In the Unforgettable Learning Podcast season one finale, Kate and Josh look back on a remarkable year and a half of conversations with visionaries from L&D and beyond to distill what truly makes learning unforgettable. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch, Kevin Yates, Julie Dirkson, and more, they explore how the learning industry has matured from simply creating courses to driving strategic business value through human-centered design and performance focus. 

Josh and Kate unpack key themes that emerged throughout the season: the critical importance of psychological safety in learning environments, the evolving role of L&D as strategic business partners, and the delicate balance between technology adoption and human needs. From exploring the emerging role of Chief Skills Officers to discussing how AI is reshaping workplace learning, this episode captures the pulse of an industry in transformation. 

Through personal reflections and powerful examples, Kate and Josh examine how unforgettable learning connects to our deepest experiences - from childhood wonder to transformative professional moments. For L&D professionals looking to create lasting impact, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of what makes learning truly stick and how to craft experiences that resonate on both personal and organisational levels. 

The experience of preparing for your driving theory test can be nerve-wracking.  Imagine how different it would have felt going into that test knowing you were part of a learning community with a 90% first-time pass rate. That feeling has been made a reality with what Lisa Daniels, Account Director at The Stationary Office (TSO), and her team have accomplished as publishers of the UK's official driving theory test materials. 

In the second part of our conversation with Lisa, we explore how TSO, Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and Sponge revolutionised test preparation by building an inclusive learning community that supports over 1.6 million new drivers each year. Going beyond traditional study materials, the new approach combines digital learning, social engagement, and instructor partnerships to create meaningful connections that last well beyond test day.  

The conversation explores practical strategies for scaling inclusive learning experiences - from supporting anxious test-takers to empowering professional drivers. Lisa reveals how they've used multiple channels to meet diverse learner needs, creating an ecosystem that turns mandatory certification into lifelong learning engagement. 

Looking ahead, Lisa shares her vision for evolving learning experiences alongside technological and environmental changes - demonstrating how learning communities can adapt and grow to meet emerging challenges while maintaining their core focus on learner success. 

For L&D professionals interested in building sustainable learning communities and driving behavioural change through digital platforms, this episode offers valuable insights into creating learning experiences that resonate long after certification. 

In this episode, Lisa Daniels from TSO (The Stationery Office) shares insights into how they tackled declining pass rates in the UK's driving theory test - the world's largest computer-based testing program. As the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s official publishing partner, Lisa reveals how TSO has revolutionised the learning experience for aspiring drivers through an innovative elearning platform developed with Sponge. 

The conversation explores how understanding diverse learner needs - from anxious first-time drivers to military personnel and refugees - has shaped their approach to creating more effective learning solutions. Lisa discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on driver education and how it sparked new considerations around anxiety management and learning support. She shares how their holistic approach, combining traditional materials with digital innovation, has led to impressive results - with 90% of their platform users passing their tests first time. 

From enabling instructor-student collaboration through shared learning records to creating adaptive experiences for different user groups, this episode offers valuable insights into how empathy-driven learning design can transform high-stakes testing experiences. For L&D professionals interested in creating inclusive, effective digital learning solutions that drive real-world outcomes, this discussion provides practical examples of how understanding learner contexts and needs can lead to remarkable results. 

In the second part of our conversation with Stella Collins, founder and Chief Learning Officer at Stellar Labs, we dig deeper into the practical application of neuroscience in workplace learning. Stella shares invaluable insights on creating successful learning experiences and measuring their impact on individuals and organisations. 

This episode addresses the realities of implementing learning programs in complex workplace environments. Stella discusses the crucial role of motivation and the challenges of measuring behavior change. Throughout, she emphasises the importance of aligning learning outcomes with tangible business results. 

The conversation explores the challenges of measuring learning impact and the need for a scientific, hypothesis-based approach to L&D initiatives. Stella explains how treating learning interventions as experiments can lead to more effective outcomes and measurable results. The discussion turns to the power of personalisation, highlighting how tailoring experiences to individual needs can dramatically improve engagement and knowledge transfer in the workplace. 

This episode offers concrete strategies for L&D professionals looking to bridge the gap between neuroscience theory and practical application. It's essential listening for anyone aiming to create effective, scientifically grounded learning experiences that drive real business impact. 

In this episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Stella Collins, founder and Chief Learning Officer at Stellar Labs, delves into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and L&D. Drawing from her bestselling book "Neuroscience for Learning and Development," Stella unpacks how better understanding our brains can revolutionise workplace learning. 

From debunking myths about rote learning to exploring the crucial role of context in memory formation, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about corporate training. Stella introduces her GEAR model (Guide, Experiment, Apply, Retain), offering a fresh, science-based approach to learning design that prioritises transfer and application in the workplace. 

The discussion touches on hot topics like the impact of AI on learning, the value of personalised learning experiences, and why traditional "knowledge dump" approaches often fall short. Stella's insights provide a compelling case for reimagining L&D practices to align with how our brains actually learn and retain information. 

For L&D professionals looking to create more effective, brain-friendly learning experiences, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice grounded in neuroscience. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of workplace learning and how to use our understanding of the brain to drive real behavioral change and skill development in organisations. 

Want to learn more about some of the topics in this episode? Read the article about AI and neuroscience Stella discusses here: Brain Inspired AI Learns Like Humans - Neuroscience News. 

In part two of our conversation with Serena Gonsalves-Fersch, Global Head of Talent at SoftwareOne, we explore how to keep the human at the heart of learning in an increasingly AI-focused world.  

Serena, Josh, and Kate discuss the impact of AI on job roles, the importance of putting both individuals and businesses at the center of learning strategies, and the need for L&D to move beyond content creation. Serena explores how L&D professionals can stay relevant by focusing on developing essential human skills and reframing their role in organisations. 

This episode offers a refreshing perspective on analytics and impact in L&D, emphasising the importance of focusing on end goals rather than getting caught up in metrics. Serena also shares her excitement about the potential of predictive learning and AI in shaping future workforce development strategies. 

For L&D professionals looking to navigate the rapidly changing world of work and technology, this episode provides valuable insights on adapting, thriving, and redefining the role of learning in organisations. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of workplace learning and development in an AI-driven world.  

In this thought-provoking episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Josh and Kate sit down with Dr. Serena Gonsalves Fersch, the recent recipient of the Colin Steed Award for Outstanding Contribution to Learning. Serena shares her groundbreaking approach to L&D, drawing on her knowledge as the Global Head of Talent at Software One and a doctorate holder in the future of corporate L&D 

Serena challenges traditional L&D practices, advocating for a business-first mindset that ties every learning intervention directly to ROI. She discusses how her team has successfully linked business impact to training, reduced time to competency, and boosted retention rate over 18 months. 

This conversation turns to the evolving role of L&D professionals in the age of freely accessible information. Serena argues for a shift from content creation to becoming strategic partners who understand the business context deeply. She emphasises the importance of aligning with talent acquisition, workforce planning, and overall business strategy. 

Listeners will gain insights into building world-class learning organisations, the pitfalls of focusing solely on "happy sheets" and "bums on seats," and the need for L&D to position itself as a value creation centre rather than a cost centre. Serena also shares her vision of L&D leaders as framework providers, enabling psychological safety and fostering a growth mindset within organisations. 

For L&D professionals looking to elevate their strategic impact and drive tangible business results, this episode offers a masterclass in reimagining the role of learning in the modern workplace. 

In the second part of our conversation with Egle Vinauskaite, Director of Learning Innovation Consultancy at Nodes, we explore how AI might reshape our understanding of skills, job roles, and the very nature of learning in the workplace. 

Egle shares her expertise on the most valuable use cases for AI in the workplace, emphasising the shift from content creation to performance support and personalised skill development. She discusses the challenges organisations face in adopting AI technologies, from policy considerations to building a business case for implementation. 

The conversation explores the current state of AI adoption in L&D, revealing a gap between individual enthusiasm and organisational investment. Egle provides practical advice for L&D professionals looking to start their AI journey, highlighting the importance of understanding existing policies, taking stock of available technologies, and using team experiments to gain traction. 

This episode provides a balanced view of AI's potential in L&D, addressing both the exciting possibilities and the practical challenges of implementation. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on navigating the AI landscape in learning and development. 

Want to catch up on part one of our conversation with Egle? Catch the episode here.

The learning tech ecosystem is more complex than ever, leaving many L&D professionals feeling overwhelmed. In this episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Kate and Josh are joined by Egle Vinauskaite, Director of Learning Innovation Consultancy Nodes, to cut through the noise and provide practical insights on tech adoption and the future of learning technologies. 

Egle shares her perspective on the challenges organisations face when adopting new technologies, from dealing with clunky legacy systems to the allure of the latest tech trends. The conversation explores the importance of putting problems before technology, understanding the fundamental issues L&D is trying to solve, and the shift from content-centric to growth-oriented learning functions. 

Drawing from her extensive experience, Egle discusses the pitfalls of technology-first approaches and the need for a deeper understanding of learning principles. She highlights the importance of curiosity balanced with critical thinking when exploring new tech to assist with L&D processes. 

This episode offers valuable insights for L&D professionals grappling with technology decisions, emphasising the need to understand user needs, develop foundational knowledge, and resist being swayed by marketing hype. Egle's practical advice on adopting new technologies provides a guide to creating more effective, user-centered learning experiences in organisations. 

In this thought-provoking episode, Peter Manniche Riber, Head of Digital Learning at Novo Nordisk, joins Josh and Kate to delve into the intricate challenges of measuring impact in learning and development. With a passion for questioning conventional practices and a commitment to data-driven decision-making, Peter shares his insights on the importance of grounding learning initiatives in business problems and leveraging scientific methods to evaluate their effectiveness. 

Drawing from his experiences at Novo Nordisk, Pete discusses the disconnect between well-intentioned learning programs and the ability to quantify their impact on organisational outcomes. He advocates for a shift towards a hypothesis-driven approach, where learning interventions are designed with measurable objectives and rigorous data collection processes in place. 

The conversation explores the inherent complexities of isolating the effects of learning, the tension between the love for the learning process and the need for quantifiable results, and the role of patience and time in capturing meaningful impact data. Peter's perspective challenges the industry's reliance on gut feelings and anecdotal evidence, calling for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to learning design and evaluation. 

Interspersed with references to diverse fields such as sports analytics and architecture, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the quest for impact in learning and development. It encourages professionals to embrace data, experiment with hypotheses, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and iteration to drive real and measurable change within their organisations. 

As organisations grapple with the accelerating pace of change, L&D leaders face a remarkable challenge: building a nimble, data-informed learning culture that can keep skills and capabilities aligned with evolving business needs. In this episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Lori Niles-Hofmann, co-founder of NilesNolen and renowned learning strategist, provides her analysis of the evolving role of skills in the workplace. 

Lori makes a compelling case for why organisations must evolve from rigid job roles to become "skills-based" - fluidly assembling teams by matching people's skills to dynamic project requirements. We discuss the emerging role of the Chief Skills Officer: as strategic skill scouts and curators, CSOs look for upcoming capability gaps and own their organisations’s ability to upskill their workforce proactively. 

To meet this change head on, Lori discusses building the right type of learning culture - one where leadership provides time, psychological safety and dedicated "learning spaces" for employees to build new skills through applied practice. With candor and expertise, she outlines concrete strategies for shifting workplace mindsets around learning. 

For L&D innovators exploring what’s next for their organisations, this episode offers a thought-provoking vision for the direction learning is headed and puts forward some key points to consider when preparing for a skills-based future.

The Learning Technologies 2024 Special takes the pulse of the L&D world, reflecting on the massive changes of the past 20 years and looking ahead to the transformations on the horizon. 

In this unique episode, Josh and Kate discuss insights recorded on the Learning Technologies exhibition floor, featuring experts such as Julie Dirksen, Tom Kuhlmann, Nigel Paine, and other leading voices across the learning industry. They reflect on L&D's evolution from the pre-digital era through early technical hurdles with video, cloud distribution, and LMS logistics into today's focus on user-centric design, curation, and simplified access. 

Looking back, the discussion explores how the last 20 years saw digital learning shift from non-existent, to bad, and finally to good. They discuss L&D's maturing relationship with LXPs and LMSs, the impact of social learning, and an increasing awareness of what makes great learning experiences. 

Looking ahead, the conversation digs into AI's rapidly expanding role - from automating content production to potentially redefining work itself. Speculation abounds whether AI could solve L&D's "tactical" challenges, freeing it to focus on strategic impact. Amidst this uncertain future, a guiding ethos emerges: connect learning to true business impact; prioritise human-centered design; embrace new technologies to craft autonomous, compelling experiences. 

As Sponge celebrates 20 years as learning innovators, this episode pays homage to the past while positioning L&D for the leap into a rapidly changing world of work. 

This episode flips the script as Josh Cardoz, Chief Creative and Learning Officer at Sponge, joins the podcast to discuss the influences L&D can take from other worlds, in a conversation informed by Kate’s experience at the SXSW tech conference. Drawing on new experiences from XR, open world games, and AI, this conversation sees Josh and Kate explore how these influences can be applied to inspire and refresh the work of L&D.  

Exploring the power of spatial storytelling and tools like Quill and Tilt Brush that enable new forms of expression, this discussion delves into the rise of the "transition generation" grappling with the shifts brought about by AI's convergence with multiple technologies – and the impact this is having on the workplace. Josh and Kate dig into questions around the future of talent and the value of human work in a world undergoing ever more rapid technological advancement. 

Ultimately, Josh and Kate highlight the need for embracing creation over consumption, enabling autonomy and collaboration, and finding inspiration from unexpected places to craft learning experiences that captivate the modern workforce.  

For those looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible in creative learning design, this episode provides a unique view into how emerging tools and platforms can be used to craft immersive, engaging experiences that stick with learners. By looking outside of traditional L&D boundaries to virtual worlds, games, and frontier technologies, this conversation illuminates paths toward humanising learning experiences in an increasingly digital era - and calls for L&D to be boldly creative and human-centered in designing solutions that empower modern learners.

JD Dillon brings over 20 years of experience enabling frontline workforces, from his start as a Disney cast member to roles in L&D and authoring “The Modern Learning Ecosystem”. In this wide-ranging discussion, JD shares insights on what sparked his passion for frontline training - tracing it back to the excellent onboarding he received at his first job. He discusses the pivotal role of frontline employees in executing daily operations, highlighting the opportunity for learning innovations to better support these frontline "heavy lifters". 

JD explores an overlooked burnout crisis brewing among frontline managers. He advocates innovative strategies to make these critical roles more sustainable long-term, including rethinking expectations, metrics, and development models. While corporate skills strategies can lack rigour in taxonomy and measurement, JD suggests the well-defined skills pathways common to frontline learning could inform strategies to improve development across broader employee groups. 

Drawing on concepts from his recent book, JD explains his framework for implementing disruption-ready learning ecosystems. From shared knowledge flows to performance support and reinforcement, he offers tangible examples to activate knowledge sharing across organisations. JD also prompts learning leaders to brace for AI disruption across operations - forecasting adoption timelines and inevitable workforce impacts. He recommends reskilling programs should prepare employees for how their roles will be enhanced by AI, rather than only teaching them to carry out their current duties. The focus should be on developing new capabilities that will be useful alongside AI systems. 

Throughout the discussion, JD blends strategic perspectives with tactical recommendations grounded in real frontline needs. Tune in for visionary insights from a leader dedicated to creating human-centered workforce experiences. 

As co-founder and co-CEO of SparkLearn and author of books like "Shock of the New," Chad Udell brings an innovative lens to the potential of emerging technologies to transform workplace learning. Committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, Chad shares insights from building mobile AR apps and adaptive learning platforms grounded in real business needs. 

In this episode, Chad discusses staying on top of the latest tech signals, from academic research to startup trends, to identify ideas with traction. With examples like an inventory classifier app using AI and AR, he explains how new innovations can augment human skills. Chad also stresses the importance of digital literacy for learning leaders to evaluate and apply technology thoughtfully. 

Looking ahead, he shares his vision for more personalised, engaging learning experiences powered by interoperability of data from HRIS to learning systems. As an expert guiding companies on their digital journeys, Chad prompts learning teams to revisit old assumptions on data access. He also expresses optimism about the potential for immersive tech like Apple's upcoming AR headset to drive new learning models. 

Ultimately, Chad poses thought-provoking questions around how AI-enabled efficiencies could improve our quality of life if applied wisely - will we see shorter work weeks or more time for professional development? For learning innovators like Chad, rapid change brings opportunities to create human-centered technology use cases that solve real business challenges. 

As CEO of The Learning Guild, David Kelly offers an unmatched perspective on the current state of play in L&D. He is committed to advancing the industry, running large-scale events like Learning 2023 and DevLearn, and keeping a sharp eye on the emerging themes that will define L&D in 2024.     

In this episode, David discusses the value of building community in L&D and the rapid adoption of AI and other emerging tech by L&D teams, while noting the slower progress in getting a strategic seat at the executive table. As DevLearn prepares for its 20th anniversary, David reflects on key milestones and predicts more integration between formal learning and workplace experience powered by new technologies. Throughout the episode, his expertise offers insider perspective on L&D's evolution and priorities like developing capabilities in AI implementation to stay ahead of rapid change. 

Critically, David emphasises how AI will change the way organisations work, creating new expectations for the skills and curiosities L&D need to stay at the top of the game. Ultimately, he poses a provocative question – what will L&D teams do with the time gained from tech-enabled efficiencies? 

Struggling to get employees to actually apply skills learned in training? You’re not alone. So how can learning leaders finally start changing behaviours for good? 

In this episode, learning royalty, Julie Dirksen - author, international speaker and facilitator for organisations like the Association for Talent Development and the Learning Guild -explores just this. Sharing insights from her new book, ‘Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behaviour Change,’ Julie eloquently breaks down the metaphor of the "Rider and the Elephant," discussing how our logical and emotional selves are often at odds in decision making. Julie relates this metaphor to human motivations and the barriers to meaningful behaviour change, capturing how our logical and emotional selves are often misaligned - with training only speaking to the logical side. Talking to the elephant, it turns out, may just be the way to bridge that knowledge-doing gap. 

The conversation overflows with Julie's wit, wisdom, and empathy, as she explores behavior change models, precisely defining actions, and predicting persisting needs for human-centric learning design amidst our tech evolution. 

In a world of tight budgets and an incredible rate of change, how can L&D leaders take a long-term view of progress? With the best part of two decades of learning design experience, Beth Chudley and Tom Griffiths, Learning Experience Consultants at Sponge, are well versed in supporting global organisations to achieve their lofty learning dreams. They have worked with some of the biggest brands on the planet, earning plenty of knowledge to share when it comes to implementing lasting learning strategies. 

Beth and Tom address common issues cited by L&D teams and how a strategic view earlier on leads to longer term success. They discuss the nebulous nature of learning cultures and how, sometimes, innovating means being creative with a stripped back solution rather than wheeling out the latest gadget or gizmo to do the work for you. 

Providing us with a peek into the world of learning consultancy, Beth and Tom share the ins and outs of learning design for lasting impact, from early learning needs analysis to how resilient partnerships can allow innovative approaches to flourish. They remind us that learning is always ultimately about helping human beings to thrive, and show how getting a learning partnership online early leads to greater return on investment, more trust, and learning solutions that stay with learners and businesses for the long-term. 

David Ward, Regulatory, Ethics and Compliance Director at Tesco, has won awards for compliance training and been a keynote speaker at compliance conferences across Europe in a bid to shift perceptions about what's possible in compliance. A true maverick, listening to David just might change the way you think about mandatory learning forever. 

So often the cause of universal groans from employees, compliance learning being relegated to a tick box exercise  to appease regulators is a common problem. Nothing could be further from David’s mindset on the subject, however. He’s brought ambition, innovation, and robust behavioural insights to solve global training rollouts for over a decade.    

In this interview he talks openly about his approaches to delivering learning campaigns that create a buzz and engage managers and employees – as well as his methods for encouraging, rather than mandating, completion on time despite operating in a demanding retail environment.   

Tune in as David discusses:  

- In-the-flow compliance learning through clever microlearning design. 

- How insights from social proof psychology led to innovations in his programmes.  

- How taking a bold stance against drab elearning transformed his campaigns into engaging experiences that avoid the trap of legal language. 

- Where he's heading next with personalisation and AI.  

Known as the L&D Detective, Kevin Yates has dedicated himself to finding the facts, clues, evidence, and data to demonstrate the impact of learning in organisations.

But, in this episode, he acknowledges this isn’t easy. It’s a challenge, in part because we need a mindset shift away from prioritising traditional metrics like attendance, utilisation, participation, and consumption, in favour of looking at organisational KPIs, to demonstrate impact.

Across industries, all companies are trying to achieve something - whether that’s increasing sales, decreasing cycle time, improving customer service, optimising product quality, maintaining customer service scores, or reducing errors.

Critically, L&D can’t do this alone: it takes a team to win and collaboration with other areas of the business to find success. Kevin also advocates for intentionality and specificity when designing learning programmes to make gains.

This candid, focused, and optimistic episode will guide and enthuse anyone tackling measurement in L&D and should be on the ‘must watch’ list for anyone just getting started.