L&D Professionals

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Taking a results-based approach to L&D investment

Aisling MacNamara

As businesses tighten belts and talent gaps widen, L&D really has a chance to shine—not with attendance stats, but by proving real impact. Aisling MacNamara calls for a smarter, outcomes-led approach that aligns learning with organisation strategy, speaks the language of business, and turns development into a competitive edge In today’s results-driven business world, demonstrating a clear return on investment is expected for virtually every initiative. Yet, learning and development has too often been the exception. For years, success in…

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How to avoid a workplace at war: Transforming conflict into collaboration

Carole Gaskell

Workplace rows? They don’t have to end in tears (or tribunals). With the right nudge from learning and development, leaders can turn tension into teamwork. Carole Gaskell shares actionable insights to help your organisation swap awkward silences for honest chats, and build a culture where conflict fuels connection, not chaos  Conflict at work is inevitable, but left unmanaged, it can become one of the most costly, draining, and disruptive forces in any organisation. According to the CIPD Good Work Index…

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Securing buy-in for L&D when budgets are tight  

Caroline Evans

When budgets are under pressure, learning and development is often first on the chopping block. But cutting back could mean that companies miss out on long-term wins. Caroline Evans shares how L&D teams can get the decision-makers on-side, prove their value and deliver high-impact learning, even when every pound counts In an ever-changing business landscape – from AI adoption, all the way through to staying afloat in an era where geopolitical tensions are impacting the supply chain – we’re seeing seismic…

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The future of technology: Empowering today’s female leaders? 

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

As tech reshapes the world of work, Adeolu Adewumi-Zer explores how female leaders can thrive 🚀 if L&D professionals act now. 💡From digital literacy to AI ethics, the right programmes will unlock a powerful future where women lead innovation, shape strategy and drive real change across industries and organisations 🌟 The landscape of leadership is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the relentless march of technology. It is imperative to examine how this technological evolution will uniquely impact female leaders and…

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TJ podcast: From talk to transformation – the art of effective facilitation – episode 327

Jo Cook

In this episode, we explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between teaching, training, and facilitation—and why they matter more than you might think. From accidental facilitators to seasoned pros, our guests share honest reflections, practical approaches, and cautionary tales about what makes learning stick. We dive into the skills that set great facilitators apart, the common mistakes that derail engagement and impact, and why designing for learning transfer is non-negotiable. Whether you’re delivering in person or online, this is a…

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Re-thinking ROI: How to secure Learning and Development’s seat at the table

Frédéric Hébert

Traditional metrics aren’t cutting it. In a shifting job market, time to skill could be the KPI L&D needs to speak the boardroom’s language and increase contribution to the bottom line. Frédéric Hébert unpacks how this approach connects learning with tangible business outcomes — and why now’s the time to act The job market is changing fast – faster than ever. With automation, AI and new technology shaking up almost every industry, entire professions are expected to disappear while new…

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5 practical strategies for effective conflict resolution in the workplace

Simon Phillips

Conflict is part of working life, but unresolved tensions can derail even the best teams and impact working life. Simon Phillips shares a practical, people-first approach to transforming conflict into progress, grounded in leadership insights, lived experience and proven impact. Clear, calm and collaborative – this is culture work that sticks Conflict at work is inevitable. Having worked with CEOs and leadership teams across many sectors, dealing with some of the toughest challenges they’ve ever faced, I’ve witnessed how unresolved…

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Bring the joy: how fun fuels learning and is key to getting serious work done

Laura Thomson-Staveley

Fun isn’t a distraction – it’s a powerful enabler of deep learning, collaboration and creativity. Laura Thomson-Staveley shares how creating joyful, inclusive environments helps professionals feel safer, think more openly and bring their best selves to work – a little joy can go a long way in transforming workplace learning experiences As a leadership coach and trainer with 25 years of experience, I’ve noticed a fascinating shift in workplace dynamics over recent months. More and more participants in my workshops,…

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From formulas to finals, how Excel competitions boost real-world skills

Lara Holding-Jones

Do you think Excel is just for number crunching? Think again. Lara Holding-Jones dives into the competitive world of Excel E-Sports—yes, it’s a thing—and shows how this global competition is fuelling serious skills development, community connection and a lot of unexpected fun for your next L&D power move Yes, you read that right. E-Sports. Competitions in Excel. The annual Microsoft Excel World Championship (MEWC). Every month, hundreds of competitors tackle different Excel challenges, hoping to earn their place in the…

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Build a learning strategy the business can’t ignore

Ryan Austin

🚀 Only 32% of L&D leaders have a strategy aligned with business goals—but that needs to change. Ryan Austin shares a practical five-step plan to transform your learning strategy from reactive to indispensable. Are you ready to speak the language of the business and really make a difference? 🧠📈 Only 32% of Talent and Learning leaders say they have a strategic planning process that fully aligns with their organisation’s broader business strategy. Yet in today’s rapidly evolving world of work—where…