The Learning Hack podcast

The results of the 2026 Global Sentiment Survey are out — and the mood in workplace learning is uneasy. In this episode, John speaks with Donald H. Taylor about AI's "hangover moment," rising pressure on L&D teams, diverging regional trends, vendor anxiety, and what showing value really signals this year. Is this a temporary wobble — or a structural shift in what L&D is for?   Timestamps 00:00 - Start 02:21 - Intro 04:14 - Overview of this year's GSS 12:50 - Metaverse and virtual environments 21:59 - Opportunities and Challenges of AI 26:49 - More US respondents this year? 28:33 - Global differences in vibe? 33:46 - Personalisation and individualism 36:09 - New vs returning respondents 41:04 - The challenge of technology 52:47 - End     Connect with Learning Hack LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Threads: @jphelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com  

What if the most powerful learning system in your organisation is already there — hidden in plain sight? In this episode, Dr Kinga Petrovai introduces The Learning Hive: a structured, research-informed model for peer learning that amplifies tacit knowledge, builds community, and accelerates learning transfer. Drawing on her academic background and real-world practice, Kinga explains why informal learning is often undervalued — and how deliberate design can make peer learning both human and effective.   Timestamps 00:02 – Introducing the Learning Hive 00:06 – What makes it true peer learning 00:12 – Origins in academic research 00:19 – Why "hives", not communities 00:25 – Systems thinking and learning design 00:31 – Peer learning, tacit knowledge, and AI 00:41 – Keeping the human at the heart of learning 00:50 – Karaoke closer     Links & Contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Threads: @jphelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Voices from Online Educa Berlin 2025.  Recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2025, this episode brings together five perspectives on keeping the human at the centre of learning in the age of AI. From global learning trends and AI maturity, to human-centred education, the Global South, emerging talent, and the long view of digital learning, these conversations capture the diversity, tensions, and possibilities shaping education and workplace learning worldwide.     Guests Donald H. Taylor Margaret Korosec Ibraheem Adedayo Adediran Buena Jill Galleposo Paul Bacsich     Timestamps   00:02:19 – Intro: OEB 2025 00:02:52 – Donald H. Taylor: humanity, AI, and the learning peloton 00:26:48 – Margaret Korosec: human-centred AI and higher education 00:49:56 – Ibraheem Adedayo Adediran: AI, counselling, and the Global South 01:13:53 – Buena Jill Galleposo: 30 Under 30 and the future of learning 01:30:26 – Paul Bacsich: distance learning, perspective, and continuity 01:54:32 – End     Connect LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com  

The year ahead for learning, skills and work As organisations head into 2026, Josh Bersin returns to The Learning Hack to make sense of what is really changing in work, skills and learning. Drawing on his latest research and global advisory work, Josh explains why AI has crossed a threshold, how jobs are being reshaped rather than eliminated, why skills velocity is fundamentally cultural, and why L&D is facing a once-in-a-generation structural reinvention.   Timestamps 01:28 – Intro 03:12 – What happened in 2025? 05:08 – 'Superworkers' & 'supermanagers' 09:39 – What's happening in the job market? 16:40 – Skills velocity 25:30 – What are the biggest shifts in L&D? 31:08 – Where are the real, durable changes in learntech, a year ahead? 36:44 – Obsequious LLMs 38:03 – Differences across global regions? 42:39 – What signals should people look out for in the coming year? 46:25 – Should we expect consolidation in the learntech market? 50:01 – End       Connect   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com  

2025 was billed as a "make-or-break year" for L&D. But what actually happened? To make sense of a turbulent twelve months in learning, talent and HR, John Helmer speaks with Myles Runham of Fosway Group, Europe's leading analyst firm. They explore AI's real impact, shifting buying patterns, skills intelligence, evaluation, and whether L&D is heading for reinvention or obsolescence. A clear-eyed, data-led look at where we stand — and where we're heading.   Timestamps 00:59 – Intro 03:30 – Did we make it or break it? 07:02 – Are organisations spending smarter or just spending less? 09:06 – Have HR buying patterns changed too? 16:24 – Where is he seeing genuine AI transformation? 22:06 – Are organisations training enough on AI? 25:00 – AI effects on the job market 28:31 – Are we any closer to meaningful skills intelligence? 34:57 – Are we getting any better at evaluation? 37:31 – Trends in the systems and tools market 43:06 – Will L&D avoid obsolescence? 49:16 – Karaoke favourite?     Contact / Follow LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

How AI agents are reshaping learning workflows and the L&D ecosystem "Agentic AI" is the buzzword of the moment. But how many people fully understand what it really means—or how it will change learning and work? Dr. Ashwin Mehta, Chief AI Strategist at the Learning & Performance Institute and founder of Mehtadology AI, joins John Helmer to unpack the hype and explore the practical realities of AI agents, workflow re-engineering, and the emerging skills ecosystem in learning and development.     Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:51 - Intro 03:52 - AI strategist role with LPI 08:33 - What are AI agents? 12:41 - Is agentic AI tech widely available yet? 23:25 - What skills do L&D need to use Agentic AI? 29:25 - How Dr Mehta uses AI agents in his business 34:54 - Workflow re-engineering 40:14 - AI negatives Q&A: cost-cutting, slop, bias and AI armageddon 50:16 - How AI reshapes the L&D ecosystem 56:51 - End   Connect LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X (Twitter): @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

From refugee to Russian pop star, startup founder to life coach and evangelist pastor — Christian Ray Flores's journey has spanned continents, ideologies, and careers. In this remarkable conversation, John explores how those experiences shaped Christian's views on creativity, entrepreneurship, AI, faith, and the American dream. Can such diverse identities truly fit together? The result is a thought-provoking dialogue across boundaries of culture, belief, and experience.   Timestamps 00:00 – Start 00:51 – Intro 03:00 – Christian's extraordinary backstory: refugee, pop star, entrepreneur 08:15 – Standing out by serving others 09:42 – Building a personal brand: the "outer game" 13:45 – How his program helps people flourish 18:35 – The role of "good fuel" and "bad fuel" in motivation 25:24 – AI and the future of coaching 35:46 – Faith and human potential 47:00 – Immigration and American values 54:31 – Go-to karaoke song? 55:21 – End     Find John Helmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X (Twitter): @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

The human heart of learning in a digital age. Jay Moore and Doug Scott look back on the legendary Crotonville leadership institute — and forward to what its ethos means for learning in the age of AI. They tell John Helmer how a culture built on humility, connection and trust continues to shape GE's learning legacy today. As training becomes more digital, how do we preserve those "human moments" that make real development possible?   Timestamps: 00:51 - Intro 03:00 - What is Crotonville? 07:44 - What is the ethos and culture of Crotonville? 13:11 - How much learning is now digital at GE? 18:43 - Is Crotonville an ivory tower? 24:19 - How is the division into 3 business units affecting learning at GE? 40:44 - How do we keep humans in the loop – and in charge? 49:07 - Go-to karaoke song? 54:19 - End   Connect with John Helmer 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer 🐦 X: @johnhelmer 🦋 Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social 🌐 Website: learninghackpodcast.com

The Human Side of AI at Work Brian Murphy, Global Head of Learning & Development at NTT DATA, shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping work and productivity. Drawing on his experience at Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and Citi, Brian argues for a human-centric coalition between people and machines. He explores how L&D and HR can steer organizations through AI transformation, ensuring it's about value creation and capability — not just cost cutting.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Start 01:44 - Intro 03:45 - Challenges of redesigning work around AI 11:45 - Just a cost-cutting exercise? 16:08 - Role of people function in ensuring benefits, lessening friction 23:18 - An evolution of performance consulting 33:08 - Training AIs versus 'training' AIs 43:01 - How to be human-centric while deploying AI 51:01 - End   Contact: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Systems, skills and the eight levers of learning transformation. Lori Niles-Hoffman, learning strategist and data evangelist, joins John to explore how L&D can escape legacy mindsets and regain strategic impact. Drawing on her new book, Lori outlines the eight key levers for enterprise learning transformation, why ecosystems matter more than platforms, and how AI is reshaping the role of the learning professional. Timestamps 00:01:43 - Intro 00:03:46 - What brought her into the world of learning tech? 00:07:03 - What convinced her of the need for this book? 00:12:58 - What are 'the 8 Levers'? 00:24:06 - Stakeholder management 00:26:13 - Why is knowledge management lumped together with marketing? 00:33:03 - Ecosystems thinking 00:39:34 - Strategic alignment – a no-brainer? 00:40:17 - Why hasn't L&D tackled its long-standing challenges to date? 00:48:58 - Will AI make us all systems designers? 00:57:43 - Lori's interesting take on AI ethics Follow & Contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Stanford professor Jan Liphardt—founder of OpenMind—joins the podcast to explore the future of learning at the intersection of AI, robotics, and human development. He explains why robot dogs might be ideal math tutors, how Socratic dialogue can be scaled through machines, and what AI means for education, healthcare, and daily life. A bold vision of multi-agent learning ecosystems from a scientist who's seen both the lab and the startup world. Timestamps ·       00:00 – Start ·       01:47 – Intro ·       04:34 – What is OpenMind's mission? ·       13:25 – What is Multi-Agent Endpoint and why does it matter? ·       18:53 – The learning potential of robots ·       24:50 – Robot dog tutors & socratic dialogue ·       28:36 – AI and Higher Ed ·       37:55 – AI & healthcare ·       46:03 – Is robotics developing slower than AI? ·       55:34 – End Contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

AI shockwaves and human resilience in L&D At the Learning Technologies Conference 2025, John Helmer speaks with leading voices in learning and AI—including Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, Jerome Pereira, Sophie Costin, Tadelayo Sodipe, and Donald H. Taylor—about disruption, ethics, innovation, and the changing role of L&D.    00:03:08 - Intro 00:05:08 - Josh Bersin 00:41:44 - Daniel Hulme 01:01:39 - David Kelly 01:26:57 - Prof. Jerome Pereira 01:58:09 - Sophie Costin 02:12:23 - Tadelayo Sodipe 02:33:39 - Donald H. Taylor 03:01:44 - End   Connect with John Helmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Leading Through Culture, Teams, and AI-driven Change John Helmer discusses organizational culture, collective leadership, and AI's impact on future workplaces with Kevin Oakes (CEO, i4cp), Kim McMurdo (Global Head of OD, Standard Chartered), and Terry Jones (International Head of Talent Development, ex-PaloAlto Networks). Key themes include culture renovation, developing team-centric leadership capabilities, and leveraging AI for enhanced human productivity in rapidly evolving organizations. The McKinsey paper mentioned in Kim's interview:  De Smet, A., D'Auria, G., Meijknecht, L., Albaharna, M., & Fifer, A. (2024, October 31). Go, teams: When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits. McKinsey & Company. This article is available online at https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/go-teams-when-teams-get-healthier-the-whole-organization-benefits. (Please note that access to the full text may require a subscription or purchase.)   Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Start 00:01:09 – Intro 00:03:31 – Kevin Oakes on culture renovation vs. culture change 00:27:58 – Kim McMurdo on collective leadership and hybrid teams 00:48:41 – Terry Jones on innovation, disruption, and practical AI use 01:14:59 – End Contact: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

The Battle To Keep Inclusion on the Organizational Agenda. Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) under existential threat? With political shifts and corporate cutbacks, is this the end of D.E.I. as we know it—or just a moment of transformation? In this episode, John Helmer speaks with Amri B. Johnson, author of Reconstructing Inclusion and CEO of Inclusion Wins, about the evolving landscape of D.E.I. in the workplace. They discuss whether D.E.I. is fundamentally flawed, if it will persist under different branding, and how organizations should adapt to changing times. Amri's links: Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonathan/ Dr. Lauran Star https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauranstar/ Dr. David Livermore https://davidlivermore.com/ Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. https://sdms360.com/2017/11/30/the-shamming-of-diversity/ Frederick G. Falker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajf1iMlwi_o Peter Mousaferiadis https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermousaferiadis/ Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano https://www.linkedin.com/in/adblanche/   TIMESTAMPS: • 00:00 – Start • 01:09 – Intro • 04:36 – Does he still have a job? • 11:30 – Is the language of D.E.I. one of the problems with it? • 22:19 – Will D.E.I. persist, but change its name and go underground? • 25:40 – How does he respond to the studies that show D.E.I. training doesn't work? • 30:26 – Is D.E.I. just 'woke capital' at work? • 51:41 – End   Connect with Amri B. Johnson: • Website: Inclusion Wins • LinkedIn: Amri B. Johnson's Profile • Twitter: @amribjohnson   Follow The Learning Hack: Website: learninghackpodcast.com LinkedIn: John Helmer X (Twitter): @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social  

In this episode, John Helmer engages with UK-based artificial intelligence expert Robert Guidi to explore the potential impact of AI on Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in data science and technology policy, Robert has worked across industries to help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, translating complex AI concepts into practical strategies. They discuss whether AI poses an existential threat to the L&D profession or offers new opportunities for growth and innovation. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI in L&D, the challenges of implementation, and the future landscape of learning technologies. They also discuss the book Robert is writing: 'ChatL&D: A Practical Guide to AI-Powered Performance Support'.  Support the crowd funder for the book here (This link will be live from 4 March 2025) Timestamps: • 00:01:09 - Intro • 00:03:36 - Does the world need another book about AI? • 00:12:30 - Is AI an existential threat to L&D? • 00:17:31 - An opportunity for 70/20/10 approaches? • 00:25:27 - Generic versus specialized software tools • 00:28:43 - The problem of 'model drift' • 00:31:35 - Implementation challenges • 00:43:23 - Change Management • 00:45:31 - Agentic AI • 00:55:29 - Small language models • 01:05:41 - When will the book come out? • 01:09:11 - End   Contact Robert Guidi: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertguidi   Connect with Us: • Website: www.learninghackpodcast.com • Twitter: @johnhelmer • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast

Mastering Skills Tech: Implementation, Validation & Organizational Change. In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of skills technology with Teresa Rose, an award-winning learning and performance consultant and founder of ConsultHer Ltd. With over 16 years of experience in organizational and people development, Teresa shares her insights on implementing skills technology, the importance of skills validation, and how organizations can adapt to make skills initiatives successful. We also explore topics such as process mapping, change management, and designing effective reskilling journeys. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage skills to drive organizational success.   Timestamps: • 00:00 – Start • 01:09 - Intro • 03:35 - Implementing skills technology • 07:45 - Skills validation • 10:31 - Data sources for skills tech • 21:22 - How does an organization need to adapt to make skills technology work? • 24:24 - Process mapping • 29:08 - Change management • 37:44 - Skills portfolio management • 40:23 - Designing reskilling journeys • 46:45 - Further reading • 49:06 - End   Guest Contact Information: Teresa Rose • Website: www.consulther.co.uk • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresar   Resources Mentioned: • Guy W. Wallace's work on process mapping and performance improvement • Peter Sheppard's insights on skill sensing networks at Ericsson • Uncommon Sense by Julia Galef – a recommended read on decision-making and critical thinking • The Oxford Review – for research on competencies and skills in organizational performance   Connect with Us: • Website: www.learninghackpodcast.com • Twitter: @johnhelmer • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast  

Challenging assumptions about learning, performance, and the rise of AI. Nick Shackleton-Jones returns to The Learning Hack to challenge assumptions about learning theory, discuss his Affective Context Model, and reflect on the future of workplace learning. From TikTok as a learning platform to the risks of deceptive AI, this thought-provoking conversation will inspire and provoke in equal measure. Prepare for fresh insights and bold perspectives from one of learning's great minds. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:09 - Intro 00:03:40 - TikTok: the ultimate learning platform? 00:09:28 - What has Nick been doing in the last 5 years? 00:22:43 - Is learning ROI based on magical thinking 00:27:37 - How has his thinking changed since he first wrote 'How People Learn'? 00:36:26 - Have digital media become too poisonous for learning? 00:42:37 - Has the move to performance support really happened in L&D? 00:47:05 - AI: Is Nick a P-Doomer? 01:09:41 - Who does he follow in learning? 01:13:03 - End Contact John Helmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Voices from Berlin: Learning in the Age of AI. In this episode, John Helmer reports from the Online Educa Berlin (OEB) Conference, engaging with four influential voices in learning and development: futurist Gerd Leonhard, workplace learning expert Laura Overton, digital education innovator Maribel Reyes-Millán, and L&D thought leader Donald H. Taylor. Together, they discuss the transformative power of AI, strategies for navigating disruption, and the evolving demands of learning in an uncertain world. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:06 - Intro 00:03:08 - Gerd Leonhard 00:22:32 - Laura Overton 00:46:23 - Maribel Reyes Millán 01:00:52 - Donald H. Taylor 01:21:06 - End Contact John Helmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Cultural Change in Workplaces In this episode, Chris Jay, founder of Bascule Disability Training, shares insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tackling stereotypes about disability. Drawing from personal experiences as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Chris discusses the economic benefits of inclusion, the challenges of hidden disabilities, and the importance of cultural change. He also explores disability representation in media through his film initiative, Bascule Entertainment, advocating for authentic, empowering narratives. 00:00 - Start 00:51 - Intro 08:31 - Has disabilty awareness improved? 12:42 - The economic case for workplace inclusivity 15:42 - Hidden disabilities 20:04 - Does DEI training work? 24:03 - What really works in inclusiveness training? 28:51 - Do mental health disabiities get more 'airtime' nowadays than physical? 31:14 - Chris's work in showbiz 36:55 - Where does he go for inspiration and information? 40:02 – End Follow Chris Jay: ·      LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-jay-bascule ·      Websites: bascule.com (Bascule Disability Training) bascule.com/training/business-training (Training for Businesses) bascule.com/online-training (Bascule's online training) Email: chris@bascule.com    Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack

Strategic Insights on Leadership, AI, and Skills for Tomorrow John Helmer explores the future of learning with Anne-Valérie Corboz (HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (Akkodis Academy). They discuss leadership evolution, generative AI's impact, and strategies for building future-ready skills. From innovation challenges to aligning L&D with business goals, this episode offers actionable insights for learning professionals navigating rapid technological change and preparing for tomorrow's workplace. A must-listen for those shaping the future of education and work. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:11 - Intro 00:01:50 - Anne_Valerie Corboz 00:22:45 - Ad - iVentiv 00:23:26 - Jane Underwood 00:43:32 - Sarah Otley 01:13:49 – End  Guest contacts: Anne-Valérie Corboz: Associate Dean for Executive Education at HEC Paris. Email: annevaleriecorboz@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/corboz X: @AnneVCorboz Jane Underwood: Global Head of Learning at Reckitt.   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janeunderwoodorganisationaldevelopment X: @JaneUnderwood Sarah Otley: Global Head of Akkodis Academy. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-otley-0a065620 X: @SarahOtley Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com