The Assembly

Latest Episodes:

Learning Strategy in 2025 with Lori Niles-Hofmann Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack sits down with renowned senior learning strategist Lori Niles-Hofmann to demystify the big shifts shaping Learning and Development today. With over 25 years of experience across international banking, consulting, and marketing, Lori offers a compelling look into the evolving world of L&D—from digital acceleration to AI and skills-based transformation.

Together, Brigid and Lori unpack:

The three seismic shifts reshaping L&D post-pandemic
Why skills—not job titles—are the future of workforce strategy
What L&D professionals really need to know about AI and AI agents
How to track and recalibrate skills over time like a supply chain
Actionable tools and trusted resources for those new to the field
Why the human element will always be at the heart of learning—even in an AI-driven world

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insight and perspective on the path forward in L&D.

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinileshofmann/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

How to Leverage the Levy with Jez Light at Ground Control Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Jez Light of Ground Control.

Jez is an award-winning learning leader, known for his transformational approach to L&D. He is Head of Learning and a member of the executive team at Ground Control, a national maintenance and construction company operating across the UK. Jez previously led learning for global brands including Phones4U and Superdry, where his work won a CIPD People Management Award.

At Ground Control, Jez has reimagined L&D—moving it from compliance-driven training to a vibrant, learner-first culture that supports everyone, from apprentices to senior leaders.

In this episode, Jez walks Adam through how he’s rebuilt learning at scale. He shares the tools, tone, and thinking behind GC Academy, and how he transformed a dormant apprenticeship levy into a major engine for growth and retention.

Jez covers:

How to rebrand L&D to engage the whole business
Creative strategies to make learning accessible, flexible and fun
Turning the apprenticeship levy into a company-wide perk
Practical systems for tracking ROI and learner impact
Building psychological safety inside L&D teams

Jez gives honest, inspiring, and refreshingly practical advice on how to create a learning culture people genuinely use—and love. If you’re trying to get your L&D function listened to, this is a must-listen episode.

Connect with Jez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jez-light-07150249/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

How to Buy L&D with John Helmer Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this debut episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack welcomes the inimitable John Helmer—podcast host, writer, and long-time learning industry figure—for a no-nonsense exploration of how the world of L&D has evolved over the past two decades. Drawing on his deep experience as a marketer, buyer, and thought leader, John shares practical advice on how to navigate the complex, often messy business of purchasing learning solutions.

This episode is essential listening for anyone stepping into the L&D space—especially those grappling with vendor selection, learning systems, or content procurement.

Brigid and John discuss:

Why trust, scale, and innovation are non-negotiables in vendor relationships
The difference between content vendors and LMS providers—and why it matters
How to sniff out risk, recognise desperation, and avoid getting "nickeled and dimed"
The buyer’s golden rule: Know your vendor

John gives practical advice and insight to the world of L&D, if you're just starting out or want to increase your knowledge then this is a must-listen-to episode.

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/

Listen to the Learning Hack: The Learning Hack podcast

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

AI and the Future of Content with special guests Ross and Paul from Mindtools Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Ross Garner and Paul Buller of Mind Tools to explore one of the most pressing topics in L&D today: the role of AI in content creation and the future of learning.

Ross is Chief Learning Officer at Mind Tools and a former Learning Designer of the Year. He’s also a long-time podcast host and co-author of the L&D Dispatch newsletter. Paul is Head of Content at Mind Tools, an executive coach, and an expert in leadership and organisational psychology with a track record in leading hybrid learning teams at global organisations.

In this episode, Ross and Paul unpack how AI is reshaping what we create, how we design learning experiences, and the skills L&D professionals need to thrive in this new landscape.

They share their reflections on:

Why content creation jobs are shifting—not disappearing
How AI can free up time to focus on behaviour change and learning design
The continued importance of authentic human connection in digital learning
Practical ways to integrate AI into workflows without compromising quality
How L&D can defend against “internet slop” with trustworthy, research-backed content

Ross and Paul give thoughtful, grounded insights into what AI means for learning teams today—and why embracing it with optimism and intentionality is the smart move. If you’re navigating the shift to AI-enhanced learning design, this is a must-listen episode.

Duolingo AI Revolution: https://drphilippahardman.substack.com/p/duolingos-ai-revolution

Connect with them on LinkedIn

Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-garner/

Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbuller/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Welcome to the Assembly Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the very first episode of The Assembly – the new voice of Assemble You. Formerly known as L&D Challenges, our rebranded podcast reflects a more inclusive, optimistic, and forward-thinking take on learning and development.

In this episode, co-founders Richard Ward and Adam Lacey are joined by new co-host Brigid McCormack to walk you through what’s changing—and why.

What’s new?

We're not just renaming the podcast—we're revamping the format too. Expect:

Broader topics that go beyond traditional L&D hurdles.
More voices, with Brigid launching her own series aimed at newcomers to the L&D space.

Meet Brigid:

New to the industry herself, Brigid is curating L&D 101 interviews with industry veterans who answer foundational questions for those just starting out—or those wanting a refresher.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro refining your approach or brand new to the L&D world, The Assembly is here to bring insight, inspiration, and ideas to help you thrive. It’s not just about the problems—it’s about what’s working, what’s next, and how we can grow together.

Follow Assemble You on LinkedIn and subscribe to The Assembly wherever you get your podcasts to catch the latest episodes each week.

Performance support is back, baby! With special guests Ross and Paul from MindTools Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Remember 'performance support'? Amid all the talk of AI, adaptive learning, and skills, it's kind of been forgotten.

But not by us! Or by respondents to Don Taylor's Global Sentiment Survey, who ranked it 11th hottest trend this year (up two from last year).

In the first of a two-part series of crossover episodes with our partner MindTools, Adam sits down with Ross G and Paul to discuss:

What makes great performance support?
What conditions make performance support effective?
What role does AI play in all this?

To find out more about the performance support available for leaders and managers, from Mindtools, visit mindtools.com. And, good news! You can now add Microsoft Shorts from Assemble You to your subscription.

During this episode, Ross G discussed extended cognition and the productivity paradox.

Paul discussed Gloria Gery's definition of performance support.

Ross also discussed the book Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro, and our 2016 report 'The Secret Learning Lives of Managers'.

We also discussed the World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs 2025' report.

And in 'What I Learned This Week', Paul recommended the book Kill the Unicorn, and Adam recommended The Anxious Generation.

If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn:

The Power of Coaching Conversations with Jane Murray of Marston’s Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this excellent interview, Adam chats with Director of Learning, Leadership, & Inclusion at Marston's, a leading UK pub operator with over 1,300 pubs and over 10,000 workers.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, she is recognised as a senior L&D thought leader and a strong believer in fostering high-impact cultures where individuals feel deeply aligned with their company’s mission, purpose, and values. Her expertise spans coaching, leadership development, employee engagement, learning technologies, apprenticeships, and skills development.

In this episode, Jane shares her experience as a coach and the coaching experience at Marston's, touching on some of her favourite experiences as a coach and sharing her thoughts. Including:

How to Ask the Right Questions and Be an Excellent Listener
Mastering the Core Competencies of Coaching: Listening, Questioning, and Creating Awareness
Why Practice and Reflection Make Perfect
Embedding Coaching into Everyday Conversations

If you’re looking to integrate coaching into your life, this one is for you.

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemurraytraining/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Frontline Learning in Hospitality with Si Cox at Greene King May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with the Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, Simon Cox.

Si is a dynamic leader specialising in employee engagement and learning innovation, with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. As Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, Si oversees the design and delivery of impactful learning strategies for over 40,000 team members, helping to foster a culture of growth and excellence.

In this episode, Si and Adam talk about the successes and challenges of implementing L&D across 1,800 pubs at Green King. Si talks about their mobile learning launched in 2024, touching on his passion for the hospitality industry, and some of his lessons learned in the industry. Including:

The importance of team member induction for new hires
Gamified learning for compliance and communication skills
Retaining staff in the hospitality industry
Launching a new learning to a nationwide organisation
How consistency is key for training and good service

If you’re looking to engage your workforce and create a consistent learning across your organisation, this one is for you.

Connect with Si on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/si-cox-3360211b/?originalSubdomain=uk

Check out Green King Pub Company: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Running a Successful Early Careers Programme at Together Money with Natalie Newton May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this exciting interview, Adam speaks with Natalie Newton the Early Careers Lead at Together Money.

Beginning her career in recruitment advertising, Natalie developed a passion for talent development and creating impactful early career experiences. She has over 25 years of experience in talent development and has been leading the early career strategy at Together Financial Services for the past eight years. At Together, she has successfully implemented innovative programs to attract and nurture emerging talent.

In this episode Adam and Natalie discuss:

The power of proactive coaching in building long-lasting skills
Prioritising commerciality, confidence, and credibility as key qualities for apprentices and graduates
How to use learning and development to increase staff retention
How to conquer the challenge of retaining graduates and apprentices
Conducting strength-based interviews

If you’re looking to engage new graduates and build long-lasting skills, this is the episode for you.

Connect with Natalie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-newton-9661a43/

Check out Together Money:https://togethermoney.com/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Inclusive Learning Design with Cameo Bondy at River Island Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

In this insightful interview, Adam chats with the digital learning partner at River Island, Cameo Bondy.

Cameo is a passionate Learning and Development specialist with a strong track record in designing inclusive and engaging training programs. With experience in both retail and healthcare settings, Cameo is dedicated to fostering accessible learning experiences, championing neurodivergent education, and creating a culture of continuous development.

In this episode, Cameo uses her experience as a digital learning expert and accessibility ambassador at River Island, to talk Adam through how she designs and thinks about inclusive and accessible learning experiences.

Some of her advice includes:

How to design inclusive learning
The importance of self-paced learning
the beauty of self-paced learning and psychological safety
Having respectful curiosity about other’s neurodiversity
Prioritising a strength-based and flexible assessment style

If you’re looking to foster a more inclusive and creative workspace where everyone benefits, this is the episode for you.

Connect with Cameo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameo-bondy-5b6522120/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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