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

Release Date: Mar 24

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 Learn-It-All™ 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.

‍What 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

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the Learn-It-All™ 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 Referenced:

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

Want to Learn More?:  

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: podcast@learnit.com‍
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