Strategy

The inscription diversity equity and inclusion is surrounded by colored cubes.

Navigating DEI trends: A strategic opportunity for UK companies  

Reshma Sheikh

By enhancing DEI strategies, UK firms can set themselves apart, fostering inclusivity that drives growth – Reshma Sheikh explains  As major US firms like Harley Davidson, Brown-Forman and Molson Coors Beverage Co scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts due to financial pressures and shifting political climates, UK businesses face a pivotal moment.   UK firms can not only drive innovation and attract top talent, but also strengthen their brand reputation and stakeholder trust  This evolving landscape presents…

Laughing work colleagues brainstorming together in an office

Why your brainstorming sessions fail: How to unlock your team’s true creative potential

Chris Griffiths

Discover how strategies like daydreaming breaks, eliminating groupthink, and BrainSprinting can boost your team’s creativity with Chris Griffiths and Caragh Medlicott  In an ideal world, brainstorming sessions would always be fruitful. Everyone would come together, ideas would fly, and you’d leave with ideas aplenty and clear plans for implementation. Sadly, an ideal world isn’t quite where we live. Still, do not despair! As with anything in life, the strategy we bring to a task can have a huge impact on…

Dr Lynda Shaw by photographer Pennie Withers - white woman with blond hair relaxing on a chair

TJ interviews: Cognitive neuroscientist and C-suite mentor Dr Lynda Shaw

Jo Cook

How can leaders use neuroscience and psychology to improve business? Dr Lynda Shaw shares insights from her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and psychology and experiences as an adventurer in Antarctica trekker of mountains in six of seven continents Training Journal: How did you get into neuroscience and psychology? Dr Lynda Shaw: I have worked in several sectors including as an airline cabin crew, a gym owner and a personal trainer, but then my father died.  He had previously told me…

Matt Webb headshot - white male wearing a suit, smiling at camera

TJ interviews: CEO and sales transformation expert Matt Webb

Jo Cook

Jo asks Matt Webb to reveal the modern secrets to improving your organisation’s sales technique Training Journal: A lot of people have a specific, negative, impression of someone who is trying to sell them something. You promote “sustainable selling”, what is that and why is it important? Matt: Normally, when you hear the word sustainable, you assume it’s focused on environmental impact. In the world of sales, however, when we talk about sustainable selling, we are referring to ethical selling…

Laura Maffucci headshot - woman smiling with long dark hair.

TJ interviews: Head of HR Laura Maffucci

Jo gets the lowdown from Laura Maffucci on AI’s game-changing impact on talent management strategies Training Journal: You are Head of HR at G-P. What does your role entail and what strategic tips can you share for L&D professionals? Laura: I am responsible for the company’s global workforce, talent and employee experience. I firmly believe that diversity of thought is paramount for a healthy workspace, and aim to foster a culture where people have equal voice and opportunity to contribute…

Authors Camilleri, Rockey and Dunbar who wrote The Social Brain. Two females and a male standing in a library, smartly dressed, black and white photo.

TJ interviews: Authors Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey and Robin Dunbar

Jo speaks with authors of The Social Brain about group dynamics, human connection and thriving together Training Journal to all: Why come together to write a book about the social brain, and what does that mean? All: We come from different disciplines (evolutionary psychology, corporate leadership and learning design). Throughout our careers the three of us have been interested in the same question: Why is it that some groups function as more than the sum of their parts – and other groups, however talented,…

Senior female ceo and multicultural business people discussing company presentation at boardroom table. Diverse corporate team working together in modern meeting room office. Top view through glass

Elevating Learning Operations: Mastering the LearnOps Maturity model

Ryan Austin

Your four-step guide to transforming L&D from support function to key driver of business success, by Ryan Austin  In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, learning and development (L&D) is increasingly being recognised as a strategic function vital to an organisation’s growth and sustainability. However, many organisations struggle to move beyond basic, reactive L&D operations.   The LearnOps Maturity model provides a comprehensive roadmap for elevating L&D from a support function, or in some cases a cost centre, to becoming a…

Human resources manager ready for job interview in office

The venture capitalist’s guide to HR strategies 

Victor Orlovski

Discover how empathy, technology and Gen Z insights can effectively attract and retain top talent in startups and established companies, with expert tips from venture capitalist Victor Orlovski Human resources is crucial to the functionality of an organisation, particularly startups. In my role as a venture capitalist (VC), I’ve observed how the people profession extends beyond administrative management and training to significantly influence talent acquisition. My involvement with various startups has afforded me insights into effective people strategies essential for…

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Go for gold: 4 tips to elevate employee training with game-based learning

James Micklethwait

Making training fun boosts skill retention. Transform your strategy with game-based learning to engage employees and improve results, writes James Micklethwait  With recent research highlighting learning support as the top strategy to boost employee retention, it’s clear that employees want to learn and grow their skills at work. However, many of the old standard methods of training – such as monologuing lectures with dry slide decks – have become ineffective at holding employees’ attention, which means employees aren’t learning the…

Illuminated lightbulb on a circuit board background, concept of innovation and technology, Generative AI. Generative AI

How is AI affecting employee learning and development? 

Jo Cook

Is AI the silver bullet for L&D? How can we take advantage and remain human? In this feature, Jo Cook looks at the evidence and shares her perspective The use of generative AI holds so much for so many people – the promise of productivity gains, the overwhelm of selecting the right technologies, challenges of skilling people and the worry of future repercussions of an independent intelligence. Artificial intelligence is having a big impact on learning and development already, and…