Скачать или смотреть Ep 53: Staying Ahead of the Curve: How to Upskill with AI and Emerging Tech

In this episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast, host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes Mel Milloway—servant leader, learning experience designer, and Co-Founder of This Side Up—to talk about how learning professionals and leaders can navigate rapid change through intentional upskilling.

They discuss:
• How to evaluate and adopt new learning tech
• Why experimentation beats perfection
• The shifting role of L&D teams in an AI-powered world
• Ways to humanize learning even as tech evolves

If you’re in HR, L&D, or thinking about your next skill leap, this episode is for you.

⸻

🎙 Guest Bio:
Mel Milloway is a lifelong learner, dog mom, and 3D-printing enthusiast with 14+ years of experience in learning design. She’s worked at Amazon and Miro, leads teams with a servant mindset, and brings innovation to every level of L&D. Check out her newsletter This Side Up on LinkedIn for insights on digital learning practices.

🌐 More from Mel:
https://melmilloway.github.io/about
  / melmilloway  

⸻

📢 Please share this episode if it resonates—or if you know someone who’s exploring how to grow and lead in an AI-powered world. Your shares help amplify thoughtful conversations that go below the surface.

⸻

🔗 Stay Connected:
Change Coaches: https://www.changecoaches.io
Change Coaches on LinkedIn:   / change-coaches  
LaTonya Wilkins on LinkedIn:   / latonyawilkins  
Leading Below the Surface: https://www.leadingbelowthesurface.com

⸻

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to the episode
• LaTonya introduces guest Mel Milloway
• Episode focus: Upskilling, AI, and future-forward learning tech

[01:18] Mel shares her journey into learning experience design
• From accounting to L&D to learning product innovation
• How Mel carved a unique career path through experimentation

[04:42] What’s changing in L&D and why experimentation is key
• The evolution of learning roles in the age of digital transformation
• Why trying new things is no longer optional for L&D pros

[09:05] How Mel approaches new tools and AI in learning
• Tips for vetting and testing emerging technologies
• How to evaluate usefulness vs. hype

[14:33] Advice for L&D professionals on keeping up with trends
• Why building and sharing in public is a growth strategy
• The importance of curiosity and continuous self-education

[18:26] The role of curiosity and play in professional growth
• Mel talks about creative side projects like 3D printing
• Play as a powerful driver of innovation and learning

[22:17] Reimagining learning strategy in fast-moving companies
• How to shift from rigid frameworks to adaptable strategies
• Ways to make L&D more responsive to real-time needs

[27:51] Balancing performance, experimentation, and well-being
• Why burnout-proofing your L&D strategy matters
• Human-centered leadership and employee development

[32:30] Mel’s thoughts on what’s next for learning professionals
• Skills that will matter most in the future of work
• The rise of learning technologists and data-savvy designers

[37:40] Wrap-up and where to find Mel’s work
• Highlights from Mel’s newsletter This Side Up
• Links to Mel’s LinkedIn and GitHub learning resources