The Learning & Development Podcast

Candice Mitchell, a learning and development consultant and founder of the Talent Development Academy, dives into the urgent need for L&D professionals to evolve beyond outdated expectations. She highlights how reliance on traditional training methods risks obsolescence in the age of AI. Candice emphasizes strategic skills like business acumen and emotional intelligence as vital for relevance. Her Impact Toolkit and five-spoke model offer practical insights for transforming L&D roles from reactive order-takers to strategic partners.

In this episode, Egle Vinauskaite joins David to discuss the very latest AI in L&D report, The Race for Impact, and why L&D is at a pivotal moment. They explore the shift from AI experimentation to implementation, the barriers holding teams back, and the new models of impact outlined in her “Transformation Triangle.” With case studies from Leyton and TTEC, Egle shows how L&D can move beyond content creation to workforce enablement and lasting business value. If you want to understand how L&D can harness AI, adapt with confidence, and stay relevant in a fast-changing landscape, this episode is essential listening. Get Ready For What Comes Next L&D isn't ready for what's next, but you will be - the L&D Performance Academy is a free 9 course certification that gives you the playbook to stay essential in the age of AI agents and rising expectations. Learn how to align learning with business goals, measure real impact and lead with confidence alongside a global community of L&D pros. Don't just ask for a seat at the table, show up with the agenda – enrol here - https://bit.ly/488gT5w KEY TAKEAWAYS Standing still in today’s landscape is risky, L&D needs to go beyond producing content and become an indispensable partner in workforce performance. Egel shares and explains the 3 future models L&D can use to evolve and become invaluable within their business - Skills Authority, Enablement Partner, and Adaptation Engine. Not adopting AI is becoming a career-limiting risk for L&D professionals. Your performance is likely to be defined by whether and how you work with AI. BEST MOMENTS “L&D can move beyond content creation, embrace new models of impact and position itself as an indispensable partner in the workforce.” "L&D can't stay a content producer or it will disappear" "First understand your starting point, what does the business come to you for? What is your value add? " Egle Vinauskaite Bio Egle Vinauskaite brings extensive expertise in learning, behaviour, and technology, working with both global enterprises and emerging edtech innovators. Her background spans AI, XR, mobile learning, digital platforms, and blended learning design, giving her a unique perspective on how technology is reshaping organisational learning and the future of work. As both an advisor and researcher, she helps L&D teams integrate AI into their operations and prepare workforces with the skills needed for effective adoption. Blending rigorous research with hands-on application, Egle has a sharp view of how AI is redefining the role of L&D and creating new possibilities for learning in the workplace. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinauskaite http://nodes.works The Race for Impact report: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/focus04-race-for-impact VALUABLE RESOURCES 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 https://twitter.com/davidinlearning https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective 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/

In this engaging discussion, Jess Almlie, a seasoned L&D leader and author of 'L&D Order Taker No More', draws on her over 20 years of experience to help L&D teams elevate their roles. She tackles the pitfalls of being reactive, emphasizing the need for strategic partnership over mere content creation. Jess introduces valuable tools like the 'Order Taker Assessment' and shares insights on navigating organizational politics while building trust. Listeners gain actionable advice to transform their approach and drive meaningful organizational impact.

Kevin M. Yates, the L&D Detective®, shares his expertise on measuring Learning and Development impact. He emphasizes that traditional metrics fall short, urging L&D to focus on collective performance rather than isolated data. Yates introduces his Workplace Performance Investigation Framework, detailing 12 key questions to uncover true training needs. He advocates for a village mindset and collaboration across teams to enhance measurement strategies. This insightful discussion underscores the need for L&D to evolve as 'impact investigators' to align with business outcomes.

For many L&D teams, compliance training is a necessary burden—dominated by tick-box exercises, clunky e-learning, and endless chasing. But it doesn’t have to be this way - even in highly regulated industries! In this episode, Nick Taylor, Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, shares how his team has reimagined compliance as a practical, performance-oriented part of everyday work. Drawing on his experience transitioning from less regulated sectors into one where compliance is non-negotiable, Nick explores how to balance regulatory demands with business needs and employee experience. He explains how his team integrates compliance into role-based learning, navigates multiple stakeholder voices, and uses collaborative learning principles to target risk in the flow of work. Nick also shares how his team has tackled the operational pain points of compliance - through automation, shared accountability, and a clear mindset shift that has transformed how the L&D function works. For L&D professionals tired of compliance being a drag on time, creativity, and credibility, this episode offers a smarter, more human approach to getting it right. KEY TAKEAWAYS Get compliance, processes, systems, and learning foundations right before tackling advanced initiatives.  Clearly define compliance courses, their validity, who needs them and when in their work journey. Effective compliance training requires balancing the needs of legal, compliance, line managers, and end users. Scenario-based compliance training with actors and short, relevant talks are effective. Engage emotions. Automate and train your L&D team in basic data analysis. BEST MOMENTS “The consequences of us not doing this right ... could be as severe as somebody losing their life.”    “Training really is only such a small percentage of the impact of behaviour.”    “Good data in, good data out - is the powerhouse.”  Nick Taylor Bio Nick Taylor is an experienced Learning and Development leader with a strong track record of building high-impact L&D functions across diverse industries. He is currently Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, a global manufacturer operating in a tightly regulated environment, where he leads efforts to integrate compliance and capability development into day-to-day performance. Before joining Ishida, Nick held senior L&D roles at organisations including Howsy, Wagamama and Pizza Hut. This broad sector experience - from hospitality to manufacturing - has shaped his pragmatic, people-first approach to learning, where business relevance and learner experience go hand in hand. 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   https://twitter.com/davidinlearning https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective https://360learning.com/blog L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

Guus van Deelen, a seasoned L&D leader and author of *Organising L&D for Results,* discusses transformative strategies for Learning and Development teams. He highlights the pitfalls of traditional L&D structures and the necessity for strategic alignment with business goals. Guus introduces practical tools like the L&D Quick Scan and emphasizes structured experimentation for impactful results. He also addresses the importance of L&D professionals immersing themselves in their organizations to tailor effective solutions and advocates for redefining L&D's role as a proactive partner.

Becky Willis, founder of Tractus Learning and WillLearn Consulting, specializes in implementing effective digital learning. In this discussion, she delves into the crowded learning technology market, addressing the evolution from LMSs to LXPs. Becky emphasizes the importance of aligning stakeholder needs and creating collaborative tech ecosystems. She critiques outdated systems, highlights the potential of AI, and insists on the necessity of starting with strategy over software. A must-listen for anyone rethinking their L&D approach!

Martha Soehren, former Chief Talent Development Officer at Comcast Cable, brings rich experience in instructional design and workforce planning. She discusses how her team achieved measurable business impact by aligning with strategic priorities and building trusted relationships. With insights on data-driven storytelling and effective governance, she highlights the importance of securing executive support for L&D initiatives. Martha emphasizes mentoring and succession planning as vital components in elevating organizational talent development.

Join industry leaders Donald Clark, a learning tech entrepreneur advocating for AI in education; Laura Overton, an award-winning L&D analyst; and Gemma Paterson, a culture innovation expert, as they challenge the future of workplace learning. They discuss the potential rebranding of L&D, the shift towards performance-focused strategies, and how AI can enhance organizational productivity. The conversation is packed with real-life examples and bold ideas, urging L&D professionals to prioritize intentional impact, meaningful changes, and brave conversations.

Avinash Chadarana, Global Learning & Development Director at MCI Group, brings over 25 years of experience in shaping workplace learning. He discusses how to continuously innovate L&D while managing remote teams and overcoming challenges, like budget cuts and the pandemic. Avinash emphasizes the importance of aligning training with business outcomes and encourages fostering an intrapreneurial culture. He also explores the transformative role of AI in modern learning, advocating for a focus on outcomes rather than hours logged.