L&D Leaders

smiling brunette man talking to african american woman near interracial colleagues in acting school.

Bringing L&D to centre stage: How improv elevated the learning experience 

Sian Harrington

Neil Mullarkey’s theatre improvisation techniques prepare leaders for the unpredictable nature of real-world business interactions – all while boosting the impact of the L&D function  For learning and development professionals, standing out in a crowded field of conventional training programmes can be a significant challenge. One seasoned L&D director in the professional services sector discovered a ground-breaking approach that not only enhanced the skills of her leaders but also elevated the status and impact of the L&D function itself.   “Improv training addresses a…

World of Learning 2024 conference attendees

Adapting to Change: Leadership, Neuroscience, and AI in Workplace Learning

Jo Cook

Explore key points from the World of Learning conference, including AI, neuroscience, leadership and inclusivity – all summarised by Editor Jo Cook At the World of Learning conference, industry leaders shared innovative ideas and practical approaches for transforming workplace learning. Below are the key takeaways from sessions that addressed managerial buy-in, leadership in changing environments, neuroscience in learning, AI-driven skill measurement, and workforce planning – all of which took place in Birmingham, UK, in October 2024. We don’t just train…

two radio hosts in headphones talking while recording podcast in radio studio

TJ podcast: Gender, AI, and the pursuit of equity – episode 324

Jo Cook

Discussing AI perpetuating existing gender imbalances, men’s health awareness, perimenopause support and L&D gender perception Podcast summary: Created by Cleanvoice The podcast explores the complex relationship between gender and AI, discussing how design choices by developers can influence how users perceive the gender of AI assistants. Research shows men are more likely to use AI technology compared to women, mirroring gender imbalances in the workplace. The speakers examine how gender biases and perceptions impact AI adoption and use, emphasizing the…

Young woman stressed in office with wall full of sticky notes. Generative AI

We spend billions on leadership development – so why are employees still stressed? 

Laura Ashley-Timms

Changing how people are managed is critical for improving employee wellbeing and increasing workplace engagement. Dominic Ashley-Timms and Laura Ashley-Timms share the strategies that can make a real difference  According to Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workplace, 41% of employees report experiencing “a lot of stress” at work. What’s more, it identified that those who work in companies with bad management practices are nearly 60% more likely to be stressed than those working in environments with good management practices. Managers…

Business race handover: passing the baton in relay

Empowering emerging leaders: Tips for a successful transition

Sarah Henson

With the right mix of L&D support, you can help new managers become effective leaders, writes Sarah Henson  Stepping into a managerial role for the first time is a significant career achievement, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Without the right support, managers may struggle with the pressures of their new roles, which can lead to decreased team performance, high stress levels, and even burnout. Enrol new managers in a development programme that covers the basics –…

Transform and success or changing to succeed concept and leadership in business through innovation and evolution of ability as a crumpled paper transforming into a boat then a swan and a flying bird

The seven stages of transcendent awakening: A roadmap for evolving as a leader  

Dr Lisa Turner

Discover transcendent leadership: embodying a vision that uplifts, transforms and drives innovation for lasting success, writes Dr Lisa Turner  In the modern workplace, where change is constant and challenges are increasingly complex, leadership requires more than managing teams or optimising processes. True leadership calls for deep personal evolution – a journey of transcendent awakening that equips leaders to drive both organisational success and meaningful societal change.  It’s my prediction that those organisations who can foster the transcendent leader will be the…

Happy middle aged business woman hr talking to recruit at job interview meeting. Smiling mature female financial advisor, professional bank manager consulting client working in corporate office.

From cringe to constructive: A guide to giving feedback that sticks

Julia Milner

Discover the top feedback mistakes managers make – and how to fix them for better results. Julia Milner reveals the four-step feedback framework you need  Can I give you some feedback? Employees often cringe when they hear these words. Want to avoid the cringe? Here are some tips on how to set employees at ease and ensure your pearls of wisdom, or just simple advice, stick.   Maybe it’s time you reflected on the four pillars of feedback and how often…

Young strong sporty fitness employee business woman corporate lawyer 30s in classic formal orange suit glasses work in office showing biceps muscles on hand isolated on plain beige background studio

Strengthening the backbone: Manager training is crucial for organisational health

René Janssen

Helping managers thrive is essential for team engagement and organisational success. René Janssen explains how comprehensive training provides the tools to address today’s challenges When you’re a manager, the pressure comes from all sides. Including balancing organisational goals, team dynamics and individual performance amid the complexities of modern work environments. These challenges tend to accumulate quickly and, if left unaddressed, can significantly increase the risk of burnout.    Investing in a manager is investing in the entire organisation’s wellbeing  Managers are…

Authors Camilleri, Rockey and Dunbar who wrote The Social Brain. Two females and a male standing in a library, smartly dressed, black and white photo.

TJ interviews: Authors Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey and Robin Dunbar

Jo speaks with authors of The Social Brain about group dynamics, human connection and thriving together Training Journal to all: Why come together to write a book about the social brain, and what does that mean? All: We come from different disciplines (evolutionary psychology, corporate leadership and learning design). Throughout our careers the three of us have been interested in the same question: Why is it that some groups function as more than the sum of their parts – and other groups, however talented,…

Conversational Wisdom book cover with "TJ book review" text to the right.

Conversational Wisdom – book review 

Peter Plumlee

Packed with insights, this book provides practical tools to enhance communication skills in everyday life. Reviewed by Peter Plumlee    Book: Conversational WisdomAuthors: Emily Cosgrove and Sara Hope I was intrigued yet uncertain about what to expect before diving into this book. We all like to think we engage in insightful conversations daily, but this book prompts us to truly reflect on our daily communication. Our increasingly hybrid lives put meaningful communication at risk, and the authors provide a roadmap for…