
People and Performance Podcast · 2025-09-02 · 10 min
Cutting through the noise of today's workplace requires more than just great content - it demands a true understanding of learners and their needs. In this engaging conversation Chris Bjorling had with Bianca Baumann , VP of Learning Solutions and Innovation at Ardent Learning, we explore how marketing techniques can revolutionize learning and development efforts. Bianca shares her powerful guiding principle: "learner before content." This simple yet profound approach encourages L&D professionals to deeply understand their audience before developing materials, ensuring relevance and impact. As a newly published author (her book with co-author Mike Taylor launches next week!), Bianca brings fresh perspectives on creating learning experiences that genuinely resonate with today's workforce. The discussion takes a candid turn when Bianca identifies communication as the most overlooked lever for improving workplace performance. "Especially now in this era of AI and technology, it's noisy, it's really really noisy out there and cutting through that noise is hard," she explains.