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36: Design Learning That Drives Real Change | Sarah Lundy

Release Date:Β 

January 13, 2026

Release Date: Jan 13

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Winning teamsβ€”and learning culturesβ€”aren’t built on checklists. They’re built on curiosity, clarity, and intentional design. In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD. is joined by Sarah Lundy, seasoned L&D leader and β€œforever learner,” for a candid look at what it takes to make blended learning programs that actually work. Together, they unpack today’s most common pitfalls (hello, box-checking and β€œsmile sheets”), explore what alignment with business goals really feels like, and share the human-centered tactics that make digital, in-person, and on-the-job learning clickβ€”for any industry.

From manufacturing floors with zero laptops to hybrid cohorts craving belonging, this episode brims with real stories, practical tools, and fresh thinking for L&D pros, people leaders, and anyone intent on making learning stick.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How the definition of β€œblended learning” has evolvedβ€”and why the old classroom vs. eLearning debate misses the mark
  • The keys (and warning signs) for evaluating if your learning programs are truly workingβ€”or if you’re just β€œtraining for training’s sake”
  • Why defining success upfront is essential for behavior change, not just satisfaction surveys
  • Creative strategies for making virtual, digital, and in-person experiences truly equitableβ€”even for remote or non-desk teams
  • The crucial role of leaders in championing (and measuring) learning outcomes on the job
  • Insider advice for new L&D leaders about audience research, accessibility, and what shortcuts to avoid

In This Episode:

  • 00:01 – ΒιΆΉΉϋΆ³΄«Γ½lcome to The Learnit Lounge, today’s topic and guest intro
  • 02:36 – Defining blended learning: past vs. present
  • 04:39 – How to spot when blended learning is working (or not)
  • 06:18 – Why alignment with the business is non-negotiable
  • 08:35 – The high cost of unchecked, misaligned training
  • 09:41 – Measuring learning: Beyond smile sheets, toward behavior change
  • 12:14 – Why (and how) to involve leaders post-training
  • 14:13 – Applying the 70-20-10 model… and why it may need an update
  • 16:44 – Making digital/virtual training feel human, especially for non-office teams
  • 19:39 – How manufacturing and β€œdeskless” workforces demand creative L&D
  • 22:23 – Are we overestimating people’s self-directed learning ability?
  • 23:43 – Is in-person learning a β€œluxury” now? Considering fairness and equity
  • 25:36 – Masterclass: How to facilitate hybrid training that feels inclusive
  • 28:23 – Sarah’s best advice for first-time blended learning designers
  • 30:36 – Leadership lesson: trust and relationships move mountains
  • 31:59 – The uncomfortable truths and hidden biases in leadership development
  • 34:33 – Connect with Sarah Lundy and episode wrap-up

About Sarah Lundy

Sarah Lundy is a passionate learning and development leader with a decade of experience designing impactful programs across multiple industries, most recently manufacturing. A self-described β€œforever learner,” Sarah is pursuing her master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology while bringing fresh curiosity and human-centered thinking to every audience she serves. Her approach blends research, real talk, and a deep belief in putting peopleβ€”and their lived realitiesβ€”at the center of professional growth. Sarah lives in Northern Nevada with her husband and adventurous dachshund puppy.

Resources Referenced:

  • Connect with Sarah:
  • Connect with Mickey on LinkedIn:

Want to Learn More?:ΜύΜύ

  • ΒιΆΉΉϋΆ³΄«Γ½bsite: www.learnit.com
  • Email: podcast@learnit.com‍
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