Independent Professionals

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Gen Z talent, productivity and potential unlocked with three keys 

Katie Mahony

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…

E-Learning with a person holding a tablet computer

A week in the life of: An eLearning Accessibility Consultant 

Susi Miller

From client consultations and auditing content, to training, writing and research, it’s a busy schedule for Susi Miller of eLaHub Running a business involves wearing many hats, and as the founder and Director of eLaHub, my days are filled with a variety of tasks – from client consultations and auditing, to training, writing and research.   It’s a role that constantly evolves, and I wouldn’t have it any other way   Of course, there’s also the usual list of responsibilities…

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Top blogs of the year: From storytelling to leadership and emotional expression

These top 2024 blogs offer fresh insights and practical tips to inspire growth and innovation As we near the end of another transformative year, the L&D landscape continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the forefront. To celebrate the best of 2024, I’ve curated a list of standout blogs that have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired action, and offered practical insights. From the art of storytelling and the power of emotional expression to redefining leadership and capability-driven futures,…

Ethnographic Journey: Scene Depicting Anthropologists Engrossed in Research, Living Among the Studied Community

Lessons from anthropology: A new lens to understand organisational culture 

Lucy Cox

How the study of what makes us human can enable more meaningful behaviour at work – with insights from business psychologist, Lucy Cox  Grasping workplace behaviour is no easy task. While traditional approaches offer some insight, they often fall short of uncovering the deeper reasons behind people’s actions. To gain a more profound understanding of what motivates behaviour, could we draw inspiration from anthropology? And how might this perspective provide new insights into driving cultural change? This article explores these…

Typewriter on a desk at Christmas with "top articles" on the paper. AI generated by Dall-E, prompted by Jo Cook

Top articles of the year: Exploring the leading conversations in L&D

Discover compelling L&D insights from 2024 – agile leadership, AI’s impact, skill development, and more As the world of work continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, so too does the learning and development landscape. From navigating the complexities of agile leadership to leveraging the transformative power of AI and addressing the critical need for future-ready skills, this year has been packed with insightful discussions and thought leadership. This round up the top articles that captured the attention of our…

Brighton pier as the sun is setting, with Starlings in a Murmuration (c) Fiona McBride

Facilitate and flourish: The beauty of being present

Fiona McBride

Listen deeply, tune into the energy and let go – transformative facilitation tips from Fiona McBride I live in the UK near Brighton and, when I can, I make sure I get myself to the seafront. It’s a lovely place to be, especially in the late autumn/early winter when the starlings put on one of their annual murmuration displays. You can spend a good hour or two watching the starlings swooping and weaving in harmony with each other. I’ve found…

Psychologist taking notes during therapy session with her emotional female patient

A week in the life of: A trainee psychotherapist 

Anita Guru

Balancing work, studies and a placement isn’t easy, but Anita Guru is relishing the challenge Rewind to 2020 at the start of the pandemic: I could foresee significant challenges for mental health. The trauma people experienced wasn’t solely from contracting Covid, but also from isolation, lack of human interaction, an absent sense of community, and fear for their safety. I knew these would have huge implications going forward.  Switching off ‘therapist mode’ with friends and family has been a learning curve  For…

White porcelain bowl with kintsugi method in Female hands. Antique pottery restored with gold cracks. Traditional Japanese gold fixing method. Wabi sabi concept. Sunlights. Generative AI

The power of imperfection: Transforming challenges into opportunities for growth 

Steve Macaulay

Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook explore resilience through Kintsugi – and finding gold after a setback In everyday work situations, it is unrealistic to expect that everything goes to plan. More and more managers acknowledge the need to build the capability of resilience to better manage stress and pressure and bounce back after setbacks.  Setbacks are growth opportunities. By learning from mistakes, we become more resilient and adaptable  The Japanese art of Kintsugi, which involves repairing broken pottery with gold…

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A positive approach to menopause in the workplace  

Jacqui Purdy

How L&D can create work environments that empower women to thrive during menopause and beyond In today’s evolving workplace, it is crucial for L&D professionals to acknowledge the impact of menopause and provide support systems for women navigating this life phase. The concept of a ‘second spring’ is rooted in Eastern philosophy, that reframes menopause as a period of renewal and growth. This perspective can offer women – and their employers – powerful tools to foster resilience, wellbeing and career…

Synthesis complex like a puzzle - pictured as word Synthesis on a puzzle pieces to show that Synthesis can be difficult and needs cooperating pieces that fit together, 3d illustration

The future of expertise is synthesis in a world of abundant information 

Colin Smith

Now that information is so easily accessible, the rules of expertise at work have changed – Colin Smith is your guide As organisational psychologist and author Adam Grant aptly observes: “The hallmark of expertise is no longer how much you know. It’s how well you synthesise. Information scarcity rewarded knowledge acquisition. Information abundance requires pattern recognition. It’s not enough to collect facts. The future belongs to those who connect dots.”   This quote was shared by the Ministry of Justice’s Zoe Sweet at the CIPD…