Making Sense of the Learning Technology Market with Becky Willis
The Learning & Development Podcast
Intro
This chapter presents the L&D maturity model, a valuable framework for assessing and improving Learning and Development capabilities. It also highlights research supporting the model and offers listeners a free self-assessment tool to enhance their skills.
In this episode, Becky Willis joins David to explore the increasingly crowded world of learning platforms—from the evolution of LXPs to the challenge of aligning stakeholders with vastly different needs. Together, they tackle what’s hot (and what’s not) in the market right now, why so many organisations are still unhappy with their chosen platforms, and how L&D teams can start with strategy, not software.
Becky also shares her insights on building tech ecosystems that support collaborative learning, the realistic role of AI in platforms, and what impact should really look like. If you’re rethinking your learning tech stack for 2025—or wondering how to finally make yours work—this episode is essential listening.
Take your L&D to the next level
Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.
It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Choose learning technologies that deliver real impact, not just content
Outdated LMS seriously hinders growth.
Invest in modern digital learning platforms that offer a mix of capabilities, with a focus on skills, social networking, groups, chat bots and AI-powered personalization.
You to be able to easily access and analyse your data, including how people are using the platform.
Get the buy-in of stakeholders.
You need a clear organizational strategy to guide your purchasing decision.
The tech has to be user-friendly.
Focus on organisational outcomes rather than platform features.
BEST MOMENTS
"Do you want a dinosaur to run your system on? Or a race car?"
“It's not about course management, it's about strategy. It's about achieving your goals, it´s about business impact."
"It has AI at its core; it's not AI that's been bolted on."
"We have to come up with better answers and have a better conversation than we're having."
Becky Willis
Becky Willis is a founder and chief learning officer at Tractus Learning. She helps guide Tractus customers to implement successful digital learning. She is also the founder of WillLearn Consulting, where she helps companies plan, design, and develop high-performance digital learning ecosystems. Previously, she was the vice president of engagement at EdCast and led learning innovation at Hewlett Packard.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckywillis/
Website: https://tractuslearning.com/
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523
L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home
ABOUT THE HOST
David James
David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.
As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.
CONTACT METHOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
Blog: https://360learning.com/blog
L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
The AI-powered Podcast Player
