Learning On The Go - Podcasts

As a professional leadership coach, I know that continuous learning is an essential part of everyone's career, whether you are just starting out or sitting in the C-Suite. Taking an interest in your personal growth benefits you and your employer.

I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that embraced learning. I remember going to the library as a child and coming home with an armload of books that I would devour, returning for more week after week. I read all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction, short and long.

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." 
John F. Kennedy

The learning habit has served me in good stead my entire life, but as an adult with a full-time job, a family and house to care for, a hobby, volunteer work, and the need for at least some sleep, finding the time to learn new things has been a real challenge. The internet is the greatest invention of my lifetime, bringing the knowledge of the entire world to my fingertips in an instant. If time is a learning challenge for you, you might want to consider leveraging your internet connection and start learning via podcasts.

Podcasts are free, digital audio files you can easily download to a computer or mobile device. They are typically available as a series, and you can receive new podcasts automatically. The ones I listen to regularly are about 30 minutes long, not coincidentally the length of my commute to and from work. I also listen when I'm doing housework or my hobby. There are podcasts on just about every subject you want to learn about, and you can even get free fiction stories if you want something lighter.

I knew what podcasts were but didn't give them much thought until I connected with Chris Spurvey on LinkedIn and began listening to his It's Time to Sell podcast which he publishes weekly. Chris helps people overcome their fear of selling. He interviews successful entrepreneurs who share the challenges and solutions they encountered in their careers. Not only have I received information and inspiration from Chris' podcasts, I have also used it to expand my network. I have connected with several of his interviewees here on LinkedIn, leading me to even more opportunities to learn and grow.

No excuse now for not learning something today!