Opinion
The crucial link between appreciation and emotional intelligence
Recognition isn’t just about boosting morale, it’s a powerful driver of emotional intelligence. Stuart Cheesman dives into why showing appreciation helps employees feel connected, empathetic and more self-aware. Discover how this simple act can foster high-performing teams and improve workplace culture across the board. Yes, it really is that important! Leaders’ understanding of emotional intelligence (EQ) has altered in recent times. Once thought to be an inherent characteristic that you either do or don’t have, emotional intelligence is now understood…
L&D teams are the key to the AI and human skills double whammy
As AI reshapes organisations, L&D professionals face a dual challenge: meeting growing technical demands while supporting behavioural change. Lynsey Whitmarsh explores how learning teams can use their unique strengths, connections, creativity, behaviour change and insights, to drive strategic reskilling and ensure AI adoption enhances rather than isolates the modern workforce. As companies use AI to drive efficiencies or boost productivity, how these fast-emerging tools can be used in workforces’ strategic learning and reskilling, remains open to debate. Global research has…
DEI needs a reboot and L&D is the key
Too many DEI initiatives stop at awareness, but inclusion only sticks when it’s embedded into team dynamics. Norman Grant argues for a shift from one-off workshops to systemic, coaching-led approaches that build everyday inclusive behaviours, turning intent into impact, enabling L&D leaders to lead real, lasting culture change across organisations. For years, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) has been framed primarily as a training problem–something to be addressed through workshops, policy updates, or annual awareness events. But what happens after the…
The importance of delegate experience and human connection is driving renewed growth in face-to-face Learning
As generative AI reshapes learning, face-to-face training is proving its renewed value—not through nostalgia, but by offering what tech can’t: emotional connection, trust, and shared experience. In this article, Richard Smith explores why F2F endures, how it’s evolving, and why it remains a vital tool in today’s learning landscape. In a world increasingly shaped by digital innovation and generative AI, some might assume face-to-face (F2F) training is becoming obsolete, especially post-pandemic when all F2F activity was curtailed. F2F has evolved…
Who’s missing from L&D’s digital revolution?
As L&D evolves through rapid technological change, many professionals risk being left behind. Oyindamola Ojo-Eriamiatoe highlights the barriers faced by experienced practitioners facing redundancy, students unaware of edtech careers, and women returning to work. Oyindamola offers inclusive, practical solutions to ensure that no one is excluded from the sector’s future. The L&D sector is experiencing a significant transformation as technology reshapes how we approach education and training. However, this shift presents challenges for various underrepresented groups within the L&D community.…
More than survival mode: L&D’s role in building true resilience
In challenging times, L&D can’t afford to stand still. Chris Chesterman shares three strategic actions to help learning teams prove their value, strengthen skills and support their people. From building organisational resilience to linking learning with business outcomes, now’s the moment to show how vital L&D is to lasting success. When times are tight, we all need to do more with less. No department is immune, but it’s fair to say that some are more susceptible than others. L&D teams…
From fintech to founder: one woman’s mission to rewrite the rules
Danai Antoniou, co-founder and Chief Scientist at Gradient Labs, shares hard-won insights from her journey through systemic bias in tech. From salary transparency to challenging microaggressions, she outlines the practical changes leaders can make now to support the next generation, and ensure equity is built into every level of leadership. I’m a woman in a senior tech leadership role and faced my share of systemic bias. Now, as a founder, I’m making sure the next generation faces less of it.…
Conferences, connection and Copilot: a journey of learning
Valerie Merrill shares her reflections from attending three dynamic conferences, exploring leadership in crisis, the rise of AI in comms and L&D, and the enduring power of real-life connection. Packed with insights and standout moments, it’s a timely reminder of why face-to-face learning still hits differently in a digital world. We spend a lot of our time in front of our screens, working on content, delivering and on Teams or Zoom and in our hybrid world we can sometimes miss…
Why cultural intelligence is reshaping recruitment
As companies become increasingly global, the ability to navigate cultural differences is no longer optional, it’s essential. Mariia Skorokhod explores why recruiters must cultivate cultural intelligence to build trust, communicate effectively, and unlock the full potential of international talent within rapidly evolving recruitment, creating a culture shift along the way. As companies continue to expand globally, increasing numbers of individuals are immigrating in search of better opportunities, and international exchange programs are becoming more common. This growing interconnectedness has given…
Diversity isn’t enough: L&D’s role in helping future leaders be seen and heard
Charlotte Otter explores how L&D can move beyond hiring commitments to support genuine career growth for diverse talent. With visibility, support and structured development, learning professionals can help underrepresented leaders step into their power—and the C-Suite—at a time when some companies are pulling back from their DEI promises. Hiring diverse talent is only the start. It’s much harder to create pathways for promotion so that diverse leaders can grow into increasingly senior roles. Some of this responsibility lies with individuals…
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