2B SaaS customer education. Dan shares real-world stories, practical frameworks, and a human-centered approach to ILT that has helped shape Mediaocean’s global learning strategy. Tune in as we debunk ILT myths, unpack a hands-on framework spanning “Tell Me, Show Me, Let Me Try,” and discuss how to build truly engaging experiences for customers and internal learners. If you want actionable strategies on scaling customer education, maximizing engagement, and measuring impact, this episode is a must-listen! Key Episode Topics & Highlights

In this episode of CELab, host Dave Derington sits down with April Trask, a leader in partner enablement and enterprise AI at Writer. April unpacks the evolving landscape of partner enablement, exploring how AI and generative tools are reshaping the way organizations educate both partners and customers. April shares her unique journey from academia to tech, offering candid insights into building scalable programs at companies like Dropbox, Slack, CrowdStrike, and Writer. The conversation dives deep into the differences between customer education and partner enablement, the challenges of aligning cross-functional teams, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. April and Dave also discuss practical strategies for leveraging AI in learning, the critical role of collaboration with product and marketing, and advice for professionals navigating the pressures of pipeline and revenue. Key Topics & Takeaways for Customer Education and Customer Success:

Launching a customer education program is never easy—especially when you’re racing against the clock. In this episode, CELab’s Dave Derington sits down with Clea Mahoney , Head of Customer Education at Rewst, to unpack how her team rolled out Skilljar’s LMS in just 55 days. Clea shares her unconventional journey from instructor-led training to scalable online learning, and how playfulness, experimentation, and a customer-first mindset fueled Rewst’s rapid growth. Listeners will discover how Clea and her team navigated the challenges of startup life, balanced perfectionism with progress, and leveraged data and AI to drive customer success. Whether you’re building your first customer education program or scaling an established one, this episode is packed with actionable insights, candid stories, and inspiration for every stage of your journey. Key Topics & Highlights:

In this episode of CELab, we welcome Nick Mehta and Erica Kuhl to talk about Skilljar by Gainsight! We discuss the integration of their platforms and the future of Customer Education. We explore the importance of community in customer success, the vision behind the Customer OS, and how learning and community can work together to enhance customer experiences. Erica shares her journey from Salesforce to Gainsight, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation in the customer education space. The conversation highlights the significance of integrating learning and community to drive customer success and retention. Highlights

What do we call what we do? Is it Customer Education, Customer Enablement, Scaled CX, Digital CS, or something else entirely? This episode features the return of serial guest and friend, Samantha Murray and both of our co-hosts - Adam and Dave - to spar about nomenclature (word of the day - the devising or choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline). In this ever-evolving world of learning in B2B SaaS. Should we call our customer education, enablement, or something else entirely? We explore how different organizations structure their customer-facing teams, the impact of titles and internal branding, and why the outcomes we drive may matter more than the names we use. You'll hear real-world examples from large and fast-moving organizations, insights from LinkedIn discussions, and even a bit of AI-generated analysis on the distinctions between customer education, enablement, and digital CS. The episode challenges listeners to rethink how teams are grouped, what outcomes they’re responsible for, and how the industry can move forward amid rapid technological and organizational change. Highlights: Want to join the conversation? Jump into the the conversation that kicked this off on LinkedIn or join us in our Community platform to share your org structures and experiences!

In this episode of CELab, Eric Mistry joins us for a deep conversation into the evolving landscape of customer education, exploring how AI and automation are reshaping the field. We discuss the critical need for breaking down organizational silos and fostering a true community of practice, where educators, customer success professionals, and marketers collaborate to drive better outcomes for learners and organizations alike. Eric shares his journey stepping into the role of Customer Education Manager at Smartcat and taking the reins of the influential Customer Education Bi-Weekly Newsletter. Together, Dave and Eric unpack the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological change, the importance of data, and the power of community-driven knowledge sharing. Whether you’re a practitioner, leader, or just curious about the future of customer education, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. What's in the episode? If you haven't already become a subscriber, make sure you sign up today!

In this episode of CELab, co-host Adam Avramescu and special guest star Beaker Tincher from Personio sit down with Andrew Matsiavin, co-founder of Parta.io, to share the story of how their partnership transformed their approach to Customer Education. We dive deep into the challenges of legacy e-learning tools, the need for branded and differentiated learning experiences, and how Parta’s collaborative platform enabled Personio to achieve a 50% efficiency gain in course creation. These days emerging platforms like Parta embrace partnership, innovation, and the drive to create engaging, scalable content for global audiences. Listeners will hear firsthand how Personio’s team overcame localization hurdles, streamlined collaboration with subject matter experts, and integrated AI and automation to future-proof their learning programs. The episode also explores the broader impact of treating vendors as true partners, resulting in solutions that benefit not just one company, but the entire Customer Education community. Whether you’re a learning leader, Instructional Designer, or EdTech enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Want to learn more? Check them out by following this link: https://parta.io/celab

What does it take to build a world-class customer education program in today’s fast-paced, global SaaS landscape? In this episode, Dave Derington sits down with Randon Ruggles, Director of Customer Education at Jamf, to unpack the journey from classroom teacher to industry leader. Randon shares how his team scaled from a handful of educators to a global force, leveraging modular content, short-form video, and agile operations to drive customer success and retention. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Randon and his team's innovative approach to content creation, localization, and data-driven decision-making. From the power of “Jamf Shorts” to the operational backbone of Atlassian tools, Randon and Dave explore the real-world challenges and solutions that make customer education a strategic differentiator. Whether you’re a team of one or leading a global org, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. In this episode we cover:

In this electrifying episode of CELab, Adam and Dave take the opportunity to share insights and learnings from Gainsight Pulse 2025, unpacking the transformative landscape of customer education and digital success. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Dave reveals how leading organizations are reimagining customer learning in an era of AI, scaled digital experiences, and integrated customer success strategies. Join Adam Avramescu and Dave Derington as they dissect the conference's key moments, exploring the critical intersection of community, education, and technology. From Gainsight's strategic acquisitions to the challenges of creating meaningful digital learning experiences, this episode offers a roadmap for customer education professionals navigating the complex world of modern customer success. Key Topics: Skilljar

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Davis from Cloudshare to explore the transformative world of virtual labs in customer education. Discover how cutting-edge technology is reshaping training approaches, making learning more accessible, efficient, and engaging than ever before. The conversation delves into the evolution of training methods, the impact of virtual environments, and how organizations can leverage these tools to dramatically improve customer onboarding and skill development. Key Discussion Topics: Check out Cloudshare today at http://cloudshare.com/lp/celab!

In the latest Customer Education Laboratories podcast, we sit down with Alex Levin, CEO of regal.ai, to unpack the mind-blowing future of customer interactions. We're not just talking about chatbots - we're exploring a world where AI agents handle 90% of customer support with unprecedented empathy and efficiency! For those of us in the Customer Success and Customer Education space, this leads to some interesting topics, and we can't help but wonder how AI will impact all aspects of our organization. Some key highlights: The future of AI in business is constantly changing, and this conversation unlocks a lot of interesting and relevant topics. While Regal. ai is focused on Support - this is a massively important component to learning. Check it out today!