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.