Culture

Return to the office message on a yellow sticky note on a gray computer keyboard

The return of the ‘office first’ culture and what that means for learning

Jennie Marshall

As organisations shift back to office-first policies, L&D has a critical role to play. Jennie Marshall explores how learning professionals can turn a logistical pivot into a cultural opportunity, redefining connection, trust and inclusion, and ensuring that presence in the office doesn’t come at the expense of performance or purpose. It’s back. The phrase that many thought we’d left behind in 2019: “We’re returning to the office.” After years of hybrid experiments, kitchen-table working, and virtual everything, many organisations are…

Abstract virtual artificial Intelligence symbol hologram on a modern conference room background. Multiexposure

AI at the top: Pressure, paralysis and performative action in the C-suite

Jo Cook

AI is a board-level priority, yet research shows many executives lack the skills to lead it safely and effectively. Wendy Lynch explores the widening AI leadership gap, the huge risks of moving too fast or too slowly, and why a new ‘AI translation’ role may just be the missing link. Artificial intelligence has jumped from an interesting demonstration project to a core pillar of corporate strategy with mind-spinning speed. Three-quarters of corporate leaders expect the technology to transform their industry…

Businessman holding 3D rendering group of blue people

Performance is human: Building a modern people strategy in the age of AI 

Sidonie Viala

As AI continues its massive transformation of the workplace, performance management must evolve too. Sidonie Viala shares how 360Learning has moved beyond rigid metrics to embrace coaching, autonomy and real-time learning. By prioritising people over process, the company is building a culture where growth thrives, and performance becomes truly human-centred. Data rules in the age of AI. We trust it for everything from growth targets, revenue forecasting and strategic decisions. Yet when it comes to performance management, our obsession with…

Blue paper note written - I'm Lost - emotionally or mentally confused and don't know what to do - feeling overwhelmed, confused, uncertain how to proceed in life

Generation numb: Why today’s workforce feels nothing at all

Josh Cardoz

Today’s workforce is emotionally checked out, overwhelmed by constant change and digital saturation. In this compelling call to action, Josh Cardoz urges organisations to break the cycle of disconnection and cynicism. Through purpose, friction and human connection, we can reignite meaning and reshape work for a generation on the brink. Today’s workforce is going through a profound and fundamental shift. Faced with relentless economic uncertainty, the after-effects of a global pandemic, and perpetual digital overload, this generation of workers is…

TJ60 Panel discussion Andrew Jacobs, Kirsty Lewis, Laura Overton (c) Jo Cook

TJ podcast: Learning’s human heartbeat: L&D then and now – episode 329

At TJ’s 60th Anniversary Conference, Andrew Jacobs discusses with Laura Overton and Kirsty Lewis what L&D has gained and lost over six decades. The exploration goes from laserdiscs to AI, classrooms to communities, and why social, human learning still matters more than ever for performance, culture, connection and future readiness. Podcast summary: Created by ChatGPT Recorded live at TJ’s 60th Anniversary Conference, this special episode sees Andrew Jacobs take over the Training Journal podcast to host a reflective debate with…

AI leadership pyramid and workforce hierarchy with human oversight in modern organization

The leadership imperative: Shaping AI culture from the top

Vishaal Gupta

Vishaal Gupta argues that building an AI-ready workforce is less about technology and more about culture. From transparent leadership to continuous learning, this feature lays out how organisations can move beyond hype to action, bridging people readiness gaps, reducing risk, and turning AI into a true strategic advantage for organisations. AI is fundamentally transforming organisations, creating a clear competitive distinction between those acting decisively and those hesitating. This isn’t just another technology upgrade; it requires a complete rethink of how…

Think About Things Differently

Learning without limits: 38 years outside the HR bubble

Andy Chandler

Andy Candler has spent nearly four decades in L&D without setting foot in an HR team, and he thinks that’s exactly why it’s worked. In this refreshing and honest take, he champions a commercial, customer-focused approach to learning that’s more about storytelling and sales than tick boxes and training plans. At a recent learning event the conversation turned to L&D, its alignment with HR, and the usual comments about people strategy and employee engagement. It got me thinking about my…

top view of workplace with business documents, laptop, smartphone and alphabet cubes with wellness word

The human side of AI: Why wellbeing is the next core capability

Tom Bryant

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping work at speed, but human wellbeing is struggling. TJ Conference speaker Tom Bryant explores how L&D can take the lead in building wellbeing as a skill, designing more human-centric workplaces and using AI with intention to support emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability in the modern workplace. Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace faster than most of us imagined, taking on administrative, analytical and repetitive tasks with astonishing speed. Yet while AI is supposed to lighten the…

Person touch virtual screen of progress bar with the word VALUE for growth value, increase value, value added and business growth concept.

TJ podcast: Beyond courses: How AI transforms L&D into a strategic business partnership – episode 328

Jo Cook

In this episode, Josh Bersin, Erica Farmer and Laura Overton join Jo Cook to unpack how AI is shifting L&D from static courses to adaptive support. They explore dynamic content, practice with AI coaching, and why learning teams must redefine impact in terms of performance, relevance, and real business value. Key takeaways: Created by CleanVoice Podcast summary: Created by CleanVoice and edited by ChatGPT Jo Cook, Erica Farmer, and Josh Bersin explore how AI is reshaping learning and development from…

Stressed Businessman

Rewriting the leadership playbook: Why burnout is a system failure

Mia Serra

Burnout isn’t a flaw in individuals; it’s a warning light for broken systems. Mia Serra and Claudie Plen-McCormack argue that leadership and culture must evolve to prioritise inclusion, psychological safety and sustainable performance. Without structural change, well-being initiatives remain surface-level fixes in complex environments that continue to overstretch and exclude. Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a system failure. Yet in many organisations, burnout is still treated as an individual shortcoming, something to be “fixed” with a mindfulness session, an…