Too often, training misses the mark because it skips the most important step. In this episode of L&D Must Change, Candice Mitchell joins Jess Almlie to unpack why context should always come before content in L&D. Candice shares practical strategies for uncovering business needs, building credibility, and shifting away from the traditional order-taker mindset. From gathering macro trends to asking the right stakeholder questions, she illustrates how deeper context leads to faster and more relevant learning solutions. Tune in for a lively, honest conversation full of actionable insights and a few nerdy laughs along the way.

Jess and Candice discuss

• Flipping our ratio of context to content creation by spending more time understanding business context than creating the content.
• A diversified process to gather context in any organization.
• Overcoming time constraints with the stakeholder who doesn't want to allow for time to gather context.
• Reframing requests in business terms vs. L&D terms.
• How to demonstrate value through small wins and consistent communication.
• Avoiding common pitfalls when responding to training requests.

About Candice Mitchell

Candice Mitchell is the founder of Talent Development Nerds and the creator of the Talent Development Academy® which is a strategic learning program that helps L&D professionals become indispensable partners to the business. She’s a fractional Chief Learning Officer and trusted advisor to companies building capability from the ground up. Candice is known for cutting through the noise with practical, business-first advice and a healthy dose of tough love. Her work spans strategy, change, performance, and culture, and she’s on a mission to make L&D more impactful, more respected, and more energizing, for everyone involved.

Find and connect with Candice Mitchell

• Website: www.talentdevelopmentnerds.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/
• Instagram (so much fun!): https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
• Podcast: Development Nerds – available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube link: https://open.spotify.com/show/56cZnQtmXloGpGcDt2McoP?si=d961aac2fadd412f
• YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd
• Candice's Impact Toolkit: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/impact

Find and connect with Jess Almlie

• LinkedIn
• Website: jessalmlie.com
• L&D Must Change Newsletter
• Book: L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner

Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press later this year. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join!