Independent Professionals
From slow lanes to sprints: how Agile transformed our L&D delivery
Doubling output without burning out, Nassia Katroutsou shares how Agile project management reshaped her L&D team’s approach to course creation. Through clear preparation, sprint cycles and regular SME feedback, they boosted speed and quality, proving that with the right mindset, even small teams can deliver big, sustainably and with impact. When I first took over a small team of instructional designers, our content delivery cycles were slow and unpredictable. The company’s products and processes were complex, the audiences incredibly diverse…
Second, third, fourth career: How job pivots are redefining the future of work
With such global uncertainty, big skills gaps and longer working lives, more people are pivoting careers. INTOO research shows 41% have switched direction and 35% lack a defined path. Owen Morgan explains how upskilling, coaching and outplacement support boost satisfaction, resilience and business performance, as multi-career journeys become the norm. When faced with role dissatisfaction including feelings of burnout, stagnation and a lack of fulfilment, some workers may feel it’s time for a career pivot. According to INTOO UK &…
Curiosity over assumption: decoding digital body language in teams
Body language has always been tricky. Crossed arms, raised eyebrows, leaning in or looking away; all signals we interpret constantly, sometimes accurately, sometimes disastrously. Whilst we’ve had telecommunication for a long time, Covid transformed our work and learning spaces to be even more digital and virtual. Jo Cook shares more. Much of our professional life now is hybrid, online, and text based. That means our digital body language (DBL) — the emojis we use, the speed of our responses, whether…
When CEOs quiet quit: A playbook for executive re-engagement
CEO turnover surged in 2024, with disengagement at the top threatening transformation. Nick Petschek argues that we must move beyond traditional support roles to become active catalysts of change: spotting early signs of executive withdrawal, reigniting urgency, and embedding engagement as a strategic capability in today’s fast-moving, AI-driven business landscape. CEO turnover hit a five year high in 2024, with average tenure dropping from 8.4 to 6.7 years. One in four CEO transitions in EMEA during 2024 were unplanned due…
The future of frameworks is integration, not competition
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 powerful example of what works when frameworks align, not compete. There is no shortage of frameworks in organisations today. Leadership frameworks, capability frameworks, technical standards; each designed with the hope of shaping how people perform and grow. The challenge is…
Finally, a conference for self-employed folk in L&D!
The inaugural Free Spirits LIVE! virtual event next month is designed for L&D independent L&D professionals who crave connection, clarity and practical support. With a lively online community, real-time sessions and a laser focus on freelance life, it promises something different – and genuinely useful – for those building a solo business. If you’ve ever been to a conference and thought, “well what about the freelancers?”, we’ve got you covered. Free Spirits LIVE! is the very first conference from Kim…
The power of psychological safety in uncertain times
Psychological safety helps people speak up, share ideas, and learn from mistakes, essential in fast-moving workplaces. It’s not about removing fear but creating trust and openness. Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan explore what psychological safety looks like, why it matters, and how leaders can create a culture that supports it. Do you feel safe to speak up at work? Can you ask questions, raise concerns, and offer new ideas without hesitation? If not, you’re not alone, and your organisation could…
A real-world approach to the employer skills gap
For many organisations trying to reduce their skills gap, recruitment along is not working. The recruitment process is often uncertain and expensive, and yet investment in employee training to redress the skills shortage is falling. Isn’t it time for employers to re-evaluate developing their existing talent? Wojciech Walczak discusses how. At the start of 2024, the ONS reported that there were 934,000 job vacancies in the UK, a figure that still remained above pre-Covid-19 levels. Compounding this need, Open University…
Unicorns, rainbows and the reality of building a community
In this candid reflection, founder Kim Ellis shares how a spark of an idea during a Welsh getaway became L&D Free Spirits – a supportive, slightly cheeky hub for self-employed professionals in learning and development. From big lessons to even bigger ambitions, this is a story of community, courage and connection. It’s been 84 years… Bonus points if you recognised the quote from the Titanic film. Actually, it’s been 21 months, but sometimes it feels like 84 years. And while…
Talk saves lives – why suicide needs to be part of your wellbeing strategy
Suicide remains a taboo topic in many workplaces, yet managers are often the first line of support. Joseph Conway shares why it’s vital we break the silence, and how organisations can foster safer, more compassionate environments where people feel heard, supported and able to seek help before it’s too late. Whether it’s remote or in-person, work is where most people dedicate the majority of their time. This makes managers and leaders not only highly influential in shaping the employee experience,…
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