Category For L&D managers

The execution gap in L&D: Why strategic ambitions are outpacing reality

Reality Check text button on keyboard, concept background

In a world of huge rising demand, reskilling pressure and AI acceleration, L&D keeps saying it must be strategic. But operational data shows execution is where things fail: prioritisation, flow, capacity and measurement. Ryan Austin argues the real shift is…

Read MoreThe execution gap in L&D: Why strategic ambitions are outpacing reality

Skills, not job titles: Rethinking workforce strategy in the AI age

AI vs humans balance concept with artificial intelligence and people on scale, workforce comparison, automation impact, technology vs human labor, future of jobs and productivity

AI is accelerating change, but so many organisations are still built for stability, not speed. Toby Hough argues that shifting from job titles to a skills-first operating models helps businesses see capability, redeploy talent and retain people. With AI powering…

Read MoreSkills, not job titles: Rethinking workforce strategy in the AI age

Culture reset case study: From attrition to high performance

Closeup man picks a wood cube of person icon at the high potential and high performance position of the chart

Growth can create internal “static”, especially in people-first industries where belonging is the product. By building psychological safety, practising radical candour, and shifting to human-centric leadership, teams move from transactional communication to collective responsibility. Fiona Wright outlines how this approach…

Read MoreCulture reset case study: From attrition to high performance

Why early involvement is only part of the story

Close up on businessman holding a wooden block with Building Solid Relations For Lasting Success message

Getting L&D involved early matters, but this discussion shows that access alone is not the full answer. Kim Ellis, Cathy Hoy, Donald H Taylor and Laura Overton reflect on stakeholder relationships, strategic credibility and why influence grows when L&D understands…

Read MoreWhy early involvement is only part of the story

Thinking in Systems – book review

Business concept.Text SYSTEMS THINKING writing on colored tangram on a yellow background.

In her book ‘Thinking in Systems’, Donella Meadows shows why well-meant training often fails when structures, interconnections and purpose stay intact. Drawing on stocks, flows and feedback loops, Houra Amin explores what learning leaders can diagnose before intervening, and how…

Read MoreThinking in Systems – book review

The skills crisis is a funding crisis

People and money bag with coins on scales. Decent wages. Social payments. Workers deserve to be financially compensated for their time and skills. Investments. Hired force. Financial support.

Jeni Burckart argues the skills crisis is not motivation but money: workers expect massive skill shifts by 2030, yet many pay out of pocket or skip training entirely. She explains why ‘figure it out yourself’ fails, and how upfront employer-funded…

Read MoreThe skills crisis is a funding crisis

Career literacy for young employees: Turning potential into progression

Support concept. Stack of books on wooden desk.

Audrey Hametner argues that supporting early career talent means moving beyond one-off training to guided pathways that build career literacy, mentoring and experiential learning. By treating young employees as partners, organisations can boost engagement, widen opportunity, and cut turnover, turning…

Read MoreCareer literacy for young employees: Turning potential into progression

Why skills intelligence is the missing link in workforce planning for the talent crisis

Office, business people and woman with discussion for laptop screen, financial strategy and report. Teamwork, employees and manager in meeting for accounting firm, profit growth and planning by flare

Workforce planning is being rewritten by AI, and old build-or-buy thinking can’t keep up. Ciara Harrington sets out the Four Bs framework, Build, Buy, Borrow and Bot, powered by skills intelligence and skills gap analysis. It helps HR and L&D…

Read MoreWhy skills intelligence is the missing link in workforce planning for the talent crisis

What influence looks like for L&D in 2026

A keyboard with a piece of paper that says Leadership is not position

A new TJ video brings together expert contributor reflections on adaptability, business alignment and intentional boldness in L&D. Drawing on themes from the TJ Influence Report 2026, the discussion explores why learning leaders need to focus less on delivery detail…

Read MoreWhat influence looks like for L&D in 2026

Boundaries, not burnout: Building a culture of leadership kindness that lasts

In a world where you can be anything be kind kindness rock on green moss

In this candid piece, Maureen O’Callaghan shows why kindness at work starts with self-kindness. From silencing the inner critic that shouldn’t be your coach, to setting boundaries and building support, she argues sustainable leadership means staying present and protecting capacity.…

Read MoreBoundaries, not burnout: Building a culture of leadership kindness that lasts