The Assembly

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Dan Philips.Dan is a highly experienced L&D consultant with a deep background in psychology and behavioural change. For the last 15 years, he has specialised in using the Insights Discovery model to help individuals, teams, and leaders improve their self-awareness, communication, and collaboration.In this episode, Dan provides a masterclass on the Insights Discovery model, a powerful personality profiling tool that uses a simple language of four colour energies to unlock profound behavioural change. He provides a comprehensive guide for L&D professionals, including:What is the Insights Discovery Model?: Dan explains the Jungian-based model and its four core colour energies: Cool Blue (detail and clarity), Sunshine Yellow (innovation and collaboration), Fiery Red (action and decisions), and Earth Green (values and trust).The Power of the Team Wheel: Discover how the model visually plots entire teams, helping individuals understand their colleagues' preferences and what it’s "like to be on the receiving end of me."Beyond a "Fun" Team Day: Dan stresses that while the model is engaging, its true power comes from aligning it with specific business challenges—from improving stakeholder communication and breaking down silos to enhancing leadership effectiveness.A Common Language for Feedback: Learn how the language of colour helps to depersonalise feedback, allowing for more open and constructive conversations that reduce interpersonal tension.Driving Real Business Value: Discover how improving self-awareness and collaboration directly impacts the bottom line by increasing employee engagement, reducing turnover, and saving money.How L&D Can Leverage the Model: Dan provides practical use cases for integrating Insights into leadership development, change management, one-to-one coaching, and even for an L&D team's own self-reflection.Dan offers a clear and practical guide to a tool that gets to the heart of what drives business success: how people work effectively together. If you are looking for a framework to improve communication and team dynamics, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Dan on LinkedIn:  Dan PhilipsAnd check out: Kings Hurst ConsultingA short introduction to Insights DiscoveryInsights websiteLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Sybrand Oudega.Sybrand is a global learning and talent development leader with 25 years of international experience at iconic brands like Nokia, Microsoft, and Adidas. As the former Senior Director of the Global Sales Academy at Adidas, he was responsible for the skills and performance of over 35,000 employees across 75 countries and 37 languages.In this episode, Sybrand provides a masterclass on how to design learning programs that scale globally while connecting locally. He shares the hard-won lessons from his extensive career, including:The Golden Rule of Global L&D: Sybrand explains his core principle: the success of a global team is not defined by what they create, but by how successful they make the local market teams. It’s a shift from dictating to enabling.Balancing Consistency and Autonomy: Discover how to maintain a consistent global brand and core frameworks (like a service model or leadership principles) while empowering local teams to adapt the application of these skills to fit their unique cultural context.The Power of Partnership: Learn why the most critical factor for success is building strong, trust-based partnerships with local market teams and involving them directly in the design and validation process.Scaling the Trainers: Sybrand details the 20-week global trainer certification program his team created to build a common language and skill set across 120 trainers, ensuring that when they localised content, they did so without compromising its integrity.The Technology Game-Changer: Hear how advancements in AI-powered video translation completely transformed their ability to deliver relevant, timely product training, causing content engagement to spike.Lessons in Cultural Nuance: Sybrand shares his personal experience of learning the hard way that a direct, Western approach to feedback doesn't work everywhere, and references Geert Hofstede's six dimensions of culture as a valuable resource.Sybrand offers an incredibly insightful and practical guide for any L&D professional operating in a multi-national environment. If you are looking to create learning that is both globally efficient and locally effective, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Sybrand on LinkedIn:  Sybrand Oudega And check out Geert Hofstede's six dimensions of culture: The 6 dimensions model of national culture by Geert HofstedeLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Nahdia Khan.Nahdia is a strategic advisor and purpose-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in digital learning, public policy, and executive education. As the former Chief Impact Officer at Mind Tools, she has deep expertise in transforming customer relationships into vibrant communities of practice that drive both engagement and commercial success.In this episode, Nahdia provides a masterclass on the power of Learning Communities of Practice, built on her core belief that "people learn best when they're connected." She offers a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to build and sustain a thriving community, including:What is a Learning Community of Practice?: Nahdia defines it as a group of people sharing a common challenge or passion who come together regularly to learn from each other through a blend of peer learning, co-creation, and applied practice.The Key Ingredients for Success: Discover the essential elements needed to build a successful community, including trust, transparency, psychological safety, and co-creation, with the ultimate goal of the community becoming self-managing.A Practical Guide to Getting Started: Nahdia outlines a step-by-step process for building a community from scratch, from defining the problem you're solving to doing market research and involving members from the very beginning."Living Labs for Insight": Learn how communities solve critical challenges for L&D teams by serving as a real-time source of feedback, a space to test ideas, and a way to have nuanced, hype-free conversations on fast-moving topics like AI.How to Measure Success: Nahdia breaks down measurement into three key layers: engagement (participation rates), value (member feedback and stories of applied learning), and impact (contribution to business outcomes).The Future is Connection: Nahdia makes a powerful case for why communities are not a "nice-to-have" but a "must-have," arguing that the most sustainable asset an organization can build is the connection between its people.Nahdia offers an inspiring and actionable framework for creating powerful learning communities. If you believe in the power of connection and want to foster collaborative learning, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Nahdia on LinkedIn: Nahdia Khan Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

The Summer of Learning: Building an AI-Ready, Experimental Culture at Immediate with Kathryn SwandaleIn this fascinating interview, Adam is joined by Kathryn (Katie) Swandale, Senior Learning and Development Partner at Immediate. Immediate is a major publishing group known for brands like Radio Times, Good Food, and BBC Gardeners’ World. With over a decade of experience designing and delivering strategically aligned experiential learning,In this strategic and practical episode, Katie walks through the initiative's evolution, sharing the nuts and bolts of how they achieved an 86% AI adoption rate among employees, a figure significantly above the industry average.Key takeaways from this masterclass in strategic L&D and cultural change:Genesis: The initiative was sparked by the impact of generative AI, forcing Immediate to address a potential AI skills gap and meet people where they were on their learning journey.Program Structure: The eight-week program features an Immersion Day, self-serve workshops linked to five strategic themes, and dedicated Experimentation Days for safe project ideation.Driving Engagement: High engagement is ensured by strong leadership backing and Subject Matter Experts. Crucially, all activities are made tangible and clearly linked to the business strategyConnect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-swandale/Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Lindsey Coode and Funmi O'Dell of Learning Pool.Lindsey is Learning Pool’s Director of Content Software, with over 25 years of experience in learning design and technology. Funmi is a Product Manager at Learning Pool, specializing in shaping impactful digital learning and compliance solutions with a deep background in product development and UX design.In this episode, Lindsey and Funmi break down the core concepts of experience design and product innovation, explaining how these disciplines are transforming the L&D landscape. They provide a masterclass in product thinking for learning professionals, including:The Cereal Analogy: Funmi provides a brilliant and simple way to understand the difference between content (the cereal), user interface (the bowl and spoon), and experience design (the entire end-to-end feeling of eating it).The Goal is to "Delight Learners": Lindsey explains how experience design in learning moves beyond just knowledge transfer to focus on how the experience makes people feel, which is critical for both engagement and impact.Innovation vs. Invention: Learn why innovation isn't about creating something from scratch, but about applying existing ideas and technologies in new ways to solve real problems.Practical Techniques to Spark Creativity: Discover actionable brainstorming methods like "Worst Possible Idea," "Brain Writing," and "Working Alone Together" to generate better ideas and ensure all voices are heard.The Role of AI: Lindsey and Funmi discuss how AI is used both in their products (for role-plays and feedback) and in their process (as a "brainstorm buddy"), and why the question isn't just can we use AI, but should we?Lindsey and Funmi offer a clear and accessible guide to the skills and mindset needed to innovate in L&D. If you want to understand how to design more impactful and engaging learning experiences, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Lindsey and Funmi on LinkedIn: Lindsey Coode & Funmi Wendel Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with digitial learning industry leader, Peter Riber.Peter is the Head of New Tech and Digital Learning Solutions at Novo Nordisk and is known for being at the forefront of technological innovation in L&D. Over the last two years, he and his team have pivoted to building and deploying internal Generative AI agents to tackle long-standing challenges in the workplace.In this episode, Peter shares the behind-the-scenes story of how his team moved from managing learning platforms to building bespoke AI coaches. He provides a masterclass on the practical application of GenAI in a large enterprise, including:The “Dilemma Coach”: Discover the AI agent Peter’s team has successfully deployed, which allows employees to practice difficult conversations in a safe, private, and contextual environment.Why Build When You Can Buy?: Peter explains the critical, non-negotiable reason for building internally: context. Learn why an AI trained on your company’s unique values, policies, and culture is the key to creating a believable and effective experience.Safety and Trust are #1: Hear about the meticulous process of ensuring user data is secure and building trust through early user testing and clear, human-centric communication.The Future is Career Coaching: Peter unveils his next ambition: an AI-powered career coach that connects employees to internal opportunities based on a rich, contextual skills assessment conducted by the AI itself.Lessons from the Trenches: Learn why you don’t need all the data to create a powerful AI experience, and why L&D must avoid over-engineering solutions.A Practical Guide to Getting Started: Peter provides clear, actionable advice for any L&D professional wanting to experiment with AI: start small, build a tangible prototype (not a PowerPoint), and educate yourself on the technology.Peter offers a rare and candid look into what it truly takes to move beyond the hype and implement generative AI in L&D. If you are looking for an inspiring and practical guide to building your own AI solutions, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: Peter RiberLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Lavinia Mehedințu of Offbeat.Lavinia is a co-founder and Learning Architect at Offbeat, with 12 years of experience designing learning experiences and career development programs. She specialises in applying adult learning principles to help L&D professionals connect, collaborate, and grow.In this episode, Lavinia challenges the popular buzzword "learning culture" and offers a more tangible, systemic alternative. Lavinia provides a masterclass in systems thinking for L&D, including:Deconstructing "Learning Culture": Why the concept is often too nebulous to be useful and why the responsibility for creating it can't fall on L&D alone.The Four Conditions for Learning: Lavinia outlines the tangible elements that truly shape learning in an organisation: structure, procedures, information flow, and incentives.Introducing Learning Architecture: A more systemic approach that focuses on identifying and removing blockers to learning and adaptation across the entire organization.The Sensemaking Cycle: How to move from raw data to real impact through a cycle of sensing information, making sense of it collaboratively, experimenting with small changes, and scaling what works.The Role of AI: How AI can free up L&D to become true learning architects, improve information flow, and how organisations must now manage learning from both humans and machines.Lavinia provides a clear, actionable framework for moving beyond buzzwords to build organisations that truly learn. If you are looking for a more practical and systemic way to foster learning, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Lavinia on LinkedIn:  Lavinia Mehedințu And check out OffBeat: Offbeat Learning & Development PlatformLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Pooja Shemar.Pooja is a senior L&D leader and passionate mental health advocate with over 20 years of experience, including 17 years driving transformation at Microsoft. Fuelled by her own personal journey, Pooja is on a mission to normalise conversations around mental health in the workplace, creating environments where people can truly thrive.In this powerful and practical episode, Pooja shares her personal story and provides an essential guide to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). She offers a masterclass in creating psychologically safe spaces, including:What is Mental Health First Aid?: Pooja breaks down the role of an MHFAider – not as a therapist, but as a crucial first point of contact to recognise signs, offer support, and guide colleagues toward professional help.How to Spot an Issue: Learn the simple, observable steps to recognise when a colleague might be struggling, centered around the powerful question: "Are you okay?"A Practical Toolkit for Offering Support: Pooja provides a step-by-step guide on how to help, including how to create a safe space, listen without judgment, show empathy, and encourage without forcing.Starting with Care, Not Assumptions: Discover the importance of framing conversations with concern for the individual, rather than labelling their behaviour or assuming you know what they're going through.How L&D Can Lead the Charge: Pooja outlines actionable ways L&D and HR can champion mental health, from embedding it in onboarding to making it a top-down leadership responsibility.The Power of Language: A crucial reminder to be mindful of casually using terms like "depressed" or "anxious," and the impact this can have on those with lived experience.Pooja offers a deeply human and actionable framework for anyone looking to build a more supportive and mentally healthy workplace. If you want to learn how to open up the conversation and make a real difference, this is a must-listen-to episode. Connect with Pooja on LinkedIn: Pooja Mehta Shemar (FLPI) Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Jayne Mather.Jayne is an author, consultant, and expert in technology adoption, focusing on digital transformation and intelligent automation. She is the author of Humans and AI: The Future of Work and Super User Networks for Software Projects and specialises in helping businesses integrate emerging technologies to deliver long-term value.In this episode, Jayne walks Brigid through understanding and leveraging AI within learning and the wider organisation. Jayne gives a masterclass on the practical application and human side of AI, including:The "Netflix of Learning": How AI and machine learning can finally deliver on the promise of creating truly personalised learning paths for employees.The Gift of Time: What organisations should do with the time they gain from AI, including re-skilling for the future and moving toward a four-day work week.Moving from Insight to Impact: Using AI to rapidly analyse data (like training evaluations) so your people can focus on high-value, strategic work.Practical Ways to Start: How to begin exploring AI, from experimenting with prompts to training chatbots on your own company policies and procedures.The Importance of Trust: Why technology projects must be done with people, not to them, and how to get buy-in for AI adoption.Diversity in AI: Jayne discusses the risks of biased AI and why having diverse perspectives at the table is crucial for creating technology that benefits everyone.Jayne provides a clear, strategic framework for thinking about AI. This is a must-listen episode if you want to understand how AI will shape the future of work and L&D.Connect with Jayne on LinkedIn: Jayne Mather And check out her website: Jayne Mather - Author | Speaker Jayne's books: Humans and AI: The Future of WorkSuper User Networks for Software Projects: Best practices for training and change managementLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Dwayne Britton of DayWon.Dwayne is a seasoned expert in learning, brand, and culture with over 15 years of experience at iconic, people-first companies like Apple, Lululemon, and On. Now, through his consultancy, DayWon, he helps growing organisations align their learning initiatives with their unique brand culture.In this episode, Dwayne draws on his non-linear career to explain why L&D's role is not just to create content, but to act as a "cultural amplifier." He provides a masterclass on integrating brand identity into learning, including:The “Signature Brew” Model: Dwayne unveils his signature framework for creating impactful learning experiences that hit the sweet spot between three crucial realms: Strategic, Brand, and Human.Creating a Learning Philosophy: Learn why every organisation needs a clear point of view on "how people grow here" to avoid siloed, off-brand training and to build momentum behind learning.Making it Practical: Dwayne walks through a step-by-step example of applying his model to a common L&D request—feedback training—showing how to tie it to strategic KPIs, adapt it for brand and cultural fit, and make it resonate on a human level.From Sidelined to Strategic Partner: Actionable advice for L&D leaders who feel like a "training team" on the sidelines. Dwayne explains how to reclaim your strategic role by making your impact visible across the business.Dwayne offers a powerful perspective on how L&D can move beyond being a support function to become a core driver of culture and brand. If you are looking for a practical framework to elevate your strategic influence, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Dwanye on LinkedIn:  Dwayne Britton And check out the mini needs analysis: https://www.daywon.co/blog/translating-great-ideas-into-learning-that-belongsDAYWON website: https://www.daywon.co/Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Barry Ryan of Thirst.Barry is a seasoned marketer turned L&D advocate and is the Head of Marketing at Thirst, the learning platform built for SMEs. With a deep background in B2B marketing, Barry is on a mission to help L&D teams think more like marketers to drive real impact and boost learner engagement.In this episode, Barry talks Brigid through how to apply marketing principles to L&D. Barry covers the core challenges L&D professionals face and how to overcome them, including:Know your audience: How to create and use learner personas to ensure you’re not "shooting in the dark."Content is king, but relevance is queen: Why great content is useless if it doesn't solve a problem for your learners.Engagement funnels equal learning journeys: Practical tips on how to build campaign momentum using hooks, segmentation, strong visuals, and repurposed content.Social proof and internal advocacy: Using testimonials, success stories, and internal influencers to build trust, credibility, and a fear of missing out (FOMO).Measure what matters: Moving beyond completion rates to track metrics like engagement, behaviour change, and long-term retention to prove and increase L&D's value.Barry gives practical advice on how to build and manage learning campaigns and highlights the commonalities between marketing and L&D. If you are looking to drive engagement with your learning, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Barry on LinkedIn: Barry Ryan Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Sarah Clayton Jones.Sarah is the Founder and CEO of Read to Lead, an organisation that delivers book-inspired peer learning experiences to develop human-skilled leaders and connected teams. With over 20 years of experience leading teams at global organisations, including VW and Accenture, Sarah is an ICF-accredited performance coach, facilitator, and certified NLP and neuroscience practitioner.In this episode, Sarah talks Adam through why it's business-critical to get people to think differently and how to overcome the common barriers that stand in the way. Sarah shares her journey into L&D and explains her unique, book-led approach to fostering cognitive diversity and creating a culture of curiosity.In this episode, Sarah and Adam cover:Why thinking differently is essential for organisational growth, innovation, and resilience.The common barriers to new ways of thinking, including the need for certainty and a lack of psychological safety.How to use books and structured, peer-led dialogue to catalyse change.Practical tips for designing learning experiences that provoke thinking shifts, focusing on "one insight, one action".Approaches to measuring the impact and ROI of developing human skills.Sarah gives practical advice on how to build a culture of curiosity and connection by challenging assumptions and making it safe to explore new ideas. If you are looking to spark innovation in your teams, this is a must-listen-to episode.Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn:  Sarah Clayton-Jones, FLPIFind out more about Read to Lead: Read To LeadLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Assembly, host Brigid sits down with Susi Miller, an internationally recognised expert in e-learning accessibility and the award-winning author of Designing Accessible Learning Content. With over 30 years of experience, Susi breaks down the essentials of creating digital learning that is not just compliant, but truly inclusive and effective for all learners.Together, Brigid and Susi unpack:The true meaning of accessibility—moving beyond compliance to create genuinely equitable experiences.Why up to 25% of your workforce may be facing learning barriers you don’t even know about.Practical, real-world examples of accessible design for sight, hearing, motor, and cognitive needs.How embracing accessibility leads to innovation and better learning design for everyone.The power of "Quiet Access-ability" and making an impact, one learner at a time.Actionable starting points for practitioners, including the "progress over perfection" mindset.Whether you're an instructional designer, an L&D leader, or anyone creating digital content, this episode is an essential guide to understanding why accessibility must be the default, not an afterthought.Connect with Susi on LinkedIn: Susi Miller Designing Accessible Learning Content eLa1000 Accessibility AssessmentLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this interview, Adam sits down with Will Thalheimer, a world-renowned expert in learning science, learning evaluation, and evidence-based practice in L&D.Will is the founder of Work-Learning Research, a respected speaker, and the creator of the Learning Transfer Evaluation Model (LTEM). He is also the author of Performance-Focused Learner Surveys and his latest release, The CEO’s Guide to Training, eLearning and Work: Empowering Learning for a Competitive Advantage.In this episode, Will explains how L&D professionals can better partner with business leaders by focusing on strategic impact. He unpacks the thinking behind his latest book, written specifically to help CEOs—and L&D teams—understand how to drive competitive advantage through better learning.Will talks Adam through:How to speak the language of business without losing your L&D soulWhy competitive advantage is a powerful frame for L&D’s valueThe limitations of learner surveys—and what to measure insteadHow to influence senior leaders using evidence-based learning principlesPractical ways to push back on poor training requests with tact and structureThe importance of empowering managers to support continuous learningWhy L&D needs more emotional intelligence and communityWill also explains how to use LTEM to evaluate learning in a meaningful way and shares actionable strategies for building stronger learning interventions grounded in the science of retention, decision-making, and performance.This episode is packed with energising insights for learning professionals at any level. Whether you’re leading a function or just starting out, Will’s advice is a must-listen if you want to deepen your impact and influence in your organisation.Connect with Will on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hinchliffe-yourskillshub/ And check out Work-Learning Research: Work-Learning ResearchMore information on LTEMLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack sits down with renowned senior learning strategist Lori Niles-Hofmann to demystify the big shifts shaping Learning and Development today. With over 25 years of experience across international banking, consulting, and marketing, Lori offers a compelling look into the evolving world of L&D—from digital acceleration to AI and skills-based transformation.Together, Brigid and Lori unpack:The three seismic shifts reshaping L&D post-pandemicWhy skills—not job titles—are the future of workforce strategyWhat L&D professionals really need to know about AI and AI agentsHow to track and recalibrate skills over time like a supply chainActionable tools and trusted resources for those new to the fieldWhy the human element will always be at the heart of learning—even in an AI-driven worldWhether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insight and perspective on the path forward in L&D.Connect with Lori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinileshofmann/Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Jez Light of Ground Control.Jez is an award-winning learning leader, known for his transformational approach to L&D. He is Head of Learning and a member of the executive team at Ground Control, a national maintenance and construction company operating across the UK. Jez previously led learning for global brands including Phones4U and Superdry, where his work won a CIPD People Management Award.At Ground Control, Jez has reimagined L&D—moving it from compliance-driven training to a vibrant, learner-first culture that supports everyone, from apprentices to senior leaders.In this episode, Jez walks Adam through how he’s rebuilt learning at scale. He shares the tools, tone, and thinking behind GC Academy, and how he transformed a dormant apprenticeship levy into a major engine for growth and retention.Jez covers:How to rebrand L&D to engage the whole businessCreative strategies to make learning accessible, flexible and funTurning the apprenticeship levy into a company-wide perkPractical systems for tracking ROI and learner impactBuilding psychological safety inside L&D teamsJez gives honest, inspiring, and refreshingly practical advice on how to create a learning culture people genuinely use—and love. If you’re trying to get your L&D function listened to, this is a must-listen episode.Connect with Jez on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jez-light-07150249/Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this debut episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack welcomes the inimitable John Helmer—podcast host, writer, and long-time learning industry figure—for a no-nonsense exploration of how the world of L&D has evolved over the past two decades. Drawing on his deep experience as a marketer, buyer, and thought leader, John shares practical advice on how to navigate the complex, often messy business of purchasing learning solutions.This episode is essential listening for anyone stepping into the L&D space—especially those grappling with vendor selection, learning systems, or content procurement.Brigid and John discuss:Why trust, scale, and innovation are non-negotiables in vendor relationshipsThe difference between content vendors and LMS providers—and why it mattersHow to sniff out risk, recognise desperation, and avoid getting "nickeled and dimed"The buyer’s golden rule: Know your vendorJohn gives practical advice and insight to the world of L&D, if you're just starting out or want to increase your knowledge then this is a must-listen-to episode. Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/Listen to the Learning Hack: The Learning Hack podcastLooking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Ross Garner and Paul Buller of Mind Tools to explore one of the most pressing topics in L&D today: the role of AI in content creation and the future of learning.Ross is Chief Learning Officer at Mind Tools and a former Learning Designer of the Year. He’s also a long-time podcast host and co-author of the L&D Dispatch newsletter. Paul is Head of Content at Mind Tools, an executive coach, and an expert in leadership and organisational psychology with a track record in leading hybrid learning teams at global organisations.In this episode, Ross and Paul unpack how AI is reshaping what we create, how we design learning experiences, and the skills L&D professionals need to thrive in this new landscape.They share their reflections on:Why content creation jobs are shifting—not disappearingHow AI can free up time to focus on behaviour change and learning designThe continued importance of authentic human connection in digital learningPractical ways to integrate AI into workflows without compromising qualityHow L&D can defend against “internet slop” with trustworthy, research-backed contentRoss and Paul give thoughtful, grounded insights into what AI means for learning teams today—and why embracing it with optimism and intentionality is the smart move. If you’re navigating the shift to AI-enhanced learning design, this is a must-listen episode.Duolingo AI Revolution: https://drphilippahardman.substack.com/p/duolingos-ai-revolutionConnect with them on LinkedInRoss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-garner/Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbuller/Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Assembly – the new voice of Assemble You. Formerly known as L&D Challenges, our rebranded podcast reflects a more inclusive, optimistic, and forward-thinking take on learning and development.In this episode, co-founders Richard Ward and Adam Lacey are joined by new co-host Brigid McCormack to walk you through what’s changing—and why.What’s new?We're not just renaming the podcast—we're revamping the format too. Expect:Broader topics that go beyond traditional L&D hurdles.More voices, with Brigid launching her own series aimed at newcomers to the L&D space.Meet Brigid:New to the industry herself, Brigid is curating L&D 101 interviews with industry veterans who answer foundational questions for those just starting out—or those wanting a refresher.Whether you’re a seasoned pro refining your approach or brand new to the L&D world, The Assembly is here to bring insight, inspiration, and ideas to help you thrive. It’s not just about the problems—it’s about what’s working, what’s next, and how we can grow together.Follow Assemble You on LinkedIn and subscribe to The Assembly wherever you get your podcasts to catch the latest episodes each week.

Remember 'performance support'? Amid all the talk of AI, adaptive learning, and skills, it's kind of been forgotten.But not by us! Or by respondents to Don Taylor's Global Sentiment Survey, who ranked it 11th hottest trend this year (up two from last year).In the first of a two-part series of crossover episodes with our partner MindTools, Adam sits down with Ross G and Paul to discuss:What makes great performance support?What conditions make performance support effective?What role does AI play in all this?To find out more about the performance support available for leaders and managers, from Mindtools, visit mindtools.com. And, good news! You can now add Microsoft Shorts from Assemble You to your subscription.During this episode, Ross G discussed extended cognition and the productivity paradox.Paul discussed Gloria Gery's definition of performance support.Ross also discussed the book Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro, and our 2016 report 'The Secret Learning Lives of Managers'.We also discussed the World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs 2025' report.And in 'What I Learned This Week', Paul recommended the book Kill the Unicorn, and Adam recommended The Anxious Generation.If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn: Ross GarnerPaul BullerAdam Lacey