This GydeBites Podcast delves into the evolving world of onboarding, featuring an insightful conversation between host Prasanna Vaidya, co-founder of GYDE AI and Nick Congelosi, Director of Learning and Development at Ripple.
With over 15 years of experience shaping learning strategies at companies like Apple and HubSpot, Congelosi outlines how organizations can turn onboarding into a growth opportunity rather than a routine HR task.
According to Congelosi, the first 90 days are a “golden window” that determines whether new hires thrive or disengage. He emphasizes three critical pillars of successful onboarding – clarity, competence, and connection.
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“New employees want to understand expectations, learn how their roles align with company goals, and build meaningful relationships early on,” Congelosi explains. “When organizations get these right, they boost motivation, performance, and long-term retention.”
As companies expand across geographies and cultures, the challenge of personalizing onboarding at scale has become central. Congelosi highlights the need for a balance between global consistency and local relevance.
He advocates a multimodal approach – combining digital tools, peer-led modules, and local champions to help new hires connect with regional teams. “Technology enables consistency, but local champions humanize the experience by translating global values into day-to-day realities,” he notes.
Integrating Learning into the Flow of Work
Effective onboarding, Congelosi says, must align learning with daily workflows. Instead of overwhelming employees with information, companies should focus on progressive learning built around clear role competencies and measurable outcomes.
“Distinguish between task-based and skill-based learning,” he advises. “Use tools to guide through tasks, but foster deeper skill development through experience and feedback. That’s how learning truly sticks.”
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Balancing AI and Human Touch in Onboarding
Addressing the role of AI in onboarding, Congelosi cautions that while AI accelerates learning and boosts competence, it can also lead to overconfidence if unchecked.
“AI can enhance clarity and speed, but human interaction remains vital for reflection and critical thinking,” he says. “Coaching conversations and manager check-ins ensure new hires don’t lose the human element amid automation.”
He suggests training AI systems with company-specific cultural data to preserve authenticity while improving efficiency.
Trends Shaping the Future of Onboarding
Looking ahead, Congelosi identifies three key trends that will shape onboarding in the coming years:
- Human connection as a differentiator – fostering collaboration across remote, hybrid, and in-office models.
- Just-in-time learning – using AI-driven support to reduce time to proficiency.
- Outcome-focused onboarding – shifting from process-based checklists to measurable business impact.
“Organizations that emphasize connection, clarity, and culture will build stronger, more engaged teams,” he asserts.
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Actionable Takeaways for Leaders
As a closing thought, Congelosi urges organizations to invest in their people managers and embrace technology as an enabler, not a replacement.
“If you’re not using AI daily, you’re already a day behind,” he says. “But never underestimate the power of connection – it’s what sustains engagement and growth.”
The episode reinforces that onboarding is more than a welcome session – it’s the foundation of an employee’s journey and a company’s long-term success.
