46: Connection Before Content: The Training Shift Leaders Are Missing | Sarah Machat

Inclusive leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about designing learning environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

In this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is joined by Sarah Machat, VP of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. Together, they dive deep into what truly makes learning experiences inclusive, busting myths and sharing actionable strategies pulled from nonprofit, corporate, and social work settings. Sarah explains how continuous quality improvement, accessibility, and belonging intersect—and why “connection before content” should lead every training. From practical metrics to pivoting under resistance, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone who wants to design learning programs that build trust and unlock authentic engagement.

Packed with tools, real-world examples, and a future-focused mindset, this episode will sharpen your approach to inclusive L&D and remind you why leading like a human really matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How inclusive learning differs from accessibility—and why belonging is the secret ingredient
• The practical steps for designing training that fits diverse audiences (from shift workers to office teams)
• Key metrics and signals for measuring whether your inclusive training is actually landing
• Strategies for navigating resistance from stakeholders and balancing competing priorities
• The “connection before content” principle—and simple ways to create safety, trust, and engagement in any session
• Advice for new L&D professionals facing rapid change, plus pillars of flexibility and human-centered design

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to The Learnit Lounge Podcast and Sarah Machat

00:59 – What inclusive L&D means in practice

04:03 – Designing training to fit unique audience needs

05:19 – Inclusion vs. accessibility: the Venn diagram

07:00 – Real-world considerations for shift workers, nontraditional staff

08:32 – Entry-level metrics: engagement, attendance, qualitative feedback

09:53 – Gathering feedback through evaluation and informal conversations

12:16 – Pillars of inclusive learning experience design

17:11 – Facing resistance: balancing speed and inclusive considerations

20:05 – Human-centered approach, nervous system regulation, connection before content

23:35 – Connection before content explained, impact on facilitation

25:52 – Mindsets and advice for new L&D professionals: flexibility, ongoing learning

28:37 – Biggest leadership lesson: learning to ask for help and support

30:47 – The uncomfortable truth: endless potential for learning in every leader

32:17 – How to connect with Sarah Machat

33:39 – Final words and podcast feedback invitation

About Sarah Machat

Sarah Machat is the Vice President of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. She leads agency-wide quality improvement, learning and development, compliance, and risk management programs, ensuring compliance with governmental, contractual, and accreditation requirements. Sarah started her journey at St. Anne’s as a social work intern and later honed her skills in Diversity & Inclusion and L&D at the Walt Disney Company. She returned to St. Anne’s in 2017, successfully guiding two reaccreditation cycles and championing a data-informed, improvement-focused culture. Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from USC and a BA in Psychology from UC Irvine.

Resources & Mentions:

• Sarah Machat’s LinkedIn
• St. Anne’s Family Services website
• Learnit.com

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

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