Podcasts

Using over 1.5 million assessments from leaders worldwide, renowned psychometrician Dr. Joseph Folkman and leadership legend Dr. Jack Zenger are here to settle the debates and let the data speak for itself. Each week they analyze different leadership traits, trends, and what it really takes to get to the 90th percentile. These short episodes feature compelling stories, research, and actions that leaders can take to improve.

Episode 154: Is Learning and Development Being Demoted?

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Pocast

Published: December, 2025

Details

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we dive into the shifting landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) with Dani Johnson, co-founder and principal analyst at RedThread Research. Dani explores the concerning trend of L&D’s “demotion” within organizations, the rise of federated models, and the opportunities for L&D leaders to adapt and thrive. Together, we unpack the critical strategies and skills needed to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Guest BIO: Dani Johnson, Co-Founder & Principal Analyst

Before co-founding RedThread in 2018, Dani led the Learning and Career research practice at Bersin, Deloitte, and previously led research at the Ross School, University of Michigan. Dani holds an MBA and a MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from BYU. Before Kid, her favorite vacations involved a backpack, a map, and Google Translate.

Key Learnings

L&D’s Changing Role:
Many organizations are shifting away from centralized L&D functions, favoring federated models where teams embed within business units to solve targeted problems while maintaining a connection to the core strategy.
The Pandemic’s Impact:
During the pandemic, L&D focused on transitioning in-person training online instead of strategically addressing workforce skill gaps, missing an opportunity to enhance their strategic influence.
Critical Elements for a Modern L&D Strategy:
Successful L&D strategies require attention to five core elements, collaboration with other departments, and a balance of stability and flexibility to meet organizational needs.
AI’s Role in L&D:
Artificial intelligence is transforming L&D by streamlining content creation, identifying skill gaps, and enhancing personalization. However, most L&D professionals have yet to fully embrace AI’s potential.
Building Organizational Influence:
L&D professionals must actively engage with organizational strategy, speak the language of business leaders, and ensure their contributions align with key business metrics like retention and skill development.

Connect with Joe Folkman

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.