In this episode, Adam Horne joins the show to unpack the challenges of “accidental managers”, those promoted without proper leadership training, and the friction caused by poorly designed roles. Drawing on his experience at Open Org, Adam explains how the organisation supports HR professionals in startups through community building, content creation, and consulting.
He explores the impact of AI on HR and learning, identifying common pain points facing today’s people leaders and making the case for a shift from traditional training to more experiential, on-the-job learning. Adam also discusses how AI can be leveraged to reduce workplace friction, enable experimentation, and redesign employee experiences to foster continuous learning and growth.
When it comes to management, Adam highlights systemic issues in how organisations define and support leadership roles. He advocates for a community of practice approach and challenges companies to rethink career progression and growth in flatter, faster-moving structures.
As the conversation wraps up, Adam outlines key priorities for HR leaders preparing for the future, particularly around AI adoption, talent development, and evolving organisational design.
To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
In this episode, Ross Stevenson explores how Learning and Development is evolving in the age of AI. As technology reshapes how we work and learn, Ross shares how L&D professionals can harness AI’s potential while keeping the human element at the heart of learning.
Drawing from his journey from practitioner to creator and consultant, he offers practical advice on experimenting with AI tools, adapting to change, and building resilience in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Tune in for an honest conversation about why, even in an AI-driven world, the future of learning will always depend on human connection, curiosity, and creativity.
To hear more about HowNow, speak to the team! https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to make learning a daily habit at work. From finding that sweet spot between passion, relevance, and environment, to empowering managers and influencers to champion learning, we explore the practical side of building a true learning culture.
You’ll hear how technology can reduce friction, how merging cultures can reshape development, and why redefining what “learning” looks like is key. We also unpack the shift toward skills-based growth, smarter performance metrics, and the ongoing journey of embedding learning into everyday workflows.
The episode wraps up with personal reflections on keeping learning alive, through curiosity, conversation, and the power of supportive colleagues.
To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
How do you transform a fragmented organization into one united by shared goals, values, and performance? In this episode, Emma shares her journey leading talent management at James Fisher, reflecting on the rebrand from L&D to Talent, building strategies in times of transformation, and shifting perceptions of HR’s role from “just training” to driving real business impact.
We explore how to:
Align talent strategies with business priorities
Use performance management as a lever for transformation
Balance global consistency with local relevance
Build credibility and buy-in during organisational change
If you’re navigating change, leading L&D, or looking to connect people and business strategy more effectively, this conversation is full of practical insights and lessons learned.
In this episode of L&D Disrupt, we sit down with Joe Milton, Learning and Development Manager at Centrick, to explore what it really takes to build the next generation of leaders.
From his beginnings as a music teacher to shaping leadership development strategies in fast-moving businesses, Joe shares how teaching children isn’t so different from coaching adults, and why positive reinforcement, curiosity, and proactivity are critical ingredients for effective leadership today.
We dive into the four essential shifts in leadership development:
Why traditional leadership models no longer cut it
The growing importance of people skills alongside technical expertise
How to spot and nurture future leaders by focusing on business gaps
The role of AI in scaling leadership development and creating safe spaces for vulnerability
Joe also reveals practical ways L&D teams can invite change, measure impact, and shift leadership thinking from being about you to being about service.
Packed with insights, examples, and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working to align leadership development with business outcomes.
👉 Want to learn more about HowNow? Speak to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo
In Part 2 of this special episode, Nelson continues unpacking the future of workplace learning—focusing on how L&D leaders can future-proof their strategies in an era of exponential change. He explores why the fastest learners—both individuals and organisations—are the ones who will thrive, and why L&D must evolve from a compliance-driven function into a true strategic lever for business performance.
The conversation highlights how AI and community-driven learning will reshape workforce development by 2026, the importance of aligning learning with business objectives, and the need for rapid skill acquisition. Nelson offers practical insights for L&D leaders on cutting learning waste, fostering a culture of psychological safety for innovation, leveraging internal experts, and preparing for the wider adoption of AI agents as learning interfaces.
Want to learn more about HowNow? Speak to the team here: www.gethownow.com/book-demo
In this episode, the tables are turned as our usual host, Nelson, takes the hot seat to explore the current state of L&D. The conversation kicks off with the challenge of content overload and what it means for HR and L&D leaders trying to cut through the noise. Nelson explains why shifting from a content-first to a skills-first approach is essential, and how connecting the right learning to the right people at the right time drives real impact.
He also unpacks the disconnect between L&D programs and business goals, highlighting the importance of aligning learning strategies with measurable skill development. The discussion explores the growing role of AI in skills measurement, real-time feedback, and delivering hyper-personalised learning experiences.
Whether you’re an L&D leader or just curious about the future of workplace learning, this episode offers practical insights on staying relevant and driving meaningful change in a rapidly evolving landscape.
🎧 Listen to Part 1 now — and stay tuned for Part 2 dropping next Monday!
If you’d like to learn more about HowNow, speak to the team here: www.gethownow.com/book-demo
In this episode, Ajay Pangarkar discusses the importance of aligning L&D with business goals in order to deliver measurable results. He highlights the need for L&D professionals to develop fluency in business and financial metrics so they can clearly demonstrate the value of their initiatives. Ajay shares insights from his latest book on learning metrics, alongside practical strategies for integrating L&D with wider business operations, illustrated with anecdotes that showcase the impact of well-targeted learning interventions.
The conversation also examines why learning should be regarded as a means of achieving business objectives, rather than an end in itself, and offers actionable advice for L&D professionals seeking to enhance their effectiveness and relevance within their organisations.
If you would like to hear more about HowNow, speak to the team here www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
P.s, if you want to check out Ajays book, use code KOGANPAGE25 for 25% off at checkout!
This special episode of L&D Disrupt, recorded live at Learning Technologies, features Nelson Sivalingam exploring how AI can help solve one of L&D’s biggest challenges: scaling great teaching. Drawing on examples like Bruce Lee’s transformation under his mentor Ip Man, Nelson unpacks why great learning has always been rooted in mentorship, not just content. He discusses the historical context of workplace learning, the limitations of traditional methods, and the opportunity AI presents to deliver personalised, interactive, and context-specific learning experiences at scale.
Listeners will learn why great teaching is essential for capability building, how AI agents can replicate and scale that experience, and the three core elements needed to truly build capability in organisations. This episode also explores what the future of workplace learning could look like, and what that means for business impact, skills growth, and the evolving role of L&D leaders.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo
In this episode, we dive into the importance of skill development within organisations. Our guest, Kyle, an HR Business Partner at the TM group, discusses his journey from an L&D advisor to his current role and shares how his background in learning and development has been instrumental in shaping his approach to HR. We explore the critical need for continuous development, the strategy behind skill building, and the challenges and successes in implementing a skills-first approach. Kyle emphasises the importance of manager buy-in, proactive development strategies, and leveraging AI tools like HowNow to tailor learning to individual job roles. This conversation provides valuable insights for HR and L&D professionals looking to drive meaningful development within their organisations.
In this episode, we sit down with Raquel, a dynamic L&D leader, to uncover the keys to successful Learning and Development practices. We explore common misconceptions about L&D, the importance of facilitating knowledge sharing, and the challenges of driving a culture of learning. Raquel discusses how the right technology, the adoption of an experimental mindset, and a focus on relevance, accessibility, and scalability can transform L&D strategies. Plus, we delve into the use of Scrum in L&D teams and the significance of working smart- doing what brings value to both the business and the learners. Tune in for practical insights and actionable tips that can elevate your L&D efforts.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo
In this episode, we’re joined by Penny Simpson, an experienced L&D professional with a passion for making learning actually stick.
We dive into how to create repeatable and scalable learning experiences, the importance of aligning L&D with business goals, and how to embed learning into the flow of everyday work. Penny shares how tools like the Learning Canvas, HowNow and Guru AI are helping her deliver personalised learning that drives real impact.
We also explore how AI and analytics are being used to measure success and why future-proofing your L&D strategy is all about making learning more relevant, timely and actionable.
Looking to move from delivering courses to driving real behaviour change? This one’s for you.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo
Lisa Bodell on Simplifying Complexity to Drive Innovation
In this episode, Lisa Bodell—founder of FutureThink—shares how simplification became her unexpected path to driving innovation. From “kill the crap” committees to eliminating time-sucks, Lisa explores practical ways to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. We dive into why people struggle to say no, how to reclaim time from meetings and emails, and what leaders can do to reduce fear and friction. Plus, we unpack the role of AI in leadership and why human skills still matter in an automated world.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
In this episode, we embark on a journey with Alex Beard, author of 'Natural Born Learners,' as he shares his experiences and insights into the future of learning. Alex discusses his global exploration to understand innovative learning practices and speaks on the importance of play, adaptability, and creative thinking in today's fast-changing world. We delve into the differences in educational approaches across countries, the role of AI in learning, and how to prepare the next generation for future challenges. This conversation emphasizes the need to cultivate passion, collaboration, and resilience in learners to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
00:00 Embarking on a Global Learning Journey
01:23 The Genesis of HowNow and Natural Born Learners
02:30 The Future of Learning: Insights from Around the World
03:50 Eye-Opening Visits to Global Educational Institutions
05:24 The Purpose of Education in Different Cultures
08:52 The Role of Technology in Learning
17:06 The Importance of Core Knowledge and Creativity
19:34 Innovations at MIT Media Lab
20:22 The Four P's of Learning
In this episode, Paul is back to dig into one of L&D’s biggest challenges: shifting from content overload to real behaviour change. We explore how L&D teams can move beyond delivering training to actually driving impact that aligns with business goals.
From engaging stakeholders with the cost of inaction to using the sat nav analogy for navigating change, Paul shares sharp insights and practical takeaways for L&D pros who want to make learning stick and matter.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
In this episode, we sit down with Menna, a seasoned L&D leader with nearly a decade of experience, to uncover what really drives impact in Learning and Development. From her early days as a training coordinator to building strategies that align directly with business goals, Menna shares a practical, experience-rich playbook that challenges the one-size-fits-all approach.
We explore the importance of tackling unique organizational challenges, decentralizing learning, and embedding L&D across the business. Menna discusses how engagement surveys, qualitative feedback, and smart data use can drive meaningful change. Plus, we dive into the growing role of AI in personalizing learning experiences—and why creativity, curiosity, and internal marketing are must-haves for today’s L&D professionals.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
In this episode, Henry, the Head of Talent at Lucid Group, shares his journey from outdoor education to corporate learning and development (L&D).
He discusses the evolving landscape of L&D, the importance of adaptability, and the impact of AI on the profession. Henry emphasizes the need for intentionality in using AI tools, the shift towards being more strategic in aligning learning with business outcomes, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in communications. He also addresses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI and provides practical advice on how L&D professionals can start integrating AI into their workflows.
If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?
Leadership isn’t just about what you know - it’s about how you show up, do the inner work, and integrate personal growth into your impact on the world.
Dr. Lucrecia Grandolini, Global Head of Learning at Investec, goes beyond strategy to explore the deeper, more human side of leadership. From self-awareness and emotional intelligence to ethical and spiritual dimensions, we dive into what it really takes to lead with integrity.
Tune in for a refreshingly real conversation on leadership that goes beyond the surface - one that challenges, inspires, and redefines what it means to lead with purpose, heart, and authenticity.
To celebrate his final episode as host of L&D Disrupt, Gary shared some of the best lessons from recent guests.
If you want to connect with Gary on LinkedIn, you can find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter
And to be clear, this is not the final episode of the podcast, so we'll see you with another great episode soon!
Heather Burright is the Community Manager for the Non-Profit L&D Collective, host of the Learning for Good podcast, and delivers instructional design and leadership development for nonprofits.
So, it’s safe to say she knows this space well! And she joined us to explain some of the best insights and lessons other L&D pros can take from the nonprofit space.
Expect to learn whether it’s easier to connect people to purpose in non profit organisations.
Lessons on building leaders in these organisations, why non-profits tend to invest more in learning, how they approach storytelling, why they have to prioritise buy-in because there are certain things they can’t mandate, and much more.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro to Heather and her L&D community
5:29 How nonprofits build buy-in
8:51 L&D storytelling and internal marketing
16:01 Are employees prioritising social impact?
19:48 Developing leaders in nonprofits
27:09 ROI and budgeting
29:38 Do nonprofits invest more in learning?
32:36 Development over compliance
How to connect:
Find Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/
Subscribe to Heather’s newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nonprofit-l-d-insiders-7056631980473397248/
Listen to the Learning for Good podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-good-l-d-solutions-and/id1621971310