This episode of the Leading Learning Podcast features an interview with Josh Goldman, Vice President of Learning for the Ohio Society of CPAs. Ohio is among a group of CPA societies that has begun experimenting with microlearning, or nanonlearning, formats for delivery or continuing professional education (CPE), and Josh is someone who has always strived to push the envelope in finding new ways to effectively serve lifelong learners.
Jeff and Josh discuss 10-minute CPE, emerging trends in lifelong learning, and a range of other topics in this episode of the podcast. To tune in, just click below. To make sure you catch all of the future episodes, be sure to subscribe by RSS or on iTunes. And, if you like the podcast, be sure to give it a tweet!
Listen to the Show
Read the Show Notes
[00:18] – Preview of what will be covered in this podcast with Josh Goldman, Vice President of Learning at The Ohio Society of CPAs.
[01:26]- Introduction to Josh Goldman and some background information about the organization and his role as the VP of Learning.
[02:56] – Most associations/societies don’t have VP level positions for their learning and education department. Also, you are the VP of learning, not education. What kind of distinction do you make between learning and education and how does that impact how you think about your job? Josh explains that his title isn’t just a name and that they are trying to shift in a direction that matches what’s happening in the marketplace. He explains the difference in education vs. learning in terms of input vs. output.
[04:50] – A further discussion about how the organization is making the strategic shift to be more of a learning organization.
[05:58] – When you look broadly across the association/society world, do you feel like you are seeing a shift in the level of authority and strategic importance that the learning and education function has within associations? Or are you way out there at the cutting edge and not seeing others come along quite as quickly? Josh shares that most organizations are starting to ask how they can provide the most value and undergoing assessments of their current structures in order to address this. He says that they aren’t necessarily on the cutting edge and that lots of organizations are having similar conversations.
[07:44] – What is distinctive about learning and education in the CPA market? Josh shares that he was surprised at the high degree of competition that exists. He also says that their members are some of their top competitors and that the “content marketing” aspect of education has increased significantly.
[09:51] – Have you had to up your own content marketing game as a result of that? Josh says that they have had to up their content marketing game and that they try to position themselves as a thought leader both locally and nationally on issues that impact CPAs.
[10:20] – What form does positioning yourself as a thought leader take? Josh discusses their use of traditional communication channels such as YouTube videos, blogging, etc.
[10:50] – In regards to the 10 minute CPE offerings that your organization has, do you see things heading in that microlearning direction and as something everybody should be doing? Josh says that it’s actually old news in the corporate learning space. He explains how regulations surrounding CPAs and continuing education are behind in regards to adult learning. He also discusses how he has addressed concerns about microlearning stresses the importance of adopting new practices to help support learners in an evolving workplace.
[13:16] – How have you addressed the 10 minute CPE in your business model? Josh explains that microlearning wasn’t about a revenue model but more about encouraging flexibility in the designing of learning activities/programs. He explains that microlearning would be difficult to monetize but that it is a valuable additive to an existing learning strategy.
[15:08] – What are some other things (besides micro learning) that you see going on that you’re excited about the possibilities going forward? Josh explains that there are conversations around a shift from compliance to competency. He talks about how learning is currently compliance driven and doesn’t often follow adult learning best practices.
[16:30] – How receptive do you think professionals will be to this shift? Josh admits that he doesn’t really know and that we have to find a balance between improving work life/business and not just make learning about checking a box.
[17:48] – What other opportunities are there when you think of associations in general and the role they do play and could be playing in adult lifelong learning? Josh reveals that he hasn’t seen a lot of associations offering robust opportunities in the area of talent management.
[19:12] – Does something like that [offering opportunities in talent management] require more subject matter expertise on staff? Josh says that you would but need “market permission” to act before you address building capacity/competency.
[20:36] – Did you see anything at the ASAE annual meeting that jumped out at you from a learning or education perspective? Josh shares that he saw a number of technology providers in the talent management space, which supports that there is a need in that area. He also says how he found it interesting to see a number of trade-based organizations looking at individual membership organizations and vice versa.
[22:56] – What are your own key lifelong learning habits that help you to keep up and thrive in what you are doing? Josh reveals that he is an avid reader, both print and online. He shares that he also makes time for appointments with members to better understand their day, not just to try and provide a solution, but to simply listen and learn.
[24:51] – Do you have any technology tools that you use for learning? Josh says that he uses RSS and Feedly.
[25:25] – How to connect with Josh and find out more about The Ohio Society of CPAs:
Email: jgoldman @ ohiocpa.com
Twitter: @joshuargoldman
Visit Ohio Society of CPAs website at: https://www.ohiocpa.com
Twitter: @ohiocpa
[26:00] – Wrap-Up
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[27:20] – Sign off
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