This episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about effective learning and development

Most training programs fail not because of poor content—but because they miss the one thing that matters: performance. In this episode, you’ll discover how to build training that delivers measurable business impact, the secrets behind immersive simulations, and how to filter out L&D noise that does more harm than good.

With over four decades in the field and clients like NASA, General Motors, and AT&T, Guy Wallace shares real stories, controversial truths, and actionable frameworks to help you escape buzzwords and build training that actually works. Whether you're leading L&D or just trying to make your workshops matter, this episode brings clarity and conviction to how real learning happens.

Key Takeaways

• Building truly impactful learning means focusing on performance, not just content—hands-on practice with feedback is non-negotiable.
• Not all expertise is equal; knowing how to validate credible sources in your network can prevent major missteps.
• Great training doesn't just deliver knowledge—it aligns with job realities and provokes behavioral change through simulations and context-specific experiences.

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Timestamps

• [00:00] – Introduction and Guy Wallace's career origin story in L&D.
• [04:36] – Transition from journalism and radio/TV/film to performance development.
• [10:00] – The pivotal concept of job aids and performance support.
• [15:20] – Discussion on "what’s old is new again" in learning trends.
• [21:23] – Learning from past methods and the loss of historical insights in L&D.
• [27:27] – Guy’s most impactful L&D program at the Defense Information School.
• [35:09] – Facilitated group processes and the importance of disagreement in learning environments.
• [43:11] – Guy’s proudest moment: 8-day AT&T course with measurable impact.
• [58:22] – Worst experience in L&D and lessons learned from a failed training rollout.
• [01:06:04] – Surprising personal detail: Guy Wallace’s brief stint as a child model.

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Links & Learnings

• Guy Wallace on Linkedin
• Guy Wallace Archives
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website