The Learning & Development Podcast

Ryan Tracey, a professional dedicated to closing skills gaps in enterprise learning, discusses the challenges of implementing skills-based learning. He emphasizes the importance of starting now and treating the skills framework as an evolving document. AI plays a significant role, offering a foundation for discussions while freeing up time for effective strategy development. Ryan advocates for prioritizing vital skills, building blended learning experiences, and validating skills through real-world demonstrations, all while fostering collaboration with engaged stakeholders.

Lily Woi, a former Deloitte Management Consultant now dedicated to driving organizational transformation, dives into the intricacies of culture change. She discusses how culture affects behavior and governance in workplaces, emphasizing a simple approach for effective transformation. Observing real behaviors rather than making assumptions is crucial. Collaboration is key, with employees participating in the design for lasting change. Woi highlights the need for tailored approaches and continuous measurement to ensure successful cultural shifts.

Learning communities transform organisations through sharing knowledge, spearheading practice, solving problems, seeding innovation, and supercharging development. So how can you develop a culture of learning in your organisation? In this episode, Andy Lancaster addresses this question - and many more. KEY TAKEAWAYS From the very start of humankind people have learned from each other, often in groups. Animals do it too. Learning from friends and colleagues is seen by practically everyone as being the most effective way to learn. People like human connection and want to feel they belong, so peer connection is powerful. The best learning takes place in context. Learning communities can be just a few people.  We need to empower different types of learning communities. Learning communities share knowledge, spearhead practice, solve problems, seed innovation, and supercharge development. What the group does needs to be structured to a degree. Encourage people to work aloud to ensure everyone is actively involved. Reward the subject experts. BEST MOMENTS 'The social context in which we learn is really important.' 'I think reflective practice ought to be embedded in all learning and development.' 'Subject experts play a vital role in communities in terms of coaching, mentoring and supporting.' 'Communities are a way of validating skills, which maybe organizations overlook. '   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/ Andy Lancaster Bio Andy Lancaster is the Chief Learning Officer at Reimagine People Development consultancy, specializing in supporting, coaching and mentoring learning leaders and teams to create impactful development strategies and solutions, transform learning cultures and empower socialized learning communities. The former Head of Learning at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Andy is a trusted thinker, commentator and inspiring speaker, renowned for his insights that have helped reshape the organizational learning landscape globally. His book Driving Performance Through Learning gained a Business Book Award. You can follow and connect with Andy via: Twitter: @AndyLancasterUK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-lancaster-ab995418/ Book: https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/organizational-learning-communities-9781398615496 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/

Alice Thompson, an expert in online learning trends, and Ross Stevenson, a commentator on digital learning, discuss the evolving landscape of online education. They highlight how acceptance of digital training has increased, particularly post-COVID-19. Smaller organizations are embracing AI and digital learning more rapidly than larger ones, which face scalability challenges. The duo emphasizes the importance of blending digital with face-to-face learning, peer collaboration, and demonstrating the value of training to boost employee engagement and bridge skills gaps.

Seasoned CLO Christopher Lind discusses adapting L&D teams to AI and economic disruptors, emphasizing patience with stakeholders and the importance of building strong relationships. He explores using AI for faster learning, improving skills, and creating capacity for new tasks.

Greg Arthur shares his approach to creating engaging learning experiences by asking key questions, understanding the audience, and using the right medium. He emphasizes the importance of doing upfront work, trying different approaches, and adapting to the problem size. Greg's experience at blue-chip brands like BP and ASOS showcases his expertise in designing impactful learning solutions.

Agile expert Natal Dank discusses the importance of building business agility, customer experience, and moving quickly in L&D teams. Key takeaways include mapping skills, employee experience focus, and using Agile to solve single problems. Best moments highlight the need for laser focus and solving complex problems collaboratively.

Brandon Caldwell, an expert in skills-based learning and AI, discusses how AI accelerates skills-based learning, making it more efficient and effective. He emphasizes the importance of starting in the right place, overcoming roadblocks, and embracing technology. Skills-based learning simplifies communication, enables career growth, and revolutionizes learning projects in various industries.

James Griffin discusses the importance of skills-based learning for addressing skills gaps and shortages. He emphasizes the need for L&D to be brave and lead the way with skills data, natural language descriptions of skills, and measurable proficiency levels. AI can play a crucial role in bridging gaps, but solutions must be rigorously evaluated. Griffin also explains how businesses can prepare for skills-based learning and highlights the importance of measuring performance and ROI in L&D.

Simon Gibson, head of L&D at Marks and Spencer, discusses the challenges of leading L&D teams, hiring for diversity and data skills, and proving impact on business. Managers' challenges offer insight; focus on fixing specific issues and proving skills gap closing. Consumption isn't competence; retention and application vital for training success.