Episode #16 | june 26, 2025 | All Episodes

From Boring to Blockbuster: Rethinking Frontline Training

Julius Ridgley, Director of Learning and Development at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar, joins us to share how he applies a creative, culture-driven approach to workplace training. With a deep-rooted background in hospitality and a passion for pop culture, Julius shares how his role goes beyond designing courses to shaping mindset, motivation and community. He explains how humor, personal connection and cultural relevance drive meaningful learning experiences that resonate across generations.

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Key Takeaways

(02:33) Embracing titles and themes that reflect both personality and mission can create stronger identification with learning leadership.
(05:06) Integrating cultural references into training content can make lessons more accessible and easier to retain.
(07:12) Positive reactions from learners can reflect a deeper emotional connection to content and signal cultural impact.
(09:25) Increased adoption of learning systems often results from both engaging content and consistent accountability.
(11:33) Including personalized elements in training can humanize the learning process and foster stronger engagement.
(13:04) Encouraging knowledge-sharing and collaboration helps establish a culture of continuous improvement.
(15:11) Designing relevant content requires self-awareness and understanding of the audience's generational preferences.
(18:41) A blended learning model can provide flexibility while respecting the operational demands of frontline roles.
(22:39) Personal connection, whether virtual or in person, plays a central role in building trust and reinforcing learning outcomes.