Professional Development

Blurred relaxed young woman in casual wear sitting on workplace with modern laptop and meditating with closed eyes during recording video blog. Focus on modern smartphone fixed on tripod.

From BBC News to events: Mastering professional video with just an iPhone

Kevin Davids

Convenience meets quality with fast, discreet, powerful video on smartphones for your next learning intervention – Kevin Davids shares his approach and why he filmed World of Learning 2024 with a mobile device “The best camera is the one you have with you” is often attributed to Chase Jarvis from his 2009 book, where he included photos captured with an early iPhone. Since then, technology has evolved in leaps and bounds, making this quote truer today than ever before. That’s…

Do not be busy, but productive.

Beyond busy work – building a culture of continuous learning and empowerment for true productivity

Paula Fryer

‘Productivity theatre’ is the illusion of work, without the impact. Overcome this with skills development – Paula Fryer introduces some ideas to start you off A culture of continuous learning, fuelled by empowerment, is far more beneficial than one focused on tedious tasks and appearances, which can be achieved through upskilling. The traditional workday has evolved—from a strict 9-to-5 in the office, to fully virtual during the pandemic, and now a hybrid mix. Along the way, our views of productivity…

Woman smiling with a wall of post-it notes behind her

Flipping the script: Collaborative innovation and problem solving for HR Leaders

Ben Waldman

What is the unconference advantage? It’s action-based learning and designing your own active event experience – Ben Waldman tells us more Imagine you could flip the traditional conference format on its head: Rather than having to sit through various predefined sessions which may – or may not – be useful for you, you have the power to design your own learning experience based on the most pressing challenges you face, tapping into the collective wisdom of experts in the field…

Zoomed-in view of a social media manager responding to comments and queries on a brands post, fostering community engagement

A week in the life of: A Learning Community Manager

Sheridan Webb

Being a Community Manager is a full-time role, with technical and topic talent needed – as Sheridan Webb explains Learning socially, as part of a community is not only an enjoyable way to learn, it’s also pretty effective! But unless it’s very small, every community needs managing. Many people totally underestimate what goes into running a learning community; it’s not really something that can be done as a side hustle. Many people tried that during the pandemic and soon had…

Seedling are growing from the rich soil. Concept of business growth, profit, development and success.

A week in the life of: A Leadership Development Manager

Andy McConville

What’s involved in contemporary leadership development? Andy McConville shares about training, support and other responsibilities I’m one of the lucky ones, I really love my job. It’s fair to say that Leadership Capability isn’t often recognised, let alone invested in, when it comes to outsourcers, so I am privileged to be trusted with the opportunity to develop leaders. And, as readers of TJ know, it’s absolutely the right thing to do. Admittedly, growing up, I didn’t necessarily dream that one…

Trust your gut word abstract

Learning from life: Trusting my gut

Michelle Parry-Slater

Trusting your gut can be your greatest asset in the freelance world, guiding critical decisions. Michelle Parry-Slater explores the importance of intuition in decision-making Freelance life offers many benefits, not least the ability to set your own agenda and work with people and on projects you enjoy and learn from. The freedom to pick and choose which events you attend without seeking permission from a boss. The sense of achievement when you bid for, and win, new client work. And who doesn’t…

Businesswoman building a growing financial chart

The future of work: From skills-based to capability-driven

Ben Satchwell

Discover how shifting the emphasis from skills to capabilities fosters growth, innovation and mental wellness with Ben Satchwell Skills, skills, skills. We’re hearing a lot about the skills revolution. Should we become a skills-based organisation or a skills-driven organisation? Are we going to do away with traditional job roles and descriptions, segment everyone by their technical skills and simply deliver our performance outcomes based on fluid and dynamic projects?  I’m not so sure.  From the conversations I have, organisations are realising…

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…

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 –…