Development Nerds
Welcome to Development Nerds, the go-to podcast for career growth without the fluff. We’re here to disrupt the highlight-reel culture and dive deep into the real, raw, and often unfiltered stories of building a career you love. Hosted by Candice Mitchell—a talent development leader and career mentor with a knack for no-BS, practical advice—Development Nerds is designed to help you feel less alone on your journey, with insights you can actually use. Each episode is packed with candid conversations about the highs, the lows, and all the messy middle moments that come with finding success. From tackling career...
David Gilbert: From Climbing the Ladder to Finding the Right Hill: A Career Reinvention Story

Join us in this episode of Development Nerds as David Gilbert shares his unconventional career journey— from working at a deli restaurant at age 14 to becoming a successful voice actor. Discover how he found his 'Emerald City' and learn actionable insights on pushing your own boulder up the right hill. This is one you won't want to miss!
David Gilbert is a seasoned voice actor with a compelling journey that began in the corporate world as an assistant buyer and evolved through various roles in sales and marketing. Transitioning from a career in buying and sales, David em...
How to choose L&D qualifications that will actually support your career

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep into the crucial decisions around choosing the right Learning and Development (L&D) qualifications that will genuinely propel your career forward. Explore the common mistakes professionals make when selecting courses and discover the power of integrating knowledge from fields beyond traditional L&D to stand out as a strategic partner. With real-life examples from past participants, Candice provides actionable insights to ensure your learning path leads to tangible career growth and fulfillment.
Below are the key takeaways from this episode:
Look towards the future: When selecting...Tara Rynders: From Giving to Receiving: Redefining Care in the Workplace

Join us as Tara Rynders (MFA BSN BA RN) (she/her) reveals the transformative power of play and care in the workplace, sharing her deeply personal journey from nurse to artistic healer and how a simple act of receiving care redefined her life's mission.
Tara Rynders, she/her, RN, MFA, BSN, BA aka "the dancing nurse" is a speaker, storytelling, researcher, and a dancer. Rynders has been a registered nurse for over twenty years and received her Master’s in Fine Arts in Dance and Somatic Practices in 2011 from The University of Colorado at Boulder. Rynders, an Ad...
Top certifications in L&D

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell cuts through the noise to reveal the certifications, degrees, and communities that can truly accelerate your career in Learning and Development. From industry-recognized credentials like ATD and SHRM to specialized programs and invaluable professional networks, discover what really makes a difference. Plus, hear Candice's insights on why the right community can propel you further than any certification alone. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about making an impact in L&D!
Below are the key takeaways from this episode:<...
Tim Slade: from catching shoplifters to developing award-winning eLearning courses

In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Tim Slade to explore his unique journey from a high school concession stand to a successful instructional design entrepreneur. Discover the secrets behind his transformation, the lessons learned from his unexpected career shifts, and his empowering advice on harnessing imposter syndrome as a superpower.
Tim Slade is an accomplished speaker, author, award-winning freelance eLearning designer, and creator of The eLearning Designer’s Academy. With over a decade and a half of experience in the industry, Tim transitioned from catching shoplifters to developing award-winning elearning courses. Having spent over a de...
Do you need certifications to succeed in L&D?

Wondering if certifications are really the key to success in learning and development? In this episode, Candice Mitchell breaks down the different paths to L&D, from newcomer to career switcher, and reveals what truly matters for career growth. Don't miss her no-fluff Are certifications the golden ticket to a thriving career in learning and development, or just an expensive piece of paper? In this must-listen episode, Candice Mitchell dives deep into the real value of L&D certifications, tailored advice for everyone from newcomers to lifelong learners, and practical steps to strategically position yourself in the field. Tune...
Nicholas Plotnicoff: From Career Setbacks to AI Success – Mastering Resilience and Reinvention

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep with Nicholas Plotnicoff, a multifaceted professional who transitioned from gaming and eyewear to AI innovation. Discover how Nicholas faced career-defining challenges, overcame setbacks in the crypto market, and leveraged resilience and mentorship to find success in AI business development.
Nicholas Plotnicoff is a versatile professional who has transitioned from gaming and eyewear to AI business development and consulting. With an educational background in political science and business from Northeastern University and an MBA from London Business School, Nicholas has worked with companies like Caesars Analytics and ventured...
L&D as your competitive advantage in 2025

In a rapidly evolving workforce, standing still is the same as falling behind. Join Candice Mitchell in this eye-opening episode as she reveals why Learning and Development is the ultimate competitive advantage for 2025. Packed with compelling statistics, real-life examples, and actionable strategies, this episode is your wake-up call to start investing in your people today for a successful tomorrow.
Below are the key takeaways from this episode:
The Importance of Continuous Learning: Candice Mitchell emphasizes that innovation requires continuous learning and development (L&D). Companies that fail to invest in their employees' development will fall behind...Clay Gill: From Frustration to Fulfillment – Embracing the Squiggly Career Path with Purpose

In this episode of Development Nerds, Clay Gill takes us on a ride through his "squiggly" career path, revealing how embracing frustration and understanding neurodivergence can unlock hidden potential. Discover his transformative approach to career fulfillment and actionable strategies for real, meaningful change.
About the guest:
As a mindset coach with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of people through one-to-one and group coaching and mentoring sessions to completely transform their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
I specialize in helping neurodivergent individuals reconnect wi...
L&D + HR = The Powerhouse Team

Unlock the secret to building a high-performing, powerhouse team. Ever wondered how the collaboration between Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and Learning & Development can drive your organization’s success to new heights? In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell breaks down real-world strategies, shares inspiring success stories, and offers practical advice on how these critical functions can work together seamlessly to enhance talent mobility, retention, and overall business growth. Don't miss out on this game-changing conversation!
Below are the key takeaways from this episode:
Interconnected Strategies are Essential: Talent acquisition, talent management, and talent development should wo...