I had no idea what I was doing when I started podcasting.
This episode breaks open the often-overlooked truth in learning and development: formal training rarely creates real impact. Instead, we hear how genuine curiosity, performance-focused design, and unexpected life experiences shape transformative L&D practices. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this conversation will push you to rethink what works—and what’s just wasting time and budget.
Tom Bailey, Dr. Alistair Ritt L&D Professional of the Year 2025 and creator of the Rogue L&D Podcast, shares his journey from category manager to award-winning learning leader. With stories ranging from childhood kite contests to professional breakthroughs at Blackmores, Tom unveils the mindset shifts and tactical changes that power high-impact development in modern organizations. If you're ready to ditch the old models and learn from someone who’s actually done it, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways;
Timestamps
[00:00] — The energy cost of networking (and why it’s worth it)
[00:51] — Who is Tom Bailey, and why he’s on the mic this time
[01:40] — What drives real behavior change in L&D
[02:40] — Why Nick Shackleton-Jones’ book changed his life
[03:48] — Microlearning, space repetition, and why Yanu works
[05:18] — How most of us learned L&D through the side door
[07:01] — Building the award-winning Blackmores Commercial Academy
[08:45] — The L&D fail that cost a company big (and why it still hurts)
[10:50] — Renting vans to childhood heroes: the Keith Harris story
Links
