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"A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life."
– John Wooden
Taking the day off today—for my daughter’s last-ever travel softball tournament. I’ll miss it a lot, but I’m not sad—I’m grateful. Grateful for the amazing coaches who saw more in her than just stats, for the teammates who became family, and for the kind of life-shaping experience every kid deserves. One coach in particular made a difference she’ll carry forever—and that’s the kind of impact I hope we all get to make, in sports, in learning or anywhere else.
Thanks for reading!
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📰 News & Notes
40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew In My 20s
The Rundown:
A little change of pace to start this week's top items. Bestselling author Daniel Pink shares 40 no-nonsense life lessons—earned through decades of work, research, and lived experience. It’s a masterclass in wisdom, urgency, and humility.
These resonated with me the most:
- Action beats planning. You understand by doing.
- Move your body. It improves everything.
- Luck matters more than you think. But effort attracts it.
- Focus on what you can control. Let the rest go.
- Take breaks or you’ll break. Rest is part of progress.
- See the full list of 40 truths here.
Why it Matters: This isn’t your average “life hacks” list. Pink distills timeless truths that cut through the noise—reminding us to take chances, ask questions, simplify, and move. His final note? Love trumps all. Pick one insight that made you wince, and act on it. This list isn’t just for reading — it’s for living.
What’s one truth from the list that hit a little too close to home — and how are you planning to act on it?
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Blood in the Instructional Design Machine?
The Rundown:
Dr. Philippa Hardman warns that AI isn’t here to eradicate IDs—it’s here to shift what ‘craftsmanship’ in our roles looks like. The real risk? Ceding control, not losing jobs. As AI handles routine tasks, instructional designers must resist becoming mere operators.
The Context:
- AI excels at brainstorming, scoping, and outlining—but lacks depth for bespoke, contextual solutions.
- “AI is great for brainstorming … but for the more contextual and specialized aspects … human thinking is still better.”
- Others see AI unlocking new horizons: real-time adaptive simulators, strategic insights and freeing-up creative headspace
Why It Matters:
As AI speeds up the build cycle, designers need to elevate from task‑execution to strategy‑crafting roles. Those who blend prompting skills with solid pedagogy will outpace AI‑operatives. The future isn’t about doing the same faster—it’s about doing things that weren’t possible before.
How are you using AI to enhance—rather than replace—your instructional design work?
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How To Build a Modern Learning and Development Team
Rundown:
Ross Stevenson argues L&D must shift from old models to a performance-centered, tech-savvy, and future-ready team. He outlines clear goals, essential skills, and three must-have roles plus shared competencies for a high‑impact modern learning function.
The Context:
Roles evolve: by 2027, teams may blend AI and human roles. Stevenson highlights three critical roles:
- Learning Strategist – sets direction, defines ROI, and keeps work aligned to strategy.
- Learning Experience Architect – performance consultant designing impactful human-centered experiences.
- Product Manager / Tech Architect – ensures tech tools support learning goals and user experience.
Why it matters:
L&D must shift from one-off training to driving measurable performance. That takes flexible teams, strategic focus, and tech-savvy collaboration. Shared skills—like AI fluency, storytelling, and performance consulting—build a common language for impact. Leaders should grow these capabilities to fuel innovation with purpose.
What's one skill your L&D team is doubling down on to stay future-ready?
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Book your session today, as a limited number of free consulting sessions are available! Learn more at the link below.
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🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my Work Smarter newsletter.
Milanote
Milanote is an easy-to-use tool to organize your ideas and projects into visual boards.
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Internet.io
See AI multiple answers instantly. Compare logic, tone, & creativity across models.
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🎧 Podcast of the Week
This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.
Great Minds Learn Together
Drawing on years of experience applying neuroscience in the workplace, Amy Brann shares practical insights on engagement, learning transfer, coaching, and how L&D teams can work with the brain - not against it.
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🧳 Where’s Mike?
- Central Ohio ATD Technology & Design Day
September 9, Columbus, OH
- ATD Core 4, September 29 - October 1, Orlando, FL
- Cincinnati ATD, October 8, Cincinnati, OH
- DevLearn, November 12-14, Las Vegas, NV
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.
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"Friday Finds is essential for staying current in the ID industry. The quick takeaways on each article are a huge time-saver." -JM |
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Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or buying me a coffee.
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