Marketing For Learning®

This isn’t your average EdTech chinwag. In this special episode of the Marketing for Learning podcast, Ashley is joined by Lori Niles-Hofmann (author of The 8 Levers of EdTech Transformation) and Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch (Global Head of Talent at SoftwareOne) for a no-fluff, no-slides-needed conversation about what really makes EdTech work — and what makes people quietly nope out of your platform. Together, the trio unpacks: The 8 levers of effective EdTech transformation The “leavers” - ie, things we desperately need to bin Why being data-informed trumps being data-obsessed What marketing, memory, and a badly-behaved agent called Sven have in common And why context, not content, is what really matters If you’ve ever been promised an “AI-powered, Netflix-of-learning” experience and ended up with a glorified folder of SCORM files, this one’s for you. RESOURCES:  Lori's Book - The 8 Levers of Ed Tech Transformation Serena's YouTube Channel The People Impact Loop® Guide

Learning and Development doesn't need chaos; it requires structure and strategy. Discover the importance of understanding your audience as the first step to success. Learn how alignment and effective experience design can drive real relevance. Explore why measuring impact is vital for proving value, making marketing essential rather than optional. This conversation provides a blueprint to create continuous, impactful change through the People Impact Loop, emphasizing that effective design is the key to success.

Nelson Sivalingam, CEO of HowNow and author of 'Learning at Speed', dives into the crucial connection between learning and business outcomes. He critiques traditional metrics for falling short and emphasizes the need for defining impact in Learning and Development. The discussion covers bridging the skills gap through role-specific assessments and the importance of measurable outcomes over mere completion rates. Nelson advocates for a strategic approach that aligns learning initiatives with organizational goals, shaping a more effective L&D landscape.

Discover the hidden complexities behind impactful learning campaigns. Learn why successful initiatives require ongoing engagement, not just a launch. Explore how L&D can borrow tactics from marketing, politics, and behavioral science to drive action. Dive into strategies that cater to diverse learner types, ensuring everyone stays motivated. Understand the importance of continuous reminders without being repetitive, and navigate stakeholder dynamics for smoother project approvals. Lastly, find out how a 'Campaign in a Box' can streamline your efforts with customizable resources.

Tom McDowall, the head of Evolve L&D, dives deep into the future of learning experience design. He passionately argues that learning isn't ineffective due to laziness but rather poor experiences. The discussion reveals why adding more content doesn’t always yield better results and emphasizes the importance of frictionless, user-led learning journeys. McDowall draws connections between L&D and UX design, advocating for strategies that prioritize employee engagement and experimentation. This is a must-listen for anyone tired of subpar learning solutions!

Discover why treating learners as real people is crucial in Learning and Development. Dive into the importance of understanding audience motivations beyond just job titles. Learn how to ask the right questions and gather meaningful insights to craft impactful learning experiences. Unpack the significance of branding through examples like Coca-Cola and explore the transformation of boring initiatives into engaging ones. Crafting accurate learner personas can elevate overall engagement and strategy—it's all about relevance and connection!

Heather Burright, a Learning and Development consultant specializing in instructional design, joins the conversation to challenge the status quo in L&D. She argues that the real issue isn't a lack of content, but rather a lack of curiosity. The discussion reveals that identifying root problems is crucial for driving change. Heather shares insights on building trust with stakeholders and emphasizes the power of asking better questions to produce better learning outcomes. This enlightening talk encourages L&D professionals to shift from content creation to truly understanding needs.

Dive into the world of impactful learning as the hosts challenge L&D teams to break free from mundane activities. Discover why aligning training with business goals is crucial and how treating learners as subscribers fosters deeper engagement. Learn the importance of long-term strategies over fleeting initiatives and uncover a three-step framework to measure success effectively. Plus, find out how to evaluate the People Impact Loop using qualitative and quantitative insights, paving the way for meaningful training transformations.

Drum roll please... 🥁🥁🥁 After lots of speculation and guessing, it's time for you to meet the People Impact Loop™. You've got the potential. You've got the passion. Yet you are still undervalued and constantly fighting for relevance.  The issue isn’t effort or ideas – it’s the lack of a system that makes their work essential. For decades, the same challenges have persisted: low engagement, leadership buy-in struggles, and initiatives that fail to gain traction. And now, at last, the People Impact Loop™ changes that. So get your listening ears on, and settle in for a podcast that is going to change the way you look at L&D, forever. 

You’ve built an amazing learning product - now what? In this episode, Ashley and Hannah break down why marketing isn’t just a bolt-on to learning but a fundamental part of making it successful. They dive into how positioning, messaging, and audience research can transform a learning experience from nice to have to unmissable. Expect insights on emotional triggers, behavioural science, multi-channel campaigns, and why generic messaging just won’t cut it. Plus, plenty of playful banter, pineapple references, and a reminder that “learning” alone isn’t a selling point. SHOW NOTES: The AIDAL Model – A previous episode covering the AIDAL (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action, Loyalty) framework, which was a key part of the discussion on structuring marketing campaigns. Behavioural Science in Marketing for Learning® – Relevant when discussing FOMO, urgency, and how to create demand for learning. Strategic Marketing for People Functions course