Category For freelancers, consultants & small businesses

Left behind twice: What SEN inequity means for tomorrow’s workforce  

Sad boy in classroom

Michelle Carson examines how early inequality and missed support for children with special educational needs shape access to learning, opportunity and progression. Drawing on findings from the Sutton Trust and Support SEND Kids, and her own experience, she explores why…

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TJ podcast: Learning’s human heartbeat: L&D then and now – episode 329

TJ60 Panel discussion Andrew Jacobs, Kirsty Lewis, Laura Overton (c) Jo Cook

At TJ’s 60th Anniversary Conference, Andrew Jacobs discusses with Laura Overton and Kirsty Lewis what L&D has gained and lost over six decades. The exploration goes from laserdiscs to AI, classrooms to communities, and why social, human learning still matters…

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My book ‘AI for People Professionals’ was a human-first experiment

ai artificial intelligence woman

Behind the pages of a book shaped by humans and machines, Erica Farmer shares the creative highs, challenges and lessons from writing ‘AI for People Professionals’. From neurodivergent-friendly workflows to AI-supported thinking, it’s a candid look at what it means…

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Learning without limits: 38 years outside the HR bubble

Think About Things Differently

Andy Candler has spent nearly four decades in L&D without setting foot in an HR team, and he thinks that’s exactly why it’s worked. In this refreshing and honest take, he champions a commercial, customer-focused approach to learning that’s more…

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Stop reporting and start persuading: Unlock the potential of your learning data for business impact

business strategy analysis data

Most L&D teams collect data, but few translate it into the business language that decision-makers value. iSpring’s global survey reveals a “translation problem” holding many teams back. Tanya Galton shares insights into three L&D maturity clusters, along with practical steps…

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From vendor to value partner: Turning learning conversations into real impact

External training providers face cultural barriers, politics and self-doubt when pushing for real impact. This conversation uncovers how to secure supervisor buy in, differentiate your offer, harness digital nudges, and use AI as a practice partner so that learning translates…

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TJ podcast: Beyond courses: How AI transforms L&D into a strategic business partnership – episode 328

Person touch virtual screen of progress bar with the word VALUE for growth value, increase value, value added and business growth concept.

In this episode, Josh Bersin, Erica Farmer and Laura Overton join Jo Cook to unpack how AI is shifting L&D from static courses to adaptive support. They explore dynamic content, practice with AI coaching, and why learning teams must redefine…

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Spoiler alert: Your conference isn’t about you!

Warning of Spoiler Alert

Kim Ellis reflects on the lessons learned from designing and delivering Free Spirits LIVE!, a virtual conference for independent L&D professionals. It wasn’t about flashy tech or speaker line-ups, it was about creating meaningful, human experiences. Here, she shares what…

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Ever wondered why your course isn’t getting the completion rates you hoped for?

Laptop and books on wooden desk with abstract colorful background. Education concept.
Education technology E-learning Online Training

Kayleigh Atherton explains why a strong course launch is only half the battle. Without intentional design and a focus on learning outcomes, even well-marketed courses can underperform. Using the IMPACT Framework, she shares how to build learner-first experiences that drive…

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Can strategic growth and people-first values truly go hand in hand?

Multi-Ethnic Hands Holding The Word Values

High growth can strain culture, yet scaling with intent keeps people, clients and communities front and centre. Invest in learning, wellbeing and inclusive leadership; align acquisitions to values; embed in local economies; measure performance, not just speed. Heidi Thompson argues…

Read MoreCan strategic growth and people-first values truly go hand in hand?