We often think of Learning & Development as a function of process—building structured programs, scaling knowledge, and driving career growth. But what if we approached it as a fundamentally human experience? In my latest conversation on The Intelligence Amplifiers Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Blake Payton, M.Ed., Global Head of L&D at Dialpad, who brings a refreshingly different perspective to corporate learning. With a background in anthropology, Blake sees L&D not as a system to optimize, but as a cultural force that shapes belonging, growth, and collaboration. One of the most interesting insights Blake shared was how humans are reductive learners—we tend to push the limits of a new tool (like AI in L&D) until we find its weaknesses, only then integrating it in a way that actually works. The same can be said about workplace learning itself. Too often, we rely on outdated, rigid structures (like traditional LMSs) that were built for content distribution rather than engagement, discussion, and real connection. Blake challenges us to design learning in a way that feels natural—where knowledge-sharing happens through relationships, where employees have autonomy over their growth, and where AI is used to enhance, not replace, human connection. Blake, thank you for your candor, insights, and vulnerability in this conversation. It’s not often we hear an L&D leader speak about breaking free from outdated models and rethinking how we truly support learning at work. If you care about the future of L&D, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gdSKHhZu
🎙️ L&D through the lens of Anthropology with Blake Payton, M.Ed. AI is the latest tool in our learning arsenal—but are we using it the right way? According to Blake Payton, Global Head of L&D at Dialpad, history tells us that we probably aren’t. Humans are reductive learners. We tend to misuse new tools at first—pushing them to their limits before we finally understand their true value. AI is no different. 🔍 We’re already seeing AI misapplied in corporate learning. It’s being used to replace human-led learning instead of enhancing it. It’s automating content, but missing the nuance of human connection. It’s simplifying knowledge delivery, but real learning is complex, interactive, and social. Blake draws from anthropology to reframe the way we think about L&D: ✅ Learning is deeply human—it thrives on community, culture, and shared stories. ✅ AI should augment learning, not reduce it to an impersonal, automated experience. ✅ L&D should help evoke knowledge, not just push content. Technology has the power to revolutionize learning—but only if we use it wisely. 🎧 Hear the full conversation on The Intelligence Amplifiers: https://lnkd.in/g6EzySfQ
