The Learning & Development Podcast

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.

Data expert Laura Paramoure discusses the shift towards using data for planning and measuring impact in L&D. Highlighting the importance of proving business impact and creating skills for greater outcomes. Emphasizing the need for tailored courses, effective measurement, and continuous evaluation to drive workplace change and course effectiveness.

Since 2014, the L&D Global Sentiment Survey has been a barometer of what’s hot and what’s not in the Learning & Development profession, guiding people development professionals towards the trends that their peers are most concerned about. In this episode, Donald H Taylor takes a deep dive into the recently published report and explores in conversation what we should all be taking note of. KEY TAKEAWAYS Because it is self-selecting most of the people who fill out the survey are innovators. It looks at what is hot in L&D, what is likely to take hold and what is likely to fall by the wayside. This year AI dominated, but many are overwhelmed and unsure how to use it. AI is good at content, which frees up time for L&D to do more in other areas.  Yet, there is likely to be a backlash against AI-generated content because initially, people will be awful at using it. Lots of people are missing the fact that AI can play a role in coaching and mentoring. Collaborative and social learning have slipped down the list. There are geographical differences, what they are and why they exist is discussed. BEST MOMENTS 'There's somewhere between the wisdom of the crowd and the derangement of the mob.' 'Personalization is one of the obvious and very valuable implementation points for AI.' 'The top four for 2024 … are all things which are fuelled by good use of data.'   Donald H Taylor Bio A recognised commentator and thinker in the fields of workplace learning and supporting technologies, Donald is committed to helping develop the learning and development profession.  He has chaired the Learning Technologies Conference in London since 2000 and writes and speaks worldwide about Learning and Development (L&D). His annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey started in 2014, provides a unique perspective on L&D trends from over 100 countries. He chairs the Workforce Development board for VC firm Emerge Education, and invests in, and advises, several EdTech start-ups. From 2010 to 2021, he chaired the Learning and Performance Institute. He is the author of Learning Technologies in the Workplace, a graduate of Oxford University and in 2016 was awarded an honorary doctorate by Middlesex University in recognition of his work developing the L&D profession. You can follow and contact Donald via: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/  X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonaldHTaylor  L&D Global Sentiment Survey 2024: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/global-sentiment-survey-2024/  Website: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/  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/

Josh Novelle, VP of People Experience and Insights at HSBC, discusses L&D leadership, making impact, and skills-based learning. He emphasizes boosting revenue, retiring ineffective strategies, and talking in financial terms. HSBC is shifting to a skills-based organization. Success lies in understanding business direction, saving time, and keeping things simple. Key takeaway: Be adaptable, strategic, and focus on generating real impact.

In this episode, Egle Vinauskaite discusses the current state and potential of generative AI in L&D. Most L&D departments have not fully integrated AI yet, but it is coming and organizations need to experiment with it. AI can provide personalized feedback and spot emerging skill needs. It is important to not fall for AI shiny objects that don't solve real problems and to audit and improve tools using AI.

It was clear that one podcast episode wouldn’t be enough to cover everything we wanted to so Kenny’s back to unpack what leadership development at Netflix means and what it’s there to achieve. This conversation is both revealing and inspiring.  KEY TAKEAWAYS There are universal leadership principles that apply to any industry. However, each leadership role is still different. Context is crucial in developing effective leaders. First, understand the business impact solving the problem is going to have. Discovery is essential. Without it, the understanding of the problem is not deep enough. Fall in love with the problem. Netflix uses powerful stories or cases to exemplify key issues in the business. Using a one-and-done solution is only going to have a limited impact.  It is continuous learning and embedding learning that will be transformative. Simulations that engage people emotionally and sometimes physically are incredibly impactful. Start with the why. Next look for quick wins, the simpler the better. BEST MOMENTS 'I've seen the power of being part of a team where you can be honest, you're cared about, you're loved.' 'If you want to change something, you've got to understand the problem.' 'You need to design for the terrain and not actually do something idealised.' Kenny Temowo Bio Kenny Temowo leads Talent Management and Leadership Development for Netflix UK. He’s spent almost two decades in learning and education, working as a consultant with clients such as the BBC, Vodafone, and Rolls-Royce, as well as leading in-house L&D teams. EPISODE RESOURCES Reed Hastings No Rules Rules - https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Rules-Netflix-Culture-Reinvention-ebook/dp/B082261K3F 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/