L&D Professionals

The Art of Graphic Design Therapy

The impactful learning experiences of both reality and unreality 

Steve Macaulay

Want to create standout training programmes? Mixing realistic and unrealistic experiences could be the answer, as Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan explain  Many L&D professionals already recognise the value of using realistic experiences to enhance training programmes. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, these experiences can significantly improve learning outcomes. This is almost second nature for many L&D professionals. However, there are times when introducing elements of unreality can encourage new thinking, spark creativity, and develop essential new skills.   Incorporating…

Laura Maffucci headshot - woman smiling with long dark hair.

TJ interviews: Head of HR Laura Maffucci

Jo gets the lowdown from Laura Maffucci on AI’s game-changing impact on talent management strategies Training Journal: You are Head of HR at G-P. What does your role entail and what strategic tips can you share for L&D professionals? Laura: I am responsible for the company’s global workforce, talent and employee experience. I firmly believe that diversity of thought is paramount for a healthy workspace, and aim to foster a culture where people have equal voice and opportunity to contribute…

Small Steps Big Changes Sign on white paper. Man Hand Holding Paper with text. Isolated on sky background

The 1% advantage: How small improvements can revolutionise your L&D strategy  

Houra Amin

Using the marginal gains approach, small tweaks in L&D can add up to big results. Houra Amin shows you how to make it happen The business landscape today is choppy and fast, so organisations are constantly seeking ways to enhance their competitive advantage. While everyone is trying hard to stay ahead of the curve, it’s tempting to follow the big and shiny solutions – thinking the bigger and more expensive they are, the greater impact they will have. This is…

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,…

Three interlocking gears, symbolizing the three branches of government and their complex system of checks and balances

The third wheel: the complex relationship between organisations, vendors and consultants 

Andrew Jacobs

Struggling with vendor issues? A consultant’s sharp insight and unbiased advice can turn things around, as Andrew Jacobs explains You know that awkward moment when you’re in a restaurant and you see a couple at another table having a difficult conversation? You can tell by their body language; they’re detached and not really listening to each other. You’ll see one of them (usually a man) trying to impress the other with grandiose statements about the future. All the while, the…

Grid overlay, business woman and computer in office for email work and digital planning. Working, African female professional and technology for website development job reading research information

The future is now: Cultivating an adaptive mindset and skillset for the AI-powered workplace 

Rachel Rosenfeldt

Three strategies to thrive in a tech-driven workplace: develop AI skills, adaptability and continuous learning. Rachel Rosenfeldt explains how to get started It’s impossible to scroll your news feed without seeing something about artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning. With how rapidly both are transforming the workplace, strategic learning and development initiatives are becoming imperative.   Organisations are beginning to recognise that intentionally upskilling and reskilling is no longer optional if they want to thrive in an AI-enabled future. But…

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…

World suicide prevention day - Holding hands for helping and supporting depressed woman with yellow ribbon awareness and SUICIDE PREVENTION wooden word on black background. Mental health care concept.

Talking openly about suicide can help save lives

Vicki Cockman

On World Suicide Prevention Day find out how to support those struggling with mental health. Vicki Cockman shares her insight Suicide is still largely seen as a taboo topic and even the most progressive organisations can be hesitant about sharing suicide prevention advice in the workplace. Workplace silence on suicide means many employees are continuing to use outdated and harmful language that’s further fuelling the stigma. Recent research from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, released in recognition of World…

Inclusive Diversity LGBT Colors

Five ways being LGBTQ+ affects L&D 

Layla McCay

Explore how early challenges shape LGBTQ+ careers and discover strategies for offering more effective support, with insights from Layla McCay  Differences in how LGBTQ+ people engage with learning and development can significantly affect their experiences at work and opportunities for promotion and progression. The personal stories from senior LGBTQ+ leaders that I gathered for my book, Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ people can thrive and succeed at work, provide fresh insights into these differences, and offer guidance on how…

Senior female ceo and multicultural business people discussing company presentation at boardroom table. Diverse corporate team working together in modern meeting room office. Top view through glass

Elevating Learning Operations: Mastering the LearnOps Maturity model

Ryan Austin

Your four-step guide to transforming L&D from support function to key driver of business success, by Ryan Austin  In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, learning and development (L&D) is increasingly being recognised as a strategic function vital to an organisation’s growth and sustainability. However, many organisations struggle to move beyond basic, reactive L&D operations.   The LearnOps Maturity model provides a comprehensive roadmap for elevating L&D from a support function, or in some cases a cost centre, to becoming a…