Paul Matthews: From Sahara Guide to L&D Pioneer – A Story of Learning by Living

Ever wonder how someone goes from grubbing weeds in New Zealand to running a global L&D software company? This episode of Development Nerds dives into the wildly unexpected career journey of Paul Matthews, mechanical engineer turned desert explorer turned learning strategy pioneer.We talk gorilla encounters (yes, really), sheep logic, overland expeditions, and how Paul’s engineering brain sparked a revolution in how organizations approach training and performance. But more than that, Paul shares the reflective practices and personal philosophies that helped him build a career (and life) filled with meaning—and impact.This isn’t just a story for L&D professionals. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, curious, or ready for change.🔎 In this episode:Behavior change vs content deliveryBuilding learning that actually sticksInformal learning and performance supportLeadership, risk-taking, and choosing purpose over “shoulds”Why your next move doesn’t need to be big—just intentionalLearning and Development, L&D Strategy, Behavior Change, Informal Learning, Training Impact, Performance Support, Career Growth, Leadership Development, Paul Matthews, People Alchemy, Development Nerds PodcastMore about Paul:Paul Matthews is one of the leading Learning & Development experts, with three best-selling books to his name. An accomplished keynote speaker, he speaks around the world on a diverse range of topics. He brings L&D to life with stories from his extensive travels that fascinate and inspire. He is known for reducing complex theory down to practical tools and sharing them in a way that everyone can use to get better results. As well as being a sought-after speaker, Paul provides consultancy services, training workshops and webinars for blue-chip clients in the UK and beyond.Connect with Paul:X: PeopleAlchemyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmatthews100/ Website: https://peoplealchemy.comSpeaking Opportunities: https://paul-matthews.comYour host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerdTalent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tdaOriginal music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.comMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com