The L&D Challenges Podcast

Supporting and Embedding DEI and Well-Being with Wali Rahman Oct 29, 2024

In this fantastic episode, Adam chats with Wali Rahman of the Forestry Commission.

Wali is the Diversity and Wellbeing Manager at the Forestry Commission, with over 18 years of experience in higher education, Local Government, and the Civil Service.

Wali has pioneered diversity initiatives, including Wiltshire’s first Prevent Officer role and diversity training for over 700 individuals across multiple sectors. He co-founded a community group that successfully campaigned against extremism, recently graduated from the Stepping Up Diversity Leadership programme, and, in 2023, was recognised as one of the Top 50 most influential Muslims in Europe.

In this episode, Wali and Adam discuss:

Data-driven diversity and inclusion
Maintaining a growth mindset in DEI
How to embed DEI and well-being practices across your organisation
Reciprocal mentoring

Wali provides excellent insights into the landscape of DEI today and provides practical tips into managing well-being and being an advocate for diversity in your organisation. If you’re looking to bolster inclusion in your own community, this is the episode for you.

Connect with Wali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walirahman/

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.

Measuring Impact in L&D with Neil Cunningham Oct 15, 2024

In this great episode, Adam chats with Neil Cunningham.

Neil began his career in acting before transitioning into sales. He then moved from sales to training, where he built an L&D program for new hires.

This led him to a career in Learning and Development, where he finds passion in measuring the impact that L&D has on an organisation. Founding Align Learn Do, Neil works to help others build world-class L&D solutions and is on the Board of Directors for The Learning Network.

Adam and Neil Discuss:

Telling a story with data
Measuring ROI using data and desire to change
AI to support and not replace humans
Challenges in measuring soft skills

Connect with Neil on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiljohncunningham/

and check out his website Alignlearndo.com

You can purchase Neil's book Narrative and Numbers: Proving L&D’s value in 7 steps on his website Alignlearndo.com. Listeners get 10% off with code challenge10

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.

Enabling Skills-Led Transformation in L&D with Fred Thompson Oct 01, 2024

In this fantastic interview, Adam sits down with Fred Thompson of Thirst.

As a seasoned learning and development expert and CEO of Thirst, with over two decades of experience helping businesses create learning environments that level up learner engagement, Fred offers his insights on transforming L&D through skills-led practices.

Fred has spearheaded numerous L&D initiatives that have empowered employees to learn and develop in the most intuitive way possible. He also provides invaluable insights into the latest learning technologies and trends to countless organisations looking to turbocharge their learning cultures with game-changing learning platforms.

In this episode, Fred and Adam discuss:

Transforming into a digital-led organisation
Understanding the L&D space and understanding technology in the L&D space
Vision vowels: Analyse, Engage, Implement, Optimise, Unite
Clear cut ways to implement digital transformation in your business
Developing a learner-led culture

Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-thompson/ and check out his website: https://fredthompson.co.uk/ and Thirst's website http://Thirst.io

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.

Next Level Leadership with Ruth Farenga & Adam Lacey Sep 24, 2024

In this bonus episode, Adam and Ruth explore three of the nine leadership lessons Ruth has drawn from interviewing many CEOs and Managing Directors across the UK: Develop a Clear Intention, Actively Manage Yourself, and Deepen Your Listening Skills. These are lessons which culminated in her book, Next Level Leadership (also an Amazon bestseller).

Adam and Ruth look at why these different leadership skills are so important, talk through some stories and lessons from Ruths extensive interviews with CEOs and business leaders, and then examine the lessons we can take from those lessons.

Note: This episode is taken from a recorded webinar. You can watch the full webinar here: https://www.assembleyou.com/post/next-level-leadership-with-adam-and-ruth

Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthfarenga/ and purchase her book Next Level Leadership here: https://www.consciousleaders.org.uk/next-level-leadership-book

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

Creating Engaging Content from Documented Processes & Systems with Shawn Jensen and Mallory Glessner Sep 17, 2024

In this fun interview, Shawn Jensen and Mallory Glessner chat with Adam about their experience at, Trainual, a cloud-based training, onboarding and SOP platform.

Mallory is the Manager of Content and Product Marketing at Trainual and currently specialises in process improvement, project management, and fostering positive workplace cultures. Shawn is the Senior Success Coach at Trainual, passionate about creating effective learning environments and coaching individuals and groups in programs, products, business strategies, customer service, team building, and staff development.

In their work at Trainual and as co-hosts of their podcast Inside the process, Shawn and Mallory share their insights exploring the best business practices for effective document and creating captivating content.

In this episode, Shawn, Mallory, and Adam discuss:

How to leave room for creative flair when building and managing your processes.
Leveraging AI to create a consistent and efficient onboarding experience.
How to ACE training content and policy creation by making it Accessible, Clear, and Engaging.
Implementing Instructional design to build and transform content into effective training content.

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnjensentrainer/

Connect with Mallory on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malloryglessner/

Their podcast Inside the Process: http://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

The Complete Guide to Process Documentation and Process Improvement (with Templates): https://trainual.com/manual/complete-guide-to-process-documentation-and-process-improvement-templates

How to Improve a Process: https://trainual.com/template/how-to-improve-a-process

How to Document a Process: https://trainual.com/template/how-to-document-a-process

Super Awesome Training Design: https://trainual-2022-brasshands.webflow.io/webinar/super-awesome-training-design

How to Transform Processes into Engaging Employee Training: https://trainual.com/manual/how-to-transform-processes-into-engaging-employee-training

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.

Adapting to Change and Implementing a Holistic Approach to L&D with Matt Jones Sep 03, 2024

In this brilliant interview, Adam speaks with Matt Jones, Head of Talent at nonbank specialist mortgage lender Pepper Money, responsible for L&D and recruitment.

With 20 years of experience as an L&D professional, he champions continuous learning and a people-centric approach to business through his work at Pepper Money and by delivering talks on neurodiversity. Holding a law degree and a PGCE in adult education, Matt is skilled in coaching and helping others develop themselves in soft skills, team building, and identifying creative solutions.

In this episode, Adam and Matt discuss:

Building a L&D in your organisation from scratch.
Providing support and adapting to change.
Shifting Learning from a facilitator-led to a learner-led model.
Creating reactive and proactive mental health initiatives.
Providing personalised support to create future leaders.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jones-955989108/

Global Learning: Aligning L&D with Global Vision and Strategy with Avinash Chandarana Aug 20, 2024

In this exciting interview, Adam speaks with Avinash Chandarana, a learning strategist and proven leader in global workplace learning and performance.

He is an innovative and passionate leader in the L&D space. He integrates AI into learning strategies to create personalised learner experiences on a global level. A fellow at the Learning and Performance Institute and current Learning and Development Director for MCI Group, Avinash is pushing the boundaries in L&D to create high-quality learning trajectories using various AI and other technologies.

In this episode, Adam and Avinash discuss:

Aligning L&D strategy with a wider vision and goal.
Integrating technology and decentralising power in L&D.
Implementing various branding and marketing methods in L&D initiatives.
Adapting to budget constraints and organisational changes.
The future of AI in L&D.

Connect with Avinash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinashc/

Developing Leaders in a Fast Growing Organisation with Phil Yetzes Aug 06, 2024

In this exciting interview, Adam speaks Phil Yetzes, L&D Lead in the Nuclear Business Unit at Morgan Sindall.

He is passionate about leadership development and has crafted bespoke programs for senior executives and trained managers in effective communication and change management.

In this episode, Adam and Phil discuss:

The importance of psychological safety in L&D initiatives.
Training the next generation of workers and filling the skills gaps.
The benefits of implementing coaching into the workplace.
Training people to be brilliant people managers.
The challenges of implementing training in a fast growing organisation.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillyetzes/

Webinar Recording: Leading Future Humans - Unleashing the Potential in Others Jul 30, 2024

Liggy and Adam are back with another webinar from the Future Human series - Leading Future Humans - Unleashing the Potential in Others.

Inspired by the Skills for the Future outlined by the World Economic Forum, we'll explore the essential behavioural skills that define tomorrow's leaders. From fostering Resilience to igniting Initiative, we'll equip you with the tools and insights needed to cultivate these critical competencies in yourself and those you lead.

Get ready for a dynamic discussion filled with top tips, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories from both the business world and our own careers. Whether you're a seasoned leader or embarking on your leadership journey, this webinar is your gateway to unlocking the full potential of yourself and your team.

Supporting L&D Across Multiple Cultures and Continents with Shellie Le Bras Jul 23, 2024

In this exciting interview, Adam speaks with Shellie Le Bras, Global Learning and Development Manager at a large international drinks company.

She is a passionate advocate for social justice and education and has built her career in L&D on the belief that education drives societal change. With a background in political science and HR, she now leads strategic training initiatives across Europe, Asia, and America.

In this episode, Adam and Shellie discuss:

Understanding who you're delivering to, and their requirements
Recognising cultural differences and adapting to them
Collaborating with senior leaders to get buy-in for L&D.
The importance of psychological safety in training initiatives.
Offer training inside the correct time zones to get maximum engagement.

Connect with Shellie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellie-le-bras-hr-learning-and-development/

From Martial Arts to L&D with Ash Wedderburn (GB Railfreight) Jul 09, 2024

In this fascinating interview, Adam speaks with Ash Wedderburn, the Learning & Development Manager at GB Railfreight.

Ash leads on all things training, learning and development. Previously at Showsec and before that at G4S, Ash has a background in identifying learning needs and developing, launching and managing complex learning initiatives in a variety of organisational environments.

In this episode, Adam and Ash discuss:

The benefits of a centralised L&D function for GB Railfreight
Commercialising L&D for ROI
Delving into understanding the link between what employees want to learn and how this matches with the organisations strategic objectives.
How the importance of speaking to those who will be doing the training cannot be underestimated.
The fact that L&D practitioners will need to do multiple iterations of their plans before getting to something that will benefit the organisation and the employee.
The important questions you need to ask when designing a piece of L&D.

Connect with Ash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashendenwedderburn/

Empowering Women in Leadership Roles with Delphine Mourot, Director at HEC Jun 25, 2024

In this brilliant interview, Adam speaks with Delphine Mourot, Director at HEC, Executive Coach, Teacher, and Author.

A HEC graduate, Delphine also holds master's degrees in political science, international law and taxation, and European law. She recently co-authored the book Take the Lead, which is focused on developing female leaders.

She now works withC-Suites, Managing Directors and Executive Directors across a variety of international organisations.

In this episode, Adam and Delphine discuss:

The leadership canvas in her book, Take the Lead, and the 7 C's.
How everyone is creative and the links to problem-solving at work.
How having women in leadership positions shouldn't be a tick-box exercise and how it can help achieve business goals.
The benefits of showing women good role models in business to help with the transition from the school system to the corporate world.

Buy Take the Lead.

Connect with Delphine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delphine-mourot-haxaire-007a0811/

Connecting Learning With Outcomes and Impact with Lars Hyland Jun 11, 2024

In this fascinating interview, Adam speaks with Lars Hyland Managing Director EMEA at Totara Learning.

Lars has over 27 years of experience in the design and implementation of large scale learning programs and performance improvement solutions. He's also a conference speaker and a passionate advocate for the positive impact technology has on learning and education.

In this episode Adam and Lars discuss:

The five key questions to ask to develop your L&D into a learning culture.
The importance of L&D being at the table when discussing organisational strategies.
How you can help get more employees involved in L&D.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larshyland/

Totara Learning: https://www.totara.com/

Embedding Audio Learning in Your Organisation with Adam Lacey and Richard Ward May 28, 2024

What we've learned from piloting and launching audio learning in multiple organisations.

Assemble You launched in 2022 with a mission to bring podcast-style learning to time-poor, screen-fatigued professionals and frontline workers. Allowing learning to be accessible and consumed at a convenient time for workers.

In this session, Adam and Rich, Co-Founders of Assemble You, will take you through:

The rationale for audio in L&D
How to make audio learning work in your organisation: We'll examine topics that work well for audio and the type of technology available to facilitate this.
The power of audio when delivering sensitive or unfamiliar topics.

The Power of Persuasion and Influence in L&D with Dr Keith O'Brien May 15, 2024

In this fascinating interview, Adam speaks with Dr Keith O'Brian, Director of Consulting at Influence at Work, about how to use persuasion and influence at work in a learning and development context.

Keith currently leads a team of behavioural scientists to create innovative solutions that change behaviour and achieve organisational objectives. He is an expert in designing persuasive technology to change minds and behaviour, spanning 8+ years in tech and digital products.

In this episode, they discuss:

The six principles of persuasion from Robert Cialdini.
Differences between learning cultures and action cultures in L&D.
The need for leadership buy-in and psychological safety when creating a learning culture.

Keith gives practical tips on how to use persuasion and influence effectively in L&D. If you are looking to influence, inspire and move others to take action, this is a must-listen-to episode.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithmobrien/

Influence at Work: https://influenceatwork.co.uk/

What Organisations can do to Support Women in Menopause with Ann O'Neill Apr 30, 2024

In this interview, Adam speaks with Ann O'Neill, Co-Founder and CEO of Adora.

Adora is a women's health platform that focuses on helping women understand the signs of menopause and providing resources to organisations that support women in this process.

Adam and Ann discuss:

What the menopause is and the symptoms that can be experienced.
Ann's own journey with her GP and what led to the creation of Adora.
What organisations, HR, L&D, and men can do to support women going through menopause,

Ann also gives some excellent tips throughout the podcast, such as creating a safe space to talk, giving flexible working hours when they're needed, and normalising the topic.

Connect with Ann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmoneill/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adora-digital-health/

BS 30416 Report: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/brochures/bs-30416-menstruation-menstrual-health-and-menopause-in-the-workplace/
Adora Website: https://www.adora.health/

The Challenges of Rolling out New Technology in Global Organisations with Rebecca Tisdale Apr 16, 2024

In this interview, Adam speaks with Rebecca Tisdale who is a Learning Leader for a global corporation.

Rebecca specialises in implementing transformation programs through consulting, designing, leading, and coordinating cutting-edge learning solutions to serve global audiences.

In this episode, Adam and Rebecca discuss:

The challenges of rolling out new L&D tech in large organisations
The benefits of having one source of truth in L&D
Implementing gamification to increase learner engagement
Why building your network is important in L&D

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccatisdale/

How L&D Can Adapt to Business Change with Craig Hamill and Lyndsay Taylor from Direct Line Apr 02, 2024

In this interview, Adam speaks with Craig Hamill, Digital and Innovation Leading Lead, and Lyndsay Taylor, Head of L&D at Direct Line,

Both Craig and Lyndsay have been working in L&D for 20 years; with their combined experience, they discuss what challenges and interventions have happened at Direct Line over the past few years.

In this episode, Adam, Lyndsay and Craig discuss:

The impact of COVID-19 - changing to digital learning overnight.
How L&D can help attract and retain employees in remote roles.
Why using multiple modalities to deliver learning can help engagement.
The importance of technology in L&D today.
Upskilling and reskilling existing team members to adapt to the new changes in the organisation.

Connect on LinkedIn.

Craig Hamill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hamill-flpi-mcipd-67769727/

Explore the Global Sentiment Survey with Don Taylor Mar 19, 2024

In this interview, Adam chats with Don Taylor, Chair of the Learning Technologies Conference and Learning and Skills Group, as well as the Network Chair at VC Emerge Education.

Don runs the Global Sentiment Survey, which finds out what L&D professionals think will be hot this year and the main challenges they foresee.

In this episode, Adam and Don discuss:

The top five answers of the Global Sentiment Survey.
How the answers in the survey are analysed.
The challenges around AI for L&D professionals.
The differences between the first survey in 2016 and 2024, moving from social learning to AI.

Download the GSS: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/global-sentiment-survey-2024/

Connect with Don on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/

Human Skills in The Age of AI - Future Human with Liggy Webb and Adam Lacey Mar 05, 2024

Are you future-ready?

Join Adam Lacey and Liggy Webb as they discuss the ten behavioural skills they believe will be essential to humans as we head into the age of AI.

Designed for anyone in a learning or leadership position. This session covers:

Understanding critical behavioural skills designed to enable your teams in the future.
Learning some quick tips for how to help develop Future Human skills.
Building an appreciation for why humanness will be so important over the coming years.

Find out more about Liggy Webb: https://www.liggywebb.com/
Find out more about Adam Lacey and Assemble You: https://www.assembleyou.com/

Transforming L&D at AO with Stephen Holderness Feb 21, 2024

In this interview, Adam chats with Stephen Holderness, Content and Digital Learning Lead at AO.

Stephen leads the transformation of their digital learning offer and has driven engagement in digital learning to record numbers by aligning it to the values of the business as well as the people in it.

In this episode, Adam and Stephen discuss:

The power of using different modalities to increase engagement with learning in L&D
The importance of speaking with employees doing the learning helps you to provide what's needed.
The L&D journey AO has gone on over the last five years.
What has worked well, what hasn't, and what the team has learned.
How to support a multi-faceted business that's also growing rapidly!
How to move towards a more learner-led culture.
Stephen's top tips for anyone starting in L&D right now including being bullish and market, market, market.

VR for Frontline Workers with Nishant Raj Oct 24, 2023

In this episode, Adam interviews Nishant Raj, Co-Founder of Virtual Learning Factory about VR and digital twins for small manufacturing businesses.

Nishant has over a decade of experience in the manufacturing industry and is an entrepreneur who leverages data and technology to create value for customers and stakeholders.

He’s co-founded the Virtual Learning Factory. This innovative venture is dedicated to assisting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in upskilling their workforce through the use of digital twins for both training and operational purposes. Driven by a vision to empower SMEs, Nishant aims to propel them to new heights with the aid of enabling technologies.

In this episode, Nishant talks Adam through the consumer-grade virtual replicas, or digital twins he and his team build to enable small manufacturing businesses to train people at scale on complex machinery. Nishant discusses how they create these replicas, and the impact this has on frontline training.

Links:

Website: https://virtuallearningfactory.com/
Demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6JqJAYrA5Y
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishant-raj-621a0a196/
Linkedin VLF: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/virtual-learning-factory

Audio Learning with Sophie Bolzer at Audvice Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Sophie Bolzer, CEO of Audvice.

Sophie is CEO and founder of Audvice, a private and secure podcasting solution that unlocks the power of voice to onboard, train and update employees more effectively.

Audvice helps companies of all sizes, including Fortune 500 organisations, turn internal knowledge and insights into microlearning podcasts people find more time for.

In this episode, Adam and Sophie discuss the benefits of using audio learning to increase engagement with frontline or deskless workers.

Links:

Enabling Academics and Volunteers with Rick Hopcroft Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Rick Hopcroft, Learning & Development Manager at Toi Ohomai, Te Pūkenga - The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Rick has over a decade of experience in the field of Learning and development, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting staff in their professional journey. Alongside this, Rick serves as a Training Officer at the New Zealand Red Cross within the Disaster Welfare and Support Team, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and community service.

His diverse background has equipped him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that exist within the Learning and development landscape, including the unique challenge of supporting largely deskless volunteers.

In this brilliant episode, Adam and Rick discuss how to facilitate learning and development for academics and volunteers.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-hopcroft-landd/

Onboarding & Training the Front Office at Stirling Ackroyd with Steven Milicia Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Steven Milicia, Head of Learning and Development at Stirling Ackroyd Group.

Steven is an experienced L&D Manager, Performance Coach, Trainer, Project, Financial and People manager. As a values-based leader, Steven promotes and implements a learning and development culture within the Stirling Ackroyd Group and is passionate about empowering everyone to develop through training, coaching or mentoring. He believes in personal growth, achievement, inspiration and challenge.

In this riveting episode, Adam and Steven discuss the importance of speaking with employees to pinpoint what they want to develop and how they like to learn to keep engagement high.

Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-milicia-chartered-mcipd/

Alignment in L&D with Viki Howden Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Viki Howden, HR Consultant and coach, currently working as a lecturer at Exeter College.

Viki teaches various leadership courses with a focus on People Practices. She worked across a number of business sectors, from manufacturing to public service. Viki's passion lies in creating learning cultures and developing individuals whilst finding smart learning solutions for organisational needs.

In this thought-provoking episode, Adam and Viki discuss how to enable learning with different modalities, including augmented reality and VR. As well as how the L&D landscape has changed post-COVID.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-howden-assoc-cipd-cmgr-mcmi-b0780a63/

Blended Learning at Leonardo Hotels with Edd Gallier Oct 24, 2023

Adam speaks with Edd Gallier, Head of Learning & Development at Leonardo Hotels in this interview.

Edd is a learning thought leader, regular conference speaker and awards host, contributing to learning publications in the areas of online and blended learning, learning and communication technology, and guest service.

He is also a publisher of award-winning online learning and is regularly part of the team for new hotel openings, rebrands, and Food and Beverage operations.

In this brilliant episode, Adam and Edd speak about how utilising technology can help frontline staff maximise their learning potential.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-gallier-leonardohotels/

Training on the Production Floor at Clean Linen Services with Nicola Manuel Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Nicola Manuel, Learning and Development Manager for Clean Linen Services.

Nicola has worked in a development role for the past 30 years in various industries. Starting as an outdoor activity instructor to qualifying in sports management. Within a few years, she moved from the physically active sports world into a business role and delivered computer software training.

Nicola enjoys being a coach and a trainer, using technology and traditional methods to help individuals grow within themselves and through their organisations.

In this fascinating episode, Adam and Nicola go into detail on training and skills development on a production floor.

Links:

Revolutionising Retail Training at Ann Summers with Becky West Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Becky West, Head of Learning and Development at Ann Summers.

Becky started her career as a teacher and moved into the Leisure and tourism industry as a frontline manager. Becky found her niche in the world of learning and development nearly 10 years ago. She’s worked in senior L&D roles for Merlin Entertainments, Entain and, most recently, heads up the learning and development function for iconic retailer Ann Summers.

She brings to the table experience in coaching, inspiring and developing both front-line teams and senior leaders, with a real passion for creating commercial returns from learning.

In this brilliant episode, Adam and Becky speak about the power of social learning and the profound impact it can have on a business.

Engaging Seasonal Workers with L&D at St Austell Brewery with James Hampton Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with James Hampton, Head of Employee Experience at St Austell Brewery.

James has been supporting people’s organisational performance in the military, further education, retail, hospitality and production for the past 23 years. During this time, he has used this experience to challenge the status quo of traditional people experience approaches.

James is passionate about the promotion of more regenerative approaches that use business to make real differences in people, their communities, and the planet. Cultivating a learning climate enriched by Inclusive and Conscious Leadership is essential to James’ approach.

In this fascinating interview, Adam and James discuss the effects of seasonal workers and how this affects the delivery of L&D.

Learning Culture with Toby Newman Oct 24, 2023

In this interview, Adam speaks with Toby Newman, Senior L&D consultant at CH Robinson.

Toby is an accomplished learning and development professional with 20+ years of expertise in designing and delivering high-impact learning programs. He’s passionate about promoting employee well-being and fostering a culture of continuous learning and is skilled at leveraging technology to help achieve this.

Toby is also a TEDx speaker and also works to mentor other L&D professionals to help them develop their own learning cultures.

In this riveting episode, Adam and Toby speak about how to create a learning culture that works for your organisation. The importance of not copying anyone else's and giving employees the autonomy to lead their own learning journey.

Links

Connect with Toby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theneverendinglearner/
Find out more: https://www.theneverendinglearner.com/

L&D Challenges Series 1 Review with Don Taylor & Toby Harris Jun 27, 2023

In this episode of the L&D Challenges podcast, Adam and Rich join forces with L&D industry experts Don Taylor and Toby Harris to review the key themes from Series 1.

They discuss the five core takeaways from interviews and offer insightful recommendations on how to implement these ideas.

The five key themes:

Listen first and then prioritise
Always in beta
Build opt-in learning networks
Push existing tech before buying
Own your own success metrics

The Three 'C's' with Phil King Apr 13, 2023

In todays podcast, Richard talks with Phil King, formerly from Roche and Bristol-Myers in L&D leadership roles and now impactfully Consulting and Coaching whilst Co-Hosting his Soulful Leader Podcast.

Take a listen as they explore Phil’s ‘3 C’s’ model, unwrapping the importance of the role leadership play in driving a systemic change towards a learning culture, ensuring capabilities are in place for learners to thrive, and prioritising time and therefore capacity for each employees learning activities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-king-b8347332/

phil@philkingconsulting.com

Building Effective Onboarding and Training Programmes with Brittany Chamberlin Apr 13, 2023

In this episode of the L&D Challenges Podcast, Adam speaks with Brittany Chamberlin about her experience in the L&D industry.

Brittany has been in the L&D industry for more than 15 years. In that time, she has developed and launched over 500 training courses, built more than ten onboarding programmes and revamped a similar number of new hire training programmes.

In this episode, Brittany talks us through some of the programs she recently rolled out at Doordash and, more importantly, how she thinks about measuring ROI in learning.

This is a fascinating episode and ideal for anyone in L&D looking for practical advice on setting up and running a successful onboarding program.

Connect with Brittany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-chamberlin-b15657140/

Formalising and Centralising Learning with Michael Miller Apr 13, 2023

In this podcast, Adam talks to Michael Miller about setting up the first formal learning systems and processes at Sygnature Discovery.

In this fascinating discussion, Michael talks us through the process he followed in setting up the "Sygnature Academy". The first centralised, companywide learning initiative put together at Sygnature Discovery.

What started as an effort to streamline and focus local training activities ended up growing into a cohesive platform. Michael talks us through some easy-to-implement low/no tech solutions and their progress on driving engagement.

If you are setting up a new L&D department in a growing company, this is a must-listen episode!

Developing Leaders at EDF with Andrew Golightly Apr 13, 2023

In this podcast, Adam speaks with Andrew Golightly about a new leadership programme he developed and rolled out.

Andrew is a Learning and Development Specialist at EDF, where he has managed all aspects of the end-to-end training cycle in a complex and large multinational. He's an expert at designing and delivering change programmes that improve performance, and today he's here to share some of his experiences rolling out new initiatives at EDF.

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone in L&D looking to roll out a new initiative in a large organisation.

Follow and connect with Andrew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-golightly-04623388/

L&D Networks & Communities with Ana Silva Apr 13, 2023

In this episode, Adam speaks with Ana Silva about a new internal learning community she helped develop and roll out.

Ana is the Learning Business partner at Continental tyres, where she supports the organization's learning strategy, develops training and is passionate about creative problem-solving in Learning and Development.

This episode focuses on how to help develop your internal L&D specialists and leaders. Ana and her colleagues created an internal community to help enable learning managers in the business to grow and thrive.

This is a fascinating insight into how large corporations think about and encourage learning and development - a must-listen!

Follow and connect with Ana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-cristina-silva/

The Thinking Environment with Adele Bradley Apr 13, 2023

In this podcast, Adam talks to Adele Bradley about a brilliant learning initiative intended to drive better decision-making - a Thinking Environment.

Adele is an organisational Development Manager at a global corporation and specialises in Leadership Talent & Development, Executive Coaching, Culture Change Initiatives, Change management and Coaching Programs.

She's a disciple of Nancy Klein, and in this episode, we discuss how she's helping to create a Thinking Environment in her organisation by training people to hold more effective meetings.

This episode is packed full of practical advice and value on how to ensure a new learning initiative takes hold.

Personalisation and Learning Ecosystems with Alfonso Bustos Apr 13, 2023

In this podcast, Adam talks to Alfonso about his experiences of running L&D at a large, complex organisation.

Alfonso has a PhD in educational psychology and is Head of Digital Academy at Ricoh Europe. He's also a Harvard Business Review Council Member and a professor at the UPF Barcelona School of Management.

He's an expert on how people and organisations learn, leadership, team management, instructional and interactive design, and so much more.

Alfonso shares his insight on creating unique learner experiences by using technology to enable personalisation and create exceptional learning experiences for his organisation.

This episode provides valuable insight into how someone senior in L&D is tackling complex skills enablement at scale.

Implementing a Mentoring Scheme with Rachel Wood Apr 13, 2023

In this podcast, Adam is joined by L&D expert Rachel Wood.

Rachel is a Learning and Development Partner for Burendo, the founder of #LLAND, a learning and development community based in Leeds. She's an active mentor for L&D professionals and veterans transitioning out of the Armed Forces.

Rachel has been working across Public, Private and Third Sector Industries to build learning capability and find the balance between Humans and Technology to drive learning forward.

In this episode, Rachel talks Adam through what they learned at Burendo when implementing a mentoring scheme.

This episode is full of practical advice and lessons learned. A must-listen for anyone thinking of implementing a mentoring scheme in their organisation!

L&D Supporting Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing with Sally Dunne Apr 13, 2023

In todays podcast, Richard talks with Sally Dunne, Learning and Development lead at Choice Support.

Choice Support is a national UK charity supporting people with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health needs.

Sally has been there nearly 20 years, and shares her experience in how they drive learner engagement. Key themes in this discussion are the emphasis on purpose within this mission-driven charity, the intense focus they have as an L&D function on staff’s mental health and wellbeing, and the key learning that variety brings results. Choice support has diverse staff, with diverse needs that are successfully being offered diverse training solutions.

Take a listen.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-dunne-844b4891/
choicesupport.org.uk

Leading Learning at Ribby Hall with Daniel Houseman Apr 13, 2023

In this episode, Adam speaks with Daniel Houseman about the various learning initiatives he and his team have introduced at Ribby Hall Village, a luxury holiday village in Lancashire.

Daniel takes us through a leadership initiative he's developed and discusses the challenges to the business of staffing, training, and upskilling post-covid.

This fascinating episode covers a comprehensive range of learning and organisational development topics. Enjoy!

Links

Follow and connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-houseman-33131955/

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