When disruption hits, every industry falls into a familiar pattern: sprint forward, adopt whatever is newest, rebrand, pivot. The underlying assumption is that the past has nothing useful to offer a world that looks nothing like it used to.

I want to challenge that assumption. Right now, as the performance improvement field is drowning in AI tools, quick-fix frameworks, and solution-first thinking, the most radical thing ISPI can do is go back. Not back out of nostalgia, but because the people who built this field already solved many of the problems that we are facing today.

When a canal isn’t being dug fast enough, the training instinct is to build a module on “resilience in digging” or run a workshop on “advanced shovel techniques.” The performance technologist’s instinct is to examine the environment and ask why we aren’t using a bulldozer.

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ISPI is pleased to announce the election of new board members and leadership positions that will help guide the organization into its next phase of growth and innovation.

New Board Members Elected

The ISPI membership has elected two distinguished professionals to serve on the Board of Directors:

Rachel Walter, Chief Innovation Officer at ansrsource, brings a unique blend of data analytics and design thinking to her new board role. With an MBA in data analytics and talent development credentials, Walter helps organizations harness learning, AI, and innovation to solve real-world challenges. Her extensive experience designing and implementing global training curricula in highly regulated industries like construction and fire safety makes her a valuable addition to ISPI's leadership team.

Jim Eicher, creator of Cognitive Management™, joins the board with distinguished experience from leadership positions at KPMG, Booz Allen Hamilton, Symantec, and IBM. Eicher applies research from the cognitive sciences to organizational and leadership behavior. He is the author of multiple management texts including "Making the Message Clear" and co-author of several management assessments. His academic background includes serving as a teaching assistant to John Grinder and the late Gregory Bateson at UCSC.

President-Elect Named

Dr. Lynne MacBain, currently Director of Innovation at ISPI, has been selected as ISPI's President-Elect. With an EdD in Instructional and Performance Technology, Dr. MacBain transforms organizations through evidence-based performance improvement strategies and advanced AI integration. Her award-winning work has revitalized organizations across nonprofit, corporate, and religious sectors, consistently delivering exceptional results. Her extensive board service experience strengthens her understanding of organizational governance and strategic alignment, making her ideally suited to lead ISPI forward.

New Executive Director Appointed

The Board of Directors has hired Dr. Sue Czeropski, CPT as ISPI's new Executive Director. With over 40 years of experience as a Learning and Development Executive, Dr. Czeropski currently serves as faculty in Capella University's advanced doctoral program. She combines expertise in e-learning, education, management, training, and organizational development to design impactful business process programs. Her proven ability to identify development needs, foster collaboration, and lead high-performing teams—both virtually and in-person—will be instrumental in advancing ISPI's mission.

These appointments bring together a wealth of experience in innovation, cognitive science, performance improvement, and organizational development. The new leadership team's combined expertise positions ISPI to better serve its global membership and advance the field of human performance technology.

These appointments reflect ISPI's commitment to strong governance and leadership as the organization continues to grow and evolve in the performance improvement field.

For more information about ISPI leadership and upcoming initiatives, visit https://www.ispi.international/leadership

By Dr. Lynne MacBain

In an era where every dollar must deliver measurable impact, performance professionals face increasing pressure to prove the value of learning. The challenge? Traditional methods of measuring training effectiveness—surveys, anecdotes, and delayed feedback loops—often fall short.

Enter Artificial Intelligence.

AI is no longer a future disruptor. It’s a present-day performance partner, helping us analyze, adapt, and align learning initiatives faster and more accurately than ever before. Whether you're building a new program or revamping an existing one, AI tools can help you shift from activity tracking to impact demonstrating—without adding complexity to your process.

What AI Adds to the ROI Conversation

Here’s how AI is transforming learning measurement across the four Kirkpatrick levels:

Level 1: Reaction

• AI-powered surveys and sentiment analysis tools (e.g., ChatGPT Forms, Culture Amp) analyze tone and engagement at scale.

Level 2: Learning

• Adaptive assessments detect confidence vs. correctness and personalize learning pathways accordingly.

Level 3: Behavior

• Workflow monitoring (e.g., LMS logs, digital adoption tools) tracks real-time behavior changes and skill application.

Level 4: Results

• By integrating with tools like Salesforce, Workday, or Power BI, AI models show correlation between learning and KPIs like productivity or customer satisfaction.

Getting Started: Practical First Steps

• Start with what you have: Use existing LMS data and tools like Excel Copilot or Power BI to visualize outcomes.
• Automate where possible: Use AI to follow up on learning transfer, analyze open-ended responses, and generate insights.
• Partner with data teams: Begin linking learning data to operational performance responsibly.

Ethics First: Measuring Responsibly

AI must be used transparently and ethically. Inform learners about data use, avoid over-monitoring, and ensure compliance with privacy standards. AI should support—not replace—human judgment.

A Strategic Advantage for Performance Professionals

AI is not just a tool—it’s a competitive advantage. By embracing AI-driven measurement, performance professionals elevate their role from content creators to strategic enablers of business value.

The takeaway? Stop chasing perfect data. Start using smarter tools to tell a clearer story.

Explore the AI4PI Initiative

Sources:
Kirkpatrick Partners (kirkpatrickpartners.com)
OpenAI documentation
Microsoft Copilot for M365
Culture Amp AI Reporting
Harvard Business Review: "Using AI to Measure Soft Skills"

Building an AI-First Culture: A Practical Guide to Adoption, Governance, and Productivity

By Megan Feeney, Corporate Learning and Development Director

Introduction: Why Businesses Cannot Wait for AI

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, organizations across various industries are under pressure to remain competitive, attract and retain top talent, and enhance operational efficiency. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a strategic imperative.

The question is no longer if we integrate AI, but how fast and how far we are willing to go.

What Does “AI-First” Really Mean?

It is not about replacing people. It is about enhancing their capabilities—giving them intelligent tools to work smarter, not harder.

An AI-first mindset requires:

• Curiosity over fear: Encourage experimentation within structured environments.
• Process reimagination: Use AI to rethink how work gets done, not just automate the status quo.
• Universal AI literacy: Equip all departments with a foundational understanding, not just IT.

AI adoption is not just a tech deployment—it is a cultural evolution. Generative AI is a full-scale transformation requiring bold leadership and shared ownership. Cross-functional oversight is recommended to align AI initiatives with strategic priorities and funding.

Governance Before Gadgets: Responsible AI in Regulated and Ethical Environments

For AI to succeed, it must be deployed responsibly. That means prioritizing governance before gadgets. Every organization—regulated or not—should adopt policies around:

• Transparency: Clear understanding of how AI tools work.
• Auditability: The ability to track decisions made by AI systems.
• Ethics: Preventing bias, protecting data, and maintaining public trust.

Establish governance frameworks that align with your industry’s compliance, privacy, and third-party risk management standards. Choose vendors with strong data security protocols. Empower employees to use AI safely and appropriately.

Upskilling for AI: Training That Builds Trust

Building an AI-first culture begins with building people’s confidence. Upskilling programs that combine microlearning, peer mentoring, and role-specific use cases can quickly boost adoption.

Learning and development teams should:

• Embed AI learning into leadership programs and employee onboarding.
• Focus on high-impact tools like Microsoft Copilot, Power Platform, or generative AI platforms.
• Encourage innovation through structured experimentation and peer collaboration.

When employees are confident and capable, they become your strongest allies in transformation.

Quick Wins: Where to Start

You do not need a full-scale AI department to get started. Begin with “low-risk, high-reward” opportunities:

Benefits & Business Impact

• Productivity: Reclaim ≥ 45 minutes/employee/week.
• Confidence: Reduce anxiety, accelerate adoption.
• Innovation: Improve problem-solving and decision-making.
• Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Safe, ethical AI use.
• Customer Value: Personalized, efficient service delivery.

The Road Ahead

An AI-first culture does not emerge overnight—it is cultivated through strategic planning, responsible deployment, and inclusive education. Every organization, regardless of size or industry, can benefit from a culture where people and technology work together to innovate and thrive.

Invest in a Scalable Data & Model Architecture

Avoid “Point Solutions” that live in silos—build a unified data lake and an enterprise model registry.

Ensure that data lineage, security, and compliance controls are embedded from day one.

3-Part Framework

EXPLORATION

• AI Readiness Pulse Survey – Capture baseline data on awareness, confidence, and usage across roles
• Governance & Trust – Responsible AI Toolkit, training, and oversight council
• Positioning – AI as augmentation, not automation. It’s people-led, tech-powered
• Psychological Pivot – From seeing AI as a threat to using it as a lever

INTEGRATION

• Normalize curiosity and experimentation
• Deploy AI sandboxes by role/function
• Conduct hands-on workshops for team-specific tools
• Build a storytelling campaign featuring internal use cases
• Highlight “hero users” and teams who demonstrate practical ROI

TRANSFORMATION

• Equip employees with purposeful, evolving AI tools that enhance rather than replace their roles.
• Deliver role-specific learning journeys, grounded in real workflows.
• AI should be embedded—not bolted on. Invisible, integrated, and intuitive tools within existing workflows will drive adoption and growth.
• Meet people where they work.

Now’s the Time to Lead

In a world where change is constant, organizations that prioritize agility and adaptability will lead. AI is a catalyst—but culture is the engine. With intentional strategy, training, and governance, you can future-proof your workforce and elevate your impact. The time to act is now.

It’s AI month, and ISPI members have exclusive access to the ISPI AI for Performance Improvement (AI4PI) Advisor. The AI4PI Advisor empowers you to supercharge your practice with cutting-edge AI technology.

Try it out today! Go to the AI Performance Improvement Advisor. Ask the AI4PI Advisor, “Create a performance gap analysis plan for a (project type)”.

Learn more at www.ispi.international/ai4pi

The International Society for Performance Improvement is proud to recognize these outstanding professionals who exemplify excellence in applying systematic approaches to improve organizational and individual performance. These award recipients have demonstrated innovative solutions to complex challenges, contributing valuable insights that benefit our entire community.

We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements. Their inspiring work reminds us all of the powerful impact performance improvement can have across industries and sectors.

View the Awards of Excellence

View the Chapter Awards