n this episode of the Learning Leader Spotlight podcast, Tim Kinsey, Director of Curriculum Development and Creative Learning Media at Cox Communications, shares his perspective on leading innovative training solutions at scale. With a focus on skills-based development, blended learning models, and the rising role of artificial intelligence, Tim unpacks how today’s L&D leaders can stay ahead of the curve by cultivating curiosity, embracing change, and aligning training strategy with business outcomes.

Leading Through Innovation

Tim leads a high-performing team of instructional designers, creative media professionals, and learning strategists who support critical initiatives across Cox Communications, Cox Automotive, and Cox Enterprises. From compliance training to product rollouts, his group drives learning experiences that are immersive, agile, and business-aligned. By embedding instructional design principles and storytelling into each deliverable, Tim ensures that training supports both employee performance and organizational success.

From Creative Curiosity to L&D Leadership

Tim’s journey into learning and development stems from a unique combination of creative instinct and analytical thinking. Over his career in insurance and telecommunications, he discovered that L&D allowed him to fully engage both sides of his skill set—designing engaging content while measuring its real-world impact. Today, that passion translates into building learning ecosystems where curiosity and innovation are central to success.

Shifting Paradigms in L&D

Tim identifies two major shifts that have reshaped the learning space:

Blended Learning: The pandemic accelerated the move from instructor-led training to virtual and on-demand formats. But as in-person learning regains traction, Tim emphasizes the power of a blended learning approach—combining virtual convenience with the connection of face-to-face interactions to maximize engagement and retention.

Intentional Collaboration: The shift to remote and hybrid work has sparked a more purposeful approach to team interaction. Whether designing for call centers or cross-functional teams, Tim encourages L&D leaders to create experiences that foster collaboration, even outside the physical office.

The Next Chapter in L&D

Tim believes artificial intelligence (AI) will become a vital tool for improving training efficiency—but only when paired with strong learning strategy and human insight. He also highlights the growing emphasis on skills-based learning, where companies build role-specific skills catalogs to support career growth and business agility. This shift positions L&D not just as a support function, but as a driver of long-term talent development.