Learning Uncut

Catherine Sharpe, a Capability Specialist at Blackmores, and Mark Eggers from Yarno, discuss their award-winning approach to enhancing financial acumen through gamification and microlearning. They reveal how their collaboration transformed training across Blackmores’ diverse workforce in 13 Asia-Pacific markets. Key topics include leveraging learner-centered design, utilizing quick quizzes for engagement, and tackling financial gaps through strategic insights. Their innovative methods effectively increased participation and learning outcomes, revolutionizing the approach to e-learning.

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Millie Law discusses a highly successful blended learning initiative at ANZ Bank that won the 2024 AITD award for best blended learning solution. The program focused on developing business development capabilities among home lending specialists. The solution combined self-paced learning, peer workshops, and practical application, with strong support from internal coaches. Through careful performance consulting, collaboration and a focus on mindset shifts, the program achieved sustained 20-25% improvements in key business metrics. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/161/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this special episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers presents an AI playbook for Learning and Development professionals. Drawing from conversations with industry practitioners throughout 2024, she distills key principles and practices for implementing AI effectively in L&D. The episode explores how organizations can move beyond the hype to create real value with AI, offering practical guidance whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to scale existing initiatives. A reflection and discussion guide is available in the show notes to help teams apply these insights in their own context. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/160/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle Ockers and Chemène Sinson reflect on the key themes explored in the 2024 Learning Uncut podcast episodes and connect them to broader trends and conversations in L&D. This year's standout themes include moving from talk to action with AI, adopting skills-based approaches, fostering community and collaboration, and driving real behaviour change. Underpinning it all is the vital interplay between humanity and technology. From stories of professional growth to global learning insights, this episode offers rich inspiration as we step into 2025. Join the discussion on LinkedIn—find the episode post on Michelle's profile and share your thoughts! Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/159/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

This episode of Learning Uncut offers a rare 'before and after' look at the design, execution, and outcomes of a workplace learning campaign. Michelle Ockers speaks with Matthew Murray, VP of Digital Learning, and Sydney Cannon, Senior Manager of Learning Engagement at Bain & Company, about their October Skills Boost campaign. The episode starts by exploring exploration their low-resource, email-driven approach to fostering self-directed learning among functional professionals. Seven weeks later, they return to share candid reflections on the campaign's outcomes, unexpected challenges, and key lessons learned. Packed with insights this discussion is a must-listen for learning for learning professionals looking to experiment to encourage self-directed learning in their organisations. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/158/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this discussion, Adrian Manning, a steward of the Australian Public Service Academy's learning community, and Adam Le Nevez, who focuses on learning evaluation, share insights on fostering collaboration among L&D teams across over 100 agencies. They tackle the challenges of building capabilities in a decentralized system with a large workforce. The conversation emphasizes creating a safe space for practitioners to connect, share best practices, and evolve organically. They also highlight the importance of community-led initiatives for effective professional development.

Cameron Hedrick, Chief Learning Officer at Citi, shares his expertise on skills portfolio management and its transformative impact on workforce planning. He discusses the shift from traditional job roles to viewing skills as organizational assets, emphasizing the need for dynamic skills taxonomies. Cameron delves into challenges of scaling skills management within large organizations, offering practical strategies for starting small and building towards effective implementation. He also highlights the critical role of data and visualization in navigating skills inventory.

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers is joined by Brad Hodge, health innovator and educator at La Trobe University, to explore the role of generative AI in modern education, particularly in the rural health sector. Brad shares his journey in health innovation and how he is using AI, including chatbots, to enhance student support, drive behavior change, and foster innovation. They delve into the challenges of rural healthcare education, the potential of AI to impact learning outcomes, and how educators can harness the power of AI tools to better prepare students for real-world settings. This episode provides practical insights for educators, L&D professionals, and innovators looking to embrace AI in learning. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/155/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Michelle Ockers is joined by Dr Thomas J. Tobin to explore the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in an organisational context. They discuss how Learning and Development can act as a catalyst for fostering a culture that prioritises inclusivity in both design and content delivery. Tom shares his journey into UDL and explains why these principles are vital not just for the minority, but for the majority of learners. The conversation covers who is responsible for applying UDL principles and how organisations can empower their learners by adopting these practices without becoming overwhelmed. Tom also presents real-world examples from projects where organisations have successfully enhanced their use of UDL. He sheds light on the common barriers that large organisations face when implementing UDL principles and offers strategies for overcoming the content overwhelm that many are currently experiencing. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/154/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Lozanne Pretorius discusses how Mitsubishi Motors Australia has used the MiCareerTrak program to foster a customer-centric culture in an industry facing rapid technological and customer expectation changes. She explains how the program was designed to build adaptive skills and resilience, essential for navigating the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world of work. By positioning learning and development as a strategic pillar, the organisation has seen improvements in customer experience, profitability, and employee engagement, making L&D a key driver of organisational transformation. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/153/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/