Overview

• B-Lynk kicks off The OGs series with guest Mike Enders, product leader at Articulate and longtime collaborator.
• We cover the evolution of e-learning tech (Flash → Studio → Storyline → Rise, SCORM → xAPI), the rise of microlearning/snackable content, and practical uses of AI—especially role-play—across sales enablement and training.

Stories & Standout Moments

• Origin story: How a two-hour Camtasia class led to an intro from “Mark,” the first telephony toolbar video, and Katie hustling to BroadSoft Connections—landing B-Lynk’s first major client.
• From side-gig to staple: Mike jokes those early contracts “funded the 529s,” reflecting years of rapid content creation together.
• Interactive throwback: The team later rebuilt the toolbar piece as a clickable interactive module—an early nod to today’s just-in-time learning.

What We Discuss

• Tech shifts: From hand-built interfaces and Flash to modern authoring in Storyline and block-based Rise; broader ecosystem moves from LMS-only to LRS/LXP.
• Microlearning in the TikTok era: Short, timely, “snackable” content delivered in-flow (nudges, spaced practice) beats the one-hour course.
• AI with humans in the loop: Best current wins are AI role-plays that provide real-time practice plus detailed coaching reports; AI also speeds localization, narration, and consistent visuals.
• L&D’s strategic seat: Ongoing shift from order-taking to demonstrating impact and ROI.

Key Takeaway

• Actionable insight: Start small and in-flow—convert one critical workflow into just-in-time microlearning (e.g., pre-call nudge + 3-minute role-play). Keep the human in the loop to review outputs, ensure accuracy, and refine the storytelling hook. Measure impact (time-to-competency, win rates, completion) to prove ROI.

Call to Action

• Enjoyed the episode? Follow and subscribe to Train to Gain for more OG stories and practical tactics that level up training and adoption.
• If this sparked ideas, share the episode with a teammate who’s building enablement content—or trying AI role-play for the first time.