Communication

Cruise liner with a sunset background

Learning from life: Being abandoned portside 

Michelle Parry-Slater

When you are left frustrated and abandoned, what can you learn about thinking and communication? Michelle Parry-Slater shares her story  The Christmas Holidays are upon us, meaning Boxing Day sales and Summer Holiday adverts will be popping up in abundance, enticing us to plan for summer 2025. There’s nothing like packing up the tinsel and finishing off the Baileys whilst dreaming of blue sea and soft sand.   Now I live in Australia, summer is well and truly here. Schools have…

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Top blogs of the year: From storytelling to leadership and emotional expression

These top 2024 blogs offer fresh insights and practical tips to inspire growth and innovation As we near the end of another transformative year, the L&D landscape continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the forefront. To celebrate the best of 2024, I’ve curated a list of standout blogs that have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired action, and offered practical insights. From the art of storytelling and the power of emotional expression to redefining leadership and capability-driven futures,…

Typewriter on a desk at Christmas with "top articles" on the paper. AI generated by Dall-E, prompted by Jo Cook

Top articles of the year: Exploring the leading conversations in L&D

Discover compelling L&D insights from 2024 – agile leadership, AI’s impact, skill development, and more As the world of work continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, so too does the learning and development landscape. From navigating the complexities of agile leadership to leveraging the transformative power of AI and addressing the critical need for future-ready skills, this year has been packed with insightful discussions and thought leadership. This round up the top articles that captured the attention of our…

Brighton pier as the sun is setting, with Starlings in a Murmuration (c) Fiona McBride

Facilitate and flourish: The beauty of being present

Fiona McBride

Listen deeply, tune into the energy and let go – transformative facilitation tips from Fiona McBride I live in the UK near Brighton and, when I can, I make sure I get myself to the seafront. It’s a lovely place to be, especially in the late autumn/early winter when the starlings put on one of their annual murmuration displays. You can spend a good hour or two watching the starlings swooping and weaving in harmony with each other. I’ve found…

Pretty, young business woman giving a presentation

The art of authentic presentations: Tips from stage to screen 

Lorena Bernal

Do you dread public speaking? Transform nerves into confidence with strategies from actor Lorena Bernal Public speaking can be intimidating, especially if you feel unprepared. In my experience, the key to delivering a powerful presentation starts with preparation. But it’s more than just knowing the material – it’s about aligning with the message you’re sharing.  Public speaking becomes easier when you take the focus off yourself and place it fully on the message   As someone who has stood on…

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L&D marcomms: Adopting a marketer’s approach to email communications

Hayley Maisey

Email sent, information shared, job done – or is it? Hayley Maisey gives pause for thought ‘Send email comms re: new leadership training’ – yep, tick that box. OK, let’s back up and unpack the email just sent. No doubt it contains information on the leadership training being rolled out, a link for online access, a date/time/place for the in-person sessions, and so on. Does it explain why the training is happening, what participants will learn from attending and how they’ll benefit? Is…

Father working with his baby boy in home office with laptop. Work from home concept

The art of keeping in touch: Advice for managers and expectant parents on getting the communication balance right

Beverlie Wilkinson

Whether you are returning from parental leave or a manager, Beverlie Wilkinson has some advice As an executive coach who has worked with countless managers and returnees, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that arise when team members embark on maternity leave. While companies often provide support through their People teams, successfully re-entering the workforce after maternity leave wholeheartedly relies on a proactive and positive relationship between the manager and the team member. I always emphasise the importance of addressing several…

Happy business people smile during a planning meeting in a startup marketing agency office. Diversity, collaboration and teamwork in a healthy work environment in an international advertising company

Fostering a culture of motivation in the workplace to help employees and organisations thrive 

Grace French

Thriving organisations start with inspired people. Empower employees by listening, learning and creating meaningful culture – Grace French explains People development professionals and business leaders alike face an extraordinarily challenging landscape, battling stubbornly high inflation, interest rates, skills shortages and the looming threat of insolvency or liquidation. In England and Wales, more companies went bankrupt last year than during the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting the severity of the current economic climate. The impacts of major events such as Covid-19, Brexit, ongoing…

Dalle image prompted by Jo Cook Training Journal podcast episode 326

TJ podcast: Notebook LM, Neuroscience and magazine flashback – episode 326

Insights from neuroscience, personalised learning and growth mindset are explored via a Notebook LM podcast Get involved in discussing this episode, especially it’s AI creation, on LinkedIn. We want to know what you think, good and bad! Key takeaways Created by ChatpGPT Podcast summary: Created by ChatpGPT This podcast episode explores innovative approaches to learning and development (L&D), blending insights from training practices, neuroscience, and emerging technologies. The host begins by introducing Notebook LM, a tool that uses AI to…

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ADHD in the workplace: Challenges, misconceptions and the path to inclusion 

Nicole Nadler

With a few practical adjustments, organisations can create workplaces where employees with ADHD truly thrive – Nicole Nadler explains  If you’re an employer or manage a team, odds are someone in your organisation may have ADHD. While the disorder impacts everyone differently, knowing the symptoms and how they present themselves is vital.   ADHD can be categorised as inattentive, which involves difficulties in maintaining focus, organisational challenges and/or forgetfulness. There is also hyperactive, which is traditionally seen as being unable to sit…