Category Economics and finance

How to move a cost centre to a profit centre

Clipboard with text profit centers on bright yellow paper next to pen and eyeglasses on wooden table

Russell Wardrop highlights that learning and development is too often seen as a discretionary cost rather than a strategic investment with business impact. When programmes are designed to drive commercial outcomes, they don’t just inform — they transform. The ROI…

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Spotting the risk from within: why training matters when tackling the insider threat

Cyber Threat Detected in Digital Code Interface, Alert System Highlighting Security Vulnerability in Cyber Environment

Employees can be your strongest defence… or your greatest vulnerability. As insider threats rise, cybersecurity issues grow and bottom lines are hit, L&D leaders have a crucial role in shifting culture and building resilience within. Rachael Tiffen explores how strategic…

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

Summer festive colorful bunting and blue sky, summer event celebration

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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In-house training vs. outsourcing: A breakdown of pros and cons

The words pros and cons. Evaluating advantages.

Should you keep training internal to the organisation or bring in the experts for an objective approach? Mia Barnes weighs up the practical, cultural and financial trade-offs that shape effective learning strategies – and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when…

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Build a learning strategy the business can’t ignore

Creating effective business strategies planning for success in a dynamic environment

🚀 Only 32% of L&D leaders have a strategy aligned with business goals—but that needs to change. Ryan Austin shares a practical five-step plan to transform your learning strategy from reactive to indispensable. Are you ready to speak the language…

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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

Different euro bills from 5 to 200 grow from the ground. Euro Money

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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Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The workshops

A diverse group of people queuing in a sunlit green field exemplifying community and shared experiences

Kirsty Lewis focuses her new festival planning on the different themes and workshops we need For those of you who missed the previous blog, let me catch you up: Imagine walking through a glade of trees with a lake by…

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Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The journey begins 

Progress Bar Uninstalling with the text: Fear

An honest account of the roller coaster of creating a newconference, with Kirsty Lewis About five years ago I came up with an idea of an event whereby 100 facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants would come together, in a field,…

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