Independent Professionals

Yellow note in the shape of a speech bubble, with "contingency plan" written on it

Why trainers need a contingency plan

Jane Robson

Jane Robson shares her learnings and insight from the sad experience of the lose of a colleague whilst still needing to run a business In training delivery we know how important contingency planning is, but what should it cover? You might think about cyber security issues or extreme weather preventing you from getting to a client. Most of us probably wouldn’t spend a lot of time thinking about a member of our team suddenly dying, as it’s really the worst-case…

Black background, with purple neon writing of "digital literacy" and icons of a head to symbolise thinking

Narrowing the technology skills gap in 2024 by unleashing Gen Z

Amanda Chinnery

Fujitsu’s Amanda Chinnery shares her thoughts and ideas about helping solve the digital skills shortage During a period of economic instability in the UK, the HR and talent industry has and is facing persistent challenges in the digital skills arena – falling between recruitment and upskilling. According to a new index published by Lloyds Bank, nearly 7.5 million people do not have the required digital skills for the workplace, with a further 24 million stating they are not at all…

Computer style image about training.

Making enterprise learning your New Year’s Resolution: a strategic investment in 2024

Matteo Penzo

Amid the promise of a new year, seize the opportunity to make enterprise learning a cornerstone of your success. Matteo Penzo looks at navigating challenges, saving costs and embracing diversity As we step into the dawn of a new year, companies are presented with the perfect moment to reflect, realign, and set ambitious resolutions for the year ahead, and indeed for the future. Among the multiplicity of considerations, one aspect that should not be overlooked is enterprise learning – a…

L&D – adapting to the pace of change

Paul Heath

Paul Heath calls upon all learning and development pros to be ready for technological change The pressure on businesses and their employees to adopt technology and transform digitally is ever-increasing. But when the pace of change is so rapid, how do learning and development (L&D) professionals ensure their people can keep up and succeed? L&D people must adopt the latest learning methods. Training is no longer just about making information available but helping individuals become the best versions of themselves.…

Mobile phone being held, with the word "leadership" on the screen.

Authentic leadership in the current climate

Debbie Carter

What are the implications for future leadership and leadership development within organisations and what role do L&D and HR play in supporting leaders? Sarah Cook and Steve Macaulay provide some answers In the seemingly endless months of the COVID-19 pandemic and its fallout, the importance and value of leadership has become evident and given heightened prominence by leaders providing people with essential support, clarity, and a sense of direction. In the last few months, there has been much discussion about responsible…

From the archive: Spotlight on critical reflection

colette.reed

Thinking critically about the past, present and future can be a “catalyst for learning”, says Mary Holmes. Here we unlock a classic piece about reflection from back in July 2012.  Life is tough; old solutions based on repeating existing patterns of behaviour and traditional thinking will not sustain businesses. Being successful today demands resilience and the ability to handle conflicting demands, while generating creative approaches to delivering services in resource-constrained situations. As coaches, we can foster resilience and creativity in…

#TJtalks: Trish Uhl on AI, blockchain and convergence of technologies

Jon_Kennard

Tech maven Trish Uhl about how several modern buzzword-heavy technologies can be combined and applied in business. The AI landscape has changed significantly since this interview was conducted in 2019, but it’s worth a watch just for how different things are in just a matter of months. Trish Uhl is a speaker, facilitator, coach and advisory in AI, exponential tech and analytics in learning and talent development at her company Owl’s Ledge