073: Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences with Annette Levesque
From Forward Thinking Experts by Sher Downing, PhD
May 25, 2026 · 36 min · Season 3 · Episode 73
About this episode
This episode discusses how to create meaningful learning experiences that enhance retention and engagement in organizations.
Welcome back! In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Forward Thinking host Sher Downing reconnects with Annette Levesque to explore one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today: how to move beyond superficial training and create learning experiences that truly stick. From workplace onboarding and AI-powered learning tools to employee engagement, retention, and organizational change, this episode dives deep into why traditional “check-the-box” learning often fails—and what leaders can do differently. Whether you're in education, corporate training, HR, leadership, or EdTech, this conversation offers practical strategies for building a real learning culture that improves retention, performance, and innovation. Check-the-box training doesn’t create lasting learning — memorization without application leads to poor retention and disengagement Relevancy is everything — adult learners need to understand why the training matters to their work and growth Experiential learning drives retention — real-world scenarios, problem-solving, and active participation create meaningful learning experiences Microlearning works — smaller, ongoing learning moments are more effective than…
People in this episode
Host: Sher Downing
Guest: Annette Levesque
Topics covered
- learning experiences
- employee engagement
- organizational change
- training effectiveness
- AI in education
- microlearning
Keywords
- training
- learning culture
- retention
- performance
- innovation
- experiential learning
- adult learners
More episodes of Forward Thinking Experts
- 072: Embracing Technology with a Human-Centered Approach: Insights from Evan J. Schwartz · April 27, 2026 · 53 min
- 071: Building Authentic Connections: The Vision Behind Gildre for Founders and Startups · March 30, 2026 · 54 min
- 070: AI in Action: Transforming K–12 Student Support with Andrew Lawrence, PhD · February 23, 2026 · 39 min
- 069: The Art of Sales Leadership with Nicholas Loise · January 26, 2026 · 44 min
- 068: Finding Stability - Real Estate Investing When Everything Feels Uncertain with Nic DeAngelo · November 24, 2025 · 44 min
- 067: Entrepreneurial Insights with Jeanne Omlor · October 27, 2025 · 44 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Forward Thinking Experts podcast page.