In this dynamic episode of Tangents with Torranclearning, Megan is joined by Jess Jackson, a visionary leader in public health and social equity, currently shaping cannabis regulation and reinvestment policy in Minnesota. Jess shares her journey from instructional design to government leadership, offering deep insights on culture change, leading through dissonance, reconciling historical harms, and navigating emotionally charged, paradoxical spaces in and out of the workplace.

The conversation is filled with actionable leadership strategies, frameworks like appreciative inquiry, and personal anecdotes that bring nuance, empathy, and practical wisdom to the work of DEI, policy, and learning.

Host: Megan Torrance

Guest: Jess Jackson (she/her) – Policy Innovator, Director of Social Equity, Public Health, and DEI Leader

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode, Megan and Meg explore the concepts of empathy mapping and learner personas. They discuss the differences and similarities between the two tools, their uses, and how they can help better understand the perspectives and needs of learners. Megan shares insights on how empathy maps focus on the person's perspective of the world, while learner personas concentrate more on individual characteristics and experiences.

Key Discussion Points:

• Learner personas and empathy maps: different tools, same goal.
• Choose the tool that is right for your situation, organization, or discipline.
• Use templates and resources — no need to create you own!

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode, Megan Torrance talks with Chris Adams about his journey into learning and development (L&D), and the transition from being an order taker to a strategic partner in organizations. Chris shares personal stories highlighting the common pitfalls L&D professionals encounter when they focus on delivering requested solutions rather than addressing business outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of building partnerships, understanding organizational needs, and shifting focus toward results that deliver measurable business impact. Chris also shares practical advice, recommended readings, and insights into how L&D professionals can enhance their influence and effectiveness.

Key Discussion Points:

• L&D performance consultants need to shift their mindset from solutions to results.
• Relationship-building is essential to being successful in performance consulting.
• Effective questioning helps to uncover true needs.
• Developing consultative skills takes time and practice.

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.