ATD NYC Unlocked

In this inspiring conversation, JD Valladares Williams talks with Lee Kim about the intersection of design, empathy, and learning. Lee reveals how she uses gamification not just to teach, but to connect people through shared experiences—where every learner becomes a co-creator. Together, they unpack how care, curiosity, and courage can transform corporate learning into a soulful, human-centered journey. ATD Microconference Dec 1-4, 2025 - Learn more and register here.

What if the most effective training at work didn’t involve a single PowerPoint slide? Today, we’re digging into how play and gamification are changing workplace learning through something far more powerful than technology: human connection. Stay with us to find out why the best learning happens when we throw out the rulebook.

What if small, timely prompts could transform how we learn and lead? In this episode of ATD NYC Unlocked, I speak with Jake Tenenbaum, Principal Digital Strategy Consultant at Adobe, about the rise of nudgetech—AI-driven nudges delivered through tools like Slack, Teams, and email. Grounded in nudge theory, we explore how nudges shape real-time coaching, engagement, and collaboration. Jake shares insights on balancing autonomy, avoiding pitfalls, and sparking behavior change. Whether you’re a talent leader or professional, this episode offers practical takeaways for the future of workplace learning.

Can a small nudge change the way we work? In this season opener, JD and Jake Tenenbaum (Adobe) dive into nudgetech—AI-powered prompts that drive smarter collaboration, learning, and leadership. Discover how behavioral science meets workplace tech, the do’s and don’ts of nudging, and why this emerging trend is shaping the future of talent development.

That's a wrap on ATD NYC Unlocked Season 2! From all of us at ATD NYC, thank you for tuning in, and we wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season! Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya/ Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos/ Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of Association for Talent and Development.

“Your network is your net worth.” - Jessica Nguyen Do you have a budding entrepreneur in you? Have you always thought about starting your own consulting business but not sure how? In today’s episode, Jessica Nguyen, founder of Feed Learning, shares her insights on setting up her own Talent and Development consulting firm. From tips on how to handle rejection to how to grow your business, this conversation is loaded with anecdotes and examples from Jess’s life. She talks about her challenges, how she handles them and how she continues to learn from her experiences. You don't want to miss this very engaging and personal episode. Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyenjesse Website: https://www.feedlearning.com Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of Association for Talent and Development.

Get ready to explore a game changing tool designed to help you create more effective learning experiences. In this episode, we’ll introduce you to the Learning Experience Canvas, a dynamic tool created by Niels Floor designed to bolster your training design and decision processes. So tune in to hear more about this insightful resource shared by ATD NYC Former President Jenny Eng. Additional Resources: Download the tool at LXCanvas.com To learn more, visit LXD.org Jenny Eng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyeng Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

“The reality that I've at least seen is that leaders do not prioritize team development in this way…it's usually when there's dysfunction when there's smoke, when there's an actual dumpster fire of a team dynamic that leaders will pull people in for this type of intervention.” -Ian Saville Have you ever experienced the frustration of working on a dysfunctional team? How do you move from dysfunction to a collaborative, adaptable, high performing team? In this episode we talk with Ian Saville, a team development expert, coach, L&D leader, and co-founder of the collabic, about different interventions to help teams transform ‘unconscious bad behaviors’ to effective, leadership behaviors. Tune in to learn more about what it takes to build a thriving team. Additional Resources: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest: ian@thecollabic.com Visit https://www.thecollabic.com and find time with Ian or one of his partners by selecting the Get in Touch section Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ***Join us for the ATD NYC 2nd Annual Micro-Conference, December 2-5, 2024! Get expert insights, enjoy interactive sessions, and choose from flexible virtual or in-person options.*** ***Limited spots are available! Visit our website at https://atdnyc.org/2024microconference for more details and to secure your ticket today.***

When you’re conducting a virtual training, creating a sense of community is critical. Tune in to learn how a simple icebreaker technique using emojis can lead to increased connection and engagement! Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development.

“...know that leadership is not made with a cookie cutter, you can still be your own person, and grow into the type of leader that you want to be or aspire to be…” -Nora Sacchi Imagine having a proven blueprint to develop the next generation of strong, capable leaders in your organization. In this episode we feature Nora Sacchi, organizational development consultant and training specialist, who co-developed a comprehensive 6 month leadership development program designed to empower high-potential individuals with the skills and competencies critical for leadership success. Nora shares the key components of the program along with valuable insights on identifying program goals, thinking through eligibility criteria, developing a curriculum, and measuring effectiveness. Nora also covers what happens when they encountered unexpected challenges. Join us for an episode full of information to help you develop a strong leadership pipeline in your company. Here’s how you can connect with Nora: linkedin.com/in/nora-sacchi-850a8156 Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha Peller: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

In today's episode of the ATD NYC Unlocked Podcast, Unlocked Insights we explore how mindfulness can transform your coaching sessions. Learn techniques to help you and your clients stay present, foster deeper self-awareness, and create a more thoughtful and impactful coaching environment. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to incorporate it more fully into your practice, this episode will offer practical insights to enhance your coaching effectiveness. Guest Host and Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos, will help you discover how mindfulness can unlock powerful growth in your sessions. Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development.

“I think people tend to look around their workplace and make an assumption that disability isn't all that present in their environments. And that's just not true.” -Zoë Troxell-Whitman One in four people you meet could have a disability that impacts their daily lives. Does that surprise you? In this episode, we explore the realities of disability in the workplace with disability advocate, consultant, and Columbia University doctoral student Zoë Troxell-Whitman. Zoë discusses the complexities of disability inclusion in the workplace by clearly defining what disability actually means, explaining how universal design principles can help create a more inclusive environment and covering the benefits organizations can gain from fostering accessibility. Tune in for an insightful exploration of disability in the workplace. Additional Resources: Job Accommodations Network: https://askjan.org/ Click here for a list of Universal Design Resources provided by the U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employment-supports/universal-design/resources Here’s how you can connect with Zoë: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-troxell-whitman Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha Peller: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development.

In this episode of the ATD NYC Unlocked Podcast, Unlocked Insights Guest Host and Assistant Audio Engineer, Irini Gaglos, joins us to share some powerful productivity techniques to help keep you motivated throughout your workday. From time management strategies to staying focused on tasks, Irini’s insights will give you the tools to maintain energy and momentum no matter how busy your schedule gets. Tune in to learn how to optimize your day and stay productive! Additional Resources: Book referenced in episode: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator, Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

“At the end of the day, if you have a CEO that's not modeling accountability and transparency, and is not placing an emphasis on learning from mistakes…then there's almost nothing a genius L&D person can do.” - Megan Rees Most of us have heard horror stories of toxic workplace environments. Whether it is a first-or second-hand experience, we know that such situations leave a lasting impression on a person. In today’s episode, we have Megan Rees, a coach and therapist who emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. She believes in creating an environment where individuals are not afraid to fail, take creative risks, & voice concerns. She shares her insights on leadership and inclusion, dealing with job loss, handling toxic workplaces and L&D's role in creating an inclusive environment. Join us to explore the topic of psychological safety in this episode. Here’s how you can connect with Megan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meganlrees Instagram: @work_shrink Website: https://meganlrees.com Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha Peller: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit https://atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

In this week’s episode of the ATD NYC Unlocked Podcast Unlocked Insights, co-host Samantha Peller shares one of her favorite tips for creating effective training: using real-world scenarios and case studies. Learn how this approach helps learners connect theory to practice, develop critical thinking, and solve problems they might encounter on the job. Samantha also discusses the importance of working with subject matter experts to ensure scenarios reflect real-life situations. Join us for practical advice to make your training more engaging and impactful. Here’s where to find your hosts: Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya/ Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos/ If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

“So if you help employees be more inspired in the workplace, you can actually help them enhance their workplace performance and their well-being at the same time…” - Allison Holzer How do you define inspiration? What does it mean to you? In today’s episode, Allison Holzer helps us explore these questions, providing insight on this multifaceted concept. As a co-founder and principal consultant of InspireCorps, an inspiration based people strategy firm, Allison (and her colleagues) have conducted extensive research, talking to hundreds of people to gain a better understanding of how inspiration is experienced. During our conversation, Allison addresses the relationship between inspiration and burnout, explains three effective pathways to spark inspiration, and debunks the idea that inspiration is only for the “chosen few”. Tune in for an engaging and dare we say…inspiring episode that will encourage you to consider the role inspiration plays in your life. Additional Resources: Dare to Inspire TEDx talk Here’s how you can connect with Allison: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaholzer/ Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha Peller: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya/ Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos/ If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

Get ready to dive back into the world of talent development with the highly anticipated Season 2 of the ATD NYC Unlocked podcast! After a long hiatus, we’re thrilled to bring you fresh content, inspiring guests, and a whole new vibe that will keep you engaged and motivated. This season, we’ll explore key topics like launching your own training consulting business, creating psychologically safe work environments, building disability-inclusive workplaces, and more. We’re also excited to welcome new team members, Irini Gaglos as a guest host and assistant audio engineer, and Tanaya Pandeya, who has been instrumental behind the scenes with administrative and marketing support. Marina and I will take turns interviewing fascinating guests, and we’ll continue to bring back our fan-favorite trivia segments and Unlocked Insights episodes filled with practical tips and tricks for your career. Join us for our first official episode airing on Tuesday, October 1, featuring special guest Allison Holzer, cofounder of InspireCorps. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow the ATD NYC Unlocked podcast on your favorite platform, so you never miss an episode when they launch every Tuesday morning. Get ready to stay inspired, stay motivated, and keep unlocking your potential in the field of Talent and Development! Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina Field: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha Peller: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller Here's where to find our Administrative/Marketing Coordinator: Tanaya Pandeya: linkedin.com/in/tanayapandeya/ Here where to find our Guest Host/Assistant Audio Engineer: Irini Gaglos: linkedin.com/in/irinigaglos/ If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

That's a wrap on ATD NYC Unlocked Season 1! We're taking a short break for the holidays. We will back in 2024 with Season 2 and more engaging episodes! Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.

“They [companies] think they do a lot of learning…but they don’t really encourage that learning environment that people are looking for.” - Greg Simpson Get ready for our first ever roundtable discussion where we dive deep into identifying the factors that make learning environments effective. In today’s episode we are joined by three of our esteemed colleagues from the ATD NYC chapter: James Wolfe (2023 VP of Marketing), Maggie Nelson (2023 VP of Membership), Greg Simpson (Former ATD NYC President and Advisor to the Board). Together, our roundtable members draw on their knowledge and real-life experiences to identify numerous factors that can contribute to rich and transformative learning experiences. But that’s not all – in the spirit of competition, our roundtable guests test their knowledge by engaging in a lively trivia showdown. As the episode wraps up, each member of the roundtable leaves you with a valuable takeaway to elevate your learning journey. Join us for an episode packed with insights and a dash of friendly competition. Additional Resources: Designing for Modern Learning: Beyond Addie and Sam by Crystal Kadakia & Lisa Owens Top 5 trends in talent development to cultivate a learning environment by MHS Assessments Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guests: Maggie Nelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magnels/ Greg Simpson: linkedin.com/in/gregoryfsimpson James Wolfe: linkedin.com/in/jameswolfeii Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association of Talent and Development.

“...the stories that we tell ourselves can…impact how we perform, how we act, how we walk through the world.” Have you ever felt the weight of negative self-talk interfering with your professional or personal life? In this episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Karen Bagley, who discusses the importance of figuring out whether the stories we construct in our minds accurately mirror our reality. Through specific examples, Karen sheds light on how these narratives can sometimes be far from the truth, and she emphasizes the potential negative impact they may have. Karen also equips us with a powerful framework to navigate and reframe when we find ourselves trapped in a pattern of negative self-talk. During the discussion she also touches on how to manage learners who find themselves stuck and gives advice on how to use the framework to guide them out of that mindset. Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive roadmap that promises a deeper understanding, transformation, and mastery of how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. Here’s how you can connect with this week’s guest: Website: https://www.momentumpsychperformance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumpsychperformance/ You can also check out her book Becoming a Better Storyteller at Barnes & Noble and Amazon Here’s where to find your hosts: Marina: linkedin.com/in/marinafield Samantha: linkedin.com/in/samantha-peller If you have a talent development tip you would like to share we’d love to hear it. Please send us an email at info@atdnyc.org with the subject line UNLOCKED. Visit atdnyc.org for more info on the NYC chapter of the Association for Talent and Development.