
Learning Uncut
Learning Uncut is about real conversations around real learning solutions and real experiences with real advice from real people.
We’re all about keeping it “real.”
Here’s an overview of our approach:
Strategy and tactics. We want to unpack the strategy and how-to’s of creating great learning solutions, frameworks and teams.
CONVERSATIONS, NOT SCRIPTED DISCUSSION
Our podcasts are professional but not so edited and polished that they lose their authenticity. We want our audience to hear real people having real conversations and sharing real examples and advice.
PROGRESSIVE
We want to showcase the “unsung L&D heroes” out there doing great work, being brave and trying new things.
PRACTICAL
We invite our guests to share tips and strategies to help listeners take their solutions to the next level. We aim to provide actionable takeaways for our listeners through show notes, links and downloads wherever possible.
Latest episodes

Sep 23, 2024 • 50min
154: Universal Design for Learning – Thomas J. Tobin
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/

Sep 9, 2024 • 46min
153: Future-proofing Your Organisation with Adaptive Skills – Lozanne Pretorius
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/

Aug 26, 2024 • 46min
152: L&D Innovation with AI – Ericsson’s Community Approach – Pauline Rebourgeon & Peter Sheppard
Pauline Rebourgeon and Peter Sheppard from Ericsson discuss how they are innovating with AI for learning and development. They outline how Ericsson's Learning NEXT community fosters a culture of experimentation with emerging technologies to support learning and development. Pauline and Peter discuss the importance of community in scaling these efforts, and the strategic balance between quick wins and long-term impact. The episode highlights practical examples such as AI-based translation and coaching tools, underscoring the value of starting small and pivoting as needed to meet evolving business needs. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/152/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Aug 19, 2024 • 37min
Elevate 39: Making Sense of Trends
David Kelly, Chairman of the Learning Guild, joins Michelle Ockers to discuss how to make sense of technology trends as an L&D professional. Their discussion explores why trends matter and how to stay abreast of trends, including attending conferences, how to find experts to follow online, and leveraging your network. They also discuss how to think critically about trends and make better choices about what to experiment with and use. This episode will leave you with practical approaches to stay on top of trends as an L&D practitioner. Conferences are a great way to stay abreast of trends and create a high-value network. DevLearn, run by Learning Guild, is North America’s largest learning technology event with more than 200 sessions and networking activities. DevLearn is celebrating 20 years of learning technology excellence in November 6-8, 2024 in one of the most exciting cities in the United States, Las Vegas. To join the international learning & development community at this event, register at devlearn.com. Use Promo Code UNCUT to save 100 US Dollars. Hosted by Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-39/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Aug 12, 2024 • 49min
151: World of L&D – From Learning to Performance – Henriette Kloots and Evitha Scharloo
Henriette Kloots and Evitha Scharloo, Co-founders of Interlocked, join Michelle Ockers to discuss the World of L&D and the World of Impact Maps. These maps use associative cartography to visualise the journey from learning to performance and impact. The World of L&D Map creates a tangible common language that prompts effective analysis within L&D teams, helping members to collectively shape their transition from order takers to performance partners. The World of Impact Map enables teams to enhance their analysis and position themselves within the organisational context to deliver higher impact. This episode delves into the creation of these maps and shares key lessons Henriette and Evitha have learned from using them in their work with L&D teams. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/151/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Jul 29, 2024 • 44min
150: Social Learning at Scale – Mehri Doyle
Mehri Doyle, Director at Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, specializes in social and digital learning. She dives into the success of Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) that facilitate social learning through community interactions. Mehri shares how these initiatives enhanced diplomatic skills and boosted learning resource access tenfold. She discusses the role of experienced educators in creating engaging content and the importance of community-driven feedback for continual improvement in online learning.

Jul 22, 2024 • 35min
Elevate 38: Psychological Safety in Learning
Sonali D’Silva joins Michelle Ockers to discuss the importance of psychological safety for learning. Their discussion commences research backed benefits of fostering psychological safety both in individual teams and across the organisation as a whole. They then delve into five key strategies for fostering psychological safety in learning environments. This episode will leave you with practical approaches to promote psychological safety as an L&D practitioner. Hosted by Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-38/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Jul 15, 2024 • 42min
149: Improving performance with an AI coaching bot – Dan Redman
Dan Redman joins Michelle Ockers to discuss the development and implementation of a conversational AI coaching tool to improve performance in HSBC's contact centres. The tool has largely replaced face-to-face role plays with AI-powered simulations. This provides employees with a safe environment for on-demand skill practice with immediate AI feedback, and the option of sharing with managers for additional feedback. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/149/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Jul 1, 2024 • 53min
148: L&D in Start-ups and Scale-ups – Dinye Hernanda
Dinye Hernanda joins Michelle Ockers to discuss her experiences as a learning and development professional in the start-up and scale-up space. They explore the main challenges that arise across key stages of start-ups, delving into the specifics of the onboarding process. Dinye shares her 70/30 approach to skill development and provides a real-world example of how L&D professionals can shift the narrative to gain key stakeholder buy-in. Finally, Dinye shares what corporate L&D professionals can learn from startups in order to keep up in our rapidly changing workplaces. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/148/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Jun 24, 2024 • 36min
Elevate 37: 2024 Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) Conference
Chemène Sinson and Michelle Ockers recap their experiences at the 2024 Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) Conference. They reflect on key themes such as collaboration, inclusion, learning design and the impact of AI on the future of learning and development. The conversation highlights standout sessions and speakers including both keynotes and case studies. Chemène and Michelle also discuss the enriching networking opportunities and how they will apply what they learned. Hosted by Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-37/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/