Most manager development programmes are well-designed. They just weren't built for how humans actually behave. With Farley Thomas episode artwork

EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 28 MIN

Most manager development programmes are well-designed. They just weren't built for how humans actually behave. With Farley Thomas

from The Assembly · host Assemble You

Adam sits down with Farley Thomas, CEO of Manageable, the global manager development platform he co-founded in 2020, to explore why manager development so often falls short and what it takes to build something that sticks.After a decade in investment banking at HSBC, Farley trained as a coach and spent years advising CEOs before spotting that managers were one of the most underserved populations in any organisation. Manageable was built to fix that.Farley breaks down eight pieces of the manager development puzzle, from building genuine learning habits to using AI as a safe practice environment for difficult conversations. He also tackles the cohort versus individual learning debate and explains why most organisations are getting both wrong.If you are designing, running, or rethinking a manager programme, this episode will give you a sharper framework to work from.What you'll learn:The eight pieces of the manager development puzzle and why most programmes only tackle two or threeWhy cutting practice from your programme is the most expensive corner you can cutHow to make cohort-based learning genuinely valuable rather than logistically painfulWhat scaffolding actually means and how it builds lasting learning habitsWhere AI fits into manager development and where it falls shortThree practical tips for any new or aspiring manager just starting out🔗 Connect with FarleyLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farleythomas/📮 The Assembly DebriefA short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise.👋 Come and connect with usWe’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world.Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/More from The AssemblyLearning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.comPrivacy & DataThis podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/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.

Adam sits down with Farley Thomas, CEO of Manageable, the global manager development platform he co-founded in 2020, to explore why manager development so often falls short and what it takes to build something that sticks.After a decade in investment banking at HSBC, Farley trained as a coach and spent years advising CEOs before spotting that managers were one of the most underserved populations in any organisation. Manageable was built to fix that.Farley breaks down eight pieces of the manager development puzzle, from building genuine learning habits to using AI as a safe practice environment for difficult conversations. He also tackles the cohort versus individual learning debate and explains why most organisations are getting both wrong.If you are designing, running, or rethinking a manager programme, this episode will give you a sharper framework to work from.What you'll learn:The eight pieces of the manager development puzzle and why most programmes only tackle two or threeWhy cutting practice from your programme is the most expensive corner you can cutHow to make cohort-based learning genuinely valuable rather than logistically painfulWhat scaffolding actually means and how it builds lasting learning habitsWhere AI fits into manager development and where it falls shortThree practical tips for any new or aspiring manager just starting out🔗 Connect with FarleyLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farleythomas/📮 The Assembly DebriefA short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise.👋 Come and connect with usWe’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world.Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/More from The AssemblyLearning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.comPrivacy & DataThis podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/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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Most manager development programmes are well-designed. They just weren't built for how humans actually behave. With Farley Thomas

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This episode was published on May 19, 2026.

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Adam sits down with Farley Thomas, CEO of Manageable, the global manager development platform he co-founded in 2020, to explore why manager development so often falls short and what it takes to build something that sticks.After a decade in...

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