What the Global L&D Survey Reveals About the Future of Learning (with Donald Taylor)

We’re in a pivotal moment for learning and development. But is the industry ready for what comes next?In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt sits down with Donald Taylor to unpack the latest findings from the Global Sentiment Survey, one of the longest-running studies tracking trends in L&D, which he co-authored.With nearly 3,800 responses from over 100 countries, this year’s survey reveals how the conversation around AI is changing. The rapid rise hasn’t stopped, but it has slowed, and what’s emerging in its place is quite complex.AI still leads as the top trend, but the conversation is shifting. Concerns around job security, ethics, and long-term impact are becoming harder to ignore, while the pressure to prove value is rising fast. At the same time, areas like learning analytics are starting to slip.Throughout the discussion, Matt and Donald unpack what’s driving both the excitement and the uncertainty, from that growing need to demonstrate impact, to why some of the most traditionally important areas are also the ones being left behind.They also dig into what this moment means in practice. Not just how AI is being used day to day, but how it’s starting to reshape the role of L&D itself.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 00:35 - Intro00:35 - 01:40 - What is the Global Sentiment Survey?01:40 - 02:46 - Why the rise of AI is starting to slow down02:46 - 04:27 - Rising survey annual response rates and what they tell us04:27 - 06:52 - How AI in L&D is currently being used06:52 - 10:09 - AI in L&D: the drivers behind industry pushback and excitement10:09 - 13:43 - How priorities in L&D are changing13:43 - 15:33 - The rising pressure on professionals15:33 - 18:57 - Marketing in L&D and predictions of a data-driven future18:57 - 21:13 - Why “showing value” is paramount today21:13 - 24:52 - The core groups of respondents for the Global Sentiment Survey24:52 - 26:29 - Next steps and future plans for the Global Sentiment Survey26:29 - 27:28 - Tracking global trends within the L&D industry27:28 - 31:20 - Navigating emerging industry shifts31:20 - 32:20 - Donald’s final take32:20 - 33:05 Matt’s outroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Donald Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/Visit Donald Taylor’s website: https://www.donaldhtaylor.co.ukCheck out the 2026 Global Sentiment Survey Report: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/global-sentiment-survey-2026/