Podcast Summary: Learning Leader Spotlight with John Jordan
In this episode of the Learning Leader Spotlight podcast, John Jordan, Learning and Development Manager at Sendero Consulting, joins us for an insightful conversation about his path into L&D, the evolving demands of today’s workforce, and how human-centered design and leadership coaching are transforming the learning experience. With a focus on performance improvement, talent development, and just-in-time learning, John shares how today’s L&D leaders can build more agile, learner-centric solutions that truly drive business results.
From Learner to Leader
John’s L&D journey began during graduate school, where he discovered a passion for teaching, coaching, and intellectual exploration. His career path moved fluidly from academia to consulting, and eventually into L&D leadership—where he blends his experiences as a teacher, consultant, and lifelong learner to empower others on their learning journeys.
Guiding with purpose
Today, John leads a team of learning professionals at Sendero Consulting, focused on helping consultants unlock their potential. His work centers on supporting professional development in environments marked by ambiguity and constant change. Drawing on global experience, John emphasizes the importance of building both technical capabilities and soft skills—specifically emotional intelligence, leadership development, and adaptability—to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.
Shifting the paradigms in L&D
John highlights two pivotal trends driving innovation in L&D: the rise of human-centered design and the evolution of leadership coaching.
Human-centered design
This approach uses empathy and agile learning techniques to deliver personalized experiences like microlearning. John explains that human-centered design focuses on the learner’s real-world needs and motivations—using tools like empathy mapping and active listening to inform relevant, engaging solutions. The result is more flexible, iterative learning that meets people where they are, often through short, digestible content.
Leadership coaching
Leadership coaching is evolving from directive advice to learner-driven discovery and growth. John emphasizes that effective coaching isn’t about providing the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and guiding individuals to reach their own conclusions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of L&D
John believes the future of learning lies beyond formal education. Instead, he envisions on-the-job training, flexible delivery, and bite-sized learning supported by digital tools. To stay relevant, L&D must deliver just-in-time learning, incorporate social learning, and align content with the needs of a fast-changing workforce.
Creative Vision for Impact
With additional resources, John would build immersive, scenario-based learning experiences using professional actors and realistic client challenges, delivered directly at the point of need. This vision supports training in the flow of work, enabling high-impact learning that’s timely, relevant, and actionable.
Tackling Today’s Challenges
A major challenge John faces is keeping experienced managers engaged in their own development. His solution includes cultivating peer-based learning communities, emphasizing reflection, and encouraging hands-on experimentation. His philosophy? The most effective learning is deeply human, rooted in collaboration, connection, and continuous growth.
Trusted Resources
John draws insights from Gallup, McKinsey, and thought leaders like Adam Grant, blending academic research with learning strategy. His commitment to growth is driven by a desire to elevate performance, share best practices, and lead through example.
Must-Read for L&D Leaders
The Trusted Learning Advisor by Dr. Keith Keating is John’s top recommendation for aspiring L&D leaders. It offers a strategic roadmap for becoming a trusted business partner and delivering measurable, performance-aligned results.
Listen to John’s podcast here
Ready to design learning that makes an impact?
Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation with John Jordan as he shares practical insights on leading with empathy, developing talent in fast-changing environments, and delivering learning that drives real performance.
Trends in Learning & Development:
Insights from Learning Leaders
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