How to turn Learning into Performance

Send us Fan MailWhat really drives performance at work?It’s a question many leaders and learning professionals wrestle with — and one that my guest, Paul Matthews, has spent decades exploring.In this wide-ranging conversation, Paul challenges some of the most common assumptions about training and learning. Drawing on insights from his three books — on informal learning, capability building, and learning transfer — he explains why so many well-intentioned programmes fail to create real behaviour change, and what organisations must do differently.We cover a wide range of topics, including:Why people learn best through activities, not contentHow capability depends on both the individual and the environmentWhat your SatNav can teach you about turning learning into performanceThe link between diagnostics, performance consulting, and business outcomesHow culture can “eat training for breakfast”, and often doesDesigning learning like an engineer: with purpose, precision, and clear success criteriaWhy AI is fast becoming “the world’s tutor” — and what that means for L&D and leadersPractical examples of organisations turning learning into sustained performanceWhether you’re a leader, an L&D professional, or simply someone curious about how people grow, this episode offers powerful insights into what actually helps people change behaviour — and what gets in the way.🎧 Let’s have a listenConnect with Paul on LinkedInVisit Paul's websiteCheck out his People Alchemy productEnjoyed this episode? The Leading People Community is where these conversations continue to flourish. Free to join — Book reviews, Leading People Café recordings, Podcast episode previews, and a growing group of active HR and L&D professionals, leaders, and coaches who take their work seriously. Join the Leading People CommunityConnect with Gerry on LinkedIn