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Instructional DesignVideosThe Ultimate Guide to Soft Skills Training in 2026
September 7, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Soft Skills Training in 2026

Picture an L&D manager at a mid-size company who rolls out a company-wide communication training. Employees log in, click through the slides, pass the quiz at 80%, and receive their…
Richard Fleming
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Man laying on bed surrounded by multiple devices and technology.Case StudyCreative ProcessInstructional DesignTools & ResourcesTypes of Training Videos and How to Best Use Them
January 31, 2023

Types of Training Videos and How to Best Use Them

Training videos have been around for a long time. And while they can offer flexible and convenient ways for employees to learn at their own pace, many learning designers and…
Richard Fleming
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Universal Design for Learning ThumbnailInstructional DesignHow Universal Design Can Improve Learner Diversity & Confidence – Sage Advice: Episode 55
November 3, 2021

How Universal Design Can Improve Learner Diversity & Confidence – Sage Advice: Episode 55

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was born out of the need for accessibility, but it also has massive implications for dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion barriers within learning and…
Richard Fleming
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The CLICS FrameworkInstructional DesignTools & ResourcesVideosImprove Instructional Design Through The CLICS Framework – Sage Advice: Episode 54
October 20, 2021

Improve Instructional Design Through The CLICS Framework – Sage Advice: Episode 54

How can you quickly test to see if you're training program will appeal to learners in ways that best serve their ability to RECALL and APPLY their knowledge? By leveraging #neuroscience and #socialpsychology research…
Richard Fleming
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Dangers of StorytellingInstructional DesignWhat are the downsides to using stories for training and development?
October 6, 2021

What are the downsides to using stories for training and development?

You often hear about the benefits of storytelling to engage learner attention and emotion. Stories have a unique power to grab our attention, and we tend to remember stories longer…
Richard Fleming
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3 Essential Onboarding TipsVideos3 Onboarding Tips for a Successful New Hire – Sage Advice: Episode 53
September 30, 2021

3 Onboarding Tips for a Successful New Hire – Sage Advice: Episode 53

What are some ways you can improve the onboarding experience for new-hires? How can you keep new employees as excited six months in as they were on their first day?…
Richard Fleming
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Colorful laptopCreative ProcessHow to Be More Creative Through Divergent Thinking
September 14, 2021

How to Be More Creative Through Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking is the real measure of genius. In Sir Ken Robinson's famous TED Talk, he presents research showing how powerful divergent thinking truly is. If I ask someone to…
Richard Fleming
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Colorful BeakersVideosEarn Boardroom Buy-in for a Progressive Food Safety Culture
July 25, 2020

Earn Boardroom Buy-in for a Progressive Food Safety Culture

There are innumerable articles, podcasts, and webinars that address the importance of developing a food safety culture, which is great. What I am not finding readily available are any road-maps…
Richard Fleming
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The Change Management DipVideosOvercoming the Dip in Change Management – Sage Advice: Episode 52
November 26, 2019

Overcoming the Dip in Change Management – Sage Advice: Episode 52

With any change management initiative, there's usually a slump, affectionately referred to as "The Dip," in which people revert back to comfortable patterns. This lull in performance is a natural…
Richard Fleming
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Diversity and InclusionVideosDimensions of Diversity and Inclusion – Sage Advice: Episode 51
September 17, 2019

Dimensions of Diversity and Inclusion – Sage Advice: Episode 51

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is rife with its own buzzwords, and this can have a negative impact on the intended outcome. One way to ensure success in your D&I initiatives,…
Richard Fleming
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The ROI of Psychological SafetyVideosThe ROI of Psychological Safety – Sage Advice: Episode 50
August 12, 2019

The ROI of Psychological Safety – Sage Advice: Episode 50

Amy Edmondson's research paved the way for building effective, high-performing teams by analyzing how people interact in complex social situations. In terms of on-the-job interactions, there are a number of…
Richard Fleming
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5 Stories for LeadersVideos5 Stories Every Leader Must Have – Sage Advice: Episode 49
July 8, 2019

5 Stories Every Leader Must Have – Sage Advice: Episode 49

G. Riley Mills, Co-Founder and COO of Pinnacle Performance Company, met with us at ATD International a few months ago and shared a simple framework of stories that every leader…
Richard Fleming
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Learning AgilityVideosLearning Agility is the Skill of the Future – Sage Advice: Episode 48
June 20, 2019

Learning Agility is the Skill of the Future – Sage Advice: Episode 48

The ability to (and love of) learning should be a crucial criterion when considering a candidate for employment. It not only helps you better understand a prospective new-hire's motivation model…
Richard Fleming
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Tips for Managing Big Data - Drinking From Fire HydrantVideosTips for Managing Big Data – Sage Advice: Episode 47
June 14, 2019

Tips for Managing Big Data – Sage Advice: Episode 47

Companies expend a lot of time, energy, and resources in mining raw information and measurements that ultimately does very little to steer the direction for the future. Check out Heather Xu's quick…
Richard Fleming
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Turning Your Macro-Learning into Micro-LearningVideosTurning Your Macro-Learning into Micro-Learning – Sage Advice: Episode 46
June 3, 2019

Turning Your Macro-Learning into Micro-Learning – Sage Advice: Episode 46

Shannon Tipton from Learning Rebels describes the steps necessary to "convert" macro-learning to micro-learning. It isn't as obvious as you'd think, and the nuances are where most companies get tripped…
Richard Fleming
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Get Outside Your Tech Comfort ZoneVideosGet Outside Your Tech Comfort Zone – Sage Advice: Episode 45
April 23, 2019

Get Outside Your Tech Comfort Zone – Sage Advice: Episode 45

There is so much technology coming out at a pace that is overwhelming to consume. Learning designers that have a process that works well for them have little time to…
Richard Fleming
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Woman Raises Her HandVideosHow to Foster Psychological Safety – Sage Advice: Episode 44
March 28, 2019

How to Foster Psychological Safety – Sage Advice: Episode 44

On an island runway in Tenerife, Captain Jacob Veldhuyzen van Zanten was impatiently waiting for takeoff for his jumper flight to Gran Canaria - one of the other Canary Islands.…
Richard Fleming
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Leveraging Digital Media Within a Learning EcosystemVideosLeveraging Digital Media Within a Learning Ecosystem – Sage Advice: Episode 43
March 1, 2019

Leveraging Digital Media Within a Learning Ecosystem – Sage Advice: Episode 43

Design your digital learning, and its accessibility, based on how your workforce already engages with technology. Features like "infinite scroll" are UX/UI choices on Facebook and LinkedIn for a reason;…
Richard Fleming
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Digital Learning SilosVideosDigital Learning Across Silos – Sage Advice: Episode 42
February 15, 2019

Digital Learning Across Silos – Sage Advice: Episode 42

Silos were built to prevent risk, but that risk may unintentionally target your company's creativity in how it aggregates and spreads information. Don't forfeit knowledge management because you view connectivity…
Richard Fleming
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Design Learning Like It Is A BusinessVideosDesign Learning Like It Is A Business – Sage Advice: Episode 41
December 6, 2018

Design Learning Like It Is A Business – Sage Advice: Episode 41

How do you elevate learning to be a partner to your business? In this episode of Sage Advice, Xerox's Doug Bushee explains how waiting for learning to be perfect can…
Richard Fleming
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Bystander Intervention TrainingVideosHarassment Training Doesn’t Work, So Here’s How We Fixed It
November 21, 2018

Harassment Training Doesn’t Work, So Here’s How We Fixed It

Sexual harassment isn't stopping. In fact, the needle hasn't moved up or down over the years, with EEOC reports showing a steady number of harassment filings each year. Can anything…
Richard Fleming
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Evolve Your Workforce Away from ILTVideosEvolve Your Workforce Away from ILT – Sage Advice: Episode 40
November 20, 2018

Evolve Your Workforce Away from ILT – Sage Advice: Episode 40

We need to evolve with the learning demands of the workforce. While Instructor Led Training (ILT) is beneficial for a lot of tasks, the need for on-demand resources is rapidly…
Richard Fleming
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Digital Transformation with Edge TechnologiesVideosDigital Transformation with Edge Technologies – Sage Advice: Episode 39
October 17, 2018

Digital Transformation with Edge Technologies – Sage Advice: Episode 39

Digital transformation is an increasingly pertinent topic in the learning industry, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding this topic - as well as exactly how to execute this…
Richard Fleming
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Insight SparkVideosHow to Generate Aha! Moments of Insight – Sage Advice: Episode 38
September 5, 2018

How to Generate Aha! Moments of Insight – Sage Advice: Episode 38

Mary Slaughter from the NeuroLeadership Institute joins us at the ATD ICE conference out in sunny San Diego to outline 4 steps that will help you consistently generate insightful discoveries…
Richard Fleming
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Designing Training with the End in MindVideosDesigning Training with the End in Mind – Sage Advice: Episode 37
September 5, 2018

Designing Training with the End in Mind – Sage Advice: Episode 37

 We are HUGE fans of the Kirkpatrick Model here at Sage Media. When we are brought onto any project the first element we want to discuss is Level 3…
Richard Fleming
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Virtual Reality Versus Real LifeVideosVirtual Reality Versus Real Life – Sage Advice: Episode 36
February 21, 2018

Virtual Reality Versus Real Life – Sage Advice: Episode 36

Virtual reality versus real life Zsolt Olah is so enthusiastic about emerging tech within L&D, it's contagious. But the energy isn't always around the next gadget or novel toy. We…
Richard Fleming
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Wasting Money on TrainingVideosHow To Justify the Expense of L&D – Sage Advice: Episode 35
February 21, 2018

How To Justify the Expense of L&D – Sage Advice: Episode 35

How To Justify the Expense of L&D - Nick Howe, CLO from Area9 Learning, tells it like it is and we love it! He hits on two key elements that…
Richard Fleming
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Defining Diversity and InclusionVideosDefining Diversity and Inclusion – Sage Advice: Episode 34
February 10, 2018

Defining Diversity and Inclusion – Sage Advice: Episode 34

Wendy Robison, the Director of Learning for Etsy, talks about the challenges and observations when adopting policies focused on diversity and inclusion. Defining diversity and inclusion although many assume diversity…
Richard Fleming
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Using Game Rules for Instructional DesignVideosUsing Game Rules for Instructional Design – Sage Advice: Episode 33
February 9, 2018

Using Game Rules for Instructional Design – Sage Advice: Episode 33

Michael Allen, esteemed e-Learning guru from Allen Interactions, talked to us about the fundamental components of game design that directly translate into good e-Learning principles. Games are all about practice and…
Richard Fleming
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Using A Kirkpatrick Blended Evaluation PlanVideosUsing A Kirkpatrick Blended Evaluation Plan® Approach
August 23, 2017

Using A Kirkpatrick Blended Evaluation Plan® Approach

“As much as 90% of the population of L&D professionals are using inadequate and traditional evaluation methods that are just not getting the job done,” says Jim Kirkpatrick, Senior Consultant…
Richard Fleming
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Leverage Agile for Efficient CollaborationVideosLeverage Agile for Efficient Collaboration – Sage Advice: Episode 31
July 26, 2017

Leverage Agile for Efficient Collaboration – Sage Advice: Episode 31

Agile development is an iterative process that can involve a multitude of methodologies - including variants and subcategories like SCRUM or Lean Development and more. Although its origin is in tech development,…
Richard Fleming
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WomanVideosCustom VS Off-the-Shelf Training Solutions – Sage Advice: Episode 30
June 14, 2017

Custom VS Off-the-Shelf Training Solutions – Sage Advice: Episode 30

Off-the-shelf solutions for training often come with a variety of apparent perks: they are sometimes cheaper, they are already built, and they can be rolled out almost immediately. However, looking…
Richard Fleming
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Defining Gamification in LearningVideosDefining Gamification in Learning – Sage Media: Episode 29
June 1, 2017

Defining Gamification in Learning – Sage Media: Episode 29

The term “gamification” has skyrocketed in popularity since it was first coined by Nick Pelling in 2002, but many trainers cannot distinguish its meaning from “game-based learning.” Are they the…
Richard Fleming
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Virtual Reality for Inductive LearningVideosVirtual Reality for Inductive Learning – Sage Media: Episode 28
May 15, 2017

Virtual Reality for Inductive Learning – Sage Media: Episode 28

Virtual Reality for inductive learning has been around for some time, and it’s only now breaking into the scene - with entertainment offering submersive gaming and movie-watching experiences. But what…
Richard Fleming
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Leverage Tools for Higher-Level LearningVideosLeverage Tools for Higher-Level Learning – Sage Advice: Episode 27
May 14, 2017

Leverage Tools for Higher-Level Learning – Sage Advice: Episode 27

Given the nature of modern technological advancements for learning, it is almost remarkable that trainers and educators are still using dated tools in a way that is no longer effectual…
Richard Fleming
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Inviting Creativity into the WorkplaceVideosInviting Creativity into the Workplace – Sage Advice: Episode 26
May 2, 2017

Inviting Creativity into the Workplace – Sage Advice: Episode 26

Creativity is a business necessity. However, it involves more than simply asking for more creative ideas or hiring “creative” people: you have to create a culture that supports creativity. Creativity…
Richard Fleming
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Adopting Successful Training Development ProgramsVideosPanel Discussion on Adopting Successful Training Development Programs – Sage Advice: Episode 25
April 12, 2017

Panel Discussion on Adopting Successful Training Development Programs – Sage Advice: Episode 25

Three leaders in the training and development sector join us for a lengthy discussion on how to get C-suite level executives to adopt and roll out a training program, and…
Richard Fleming
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Learning Is A JourneyVideosLearning Is A Journey – Sage Advice: Episode 24
April 5, 2017

Learning Is A Journey – Sage Advice: Episode 24

Often, trainers take the approach that training should simply be executed to solve particular business challenges. What ultimately happens is that this “Band-Aid” approach falls short from the lifelong development…
Richard Fleming
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Trust Your Audience's IntelligenceVideosTrust Your Audience’s Intelligence – Sage Advice: Episode 23
March 29, 2017

Trust Your Audience’s Intelligence – Sage Advice: Episode 23

It’s easy to go overboard in order to make a point, but there is a danger of playing to stereotypes. Take, for example, sexual harassment training trust your audience's intelligence;…
Richard Fleming
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Shifting Mindsets to Engage System 2 Thinking - Sage Advice: Episode 22VideosShifting Mindsets to Engage System 2 Thinking – Sage Advice: Episode 22
March 20, 2017

Shifting Mindsets to Engage System 2 Thinking – Sage Advice: Episode 22

Corporations often make the mistake of focusing too heavily on changing a particular action or behavior, rather than the mental model or thinking methodology that led up to the undesirable…
Richard Fleming
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training with Technology - Sage Advice: Episode 21VideosTraining with Technology – Sage Advice: Episode 21
March 8, 2017

Training with Technology – Sage Advice: Episode 21

Technology can be intimidating. Some “old-school” trainers may even hold a negative bias against using newer technologies or judge their effectiveness more harshly when compared to more familiar methods. Darlene…
Richard Fleming
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The Neuroscience of Learning - Sage Advice: Episode 20VideosThe Neuroscience of Learning – Sage Advice: Episode 20
March 7, 2017

The Neuroscience of Learning – Sage Advice: Episode 20

Learning is a natural part of the human experience; but for many in the Learning and Development sector, training can be wrought with frustration when the process of effective learning…
Richard Fleming
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How to Stop Procrastinating - Sage Advice: Episode 19VideosHow to Stop Procrastinating – Sage Advice: Episode 19
December 9, 2016

How to Stop Procrastinating – Sage Advice: Episode 19

There are a lot of simple tips to help you stop procrastinating. Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to learning, driving memory and retention down to unusable levels. It's…
Richard Fleming
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How to Bring Soft Skills into IT-Related Fields - Sage Advice: Episode 18VideosHow to Bring Soft Skills into IT-Related Fields – Sage Advice: Episode 18
September 20, 2016

How to Bring Soft Skills into IT-Related Fields – Sage Advice: Episode 18

How do highly analytical or technologically advanced personnel communicate with other, non-tech-savvy team members? As we balance people and technology, it becomes even more important to maintain positive leadership techniques…
Richard Fleming
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Technology in Sales Training - Sage Advice: Episode 17VideosTechnology in Sales Training – Sage Advice: Episode 17
September 1, 2016

Technology in Sales Training – Sage Advice: Episode 17

The landscape of sales training has shifted wildly from the days of Zig Zigler. Companies that were once champions of the sales funnel have suffered from advances in the information…
Richard Fleming
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Managing a Power Differential - Sage Advice: Episode 16VideosManaging a Power Differential – Sage Advice: Episode 16
July 12, 2016

Managing a Power Differential – Sage Advice: Episode 16

In every organization, there is a power dynamic - even if it is subtle. Companies often aim to create transparent dialogue, but when there are large differences in this power…
Richard Fleming
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Don't Waste Your Time With Video - Sage Advice Episode 15VideosDon’t Waste Your Time With Video – Sage Advice Episode 15
July 5, 2016

Don’t Waste Your Time With Video – Sage Advice Episode 15

Keeping the attention spans of your learners is challenging. Why take risks for the sake of a lower upfront cost - especially if the resultant product costs you MORE later…
Richard Fleming
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Knowledge Transfer Within Organizations: Sage Advice - Episode 14VideosKnowledge Transfer Within Organizations: Sage Advice – Episode 14
July 5, 2016

Knowledge Transfer Within Organizations: Sage Advice – Episode 14

Baby Boomers are exiting their jobs at rapid rates. How can you transfer their knowledge, expertise, and understanding of your company culture to the incoming workforce? What happens when these…
Richard Fleming
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Creating an Element of Challenge: Sage Advice - Episode 13VideosCreating an Element of Challenge: Sage Advice – Episode 13
June 20, 2016

Creating an Element of Challenge: Sage Advice – Episode 13

With adult learning, we are often presented with scenarios that paint the “correct” way to success - stories with positive focus and exemplar model behavior. Matt Donovan, VP at GP Strategies,…
Richard Fleming
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Prevent Customer Service Burnout - Sage Advice: Episode 12VideosPrevent Customer Service Burnout through Compassion – Sage Advice: Episode 12
June 6, 2016

Prevent Customer Service Burnout through Compassion – Sage Advice: Episode 12

With 60% of consumers expecting better customer service than they did just a year ago, organizations that are focused on training and development around client interactions are poised for stronger,…
Richard Fleming
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Create Open Communication Among Varying Levels of Expertise on Your Team: Sage Advice - Episode 11VideosCreate Open Communication Among Varying Levels of Expertise on Your Team: Sage Advice – Episode 11
April 28, 2016

Create Open Communication Among Varying Levels of Expertise on Your Team: Sage Advice – Episode 11

Rarely in Leadership Development can one say that poor communication could cost lives; but for Jason Sperling, MD, clear and concise dialogue is essential for patient safety in the surgery…
Richard Fleming
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Enough About StorytellingVideosEnough About Storytelling, Let’s Talk About Character
April 27, 2016

Enough About Storytelling, Let’s Talk About Character

Storytelling books often give you information that is useful when analyzing a great story, but very few help with writing a story from scratch, let alone linking your unique scenarios…
Richard Fleming
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Using DiSC with Training Groups - Sage Advice: Episode 10VideosUsing DiSC with Training Groups – Sage Advice: Episode 10
December 8, 2015

Using DiSC with Training Groups – Sage Advice: Episode 10

Lori Schreiber from Emcor talks about using DiSC assessments to more favorably present information to groups or diverse audiences. Understanding how your audience prefers to communicate creates greater transfer of knowledge. It…
Richard Fleming
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Stress & Emotional Resilience – Sage Advice: Episode 9VideosStress & Emotional Resilience – Sage Advice: Episode 9
December 3, 2015

Stress & Emotional Resilience – Sage Advice: Episode 9

A common myth about stress is that zero stress makes us happy and healthy, but the American Psychology Association says otherwise. "Stress can be the kiss of death or the…
Richard Fleming
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Financial RiskVideosAddressing Skeptics & Stakeholder Objections – Sage Advice: Episode 8
November 10, 2015

Addressing Skeptics & Stakeholder Objections – Sage Advice: Episode 8

When dealing with any skeptical viewpoint, it's important to address concerns upfront, rather than sweep them under the rug and hope they go away. Joe Anzalone sits down with us…
Richard Fleming
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Incorporating Managers into Training - Sage Advice Episode 7VideosIncorporating Managers into Training – Sage Advice Episode 7
October 21, 2015

Incorporating Managers into Training – Sage Advice Episode 7

Jill Boone, from Enterprise, outlines some particular challenges when managers are not on board, informed about, or participating in an employee's development training. Bringing managers into a structured training early…
Richard Fleming
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4 Types of Story - Sage Advice: Episode 6Videos4 Types of Story – Sage Advice: Episode 6
August 24, 2015

4 Types of Story – Sage Advice: Episode 6

Using storytelling devices in your presentation can increase information retention from about 10% to 80-90%. Melinda Bickerstaff from Accenture talks about the four basic goals that storytelling achieves: Build a roadmap for…
Richard Fleming
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How Stress Impacts Performance - Sage Advice: Episode 5VideosHow Stress Impacts Performance – Sage Advice: Episode 5
July 8, 2015

How Stress Impacts Performance – Sage Advice: Episode 5

How Stress Impacts Performance with Dr. Tobias Kiefer Stress is cited as the "Number One Killer" and the basic cause for more than 60% of all human illnesses and diseases. At lower…
Richard Fleming
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Effectively Maintain Habit Change - Sage Advice: Episode 4VideosEffectively Maintain Habit Change – Sage Advice: Episode 4
July 8, 2015

Effectively Maintain Habit Change – Sage Advice: Episode 4

So you've rolled out a new policy or procedure. How tempted is your team to slip back into old patterns effectively maintain habit change? How do you get your employees…
Richard Fleming
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Crafting an Internal Training Program :: Sage Advice – Episode 3VideosCrafting an Internal Training Program :: Sage Advice – Episode 3
July 8, 2015

Crafting an Internal Training Program :: Sage Advice – Episode 3

Creating an internal training program for your company doesn't have to generate huge overhead or resource demand. Joan Busch, Senior Director of Talent Development, explains how UnitedHealth Group created their own…
Richard Fleming
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Building Culture Through Branded HR :: Sage Advice - Episode 2VideosBuilding Culture Through Branded HR :: Sage Advice – Episode 2
June 18, 2015

Building Culture Through Branded HR :: Sage Advice – Episode 2

Terri Radcliff, the YMCA's VP of Talent & Knowledge Management, discusses how her federated organization built an internal leadership culture that is on par with corporations. Creating a strong brand…
Richard Fleming
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Engaging Stakeholders Through Story :: Sage Advice - Episode 1VideosEngaging Stakeholders Through Story :: Sage Advice – Episode 1
June 11, 2015

Engaging Stakeholders Through Story :: Sage Advice – Episode 1

Episode 1 of Sage Advice features Joe Anzalone, who was Director of Business Education for Hilton Worldwide at the time of this interview (now he's with Amazon Web Services). We sat…
Richard Fleming
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Saving Lives - Preventing Alarm FatigueVideosSaving Lives – Preventing Alarm Fatigue
November 3, 2014

Saving Lives – Preventing Alarm Fatigue

We were hired to create a day-in-the-life video for a company that designs software and hardware applications to reduce alarm fatigue among nurses and hospital staff. This video utilized actors…
Richard Fleming
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SEAN THOMPASONVideosWinning a Telly Award
July 31, 2012

Winning a Telly Award

We recently won a Telly Award for a leadership development promotional video in the business-to-business category. While we put a lot of work into this high-powered piece, we can't take…
Richard Fleming
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