

Learning Uncut
Michelle Ockers
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2023 • 51min
133: Sydney Trains Elevate Customer Service – Simon Jobson
Simon Jobson, the Director of Capability and Learning at Sydney Trains discusses their Elevate customer service training program for their operational workforce of over 2,000 people. The program was designed using an evidence-based approach that drew on insights from business data and employee focus groups. The digital learning program is problem-centred (rather than content oriented) and engaging, with a range of follow-up ‘nudge’ mechanisms to support learning transfer. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/133/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Oct 9, 2023 • 14min
Elevate 20: Skills Development – Key Elements
Continuing our special Learning Uncut Elevate series on Skills Development, Learning Uncut Co-Founders Ravina Bhatia and Michelle Ockers discuss the seven key elements of skills development. They explore what it means to have these elements in place and how they can help organizations set up a successful skills development journey. Whether you're just starting out or already on the path, this episode provides valuable insights into building and developing skills successfully. This is the second in our Learning Uncut Elevate series on Skills Development. Additional episodes published fortnightly. A conversation between Learning Uncut co-founders Michelle Ockers and Ravina Bhatia Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-20/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Oct 2, 2023 • 45min
132: Building an Integrated Learning Technology Infrastructure – Fabrizio Conrado
Michelle speaks with Fabrizio Conrado, the Director of AI and Technology at Avado, about building an integrated learning technology infrastructure. Fabrizio discusses Avado's journey in selecting Thought Industries as their LMS provider and how they successfully integrated it with other technology elements. He also shares key considerations for selecting the right technology and partner and provides valuable tips for integrating learning technology to create a seamless user experience. Additionally, Fabrizio delves into the exciting possibilities of AI in learning and development. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/132/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Sep 25, 2023 • 15min
Elevate 19: Skills Development – Getting Started
Skills development has gained significant attention in L&D in recent years, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing business landscape. In this Elevate episode Learning Uncut co-founders Ravina Bhatia and Michelle Ockers discuss how skills development has evolved in recent years and fundamentals for getting started with contemporary approaches to skills development. Ask the right questions and get the foundations in place up front for successful skills development initiatives. This is the first in our Learning Uncut Elevate series on Skills Development. Additional episodes published fortnightly. A conversation between Learning Uncut co-founders Michelle Ockers and Ravina Bhatia Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-19/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Sep 18, 2023 • 52min
131: Cultivating Safety for Rail Track Contractors – James Kennedy and Andrew Smith
In this episode, James Kennedy, a civil engineer and change practitioner, discusses the contractor safety management program at Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). He shares how his childhood passion for LEGOs sparked his curiosity about how things work and how his team used data to rectify their initial misconceptions and bolster program design. Learn about “Hearts and Minds,” an initiative that creates a personal connection to safety through stories and experiences, and why behavioral change takes time. Andrew Smith, from Area9 Lyceum, also joins James in this insightful discussion. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/131/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 5min
130: Mission Driven L&D: San Diego Zoo – Dustin Lacasse
Dustin Lacasse, L&D Lead at the San Diego Zoo, discusses the challenges and possibilities of non-profit L&D. He highlights their data-driven refinements, performance management approach, and meaningful learning pathways. The San Diego Zoo's global conservation mission and collaborations with Taronga Park Zoo are also explored. Additionally, the benefits of working in a nonprofit setting and designing a transparent and inclusive workforce are discussed. The podcast concludes with a focus on performance and succession planning, as well as a fun discussion about favorite animals at the zoo.

14 snips
Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 5min
129: Storytelling Microcredential at Waka Kotahi – Stacie Swindon and Marcus Garrett
How Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport has piloted a customised micro-credential to develop storytelling skills across their workforce. Our guests are Stacie Swindon, a learning and development consultant from Waka Kotahi and Marcus Garrett, an instructional designer from RMIT Online who partnered on this project. Our host, Michelle Ockers, from Learning Uncut also worked on this pilot, shaping the requirements, and leading the evaluation. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/129/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

18 snips
Aug 7, 2023 • 56min
128: Learning Transformation at Astra Zeneca – Marc Howells
AstraZeneca's VP of Global Talent and Development, Marc Howells, shares insights on their learning transformation. Topics include lifelong learning culture, learning reflection through journaling, democratization of learning, and streamlining learning technologies. The podcast also covers agility, innovation, and enabling a diverse workforce. Success factors and lessons learned in the transformation process are explored, along with the emphasis on continuous improvement and close collaboration with the business.

Jul 10, 2023 • 51min
126: Rethinking Regulatory Learning – Deb Van Rensburg
Deb Van Rensburg, who leads Enterprise Regulatory Learning at National Australia Bank (NAB) discusses how they have evolved their approach to regulatory learning. We cover the 3-stage approach they used to streamline content and improve the learner experience. This includes the use of real-world scenarios and inclusive design practices to ensure that every participant feels seen and finds relevance beyond their specific roles. We also discuss how Deb got critical stakeholders on board with changes and has established an ongoing governance process. Host: Michelle Ockers Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/126/ Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 11min
125: Bendigo Bank’s Learning Transformation – Caroline Petha, Jo Doody & David Maiolo
Caroline Petha, Jo Doody, and David Maiolo from Bendigo Bank discuss their collaborative strategies in learning transformation, including capability development, learning design, and culture development. They emphasize the value of partnerships with business leaders and external partners, as well as the need for integrated efforts across teams. The podcast also covers various shifts in capability, leadership, learning design, content, and the learning ecosystem. Overall, it provides insights into the critical success factors and tips for effective learning transformation.