Creativity and innovation
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…
6 surprising ways you might be infringing copyright at work
Are you and your team unknowingly infringing copyright? Discover and avoid the most common pitfalls Are you and your team at risk of copyright infringement? Discover why it’s easy to infringe copyright at work inadvertently. Plus, why upskilling your team is a solid strategic move to avoid infringing on copyright at work. A 2024 survey conducted by Savanta, commissioned by the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA), found that: This certainly is worth considering for UK organisations who champion responsible business and…
How can L&D empower their technical workforce on AI skills development?
AI is transforming work—L&D must equip employees with the right skills to stay ahead. Editor Jo Cook dives into the offering from AI leading company, NVIDIA When high school student Selin Ornek saw a guide dog assisting it’s owner, the passing of her own dog got her to thinking: “If a visually impaired person lost their dog, not only would they lose their best friend, but their eyes.” This set Selin on a pathway to build a robotic visually impaired…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The emotional rollercoaster is real
Kirsty Lewis has a meltdown about the numbers for her facilitation festival, despite amazing plans Well we have made it to March 1st and that date is exactly 100 days until the start of SOFest 2025. My name is Kirsty Lewis, and in June 2024 I decided to create a festival for facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants because there isn’t an event where we can come together to connect, learn and restore. TJ has given me the opportunity to share…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Exploring ticket sales tactics
Kirsty Lewis on the ups, downs and wild ideas behind getting people to SOFest 2025 How are you? If you are new to this blog it is all about my crazy idea to put on a festival for 100-plus facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants from 10 to 12 June 2025, in Essex, UK. I mean how hard can it be to create a large-scale event, in a field, for people who love to learn, connect into the community and have experiences? …
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