Category Blogs

Editor’s blog: Beyond inspiration, the why of reflection at conferences

inspire, motivate, improve notes

Jo Cook shares the thinking behind the TJ 60th Anniversary Conference and why reflection and action planning are central to its design. Drawing on expert insights and her own experiences, Jo explains how making space for thought can transform a…

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The future of frameworks is integration, not competition

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Ben Satchwell explores why well-intentioned frameworks often cause confusion rather than clarity. Drawing on common mistakes and missed opportunities, he shows how better integration, rather than wholesale replacement, can unlock value. One global reference for digital skills, SFIA9, offers a…

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The future of work: Stop confusing performance with capability

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Many organisations confuse past performance with future capability – and it’s costing them. Ban Satchwell explains why relying on outcomes alone leads to flawed decisions, missed potential and ineffective people development. To build resilient, adaptable teams, we must treat performance…

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The future of work: Why most capability frameworks miss the mark 

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Too many capability frameworks promise impact but deliver confusion. Ben Satchwell cuts through the noise to reveal why clarity, focus and co-creation matter. From avoiding vague, generic descriptions to embedding real utility, he shows how to design frameworks that support performance,…

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Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Last update before the fun!

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With just a couple of weeks to go, Kirsty Lewis shares the emotional highs, financial lows and last-minute wins as SOFest edges closer. From surprise sponsors to sparkly outfit dilemmas, here’s a raw and real behind-the-scenes glimpse at the planning,…

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The future of work: Modernising job architectures and why skills alone aren’t enough 

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🧩 Jobs, skills, capabilities – how do they fit together? In today’s fast-changing world, static job roles no longer cut it. Skills matter, but without structure, they’re meaningless.  💡 Ben Satchwell explores why the future of work isn’t about replacing jobs with skills, but…

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L&D marcomms: How integrated Marketing Communications helps L&D

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📢 Feeling bombarded by messages? You are not alone. In a noisy world, how do you make your communications stick? 💡 Hayley Maisey shares how L&D, HR, and internal comms can use integrated marketing strategies to cut through the clutter,…

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Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The emotional rollercoaster is real

Woman with a distressed expression holds her head in frustration in front of screens showing stock market charts, symbolizing financial stress.

Kirsty Lewis has a meltdown about the numbers for her facilitation festival, despite amazing plans Well we have made it to March 1st and that date is exactly 100 days until the start of SOFest 2025. My name is Kirsty…

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Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Exploring ticket sales tactics

Conceptual hand writing showing Book Now. Concept meaning Make a reservation in hotel accommodation or airplane ticket

Kirsty Lewis on the ups, downs and wild ideas behind getting people to SOFest 2025 How are you? If you are new to this blog it is all about my crazy idea to put on a festival for 100-plus facilitators,…

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Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Show me the money

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How much does a new learning summit cost? Kirsty Lewis shares an eye watering amount This month I want to share the emotional rollercoaster that is creating a festival from scratch with NO financial backing. If you are discovering this…

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