Refactoring Podcast From Knowledge to Wisdom 🧠 — with Hywel Carver
Nov 7, 2025
In this discussion with Hywel Carver, co-founder and CEO of Skiller Whale, they tackle the flaws in traditional developer training and how it often falls short of genuine learning. Hywel shares insights on the distinction between knowledge, skill, and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of context in mastering skills. They explore innovative coaching models, the role of AI in reshaping learning, and the necessity of measuring training effectiveness through business metrics rather than mere engagement stats. He also highlights the potential for AI to reduce cognitive load and enhance developer ownership.
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Early Coding Journey
- Hywel learned C aged nine and built simple programs like 'guess the number.'
- He progressed to web dev in his teens by inspecting websites and experimenting.
Theory Plus Guided Practice
- Good learning pairs theory with guided practice under an expert or near-expert.
- University supervision-style teaching scaled quality by using knowledgeable helpers.
Why Corporate Training Fails
- Training became a race to the bottom when outcomes shifted to attendance and engagement metrics.
- Scaling passive content (videos) often sacrifices the effectiveness of interactive, feedback-driven learning.