Australia’s tech sector faces a critical skills gap. Women – who make up just 30% of the tech workforce – represent the largest untapped talent pool to close this gap. Michelle Ockers speaks with Kade Brown from RMIT Online and Rhiannon Yetsenga from Deloitte Access Economics about their latest research report into skills and talent diversity in Australia’s tech workforce. They explore the key findings of the report, including the scale of the skills gap, why women are the biggest untapped opportunity to close this gap, and the business case for investing in re-skilling. The conversation also highlights practical actions organisations can take to attract, retain, and develop more women in tech roles.

Hosted by Michelle Ockers 

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-42/ 

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

The 2025 Global Sentiment Report has been released, capturing the pulse of L&D professionals worldwide. In this episode, Michelle Ockers speaks with Donald H Taylor about the key findings and what they reveal about what L&D is paying attention to in 2025. AI continues to dominate conversations, but there’s also continued interest in skills and data, with the creating value on the rise again. Don shares insights on why these trends matter, how they vary across different regions, and what L&D professionals can take away from the results.

Hosted by Michelle Ockers  

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-41/  

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Ryan Byrne, Senior Manager of Capability and Learning at Sydney Trains joins host Michelle Ockers to discusses the "First Impressions Count" performance campaign. This campaign focused on enhancing customer service through station cleanliness, uniform standards and empowering and engaging staff. Ryan shares insights on using employee feedback to identify barriers and build respectful, actionable solutions. He also highlights how Sydney Trains engaged staff via competitions, incentives, and real-time customer feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the frontline.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/164/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers and co-host Laura Overton are joined by Lisa Christensen, Director of Learning at McKinsey, to explore the organisation's innovative approach to enhancing feedback skills. Lisa introduces the Receive to Grow program, a targeted initiative designed to help employees build the skill of receiving feedback effectively - a critical competency in McKinsey's fast-paced and high-performance culture. Lisa delves into McKinsey's broader feedback surge strategy, discussing how cross-functional collaboration, data-driven insights, and behavioural science have shaped this impactful initiative. Discover how simple, actionable learning techniques and a holistic talent strategy are transforming feedback practices at scale.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/163/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Michelle Ockers is joined by Dr. Cathryn Lloyd, founder of Maverick Minds, to explore how L&D professionals can shift their thinking and support others to shift their thinking. Cathryn shares how her own experiences of personal and professional transformation led to her work in helping individuals and organisations think differently. They discuss why shifting thinking is crucial for L&D professionals who are responsible for supporting learning, change, and capability-building in their organisations. Cathryn introduces practical tools and insights from her book on storytelling and creativity.

Hosted by Michelle Ockers 

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-40/ 

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Catherine Sharpe (Blackmores) and Mark Eggers (Yarno) join Michelle Ockers to discuss their award-winning learning solution. Recognised at the AITD 2024 Excellence Awards for both Best Use of Technology for Learning and Best Use of Gamification or Simulation, their initiative tackled the challenge of embedding financial acumen across Blackmores’ diverse, multilingual workforce. Catherine and Mark share insights on leveraging gamification, microlearning, and data-driven engagement to transform revenue management training. Learn how this innovative partnership boosted learning outcomes and engagement across 13 Asia-Pacific markets.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/162/ 

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Millie Law discusses a highly successful blended learning initiative at ANZ Bank that won the 2024 AITD award for best blended learning solution. The program focused on developing business development capabilities among home lending specialists. The solution combined self-paced learning, peer workshops, and practical application, with strong support from internal coaches. Through careful performance consulting, collaboration and a focus on mindset shifts, the program achieved sustained 20-25% improvements in key business metrics.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/161/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this special episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers presents an AI playbook for Learning and Development professionals. Drawing from conversations with industry practitioners throughout 2024, she distills key principles and practices for implementing AI effectively in L&D. The episode explores how organizations can move beyond the hype to create real value with AI, offering practical guidance whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to scale existing initiatives. A reflection and discussion guide is available in the show notes to help teams apply these insights in their own context.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/160/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle Ockers and Chemène Sinson reflect on the key themes explored in the 2024 Learning Uncut podcast episodes and connect them to broader trends and conversations in L&D. This year’s standout themes include moving from talk to action with AI, adopting skills-based approaches, fostering community and collaboration, and driving real behaviour change. Underpinning it all is the vital interplay between humanity and technology. From stories of professional growth to global learning insights, this episode offers rich inspiration as we step into 2025. Join the discussion on LinkedIn—find the episode post on Michelle’s profile and share your thoughts!

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/159/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/