Unlocking Employee Potential: A Human-Centered Approach to Learning and Growth
Episode 29: Beyond Keywords - Unlocking Employee Potential: A Human-Centered Approach to Learning and Growth
On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker chats with Loren Blandon, Executive Director of Learning, Growth and Experiences at VMLY&R. They explore the impact of applying human-centered design (HCD) principles and design thinking to enhance employee experiences, resulting in a more engaged, motivated, and innovative workforce that drives organizational success. Loren shares her thoughts on the psychology behind work, the significance of cultivating a learning and growth culture, and strategies for tackling the challenges presented by the hybrid workplace.
On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker chats with Loren Blandon, Executive Director of Learning, Growth and Experiences at VMLY&R. They explore the impact of applying human-centered design (HCD) principles and design thinking to enhance employee experiences, resulting in a more engaged, motivated, and innovative workforce that drives organizational success. Loren shares her thoughts on the psychology behind work, the significance of cultivating a learning and growth culture, and strategies for tackling the challenges presented by the hybrid workplace.
- Host: Group Director, Experience Strategy, VMLY&R - Nick Brunker
- Guests: Executive Director of Learning, Growth and Experiences - Loren Blandon
We'd love to hear your feedback! Email the show: humancentered@vmlyr.com. To learn more about the CX practice at VMLY&R, visit vmlyr.com/cx
Creators and Guests
Host
Nick Brunker
Nick is a Forrester CX-Certified professional with a versatile portfolio including more than a decade of discipline in human-centered experience strategy, insight-based digital transformation, eCommerce & omnichannel planning. As part of VMLY&R’s CX practice, Nick is responsible for cultivating a deep understanding of customer motivations and business needs to deliver best-in-class experiences for our clients – and, as importantly, the people they serve. He collaborates with senior leaders to drive strategic alignment, push thinking into action, and helps architect CX measurement frameworks to achieve customer and business objectives. Additionally, he is actively expanding the agency’s industry footprint through thought leadership and IP development. During his career, Nick has partnered with various Fortune 500 clients across numerous categories, including Ford Motor Company, Google, General Mills, Fifth Third Bank, and Southwest Airlines, among others. He and his wife, Abbey, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, with their children Nolan, Emma & Ainsley, and their ten-year-old pup, Bailey.
Guest
Loren Blandon
As Global Executive Director of Learning, Growth, and Experiences (LGX) at VMLY&R, Loren’s focus is on creating opportunities for meaningful connections, experiences, and development across the talent lifecycle. Alongside the LGX team and stakeholders across the globe, together they seek to ignite learning in a way that’s relevant, purpose-driven, and experiential. Ultimately, the goal of LGX is to support talent across the agency in realizing their full potential, thereby delivering best-in-class work. With her purpose-driven mindset and visionary approach, Loren has spent 18+ years in HR shaking up the tech/SAAS, healthcare, consumer goods, and advertising spaces. Loren's fast-growing resume details vast international leadership experience at some of the globe's leading companies and her time as a psychology instructor at Florida International University, where she currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Leadership. Her transformational teachings as a Talent and HR professional have aided business leaders in maintaining their competitive edge by optimizing their strategies to align with the ever-changing trends of the workplace.
