Podcast Summary “The Expanding L&D Ecosystem Through EdTech, AI, and Social Learning with Chris Johnson of Toyota North America”
Chris Johnson’s journey into learning and development didn’t start in a corporate setting, it began with a love of people and a surprising inspiration: the movie Copycat. A psychological thriller featuring Sigourney Weaver and Harry Connick Jr. sparked his fascination with human behavior and led him to pursue a degree in psychology at Texas Tech University. That curiosity ultimately translated into a career that started in elementary education and transitioned into L&D, where he now serves as Manager of Learning and Development at Toyota.
At Toyota, Chris manages enterprise-wide learning initiatives including executive development and both new hire and executive onboarding. Working with a lean but impactful team, his focus is on creating learning experiences that connect across the organization’s vast ecosystem.
Big Shifts in the L&D Landscape
Over the eight-plus years Chris has been with Toyota, he’s seen some major shifts in the L&D space. First among them is microlearning, which continues to be a dominant force in how learners consume content, thanks in large part to the influence of platforms like TikTok and YouTube. He emphasizes that while the format may change, the principles of good instructional design must remain intact.
Chris also points to the evolution of the learning ecosystem, a broader and more integrated mix of social learning, EdTech platforms, and internal systems that now must “play nicely” together. A critical force driving that evolution? Artificial Intelligence. Chris believes AI is already reshaping the field and will be central to how L&D operates over the next decade.
But with all of these advancements comes a new challenge: learning anxiety. With so much content and so many platforms, learners can become overwhelmed, distracted, and even burned out. Chris notes this is something leaders need to anticipate and proactively address as learning options continue to grow.
Looking Ahead: The Future of L&D
When asked to predict what L&D will look like in 5 to 10 years, Chris paints a picture of increased AI integration, more refined educational technology, and a greater focus on upskilling and adaptability. He believes internal enterprise systems will continue to evolve with privacy and security in mind, which may limit adoption of some external tools but will push innovation within corporate environments.
And again, he brings up learning anxiety as a key theme, highlighting the need for intentional design and curation in learning ecosystems to avoid overwhelming learners with “too much of a good thing.”
Talent Gaps: ID Fundamentals and Facilitation
Chris also shared his insights on where he’s seeing talent shortages in the L&D field. First: a lack of foundational instructional design skills. He frequently sees candidates who equate building PowerPoint decks with instructional design but lack a strong grasp of adult learning theory and learning behaviors.
Second: a shortage of skilled facilitators. As organizations return to more in-person learning and classroom-based experiences, the ability to command a room, pivot seamlessly, and foster engagement is becoming a lost art. And while teaching experience is helpful, Chris makes a clear distinction between teaching and facilitation, two overlapping but distinct skill sets.
Go-To Resources and Must-Read Books
When it comes to keeping his knowledge fresh, Chris turns to familiar staples like ATD, Training Magazine, and LinkedIn, but also relies on platforms like Instagram for micro-insights and inspiration. His team uses i4cp for HR and business insights, and he’s a strong advocate for getting out into your local professional network to benchmark ideas and recharge.
As for books? Chris is an avid listener and reader. His current favorite is Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg, which he says is essential for anyone in L&D leadership. He also recommends:
- Good Power by Ginni Rometty (Former CEO of IBM)
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which explores the impact of screen-based culture on younger generations entering the workforce
Final Thoughts
Chris wrapped up the conversation with a call to action for L&D professionals: surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Whether it’s online, through events, or local meetups, staying connected helps recharge your passion and expand your perspective.
Chris’s journey, from fascinated psychology student to influential L&D leader at Toyota, reminds us that our field is as much about curiosity, adaptability, and human connection as it is about tools and content. And in a time of rapid change, those values matter more than ever.
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