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Dr Lynda Shaw by photographer Pennie Withers - white woman with blond hair relaxing on a chair

TJ interviews: Cognitive neuroscientist and C-suite mentor Dr Lynda Shaw

Jo Cook

How can leaders use neuroscience and psychology to improve business? Dr Lynda Shaw shares insights from her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and psychology and experiences as an adventurer in Antarctica trekker of mountains in six of seven continents Training Journal: How did you get into neuroscience and psychology? Dr Lynda Shaw: I have worked in several sectors including as an airline cabin crew, a gym owner and a personal trainer, but then my father died.  He had previously told me…

Business Team Meeting Working Talking Concept

Facilitate and flourish: The role of communities for professional growth

Fiona McBride

Explore how shared learning, nurturing connections, and active contribution in communities can boost professional growth with Fiona McBride In my last post, I shared how the changing season can serve as a metaphor for growth within our facilitation practice. I reflected on the importance of seeking continuous improvement, trying new approaches as a professional.   In our professional lives, those around us play a crucial role in our personal development and contribute to the collective success of our clients and customers.  …

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…

A diverse group of workers with a positive attitude demonstrating commitment and high morale in internal communications demonstrating that human resources strategies work

Ageless insight: Embracing the value of experience in a rapidly evolving workplace 

Rose Fass

Ageism is real; talented individuals in their 40s and 50s face unfair bias at work. Effective teams thrive by blending seasoned wisdom with youthful energy. Rose Fass explains how to leverage experience across all ages There’s a shift happening in the workplace that we need to address, and it’s more pressing now than ever before. Ageism, once something that primarily affected those nearing retirement, is now creeping into the lives of professionals much earlier. I’m seeing it firsthand in the…

The soda samplers raise their glasses in a toast eagerly anticipating the first sip.

Boozy dinners are so 2000. Let’s rethink work culture and focus on inclusivity 

Alex Clapp

Help employees thrive by tackling workplace drinking culture and creating inclusive, alcohol-free events for teams, writes Alex Clapp  Employee wellbeing has never been more of a priority. From safeguarding mental health and helping staff navigate the current cost-of-living challenges to promoting physical fitness through private healthcare and gym memberships, companies are placing a stronger focus on supporting their workforce’s overall welfare. It’s also widely recognised that these benefits are what new recruits are looking for when considering their next move.  But one issue is…

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…

Happy business team and manager in a meeting sharing idea at office. Group of employees collaboration or discussing project plan in conference at office

Harnessing behavioural science for impactful learning programmes

Houra Amin

Want to supercharge your L&D programmes? Try these key behavioural science tricks for learner engagement, from Houra Amin  In our ongoing series exploring ways to enhance the impact and effectiveness of L&D programmes, we have already explored feedback loops and marginal gains. This third article examines some insights from behavioural science to guide us in maintaining learners’ engagement.  Learning is not about cramming information into people’s heads; it’s about equipping them to retrieve and apply that information/knowledge when it matters…

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 –…

Matt Webb headshot - white male wearing a suit, smiling at camera

TJ interviews: CEO and sales transformation expert Matt Webb

Jo Cook

Jo asks Matt Webb to reveal the modern secrets to improving your organisation’s sales technique Training Journal: A lot of people have a specific, negative, impression of someone who is trying to sell them something. You promote “sustainable selling”, what is that and why is it important? Matt: Normally, when you hear the word sustainable, you assume it’s focused on environmental impact. In the world of sales, however, when we talk about sustainable selling, we are referring to ethical selling…

With the help of the whole team, anything is possible. Shot of a group of businesspeople sitting together in a meeting.

Better dialogue leads to better decisions  

Sarah Rozenthuler

Start building effective dialogue skills today; tomorrow’s decisions rely on deeper conversations within your teams, writes Sarah Rozenthuler   Imagine a team meeting where every voice is heard, diverse perspectives are valued, and decisions are made with full confidence. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? Yet, in many organisations, the reality falls short. The missing ingredient? Effective dialogue. When done right, it transforms team dynamics and leads to smarter, more inclusive decision-making.  Effective dialogue is the catalyst that transforms a group of individuals…