Category For freelancers, consultants & small businesses

The sound of authority is changing. Are our assumptions keeping pace?

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The way we speak can shape how others perceive our intelligence, credibility and leadership potential. But should it? Cath Baxter challenges the everyday assumptions behind accent bias, explores its damaging impact on careers and confidence, and explains why being understood…

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The business of training: What gives training providers the right to exist?

Jan Jilis van Delsen and Laura Overton at the Business of Training Conference 2026.

AI, changing customer expectations and increasing pressure to demonstrate value are challenging traditional training business models. Reflecting on the Business of Training Conference 2026, Jo Cook explores the importance of understanding customer needs, designing learning for workplace performance and identifying…

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TJ interviews: Mark Agnew on the four questions that turn uncertainty into a shared challenge

Mark Agnew

Resilience is easier to sustain when people find meaning in the challenge itself. Mark Agnew talks about reframing setbacks, strengthening camaraderie, developing mental fitness gradually, all based on adventuring experience. This helps teams focus on shared purpose, intrinsic motivation and…

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Before it becomes training: What searches reveal about the language L&D should use

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A new quarterly column explores what training demand can reveal about the challenges organisations are trying to solve. In this first instalment, Dr Peter Evans examines how search behaviour can help L&D translate business problems into stronger proposals, better evidence…

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Final days to nominate for the Ethnic Minorities into Leadership Awards 2026

Nominations are closing soon for awards celebrating people who are helping ethnic minority talent progress into leadership across the civil service and wider public sector. With 10 categories recognising mentors, managers, networks and emerging leaders, the awards shine a light…

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L&D was not built for this speed of change

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Traditional learning models struggle when roles, knowledge and context shift faster than training can keep up. Dr. Ravinder Tulsiani argues for a two-layer capability model combining structured preparation with real-time support, helping organisations strengthen decision-making, reduce costly errors and position…

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The Irresistible Consultant’s Guide to Winning Clients – book review

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Independent consultants often know how to deliver excellent work, yet converting expertise into paid projects can remain difficult. Houra Amin explores a practical approach centred on client priorities, sharper discovery and better problem framing, showing how consultants can build stronger…

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Confidence is a business issue, not a personal weakness

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Workplace self-belief affects who speaks up, progresses, takes risks and contributes ideas, making it far more than an individual concern. Penny Haslam argues that organisations should actively develop confidence through training, supportive managers and everyday conversations. This helps employees perform…

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Mirror mindset meets the overthinking brain: Turning self-awareness into mental clarity

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Referencing two Make Your Brain Work podcast episodes, Amy Brann explores why overthinking thrives when self-reflection becomes judgement. Learn how to spot rumination loops, use body-based awareness, ask grounding questions, and journal with purpose. With self-compassion and psychologically safe feedback,…

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Why instructional design needs an open industry learning lab

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L&D teams should look beyond their organisations and use open course contests to sharpen professional judgement, argues Tanya Galton. Comparing real instructional design work across industries can expose stronger practices, recurring weaknesses and fresh ideas, helping practitioners turn external feedback…

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