In this special live episode recorded with a virtual audience, host David James is joined by an all-star panel of Learning & Development leaders - Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson - for a dynamic conversation on the future of workplace learning.
Together, they explore:
Whether "Learning & Development" is the wrong name for the profession.
The growing shift from learning-centric to performance-focused strategies—and why this remains a point of contention.
How AI is transforming productivity and reshaping L&D approaches.
Real-life examples of how leading organizations are navigating this evolution.
This episode pulls no punches as it challenges long-held assumptions in L&D and sparks essential questions about the direction of the profession. Tune in for sharp insights, bold ideas, and practical takeaways from some of the most influential voices in the field.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Focus on intentional impact rather than just delivering courses
Ask stakeholders “what are you trying to change?”
Seek out the ultra-keen or those who are desperate for change.
Stop worrying about the ethics of using AI, it´s an effective productivity tool, so use it.
L&D needs to have the tough conversations.
BEST MOMENTS
“The word learning has turned into a noun rather than a process.”
“Intentional impact is the thing that really drives me.”
"That AI on the sly thing, it´s not enough.”
"If you still call yourself L&D in 5 years ... you're defining yourself as sort of milky weak."
GUESTS
Laura Overton
Laura is an award-winning L&D analyst and co-author of Evidence-Informed Learning Design. As the founder of Towards Maturity and a champion of research-led practice, Laura has spent her career helping organizations unlock the potential of workplace learning through data, insight, and innovation.
Donald Clark
Donald is a learning technology entrepreneur, author, and advocate for the use of AI in education. With decades of experience in digital learning, he is the CEO of Wildfire Learning and a former CEO and founder of Epic Group. He is known for his bold perspectives on the future of learning, captured in his books like Artificial Intelligence for Learning and his influential blog.
Gemma Paterson
Gemma is Head of Culture Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group, where she leads work that reimagines how culture, learning, and innovation intersect in large organizations. With a background in digital learning and organizational development, Gemma is passionate about creating environments that foster curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful change at scale.
Take your L&D to the next level
Take advantage of 1000s 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
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
CONTACT METHOD
https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
The Learning & Development Podcast 
