Independent Professionals
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Show me the 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 blog for the first time today, let me introduce myself: My name is Kirsty Lewis, founder of School of Facilitation and the architect of SOFest. A three day, in-person, learning event, space, summit (call it anything but a conference) SOFest…
The power of video in microlearning
Bite-sized videos grab your learner’s attention, stick in their mind, and turn knowledge into action – Tim Moss shows how to get started Imagine this: you’re onboarding a new employee, Sarah, who feels overwhelmed about learning a complex project management tool. Instead of handing her a dense user manual, you provide her with a short, engaging video tutorial. The video is concise, visually clear, and even includes an interactive quiz at the end. After watching, Sarah not only understands the tool but…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The workshops
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 your side, along a path that leads you to a large field filled with tipis, yurts, a campfire and 120 people. That is what SOFest is going to be like, no stuffy hotel or boring conference centre. I am even…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The journey begins
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, to connect, learn and share (and camp). Then came Covid and a few years of self-doubt which meant I never started! I am going to share with you the journey I am on – everything from the finances and emotions,…
Revolutionising corporate training with Virtual Reality: A bold new era for workforce learning
Are budget and safety issues with your training? This partner article explores the VR solution to make your learning experience next level Imagine stepping into a world where employees can perfect their skills without the fear of making costly mistakes. Picture new hires confidently operating complex machinery on day one—without even touching a real piece of equipment. This is the magic of VR in corporate training. It’s not just a trend; it’s here to stay, and adoption is growing. Learning…
Shaping the future: How the UK’s AI action plan transforms learning and development
The UK Government’s announcement to be an AI superpower will impact every L&D professional’s future Today to the UK government announced it’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has three key goals: These goals are interconnected and aim to position the UK as a leader in AI development and adoption. The goals explored Laying the foundations to enable AI: This goal focuses on creating the necessary infrastructure and conditions for AI to thrive. It involves: Changing lives by embracing AI: This…
Did your skipped workouts and holiday indulgence actually help your brain? Surprising science says… Yes!
Neurogenesis, synapses, pathways… Ricci Masero explains the importance of having a break for your brain If you’re feeling a bit guilty about missing some gym sessions and indulging in chocolate over the holidays, science might have some good news for you. Research suggests that taking breaks from exercise and enjoying dark chocolate could benefit your brain development. Let’s explore how your holiday habits might have been helping your neuroplasticity all along. Understanding neuroplasticity: Your brain’s superpower First, let’s break down…
Six New Year resolutions for a successful people strategy in 2025
Get insights from six leading thinkers and innovators that ensure your teams thrive amid disruption Another year is on the horizon and yet again economic challenges, a rapidly evolving workforce and new technologies look to disrupt the way we operate. Evolving our people strategies to meet these new challenges will be the difference in being able to seize emerging opportunities or faltering at them. Here are six expert-backed resolutions to help cultivate a future-ready, inclusive people strategy: 1. Develop courageous…
The hybrid landslide: How leaders can empower today’s employees with flexibility
Frank Weishaupt advises creating a culture of accountability and training managers to improve hybrid performance Over the past five years, companies have witnessed dramatic changes to the way we work. During the pandemic, many workers and businesses learned how to grapple with remote work for the first time, which eventually evolved into a hybrid model as employees began venturing back into the office. Times have changed and expectations shifted when it comes to the way we work Today, some businesses…
Gen Z talent, productivity and potential unlocked with three keys
Coaching, skill development and a collaborative workplace culture helps Gen Z thrive and boost productivity – Katie Mahony explains Generation Z face some unique pressures stepping into the workplace. According to a 2023 Gallup report, Gen Z workers show higher levels of stress and anxiety than any other generation. One may argue that transitioning from a reasonably predictable world of education to a workplace undergoing massive digital change, together with wrestling with a new set of post-pandemic expectations, places significant pressure…
Want smart, useful L&D insight in your inbox (without the fluff)?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for Editor-only commentary, and exclusive insight that isn’t published anywhere else online.
If you want a quick roundup of what matters, fresh ideas you can use, and the best new reads from Training Journal, this is where it lands
It’s free, only takes a minute, and you can unsubscribe any time.
