L&D Disrupt

What happens when you stop treating people initiatives as standalone HR programmes and start connecting them directly to business performance?In this episode of L&D Disrupt, Pauline Taylor is joined by Luke Fisher, CEO of Sova and Co-founder of Mō, to explore what it really takes to build high-performance environments where people, culture and business outcomes are connected.Luke shares lessons from scaling Mō across 50 countries, including why recognition is much more than a nice-to-have, how managers shape the employee experience, and why the organisations getting recognition right are putting the power in managers’ hands rather than relying on top-down awards programmes.The conversation also explores the future of talent assessment, from AI changing the role of the CV to using skills, potential and personality data to make better hiring and development decisions. Luke shares why this data shouldn’t stop once someone is hired, and how it could inform onboarding, personalised development, internal mobility and succession planning.Finally, Luke shares his advice for HR and L&D professionals looking to build credibility with the C-suite: start with the business context, not the people initiative.In this episode, we explore:Why recognition can influence engagement, retention, productivity and performanceThe critical role managers play in shaping employee experience and cultureWhy top-down recognition programmes often miss the majority of the organisationHow to build recognition into everyday team habits, rituals and routinesWhy personalised learning and development will become increasingly importantHow AI is changing hiring and making traditional CVs less reliableUsing talent data across the entire employee lifecycle, not just recruitmentHow HR and L&D can connect their work to revenue, cost and productivityWhat it really takes to earn credibility and a seat at the tableBecause when people initiatives are connected to the outcomes the business actually cares about, they stop being seen as an HR project and start becoming a business lever.

AI is changing the way we learn and work, but what does that mean for the future of L&D?Pauline, VP of People at HowNow, is joined by Toby Newman, Founder of Control Coaching Diagnostics, to explore why self-awareness, psychological safety and learning in the flow of work are becoming increasingly important.They discuss why traditional leadership training and LMSs often fail to drive real behavioural change, how L&D can shift from controlling knowledge to enabling it, and what AI agents could mean for personalised learning and coaching. Toby also shares why L&D needs to work more closely with IT and become a translator between technology and people.00:00 Welcome and Intro03:00 Toby’s L&D Origin Story04:13 Redundancy to New Venture05:46 Why Self Awareness Matters08:22 Self Awareness as Skill12:30 Practical Awareness Habits15:41 Psych Safety and Vulnerability19:24 Lead Yourself First20:37 Team Charters and RACI24:52 What’s Broken in Leadership Training28:23 Train Leaders Early29:18 Death of the LMS30:02 Metrics vs Real Impact33:24 Self Directed Learning36:36 AI Hype vs Reality38:04 L&D as Translator42:32 AI Agents Coaching46:28 Knowledge Ownership Shift51:28 Quality Control Debate55:31 Next 12 Months Disruption58:37 Wrap Up and Connect

AI is changing how people work — but what does that mean for L&D?Kelsey, Learning & Performance Lead at HowNow, is joined by Patrick Mullarkey, founder of Byte and Build Consulting, to explore how AI is pushing L&D beyond traditional training and towards performance, business outcomes and commercial impact.They discuss what AI can’t replace, the importance of quality assurance and bias, using AI data to uncover real employee needs, and why L&D needs to move beyond vanity metrics. Patrick also shares his “giving away your Legos” analogy and explains why L&D professionals should seek mentors outside the People function.Chapters00:00 Own Business Outcomes01:59 Welcome Back to L&D03:30 AI Changes Everything05:15 Making AI Strategic09:34 What AI Can’t Replace16:22 Bias & Quality Risks19:07 The Quality Assurance Playbook25:51 L&D Becomes Performance29:45 The L&D Value Gap31:18 Know the Money33:41 Roadmaps to Experiments37:14 From Big to Modular42:01 AI Usage Insights45:40 Kill Vanity Metrics46:40 Giving Away Your Legos49:10 Own Real Outcomes50:46 Mentors Outside People54:34 Final Wrap-Up

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Kelsey (HowNow) speaks with Leah Fellstad, L&D Manager at Crimson Hotels, about why great learning starts with treating people like people.Leah shares her journey from hospitality to teaching and L&D, and explains how her experience managing teams shaped her approach to learning, leadership and employee experience. From achieving 86% staff retention in a previous hospitality role to helping reduce turnover at Crimson Hotels, Leah has seen first-hand how much belonging, strong managers and a better first-day experience can influence whether people stay.She takes us inside Crimson’s approach to onboarding, including pre-join welcome guides, first-day hotel tours, buddies, phased compliance learning and regular check-ins, all designed to help new employees feel part of the team rather than simply complete their training.Leah also explores how L&D can build a stronger internal talent pipeline by developing “accidental managers” through leadership training, coaching, apprenticeships and mentorship. She shares practical examples of giving employees ownership of learning, from team-created training checklists to user-generated videos that capture real knowledge from the workplace.And while AI is everywhere in L&D, Leah makes the case for keeping the human experience at the centre. AI can assist with the work, but it can’t replace the person-to-person connection that makes people feel supported, confident and like they belong.The conversation also explores how L&D contributes to business outcomes, from reducing risk and improving compliance to strengthening guest experiences, retention and operational performance.Chapters00:00 Leadership Lessons Learned01:32 Welcome to L&D Disrupt01:58 Leah’s Hospitality Journey03:05 From GM Goals to Training Passion04:21 Teaching in Singapore05:32 Back to UK L&D Growth07:36 Why Retention Starts With Belonging09:38 Rethinking the First Day of Onboarding13:28 Creating Meaningful Experiences14:58 Getting Managers Bought In16:11 Coaching and Building an Internal Pipeline21:11 Developing the “Accidental Manager”23:31 Learning Through Microlearning24:13 Creating a Leadership Corner25:15 Learning Through Mistakes25:56 Discovering Leadership Can Be Learned27:04 What Great Managers Look Like28:39 Creating a People Experience Under Pressure30:45 Giving Teams Ownership of Learning32:55 Keeping Long-Tenured Employees Growing36:03 The Future of User-Generated Learning37:56 The Squiggly Nature of Hospitality Careers40:02 Connecting L&D to Business Results42:31 What L&D Should Start, Stop and Keep Doing45:46 Why Human Connection Still Matters46:15 Final Thanks and Wrap

What happens when we stop making HR and learning feel beige?Michelle Hartley, founder of People Sorted and Find Your Awesome, joins L&D Disrupt to explore how HR and L&D can become more human, engaging and memorable, from the way we design training to how we measure its impact.Michelle shares why she believes learning should be something people participate in, remember and apply, rather than simply complete. She talks us through her 10-minute approach to training, how she turned a compliance session into an experience employees still talk about, and why L&D needs to look beyond completion rates towards application, behaviour change and business impact. We also get into Michelle's own experience of burnout and the small “1%” changes that helped her reconnect with her energy and authenticity, as well as her vision for a more personalised future of workplace learning, one that feels less like mandatory training and more like the personalised experiences we get as consumers. Plus, Michelle shares what L&D can learn from the HR Geek Squad about psychological safety, belonging, participation and giving people genuine ownership within a community.00:00 Human HR Matters01:28 Meet Michelle Hartley02:13 Pizza Hut to HR03:42 Launching People Sorted05:10 Burnout and Two Selves07:52 One Percent Changes10:05 Why Burnout Happens13:17 Spotting the Ripples16:37 Managers Who Notice19:21 Beige to Brilliant HR21:35 Humor as Engagement24:17 Training That Works25:37 Making Compliance Memorable27:53 Why Compliance Fails28:20 Netflix Style Learning30:34 Beyond Completion Metrics32:54 Measuring Stickability35:08 Learning Data Confidence38:30 Data Gatekeeping at Work39:26 Inside HR Geek Squad44:31 Building Safe Communities46:27 Ownership and Participation48:51 Bin Friday Wrap Up53:28 Final Thanks and Links

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, Kelsey from HowNow sits down with Jordana Cole, founder of Ignited, to explore why organisations may be approaching AI all wrong.Rather than positioning AI as a tool for efficiency or task replacement, Jordana argues that we should think of it as an operating system for people enablement, one that can amplify uniquely human strengths, support personalised growth and help people work in entirely new ways.They explore why L&D needs to move beyond linear, step-by-step AI training and focus instead on behaviour change, experimentation and learning in the flow of work. Jordana shares practical ways to help people build confidence with AI, from treating it as a collaborative partner to simply asking, “What questions do you have for me?”The conversation also challenges L&D to move beyond being an “order taker” and become a more strategic business partner — understanding the organisation, asking better questions, designing for outcomes and creating the conditions for people to experiment safely.From communities of practice and AI QA skills to improv, playfulness and uncovering the strengths people bring from outside work, Jordana shares a fresh perspective on what it takes to navigate change, and why the future of L&D might actually be people enablement and AI enablement.Why organisations are getting AI adoption wrong, how L&D can move from content and order-taking to strategic people enablement, and how to build the confidence, skills and conditions for people to experiment with AI. We also explore learning in the flow of work, communities of practice, AI quality and judgement, and the role of play and experimentation in navigating change.00:00 AI Efficiency Fears01:31 Meet Jordana & Her Journey03:44 AI as an Operating System08:22 Prompting & Working With AI09:54 From Content to Behaviour Change10:39 Making L&D More Strategic17:36 AI Quality, QA & Risk22:35 Building Communities of Practice27:32 Learning in the Flow of Work28:57 Improv, Play & Experimentation34:13 Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption34:53 Pilots, Champions & Proving Value40:37 Unlocking Strengths Beyond Work45:39 The Future of People Enablement47:33 Stop Taking Orders50:05 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, Pauline sits down with Asi Degani, former Director of Skills and Talent at London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and now Head of the AI Academy at **NTT DATA, to explore what it really takes to build a skills-based organisation.Asi shares how LSEG developed its Career Navigator talent marketplace, creating a transparent framework that mapped roles, skills and proficiency levels across the business. He explains how a voluntary rollout, manual skills taxonomy and Skills 360 assessments helped improve internal mobility, support fairer promotions and give leaders a clearer view of workforce capability.They also discuss why organisations should start with the business problem, not the technology, how smaller companies can adopt a skills-first approach, what to look for when choosing learning technology, and why AI should be framed as an opportunity to enhance work rather than simply drive efficiency.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome & Introductions00:52 Asi's Career Journey02:47 Why Skills Matter More Than Ever05:03 Building LSEG's Career Navigator07:16 Skills vs. Competencies09:59 Driving Adoption Across the Business12:16 Skills 360 Assessments16:12 Fairer Promotions Through Skills Data18:38 Measuring Success19:49 Applying Skills in Smaller Organisations24:02 Start With Your "Why"25:30 Reducing Bias Through Skills Visibility26:09 Choosing the Right Learning Technology27:40 Why Integration Matters28:39 Building the Business Case for Skills30:26 AI Upskilling Beyond Efficiency33:19 Changing the AI Narrative36:00 Jobs Will Change, Not Disappear38:50 Vibe Coding & Local LLMs39:54 Hallucinations vs. Human Bias40:52 Preparing for the Future of Work42:51 What's Next & Closing Thoughts

What happens when L&D stops thinking like a support function and starts thinking like the business?In this episode of L&D Disrupt, Kelsey Botne from HowNow is joined by Elizabeth Chaloner, Head of Learning & Talent Development at Lastminute.com, to explore what it really takes to align learning with business priorities.Elizabeth shares why L&D professionals should see themselves as business people with L&D expertise not the other way around, and explains how this mindset shift changes everything from stakeholder conversations to measuring success. Using her memorable "pastry chef" analogy, she discusses why understanding the outcome should always come before designing the solution.The conversation also explores how AI is helping L&D teams work smarter, from analysing qualitative feedback and performance reviews to building assessments and sense-checking strategy. Elizabeth explains why capability metrics, behaviour change and business outcomes matter far more than course completions and learning hours.If you're looking to increase L&D's influence, prove impact, and use AI in practical ways, this episode is packed with actionable insights.In this episode, you'll learn:Why L&D needs to think like the businessHow to become a strategic partner instead of an order takerWhich learning metrics leaders actually care aboutPractical ways to use AI in L&D beyond content creationHow to measure capability and behaviour changeWhy shipping quickly often beats waiting for perfectionHow to build a culture of continuous learning during constant changeTimestamps:00:00 Why L&D Must Think Like the Business01:22 Meet Your Host01:44 Elizabeth's Career Journey02:19 Becoming a Business Partner03:31 The Pastry Chef Analogy04:44 Listening for Business Strategy05:52 Using AI as a Strategic Coach06:40 Navigating Barriers & Trade-offs08:13 Showing Value Early11:15 The Metrics That Really Matter13:42 Empowering Your Team16:01 Growing While Delivering17:20 Leading Through Constant Change18:31 Progress Over Perfection19:04 Forecasting with Data20:23 Building a Learning Mindset22:31 Making Time to Learn24:29 Staying Curious About AI25:43 From Learning Content to Behaviour Change28:00 Balancing Learning with Business Priorities29:08 AI for Learning Insights30:59 Avoiding AI Distractions32:17 Hot Takes & Closing Thoughts

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Pauline Taylor, VP of People at HowNow, sits down with Daniel Gualdino, Head of Head of People, Talent & Culture at Oatly, to explore why HR should start thinking more like a product team. Daniel explains what Product-Led HR really means: designing employee experiences around people's needs, using data to drive decisions, and measuring success through business outcomes, not vanity metrics.Together, they unpack how People teams can move beyond reactive policies and administrative work to become strategic business partners. Daniel shares why mapping the entire employee journey is key to identifying moments that matter, how to combine qualitative and quantitative data to tell a compelling business story, and why understanding how the business makes money is essential for earning a seat at the table.The conversation also explores where AI can create genuine value for HR, why critical thinking and context still matter, and what defines a truly high-performance culture. From psychological safety and continuous feedback to recognition and manager effectiveness, Daniel explains why great managers remain one of the biggest drivers of organisational success.Daniel's hot take? Put people before processes, and processes before tools.00:00 Rethinking People Strategy01:27 Meet Daniel Gualdino02:18 From Psychology to HR04:12 What Product-Led HR Means06:42 People, Processes, Then Tools08:16 Metrics That Matter11:16 Mapping the Employee Journey14:41 AI Hype vs Fundamentals17:36 Discovery Through Data21:15 Getting Comfortable With Analytics25:40 The Future of Traditional HR26:13 Elevating the People Function26:43 How AI Changes HR's Value27:08 Building a Product Mindset28:55 Earning a Strategic Seat30:17 Defining High Performance31:35 Goals, Feedback & Psychological Safety35:04 Why Managers Matter Most39:31 AI Coaching for Managers42:42 Next Disruptions Ahead46:44 Unlearning & Closing Thoughts

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Pauline speaks with Monika Holliday, Head of People at British Airways Euroflyer, about why traditional approaches to talent development and performance are no longer fit for today's workforce. Drawing on a career that has spanned multiple industries, Monica shares how the world of work has fundamentally changed since COVID and why organisations need to rethink learning, career development, and employee growth. She explains how British Airways Euroflyer supports a multi-generational workforce by creating flexible development platforms instead of one-size-fits-all programmes, encouraging employees to take ownership of their learning, and embracing reverse mentoring to share knowledge across generations—including emerging AI skills. Monica also introduces "Career Shapes," an alternative to the traditional nine-box talent matrix that helps employees define their own career ambitions through meaningful conversations with managers and personalised development opportunities. The conversation explores the difference between high performance and sustained high pressure, why culture and teamwork are at the heart of organisational success, and how more agile goal setting can help organisations adapt in an ever-changing business environment. Monica's hot take for L&D teams? Stop forcing everyone up the same career ladder, create opportunities for people to grow in ways that work for them.00:00 Meet Monica Holliday00:38 Squiggly HR Journey02:22 Post COVID Work Shift03:50 Rethinking L&D Programs05:33 Managing Generations06:48 Platforms Not Programs08:51 Reverse Mentoring AI11:50 BA Mentoring Culture14:32 Culture Champions Inclusion16:55 Career Shapes Explained17:19 Beyond Nine Box20:17 Owning Your Career21:37 Career Shapes In Action22:23 Career Shapes Coaching24:55 Quiz To Career Paths27:16 Growth Without Promotion32:02 High Performance Culture35:27 Making Goals Work39:09 Final Advice And Wrap

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Kelsey speaks with Derek Bruce, Chief Learning Officer at Easygenerator, about what's holding L&D back and what the function needs to become next.Derek argues that learning teams spend too much time creating content instead of making better use of what already exists, and that L&D must become more closely connected to performance, skills, and business priorities by consistently asking one simple question: "So what?" He shares why learning needs to happen quickly and in the flow of work, why managers should be involved throughout the learning journey rather than only at the end, and why measuring application and business impact matters more than completion rates and satisfaction scores. The conversation also explores AI beyond the hype, covering practical applications for trend analysis, efficiency gains, coaching and practice at scale, and improving learning experiences, while addressing concerns around AI replacing jobs or encouraging shortcuts. Derek explains why transparency, guardrails, and human expertise remain essential as organisations adopt AI, challenges the growing obsession with overly complex skills taxonomies, and outlines his vision for the future of L&D as a more business-facing, facilitative function embedded across the employee lifecycle. Derek's hot take for L&D teams? Stop building more content and start solving business problems.00:00 AI Learning Gaps01:32 Welcome and Introductions02:44 What's Wrong With L&D04:00 Link Learning to Performance06:17 Managers Enable Application08:02 AI Beyond the Hype10:13 AI Cheating and Trust13:55 Human First AI Second18:57 Common AI Mistakes23:04 Protect Entry Level Skills26:52 Skills Based Organisations30:11 Reorgs and Future Skills33:17 Future Role of L&D35:58 Stop Vanity Metrics37:42 Closing Thanks

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Kelsey speaks with Ruth South, who leads Talent Development and Learning at Costa Coffee, about what it really takes to build a learning culture that drives business success and meaningful internal mobility. Ruth explains how Costa invests in apprenticeships, coffee craft, and centrally funded talent pathways that move people from barista to leadership roles , including transitions into the support centre across functions like data, digital, supply chain, and procurement. She shares how the team connects learning strategy to business outcomes, measuring impact through promotion rates and customer metrics like net promoter score, while getting the balance right between digital, face-to-face, and in-the-flow tools like skills cards next to the coffee machine. The conversation also covers leadership development through coaching programs and a CEO-sponsored global talent initiative, ongoing onboarding improvements, the realities of supporting a largely under-25 workforce, and Costa's evolving thinking on AI and the youth employment agenda. Ruth also shares her hot take for L&D teams: stop waiting for a seat at the table, start creating one.00:00 Create the Table01:31 Meet Ruth South02:24 Careers Beyond Transient04:08 Talent Programs Ecosystem05:10 Apprenticeships as Strategy06:24 Data Driven L&D Impact07:43 Learning Culture Stories09:02 Apprenticeship Playbook Tips10:59 Building Learning Community13:00 Managers Coaching Leadership15:53 Onboarding and Transitions20:46 Early Careers Skills Balance23:31 Self Serve Flow of Work27:34 Measuring ROI and Value30:17 Next Frontier AI Youth35:05 Hot Takes Start Stop36:14 Final Advice and Wrap

In this episode, strategic talent and development leader and coach Shane Halifax shares how he moved from being a general manager at DFS into L&D after realizing he most enjoyed developing people, and explains what he learned about what does and doesn’t translate from courses into workplace performance. He outlines a capability-based approach: defining role capabilities, benchmarking with top performers, using 360-style input to identify gaps, and aligning development to both business needs and squiggly career mobility through transferable skills. Shane discusses gaining C-suite credibility by engaging early in strategy conversations, focusing on root-cause diagnosis and measurable outcomes (KPIs, engagement, customer satisfaction), and demonstrating ROI beyond “bums on seats.” He also covers making mentorship strategic and scalable using technology, including matching for chemistry, tracking outcomes, and experimenting with group and reverse mentoring, plus how AI can accelerate content creation while keeping L&D focused on real business problems. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:26 Shane’s Path Into L&D01:13 Learning That Sticks at Work03:19 Capability Mapping and 360 Gaps05:23 Squiggly Careers and Transferable Skills06:50 Making Skills Strategic With Leaders09:25 Diagnosing Requests With 5Di12:26 Mentorship That Actually Works15:13 Scaling Mentorship With Tech19:48 Upskilling New Managers22:30 Rolling Out Relevant Training24:26 Marketing Learning for Adoption25:55 Getting a Seat at the Table28:29 Proving ROI That Execs Care About30:01 The Future of L&D and AI32:28 Wrap Up and Where to Connect

We’re excited to kick off Season 4 with our new host, Pauline Taylor, VP of People at HowNow!Join us for an engaging discussion with Ian Walker, an industry leader and expert in Learning and Development (L&D), as he explores the transformative power of L&D in driving business outcomes. In this episode, Ian highlights the crucial role L&D plays in unlocking potential, fostering collaboration, and enhancing organizational culture.The conversation covers the significance of effective onboarding, the impact of mentorship and coaching, and the emerging influence of AI on learning practices. Ian also shares his experiences in building cohesive L&D programs, the importance of continuous learning, and practical strategies for measuring the business impact of L&D initiatives.This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate learning and development within their organization.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat with the team here: HowNow Demo

🎉 Celebrating the 100th episode of L&D Disrupt Live at World of Learning!Nelson Sivalingam is joined by four forward-thinking L&D leaders—Tara (AND Digital), Stephen (So Energy), Penny (inRiver), and Joe (Centrick)—for a conversation about how Learning & Development is evolving in today’s organisations.They explore how L&D teams are moving from problem solvers to problem finders, sharing real-world strategies that work: from AI upskilling programs and centralised learning hubs to a skills-first approach that puts learners at the heart of learning.The panel dives into meeting learners where they are, using technology to create meaningful impact, and focusing on business outcomes over content creation. Packed with practical tips, this discussion is a must-watch for any L&D professional looking to make a bigger impact in their organisation.00:00 Introduction to L&D Challenges01:40 Celebrating 100 Episodes of L&D Disrupt02:21 Panel Discussion: Identifying and Solving L&D Problems03:47 Tara's Approach to Evolving Learning Solutions04:52 Joe's Strategy for a Unified Learning Ecosystem06:42 Steven's Dual Focus on Compliance and Learning Perception08:12 Penny's Certification Program Overhaul09:30 Innovative Approaches to L&D Content and Engagement15:08 AI Upskilling at And Digital23:22 Moving Towards a Skills-Based Learning Approach27:07 Engaging Line Managers in L&D29:38 Final Thoughts and Actionable Takeaways

Join us in this exciting episode of L&D Disrupt Live as we explore the latest trends, lessons learned, and predictions for the future of Learning and Development with Nelson, CEO and co-founder of HowNow, along with a panel of experts. From discussing the role of AI in L&D to the importance of evidence-based practice and the shift to performance-based metrics, this episode covers it all. Featuring Andy Lancaster, Stella Collins, and Ross Garner, this conversation delves into what worked, what didn't, and where L&D is headed in 2026. Don't miss insights on systemic thinking, the impact of AI, skills frameworks, and the crucial metrics that will define L&D success. Tune in to understand how to stay relevant and make a meaningful impact in the evolving world of L&D.00:00 Introduction 04:25 Welcome to L&D Disrupt Live06:32 Biggest Surprises of 202512:46 Biggest Winners of 202523:25 Biggest Losers of 202530:58 The Impact of AI on L&D32:59 Overhyped Trends in L&D for 202534:12 The Complexity of Skills Frameworks39:49 Challenges with AI Literacy Programs43:09 Hard Lessons for L&D in 202552:59 Looking Forward to 202601:00:58 Predictions for L&D in 2026

Join us for an engaging discussion with Lavinia, founder of OffBeat and a thought leader in Learning and Development (L&D), as she explores the future of organisational learning. In this episode, Lavinia highlights the crucial role L&D plays in fostering collaboration, trust, and adaptability within organisations.The conversation covers the impact of AI on L&D, the distinction between individual and organisational learning, and strategies to enhance sense-making, experimentation, and teamwork. Lavinia also shares her experiences in building vibrant L&D communities, the relevance of behavioural science, and practical steps for cultivating a thriving learning culture.This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate learning and development in their organisation.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, Adam Horne joins the show to unpack the challenges of “accidental managers”, those promoted without proper leadership training, and the friction caused by poorly designed roles. Drawing on his experience at Open Org, Adam explains how the organisation supports HR professionals in startups through community building, content creation, and consulting.He explores the impact of AI on HR and learning, identifying common pain points facing today’s people leaders and making the case for a shift from traditional training to more experiential, on-the-job learning. Adam also discusses how AI can be leveraged to reduce workplace friction, enable experimentation, and redesign employee experiences to foster continuous learning and growth.When it comes to management, Adam highlights systemic issues in how organisations define and support leadership roles. He advocates for a community of practice approach and challenges companies to rethink career progression and growth in flatter, faster-moving structures.As the conversation wraps up, Adam outlines key priorities for HR leaders preparing for the future, particularly around AI adoption, talent development, and evolving organisational design.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, Ross Stevenson explores how Learning and Development is evolving in the age of AI. As technology reshapes how we work and learn, Ross shares how L&D professionals can harness AI’s potential while keeping the human element at the heart of learning.Drawing from his journey from practitioner to creator and consultant, he offers practical advice on experimenting with AI tools, adapting to change, and building resilience in a rapidly shifting landscape.Tune in for an honest conversation about why, even in an AI-driven world, the future of learning will always depend on human connection, curiosity, and creativity.To hear more about HowNow, speak to the team! https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to make learning a daily habit at work. From finding that sweet spot between passion, relevance, and environment, to empowering managers and influencers to champion learning, we explore the practical side of building a true learning culture.You’ll hear how technology can reduce friction, how merging cultures can reshape development, and why redefining what “learning” looks like is key. We also unpack the shift toward skills-based growth, smarter performance metrics, and the ongoing journey of embedding learning into everyday workflows.The episode wraps up with personal reflections on keeping learning alive, through curiosity, conversation, and the power of supportive colleagues.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo? 

How do you transform a fragmented organization into one united by shared goals, values, and performance? In this episode, Emma shares her journey leading talent management at James Fisher, reflecting on the rebrand from L&D to Talent, building strategies in times of transformation, and shifting perceptions of HR’s role from “just training” to driving real business impact.We explore how to:Align talent strategies with business prioritiesUse performance management as a lever for transformationBalance global consistency with local relevanceBuild credibility and buy-in during organisational changeIf you’re navigating change, leading L&D, or looking to connect people and business strategy more effectively, this conversation is full of practical insights and lessons learned.

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, we sit down with Joe Milton, Learning and Development Manager at Centrick, to explore what it really takes to build the next generation of leaders.From his beginnings as a music teacher to shaping leadership development strategies in fast-moving businesses, Joe shares how teaching children isn’t so different from coaching adults, and why positive reinforcement, curiosity, and proactivity are critical ingredients for effective leadership today.We dive into the four essential shifts in leadership development:Why traditional leadership models no longer cut itThe growing importance of people skills alongside technical expertiseHow to spot and nurture future leaders by focusing on business gapsThe role of AI in scaling leadership development and creating safe spaces for vulnerabilityJoe also reveals practical ways L&D teams can invite change, measure impact, and shift leadership thinking from being about you to being about service.Packed with insights, examples, and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working to align leadership development with business outcomes.👉 Want to learn more about HowNow? Speak to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In Part 2 of this special episode, Nelson continues unpacking the future of workplace learning—focusing on how L&D leaders can future-proof their strategies in an era of exponential change. He explores why the fastest learners—both individuals and organisations—are the ones who will thrive, and why L&D must evolve from a compliance-driven function into a true strategic lever for business performance.The conversation highlights how AI and community-driven learning will reshape workforce development by 2026, the importance of aligning learning with business objectives, and the need for rapid skill acquisition. Nelson offers practical insights for L&D leaders on cutting learning waste, fostering a culture of psychological safety for innovation, leveraging internal experts, and preparing for the wider adoption of AI agents as learning interfaces.Want to learn more about HowNow? Speak to the team here: www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, the tables are turned as our usual host, Nelson, takes the hot seat to explore the current state of L&D. The conversation kicks off with the challenge of content overload and what it means for HR and L&D leaders trying to cut through the noise. Nelson explains why shifting from a content-first to a skills-first approach is essential, and how connecting the right learning to the right people at the right time drives real impact.He also unpacks the disconnect between L&D programs and business goals, highlighting the importance of aligning learning strategies with measurable skill development. The discussion explores the growing role of AI in skills measurement, real-time feedback, and delivering hyper-personalised learning experiences.Whether you’re an L&D leader or just curious about the future of workplace learning, this episode offers practical insights on staying relevant and driving meaningful change in a rapidly evolving landscape.🎧 Listen to Part 1 now — and stay tuned for Part 2 dropping next Monday!If you’d like to learn more about HowNow, speak to the team here: www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, Ajay Pangarkar discusses the importance of aligning L&D with business goals in order to deliver measurable results. He highlights the need for L&D professionals to develop fluency in business and financial metrics so they can clearly demonstrate the value of their initiatives. Ajay shares insights from his latest book on learning metrics, alongside practical strategies for integrating L&D with wider business operations, illustrated with anecdotes that showcase the impact of well-targeted learning interventions.The conversation also examines why learning should be regarded as a means of achieving business objectives, rather than an end in itself, and offers actionable advice for L&D professionals seeking to enhance their effectiveness and relevance within their organisations.If you would like to hear more about HowNow, speak to the team here www.gethownow.com/book-demo?P.s, if you want to check out Ajays book, use code KOGANPAGE25 for 25% off at checkout!

This special episode of L&D Disrupt, recorded live at Learning Technologies, features Nelson Sivalingam exploring how AI can help solve one of L&D’s biggest challenges: scaling great teaching. Drawing on examples like Bruce Lee’s transformation under his mentor Ip Man, Nelson unpacks why great learning has always been rooted in mentorship, not just content. He discusses the historical context of workplace learning, the limitations of traditional methods, and the opportunity AI presents to deliver personalised, interactive, and context-specific learning experiences at scale.Listeners will learn why great teaching is essential for capability building, how AI agents can replicate and scale that experience, and the three core elements needed to truly build capability in organisations. This episode also explores what the future of workplace learning could look like, and what that means for business impact, skills growth, and the evolving role of L&D leaders.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, we dive into the importance of skill development within organisations. Our guest, Kyle, an HR Business Partner at the TM group, discusses his journey from an L&D advisor to his current role and shares how his background in learning and development has been instrumental in shaping his approach to HR. We explore the critical need for continuous development, the strategy behind skill building, and the challenges and successes in implementing a skills-first approach. Kyle emphasises the importance of manager buy-in, proactive development strategies, and leveraging AI tools like HowNow to tailor learning to individual job roles. This conversation provides valuable insights for HR and L&D professionals looking to drive meaningful development within their organisations.

In this episode, we sit down with Raquel, a dynamic L&D leader, to uncover the keys to successful Learning and Development practices. We explore common misconceptions about L&D, the importance of facilitating knowledge sharing, and the challenges of driving a culture of learning. Raquel discusses how the right technology, the adoption of an experimental mindset, and a focus on relevance, accessibility, and scalability can transform L&D strategies. Plus, we delve into the use of Scrum in L&D teams and the significance of working smart- doing what brings value to both the business and the learners. Tune in for practical insights and actionable tips that can elevate your L&D efforts.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, we’re joined by Penny Simpson, an experienced L&D professional with a passion for making learning actually stick.We dive into how to create repeatable and scalable learning experiences, the importance of aligning L&D with business goals, and how to embed learning into the flow of everyday work. Penny shares how tools like the Learning Canvas, HowNow and Guru AI are helping her deliver personalised learning that drives real impact.We also explore how AI and analytics are being used to measure success and why future-proofing your L&D strategy is all about making learning more relevant, timely and actionable.Looking to move from delivering courses to driving real behaviour change? This one’s for you.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

Lisa Bodell on Simplifying Complexity to Drive InnovationIn this episode, Lisa Bodell—founder of FutureThink—shares how simplification became her unexpected path to driving innovation. From “kill the crap” committees to eliminating time-sucks, Lisa explores practical ways to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. We dive into why people struggle to say no, how to reclaim time from meetings and emails, and what leaders can do to reduce fear and friction. Plus, we unpack the role of AI in leadership and why human skills still matter in an automated world.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, we embark on a journey with Alex Beard, author of 'Natural Born Learners,' as he shares his experiences and insights into the future of learning. Alex discusses his global exploration to understand innovative learning practices and speaks on the importance of play, adaptability, and creative thinking in today's fast-changing world. We delve into the differences in educational approaches across countries, the role of AI in learning, and how to prepare the next generation for future challenges. This conversation emphasizes the need to cultivate passion, collaboration, and resilience in learners to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.00:00 Embarking on a Global Learning Journey01:23 The Genesis of HowNow and Natural Born Learners02:30 The Future of Learning: Insights from Around the World03:50 Eye-Opening Visits to Global Educational Institutions05:24 The Purpose of Education in Different Cultures08:52 The Role of Technology in Learning17:06 The Importance of Core Knowledge and Creativity19:34 Innovations at MIT Media Lab20:22 The Four P's of Learning

In this episode, Paul is back to dig into one of L&D’s biggest challenges: shifting from content overload to real behaviour change. We explore how L&D teams can move beyond delivering training to actually driving impact that aligns with business goals.From engaging stakeholders with the cost of inaction to using the sat nav analogy for navigating change, Paul shares sharp insights and practical takeaways for L&D pros who want to make learning stick and matter.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, we sit down with Menna, a seasoned L&D leader with nearly a decade of experience, to uncover what really drives impact in Learning and Development. From her early days as a training coordinator to building strategies that align directly with business goals, Menna shares a practical, experience-rich playbook that challenges the one-size-fits-all approach.We explore the importance of tackling unique organizational challenges, decentralizing learning, and embedding L&D across the business. Menna discusses how engagement surveys, qualitative feedback, and smart data use can drive meaningful change. Plus, we dive into the growing role of AI in personalizing learning experiences—and why creativity, curiosity, and internal marketing are must-haves for today’s L&D professionals.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, Henry, the Head of Talent at Lucid Group, shares his journey from outdoor education to corporate learning and development (L&D). He discusses the evolving landscape of L&D, the importance of adaptability, and the impact of AI on the profession. Henry emphasizes the need for intentionality in using AI tools, the shift towards being more strategic in aligning learning with business outcomes, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in communications. He also addresses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI and provides practical advice on how L&D professionals can start integrating AI into their workflows.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

Leadership isn’t just about what you know - it’s about how you show up, do the inner work, and integrate personal growth into your impact on the world.Dr. Lucrecia Grandolini, Global Head of Learning at Investec, goes beyond strategy to explore the deeper, more human side of leadership. From self-awareness and emotional intelligence to ethical and spiritual dimensions, we dive into what it really takes to lead with integrity.Tune in for a refreshingly real conversation on leadership that goes beyond the surface - one that challenges, inspires, and redefines what it means to lead with purpose, heart, and authenticity.

To celebrate his final episode as host of L&D Disrupt, Gary shared some of the best lessons from recent guests. If you want to connect with Gary on LinkedIn, you can find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter And to be clear, this is not the final episode of the podcast, so we'll see you with another great episode soon!

Heather Burright is the Community Manager for the Non-Profit L&D Collective, host of the Learning for Good podcast, and delivers instructional design and leadership development for nonprofits. So, it’s safe to say she knows this space well! And she joined us to explain some of the best insights and lessons other L&D pros can take from the nonprofit space. Expect to learn whether it’s easier to connect people to purpose in non profit organisations. Lessons on building leaders in these organisations, why non-profits tend to invest more in learning, how they approach storytelling, why they have to prioritise buy-in because there are certain things they can’t mandate, and much more. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro to Heather and her L&D community 5:29 How nonprofits build buy-in 8:51 L&D storytelling and internal marketing 16:01 Are employees prioritising social impact? 19:48  Developing leaders in nonprofits 27:09 ROI and budgeting 29:38 Do nonprofits invest more in learning? 32:36 Development over compliance How to connect: Find Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ Subscribe to Heather’s newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nonprofit-l-d-insiders-7056631980473397248/Listen to the Learning for Good podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-good-l-d-solutions-and/id1621971310

Behaviour change is driven by everyday action, continuous feedback and incremental improvements over time… The trouble is, most of the ways we approach it not are flawed! Whether it’s the personality tests that have no practical application or the lack of clear success behaviours and measurement of those. Will Murray created Packtypes to change all that, and he joins us today to explain how you can do it too. 0:00 Intro 3:52 The problem with personality tests 12:55 The need for practical application 20:12 What are Packtypes? 24:07 Success behaviours 39:22 Behaviour and culture 48:02 Continuous Human Improvement 53:29 Trying out Packtypes How to connect: Find Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-murray-9055142a/  Visit Packtypes’ website: https://www.packtypes.com/ Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0 

When it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health, Megan Kille is pretty much our dream guest! Megan is the VP of People & Talent at Unmind, who are on a mission to transform mental health at work through the power of science and AI. And she shared insights from both perspectives: how the companies who use Unmind approach wellbeing, and how she’s facilitating that internally within the company. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro to Megan 3:18 The current state of wellbeing 8:52 Unmind’s approach and product 12:24 Being data-led and context-driven 20:33 Accidental bosses 26:06 The signs that people aren’t at their best 30:42 What Unmind are doing internally How to connect: Find Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-kille-22403632/ Learn more about Unmind: https://unmind.com/ Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0 Useful resources: Wellbeing Strategy Masterclass: https://unmind.com/handbooks/wellbeing-strategy-masterclass Leadership Skills Gap: https://unmind.com/handbooks/closing-the-leadership-skills-gap

Liggy Webb's Empowering Minds series takes you through five approaches your mind needs to stay strong and well-prepared for future challenges. We go through all five and how you can build them in this episode! Get ready to become more resilient, curious, flexible, creative and kind - as a person, but also in your teams. Timestamps 0:00 Intro to Liggy Webb and the Mind Fit series. 5:55 Building the resilient mind. 12:50 Curiosity and how to improve it. 17:47 Don’t confirm your biases. 20:33 Becoming more flexible. 25:22 Reflecting on and auditing what you do. 27:37 Building a creative mind. 38:27 The power of kindness. How to connect Find Liggy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liggyw/ Visit Liggy’s website: https://www.liggywebb.com/ Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0

Sustainability isn’t driven through volunteering days, one-size approaches, and top-down mandates!But by bringing social impact into people’s day-to-day roles, giving people the right skills, and empowering them from the bottom-up. Liv Sibony joins us to explain how we shift from the former to the latter in this episode. Expect to learn how you zoom out to get more context, using that to make better decisions, how to imagine a more hopeful future, how to build a top-down and bottom-up approach, and more. Timestamps 0:00 Intro to Liv Sibony 2:13 Why employees want purpose and social impact 6:11 Are quick wins really the right idea? 13:58 The issue with volunteering days 22:53 3 practical ideas for HR and L&D 28:44 A bottom-up and top-down approach 34:17 The overlap between L&D and sustainability 37:42 Imagining a more hopeful future How to connect: Find Olivia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviasibony/ Find Impact Amplified on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-amplified/Visit Impact Amplified’s website: https://www.impactamplified.co.uk/ Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0 Get our new guide to skills-first L&D: https://try.gethownow.com/skills-first-learning

Agile L&D can help us get the things we’ve always wanted! ​Better learning engagement. More business problems solved. Greater L&D impact and buy-in. ​Natal Dank’s latest book, Agile L&D, gives you the playbook for doing it in practice!  She joined us on L&D Disrupt to share some truly practical advice. Timestamps: 0:00 What is Agile L&D? 7:47 Delivering value early and often 15:52 Being product-led 22:25 Practical ways to be product-led 26:55 Human-centered design 31:53 Practical ways to be human-centric 33:47 Effective experimentation 40:38 Audience Q&A How to connect: Learn more about HowNow: ⁠https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0⁠ Get our new guide to skills-first L&D: https://try.gethownow.com/skills-first-learning Connect with Natal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataldank/ Get your copy of Agile L&D https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/agile-l-d-9781398613256 

Get the L&D playbook to Skills-Driven Growth here: https://try.gethownow.com/skills-first-learning In this webinar, we go through 2024's best skills data and give you tactics to solve the key problems it presents. Timestamps: 0:00 Why skill disruption is happening so hard and fast. 5.25 Why employees have lost faith in organisations (when it comes to skills). 13:12 The shift from promotions to skills. 21.19 Barriers to closing skills gaps. 30:08 Why skills initiatives don't make it to the impact stage.

How can organisations get out of their own way when it comes to wellbeing? And what can employees do to set good habits and strong boundaries? Ryan Hopkins, Author of 52 Weeks Of Wellbeing and Chief Impact Officer at JAAQ joins us to discuss it all. From why work-life balance is nonsense to working on your rest ethic, using the Definite Yes, and much more. Subscribe to our new L&D Newsletter here: gethownow.com/disrupt-with-hownow Timestamps 0:00 Intro to Ryan and the episode 2:09 Are companies hindering their own wellbeing initiatives? 9:56 Is work-life balance nonsense? 16:04 Setting boundaries and support managers. 21:06 You need to audit your meetings. 25:18 Dealing with being ‘always online’. 29:30 The Definitive Yes. 32:30 Work on your rest ethic. 45:21 High-leverage, cornerstone habits. How to connect Get your copy of 52 Weeks of Wellbeing: https://www.koganpage.com/general-business-interest/52-weeks-of-wellbeing-9781398613911 Follow Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhopkinsuk/ Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0

Seat at the table. Strategic partner. Getting employees to give a 💩 ​L&D buy-in goes by many names, but how do we get it? 4 L&D experts give you their advice in this episode of the L&D Drop-In. The L&D Drop-In is brought to you by HowNow, your one home for learning and skills. Learn more about what we do here: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv3r0 Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:15 Hannah Shelton, Global Engagement & Knowledge Lead at Denstu 10:52 Hannah Clark, Marketing Director at MAAS Marketing 25:29 Sam Streak, Co-Founder at The People Experience Group 39:56 ​Sam Goodman: L&D Manager at ITPenergised, part of SLR. How to connect: Connect with Hannah Shelton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahshelton/ Connect with Hannah Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahwaddams Learn more about MAAS Marketing: https://www.maas-marketing.co.uk/  Connect with Sam Streak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-streak-b7750bbb/ Learn more about The People Experience Group: https://www.thepxgroup.co.uk/ Connect with Sam Goodman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgoodman33/

A good understanding of your audience is the best platform for success. Whatever industry you’re in! But what does that look like in L&D? Anita Anthonj, Founder and CEO at Talaera, works with lots of L&D teams and joined us to share her best lessons on getting this right. With lessons on the difference between top-down and bottom-up initiatives, getting your message right, prioritising to deliver commercial impact and much more. How to connect: Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0  Learn more about Talaera: https://www.talaera.com/  Connect with Anita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaanthonj/ Connect With Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter/  Timestamps 0:00 Intro 2:01 Why understanding your audience matters 6:29 Is this a bottom-up or top-down issue? 14:14 Commercial and business strategies 20:25 How can small teams prioritise? 26:52 Working with vendors and setting expectations 32:03 How does the audience want the message? 38:24 Common traits of teams that do well 42:15 Empathy for your audience

How did Duolingo develop their Time Spent Learning Well metric?  What's in Gallup's State Of The Workplace Report? And what can L&D learn from Netflix's new culture memo? Gary and Nelson sat down to discuss all three stories in the latest L&D Disrupt. How to connect: Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0  Connect with Nelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonsivalingam/  Connect With Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter/  Timestamps: 0:00 Intro to the show 1:02 Duolingo’s Time Spent Learning Well Metric 17:31 Gallup’s State Of The Workplace Report 27:48 Netflix’s Latest Culture Memo Useful links: Duolingo’s Time Spent Learning Well Metric: https://blog.duolingo.com/time-spent-learning-well/ Gallup’s State Of The Workplace Report: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Netflix’s Latest Culture Memo: https://about.netflix.com/en/news/sharing-our-latest-culture-memo Free Guide | 37 Lessons For A Winning L&D Strategy: gethownow.com/disrupt

Live from Learning Technologies, Adam Slingsby shares his best advice, lessons and experiences from his first year in an L&D role. Expect to learn which transferable skills Adam used from his army career, the quick wins he found in joining a new L&D function, how he won people over, and much more. Learn more about HowNow: Learn more about HowNow: ⁠⁠https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv3r0⁠⁠ Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslingsby/  Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter/

Live from Learning Technologies, Sam Taylor joins us to give practical advice on moving to skills-first L&D. Expect to learn the first steps you can take, why chucking content at people isn’t the answer, which AI pitfalls we need to avoid, and more. Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0⁠ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samtaylorel/ Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter/

Here's the problem with how L&D uses AI right now 👉 It's driven by efficiency. Now there's no problem with being efficient, as long as the thing you're trying to do more efficiently is the right thing you should be doing. Learn how to find practical uses for AI in this webinar with HowNow's Nelson Sivalingam and Talaera's Mel MacMahon. 👉 Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0 👉 Learn more about Talaera: https://www.talaera.com/ Timestamps 0:00 Effectiveness & efficiency 9:12 Finding problems to solve 18:52 Commercial understanding and tech 22:14 Organisational context 27:27 Is that tech a good fit? 35:22 Personalisation using AI in L&D