HR Professionals
TJ interviews: Des Anderson, on reinventing the LMS, starting up, scaling and staying human
Launching a people-first LMS from a kitchen table in 2012 was just the beginning. In this interview, LearnUpon Co-Founder and CTO Des Anderson reflects on: building for scale and support, leading with flexibility, and how AI can support learning without losing the human element or the need for critical thinking. Training Journal: You started LearnUpon, with your co-founder Brendan Noud, from the kitchen table in 2012. What got you excited to start a Learning Management System and keep going through…
The future of work is pressure-smart, not pressure-free
Pressure at work is not the enemy, but burnout is. Kimberley Rowbottom explores why businesses need to rethink outdated stress strategies and build smarter pressure management through learning. It’s time to equip people with the tools to thrive, not just survive, in today’s high-pressure world of hybrid work and uncertainty Navigating the post-pandemic workplace, it’s become clear that the line between healthy pressure and harmful stress has become even more all-encompassing. Employees face pressure from multiple sources – from hybrid…
Why the frontline workforce needs better training – and why they’re not getting it
Frontline workers are eager to learn, but too often the training just isn’t there. Erika Sandoval explains why companies should invest in smarter, more flexible learning that fits easily into busy lives. From AI-driven tools to on-demand sessions, it’s time employers stepped up because without proper training, everyone loses out Companies that fail to invest in their workforce risk more than just high turnover. In the UK, 72% of organisations report that they are struggling to fill critical skills gaps,…
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…
When reviews backfire: How smart managers turn damage into growth
Appraisals gone wrong can leave employees feeling anxious, rejected and disengaged. Drawing on psychological insights, Srideep Sarkar and Anu Sarkar explain how managers can navigate these moments with care. Learn how to rebuild trust, restore confidence and transform even the toughest performance conversations into catalysts for learning, resilience and growth. Performance appraisals are meant to provide clarity, motivation, and a roadmap for growth. But for many employees, they bring frustration, disappointment, and even self-doubt. This is aptly indicated by a…
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…
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.…
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.…
Workplace conflict: why we’re trapped in drama and how to stop it
Many of us unknowingly fall into dysfunctional roles that quickly escalate workplace conflict, stall progress and can create unrest during our day. Jane Gunn explores Karpman’s Drama Triangle, its impact on teams, and how professionals can move beyond blame and bad feeling towards empowerment, assertiveness and better outcomes for everyone. If you often find yourself walking on eggshells with a colleague, want to rescue a co-worker who is struggling, or feel you often need to give guidance to others who…
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…
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