Podcast Summary: Embracing Change & Curiosity
in L&D Careers with Joe Leslie of Golin
Joe Leslie didn’t start his career with a goal of becoming a leader in AI-powered learning and development. But sometimes the most exciting paths are the ones you don’t plan. In this episode of Learning Leader Spotlight, Joe—now the Head of Global Learning and Development AI at Golin—shares his story, his insights on AI’s transformative role in L&D, and why being adaptable matters more than ever.
From Humanities to Human Learning
Joe kicked off his career with a master’s in politics and international relations and expected to land in public service. His first role out of university was with the local government in the UK’s education department, an experience that left him questioning the effectiveness of traditional education. Why, he wondered, aren’t we teaching financial literacy or practical life skills?
With both parents as teachers, perhaps it’s no surprise he drifted toward education. But what pulled him fully into corporate L&D was the opportunity to actually shape what people learn and how. “In corporate learning, you have more autonomy,” Joe says. “You can decide what to teach and how to teach it—that was very appealing.”
From Learning to Leading AI
Joe’s transition into AI wasn’t something he mapped out, but more of a wave he rode as it crested. Back in 2018, while working at Publicis Groupe, Joe got involved in the company’s early AI initiatives, and he’s been hooked ever since. That experience uniquely positioned him for his current role at Golin, a leading PR agency aiming to become the first fully artificial intelligence-integrated agency by 2026.
At Golin, Joe isn’t just dabbling in AI, he’s helping shape the future of work. He’s quick to remind us that AI is more than a tool for productivity. It’s a partner. “Instead of thinking about AI, think about IA—Intelligence Augmentation,” he explains. “Humans bring judgment, empathy, and creativity. AI brings speed, scale, and memory. Together, we can do something remarkable.”
Where L&D Is Headed
When asked about what the next five to ten years will look like for L&D, Joe doesn’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but he’s got a vision.
He believes we’re moving away from traditional learning models (think workshops and smile-sheet evaluations) and toward performance engineering, a more outcomes-driven, behavior-focused approach. Joe points to the classic Kirkpatrick model and notes that most L&D still hangs out in Level 1 (reaction) or Level 2 (knowledge). The real value, he argues, comes in Levels 3 and 4: behavior change and results.
A big part of that shift is personalized learning. Drawing on research by education pioneer Benjamin Bloom, Joe reminds us that one-on-one tutoring can move a learner from the 50th percentile to the 98th. “The problem has always been scale,” Joe says. “But now, with AI, we can finally make personalized tutoring scalable.”
What Makes a Great Learning Leader Today?
It’s not technical skills, Joe says. It’s human ones.
Adaptability and curiosity top his list of most critical skills for L&D professionals. AI is advancing rapidly, and while it’s easy to get overwhelmed, the key is to view it through a lens of opportunity, not fear. “You need an abundance mindset, not a scarcity one,” Joe says.
To make his point, Joe recalls the rise of Excel in the 1980s. People feared it would make CPAs obsolete. It didn’t, It just changed the nature of their work. “AI won’t take your job,” Joe explains. “But someone using AI might.”
Mentors and Moments That Shaped His Path
Joe credits much of his growth to key mentors, including former colleagues from his time at Publicis, like Carol Cinco, who managed him for years and gave him space to grow.
He also shares a unique experience working for a financial trading firm, where his direct manager was the company’s founder. That close proximity to the business outcomes of training gave Joe a rare front-row seat to L&D’s real-world impact, a perspective that still shapes his approach today.
Staying Current in an AI World
To keep up with the rapidly shifting AI landscape, Joe recommends podcasts (especially The AI Show with Paul Roetzer), attending conferences, and following thought leaders on LinkedIn. He also dropped two book recommendations:
- Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick – A smart, accessible breakdown of how AI is changing the world and how we can work with it.
- How People Learn by Nick Shackleton-Jones – A classic in the L&D world that emphasizes user-centered design and challenges traditional education norms.
Final Thoughts
Joe Leslie’s journey is a perfect example of where L&D is headed: blending deep human understanding with emerging technology. He’s not just leading AI initiatives, he’s advocating for a new mindset in learning, one that’s flexible, forward-looking, and unapologetically human.
As Joe puts it, “AI is our co-pilot. We’re still flying the plane.”
You can listen to Joe Leslie’s podcast here
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