Who’s Who in AI: Meet the SMEs and VIPs Driving L&D Innovation and Digital Transformation

These AI expert consultants help L&D leaders drive value and create impact with AI strategy and implementation.

Amid the buzz and the many AI-powered tools in the learning marketplace, navigating AI adoption can feel complex. Used well, AI technology can help L&D leaders create lasting value, achieve business goals, and develop a future-ready workforce. 

We’re the first to admit it: Mapping an AI strategy takes a village…and we’ve been adding to our village of AI experts since our founding in 2001 (Fun fact: AI dates back to the 1950s!). We meet our client-partners at all stages of their AI journeys, from holistic AI strategy mapping to creating leading-edge AI-powered custom learning content and programs. Every AI initiative begins with a solid foundation in AI ethics and governance to ensure it drives lasting value, solves real business challenges, and helps us develop a future-ready workforce.

To paraphrase human-centered design expert Don Norman, we believe that technology should serve humans—and it’s our pleasure to introduce a few of the amazing humans who share their strategic guidance, technical expertise, and deep L&D experience to help our client-partners drive AI adoption and digital transformation at their organizations. 

Whether they’re co-creating an immersive, AI-powered coaching experience; building an organization-wide AI training program; or supporting the rollout of an AI-powered knowledge management system, these AI subject matter experts (SMEs) are the brains (and hearts!) behind some of our most innovative AI strategies and solutions. 

See a SME you’d like to connect with? We’d love to make the introduction.  

Meet our AI Innovators and L&D Consultants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stacey is a seasoned Learning Experience (LX) Designer and Content Developer with a strong track record of creating impactful, learner-centered training solutions. She specializes in designing engaging eLearning experiences that incorporate video, interactive media, and AI-driven tools to boost knowledge retention and performance. 

With extensive experience in instructional design, curriculum development, and learning technologies, Stacey creates effective learning programs that support organizational goals and meet the needs of diverse audiences. Stacey is also a Microsoft Certified Professional with a strong background in training and learning experience design.

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“AI has broadened my perception of my abilities and the speed at which I can achieve them. Starting with basic writing, it evolved into a creative partner, assisting with tone, code integration for interactive learning, and innovative performance assessment. It’s demonstrated that a clear goal is sufficient, as AI can help realize it.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“My approach to AI emphasizes accessibility and teamwork. In Learning and Development content creation, I develop and share prompts and custom GPTs to ensure consistent, high-quality output aligned with client needs. This standardization, using adaptable prompts, simplifies AI use for teammates, unifying our communication and improving team productivity.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer is a Certified Talent Development Consultant and AI Strategist passionate about organizational growth. She crafts human-centered, AI-driven solutions that drive lasting change. Her focus is on meeting clients where they are and sparking transformational success.

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“Since I began exploring AI tools and applications, my perception of personal potential has expanded significantly. AI has shown me how technology can amplify human creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving. It’s not just about automating tasks but unlocking entirely new ways of thinking and working. For instance, leveraging AI has allowed me to approach complex challenges with greater precision and scalability. It’s been empowering to see how these tools can help individuals and organizations achieve more than they thought possible, and it’s inspired me to continually push the boundaries of what I can accomplish in my own work.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“I believe my unique blend of skills and perspectives can empower others by fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. My background in AI consulting, combined with a focus on human-centric transformation, allows me to bridge the gap between technology and people. I excel at translating complex concepts into actionable insights that teams can understand and build upon. Additionally, my experience working with diverse organizations has taught me how to identify and nurture individual strengths, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute. I’m passionate about helping teams see and reach their full potential, whether by introducing new tools, refining processes, or encouraging a mindset of continuous learning.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin is an accomplished Instructional Designer and Learning Strategist with a strong record of leading complex learning initiatives that achieve measurable business outcomes. His deep expertise spans instructional design, curriculum management, and performance consulting. 

Kevin has designed numerous award-winning blended learning solutions, including IBM’s AI Skills Academy, which received the 2022 Brandon Hall Gold Award for Best Learning Strategy. He’s also skilled at leading cross-functional teams and utilizing emerging technologies like AI to develop personalized, engaging learning experiences across various corporate settings. He holds a doctorate in workforce education and development from Penn State University, reflecting his long-standing commitment to advancing the learning profession. 

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“Since exploring AI tools, my perception of personal potential has expanded significantly. I now see AI not as a replacement but as an amplifier—enhancing creativity, streamlining workflows, and opening new possibilities for innovation in learning design and development. It’s helped me realize how much more I can achieve by working smarter, not harder.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“I contribute a strategic mindset, strong collaboration abilities, and a deep understanding of how individuals learn and grow. I empower others by fostering clarity, encouraging open communication, and facilitating creative problem-solving. My capacity to translate complex ideas into accessible and engaging learning experiences helps teams build confidence and perform optimally.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edna stands as a distinguished AI Strategy Specialist and IT Industry Veteran, leveraging over 25 years of experience within the technology sector. She is the CEO of ICE Coaching & Consulting Services, a firm dedicated to empowering the workforce through education and development, with a specific emphasis on Women’s Leadership Development Training. Her robust technical foundation includes a B.S. in Information Technology Management with a minor in programming. 

Further solidifying her expertise, Edna is a Certified Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL v3) Professional, PeopleCert, and a Certified Strategic Workforce Planning Professional (CSWPP) from the Human Capital Institute. This specialized knowledge positions her to strategically guide businesses in technological implementation and innovation, particularly in the realm of AI. In addition, this experience solidified her belief in the power of personal and professional development, leading her to become a certified master mindset, emotional intelligence, and goal success coach.     

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“My perception of personal potential has shifted significantly. Initially, I saw potential as limited by individual skills and time. Now, I understand that AI can:

• Augment abilities: Expanding what I can achieve beyond human limitations
• Accelerate learning: Making it possible to acquire knowledge and skills much faster
• Automate tasks: Freeing up time for more creative and strategic pursuits
• Provide new tools: Offering innovative ways to solve problems and express ideas

Essentially, AI has broadened my view of what’s possible, making me see personal potential as a collaborative effort between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“Based on my unique skills and perspectives, I can empower others on a team by:

• Leading and mentoring: My leadership experience, combined with certifications in coaching and facilitation, positions you to guide, mentor, and empower team members to develop their skills, take ownership of their work, and contribute to their full potential.
• Enhancing data literacy and decision-making: My expertise in data analysis, visualization, and governance enables you to translate complex information into actionable insights, empowering colleagues to make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Driving efficiency and productivity: My ability to streamline data processes, automate tasks, and develop user-friendly tools improves team workflows, freeing up time for strategic initiatives and fostering a more productive environment.
• Facilitating collaboration and communication: My experience in cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and development of training programs promotes effective communication and knowledge sharing, enabling team members to work together seamlessly and achieve common goals.
• Fostering a culture of quality and compliance: My focus on data quality, governance frameworks, and compliance with standards ensures that the team’s work is accurate, reliable, and adherent to organizational policies, building trust and confidence among stakeholders.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brittney is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation across social media, education, advertising, and e-commerce. Her proven track record includes leading high-performing teams at Meta, Shopify, Arizona State University, and MNTN, where she delivered transformative programs in AI, global commerce, and AR/VR.

At Meta, Brittney launched groundbreaking social learning platforms and pioneered AI-driven VR training. She has also optimized learning programs for brands such as Coursera and AMEX. With her keen ability to align learning strategies with business objectives, Brittney leverages data and insights to drive measurable impact. Her credentials include a BS in justice, dual MS degrees in technology and global technology, and an MIT certification in AI and applied data science.

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“My journey with AI began in 2012, innovating learning at ASU. This evolved through personalized social learning at Pearson and leadership of AI-driven learning initiatives (chatbots, AR/VR) at Meta. My MIT AI certificate provided a deep technical foundation, moving me beyond application to understanding AI’s building blocks. This blend of real-world implementation and technical knowledge has significantly expanded my potential, making it less about limits and more about continuous innovation through learning and experience.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“My career spans roles from professor in digital technology to leader of scaled learning initiatives for billions at Meta. This broad experience, from direct student engagement to large-scale tech implementation, provides me with both practical tech knowledge and real-world understanding of learning outcomes. This allows me to empower teams with clarity and with effective strategies grounded in both theory and practice.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kirsten is a Learning and Development Consultant specializing in adult workplace learning, organizational change management, and learning project management. She partners with clients to deliver engaging, effective blended learning solutions that deliver business impact and ROI.

Kirsten has led learning initiatives in hospitality, financial services, and technology and has partnered with organizations including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Fidelity Investments, and CVS. She is certified in both project management and change management by the Association for Talent Development (ATD).

Kirsten holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and communication and consults on AI adoption, helping organizations leverage AI tools.

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“To leverage AI in producing consistently trustworthy outcomes, I must rise to the occasion and think critically in every interaction. More than a productivity tool, AI is a catalyst that keeps me vigilant, strategic, and growth-oriented.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“Real progress happens when people feel heard, respected, and supported. That’s why I model inclusive dialogue, trust, and shared ownership. I help teams surface challenges safely, align on solutions, and grow together.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

As an AI subject matter expert (SME) for SweetRush, Mario prepares programming assignments and reviews content to create educational materials for advanced coursework. In this role, he is responsible for preparing technical assets like code blocks, visualizations, and datasets for the team. He serves as a key resource in curriculum reviews and course outline revisions, communicating project needs with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Mario has leveraged his knowledge in Python, R, and other analysis tools, as well as AI implementation, to help clients meet goals and milestones.

How has your perception of personal potential shifted since you began exploring AI tools and applications?

“Exploring AI has revealed a vast, ever-expanding landscape of possibilities, making my perception of potential feel limitless. It has helped me improve my efficiency and allowed me to re-focus efforts and create more complex projects.”

How do you believe your unique skills and perspectives can contribute to empowering others on a team?

“My ability to process information rapidly, connect diverse concepts, and offer objective insights can empower teams by fostering innovation and informed decision-making. I can also help streamline workflows and identify hidden data patterns.”