Creativity and innovation
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Last update before the fun!
With just a couple of weeks to go, Kirsty Lewis shares the emotional highs, financial lows and last-minute wins as SOFest edges closer. From surprise sponsors to sparkly outfit dilemmas, here’s a raw and real behind-the-scenes glimpse at the planning, panicking and reality of building a learning festival from scratch When I started writing these blogs for TJ they were a retro of the month before, the activities, the highlights and lows of SOFest. As we are drawing closer to…
Unlocking frontline performance: The next evolution in enterprise learning
The hidden majority that is underserved by traditional L&D efforts are the frontline workers that power most industries. This partner article explores how compliance training, mobile learning, and early development can evolve from tick-box exercises into performance drivers that unlock skills, boost retention, and helping build smarter, more agile teams. Frontline workers, those who serve customers, operate machinery, move goods, and support communities, make up around 80% of the global workforce. Yet, they remain underrepresented in corporate learning strategies, which…
Using behavioural science to maximise the impact of L&D programs
If some of your department’s training misses the mark for people, perhaps behavioural science can change that trend. Ravinder Tulsiani explores how L&D teams can boost engagement in sessions, the motivation to learn and retention to increase performance, by designing programmes that align with how people really learn and behave Traditional training methods often fail to translate into real-world behavior change, however applying principles from behavioral science, programs can be more engaging, impactful, and aligned with how people naturally learn…
How to stretch your budget to achieve high-impact L&D
Tight budgets don’t have to mean low impact. Steve Macaulay shares smart, strategic ways to do more with less in your L&D department, so you can look at boosting learning, increasing performance, and sparking innovation – without breaking the bank. From internal expertise to open-source tools, it’s all about working smarter! Many L&D professionals struggle to stretch their budgets to meet growing organisational demands. Surveys consistently highlight budget constraints as a top concern for HR and L&D professionals worldwide. Underfunded…
TJ podcast: From talk to transformation – the art of effective facilitation – episode 327
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…
Bring the joy: how fun fuels learning and is key to getting serious work done
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,…
From formulas to finals, how Excel competitions boost real-world skills
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…
L&D isn’t broken. The way we work is.
✨ From firefighting to accusations of being a cost centre. You’re not the problem — the system is ✨ In this punchy partner piece, we introduce the People Impact Loop™: a strategic shift that puts marketing, design and business alignment at the heart of L&D — and proves impact from day one You’ve built the platform. Curated the content. Launched the campaign. And still… silence. Low engagement. Vague outcomes. Stakeholders giving you that look that says, “What exactly do you…
Beyond the brainstorm: Ensuring ideas lead to real change in organisations
💡 Innovation is essential, but without execution, great ideas go nowhere. HR and L&D play a crucial role in bridging the gap between creativity and implementation. We can ensure all parties collaborate effectively to make a difference. ✍️ Steve Macaulay shares how to build teams that turn ideas into action In today’s fast-paced environment, organisations must effectively turn innovation into tangible results or risk the consequences of being left behind. Cultivating a proactive and practical approach is essential, enabling teams…
ADHD isn’t the problem—being misunderstood is
🧠✨ Steve Ollington explores how misunderstanding shapes the lives of people with ADHD—from school to retirement. 🚀 Despite their strengths, many face barriers at work, in relationships, and beyond. The solution? Greater awareness, training, and willingness to learn as people with ADHD need your help to be better understood From childhood to retirement, one of the biggest challenges faced by people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the feeling of being misunderstood. This isn’t a minor inconvenience; it’s a…
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