Independent Professionals

Marc Zao Sanders photo - credit Edis Potori Valtech

TJ interviews: productivity author Marc Zao-Sanders

Jo Cook

TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook, talks to Marc Zao-Sanders, CEO of Filtered and author of Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time Training Journal: You’ve used the approach you shared in your book over a number of years – how has it impacted your work and those around you? Marc: Yes, I’ve been timeboxing now for well over ten years. The effect it had on my work was massive and immediate. I was always working on what mattered…

"STRATEGY" written in the style of a blue print design.

The strategic L&D blueprint: leveraging LearnOps for competitive advantage

Ryan Austin

Ryan Austin does a deep dive into the transformative potential of LearnOps as an approach to aligning L&D with organisational strategy in this epic feature In today’s evolving business landscape, aligning learning and development (L&D) with organisational strategy is essential. To achieve this alignment, L&D professionals must embark on a strategic journey articulated through several critical steps, encompassing the adoption of a Learning Operations (LearnOps) approach: a framework that optimises learning operations to drive business outcomes. A proactive stance is…

Hand Showing Theory into Practice Words Through Magnifying Glass. Business training concept.

Beyond the classroom: cultivating compassion in professional development

Debbie Green

Debbie Green looks at our own development in L&D, as well as some tactics and tools that can help with communication, collaboration and wellbeing for our sessions too As learning professionals, we have a privileged position to identify what people might need to be able to create the right environment to thrive. Being able to support people who attend our training sessions or workshops and give them the time and space to explore and navigate their way towards the life…

Strategic thinking words on a brain shape and papers.

The strategic mind: elevating your leadership game in uncertain times

Michael Watkins

Michael Watkins, author of The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, explores how to unlock your potential and develop your strategic thinking muscles Strategic thinking is a vital skill for leaders navigating their businesses through today’s turbulent waters. Your capacity to think strategically is shaped by your endowment – your innate cognitive abilities – and your experience in situations demanding strategic thought. You can enhance your strategic thinking abilities by playing specific games regularly By the time you reach adulthood, your…

Aging workforce. Increase in number of elderly workers

Years older, or years better?

Steve Macaulay

David Buchanan and Steve Macaulay explore the perceived challenges and the positive advantages to a workforce with a variety of age ranges The changing demographics of an ageing population and declining birth rates pose a pressing people management challenge. To address skill and labour shortages, employers must actively recruit, retain and develop older workers. Adaptation requires a targeted approach to HR policies and L&D agendas, recognising and leveraging the valuable experience older workers bring to the workforce. How old is…

Close up hand of young woman with pen writing on notebook at a river.

Embracing your creative potential: a guide inspired by Cat Hase’s story

Cat Hase

In this feature as part of International Women’s Day, Cat Hase explores what creativity can bring to your work and personal development Would you call yourself creative? It’s a question that, unfortunately, far too many people answer with a “no.” But let’s pause and ask ourselves: What is creativity? Creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc. It’s about seeing what’s inside us and harnessing it as it’s…

A large stack of masses of sharp multi coloured pencils with one turned around facing the wrong way. Not fitting in, different, alternative, standing out in a crowd concept.

Embracing our inner artist on International Women’s Day

Stephanie Barnes

In this inspiring International Women’s Day talk, Stephanie Barnes explores the interconnectedness of creativity, inclusivity, and mental well-being, urging everyone to embrace their inner artist for a more joyful and integrated life Transcript auto-generated by YouTube and formatted by ChatGPT: Hi! For International Women’s Day, I wanted to share some thoughts about mental health and well-being, creativity, and inclusivity. Although, maybe not inclusivity in the way you’re used to hearing about it. I’m going to wrap all of these topics…

The word injustice on a wall and the first two letters being painted over with a roller

Brushing aside injustice – art, women and innovation: a call for creative empowerment in training

Rachel Bentley

Rachel Bentley examines not only a gender pay gap, but how creativity can inspire development and change in challenging work climates In the world of art an insidious reality lurks beneath the canvas: a gender pay gap that painfully exposes the struggles faced by women artists. A recent article by The Guardian sheds light on the profound impact of this shocking difference citing evidence from a leading academic and activist.  Creativity and innovation drive progress, allowing organisations to maintain a competitive…

Concept of new idea and creative thinking as a symbol of innovation and inspiration metaphor as a group of crumpled papers with one different paper transforming into an origami bird in flight.

Echoes of a past self: art, memory and transformation

Lior Locher

As part of International Women’s Day 2024, Lior Locher’s first performance art video explores the profound impact of unplanned artistry on identity and existence In an unexpected twist, an Lior Locher finds themselves at the centre of a performance art piece, not as an observer but as the unwitting subject. This becomes a powerful metaphor for professional growth and adaptability and this video narrative showcases how unplanned experiences can dramatically shape our understanding of creativity, collaboration, and personal development. Transcript…

Businesswoman holding tablet device, touching screen. Office workplace. Concept of digital network in medical industry.

Ending the stigma navigating women’s health in the workplace 

Vicky Britton

Vicky Britton highlights the challenges women face at work around their health issues, and some of the positive changes companies are making Women’s health is finally emerging from the shadows, capturing attention in media, research, and online debates. This shift marks an important step towards acknowledging the unique health challenges women face across all life stages—not just menstruation and fertility but extending into perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. High-profile figures have been instrumental in spotlighting these issues, highlighting the impact of…