In this episode, Craig Friedman, author of Enterprise Skills Unlocked, joins David to explore what it really means to build a skills-based organisation, and why now is the critical moment for change.

Together, they unpack the macro forces reshaping work, the difference between skills-based and role-based approaches, and the most compelling business cases driving adoption. Craig shares where organisations should start, the role (and pitfalls) of technology, and how governance and measurement come into play when scaling globally.

He also offers practical advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by the scale of transformation, with clear steps to move from ideas to action. If you’re curious about how skills can unlock new ways to manage, develop, and empower talent, this episode is essential listening.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It is now possible to manage and develop skills at a truly granular level, enabling real-time, targeted learning pathways tailored to each employee or business need instead of just for broad roles.

An integrated ecosystem of HR technology - including talent marketplaces, skills intelligence tools, and performance and learning management systems - enables true skills-based talent management. You can match the right person to the right project or task, instantly and precisely.

To have real impact, organizations must ground skills initiatives in urgent business objectives.

BEST MOMENTS

“This is a technology driven HR transformation, essentially …. we have access to a new level of skills data that we actually can manage.”

“It shifts talent from being a headcount management exercise to a capability management exercise, a giant step closer to business alignment.”

“No matter what anybody tells you, there is no one system that does it all.”

Craig Friedman

Craig Friedman has 30 years of experience as a human capital and talent advisor, executive, and entrepreneur. He specializes in skills-based talent strategies, learning operating models, change management, and performance consulting. A Senior Talent Strategist at St. Charles Consulting Group, Craig partners with CHROs and CLOs to align global talent strategies, supporting Fortune 500 companies and four of the five largest professional services firms.  

He spent 15 years at Deloitte, leading talent development for the U.S. Tax practice and earning several national and international learning awards. Craig also co-led Deloitte’s clinician change adoption practice and helped establish corporate universities for regional health systems. 

Craig’s background includes launching two eLearning start-ups and earning two U.S. patents for innovations in online education. He holds an M.A. in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University and dual undergraduate degrees from Tufts University in Human Factors Engineering and English.  Craig is the author of the new book Enterprise Skills Unlocked: A Blueprint for Building a Skills-Based Organization. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-w-friedman-8950841

Book: https://stccg.com/enterprise-skills-unlocked-2/

[email protected]

https://stccg.com/

HOST RESOURCES

https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

L&D Master Class: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

L&D has long carried the “hangover” of legacy expectations: delivering courses, creating content, and measuring completions. But in 2025, those skills won’t cut it - and they could even put the profession at risk of being replaced by AI.

In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Candice Mitchell - consultant, founder of the Talent Development Academy, and researcher into L&D’s future skills - to explore the next chapter for L&D. Together, they unpack the critical capabilities every practitioner needs now: from business acumen and consulting skills to the human strengths that AI can’t replicate.

Candice also shares her Impact Toolkit and five-spoke model for reframing the role of L&D, plus practical advice for professionals who feel stuck as reactive order-takers. If you want to move beyond legacy expectations and position yourself as a true business partner, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Businesses have to let go of the training course “comfort blanket”. Now, we need strategic skills development.

Teams that do not change will be replaced by AI.

AI skills will soon be standard. The human capabilities you bring beyond technology will set you apart.

Candice’s Impact Toolkit equips you to transition from order taker to strategic partner.

BEST MOMENTS

“Smart businesspeople just won’t let go of the comfort blanket.”

“We are good at delivering courses, at training people… but now we need to do the hard things so that we can stay relevant.”

Candice Mitchell 

With nearly 20 years in the field, Candice has worked both as a corporate L&D leader and as a consultant to global organisations, designing capability strategies that go far beyond “training delivery.”

Candice is a consultant, educator, and founder of the Talent Development Academy, where she helps mid-to-senior L&D professionals develop the skills needed to drive real business impact. Her Master’s research explored the skills L&D professionals must build to stay relevant in an AI-integrated workplace - concluding that while AI literacy is table stakes, it’s human and strategic capabilities that will define the future of the profession. Known for her optimism, candour, and practical frameworks, Candice is passionate about helping L&D break free from legacy expectations and step confidently into a more impactful role.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. 

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. 

CONTACT

 https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

 https://360learning.com/blog

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Egle Vinauskaite joins David to discuss the very latest AI in L&D report, The Race for Impact, and why L&D is at a pivotal moment.

They explore the shift from AI experimentation to implementation, the barriers holding teams back, and the new models of impact outlined in her “Transformation Triangle.” With case studies from Leyton and TTEC, Egle shows how L&D can move beyond content creation to workforce enablement and lasting business value.

If you want to understand how L&D can harness AI, adapt with confidence, and stay relevant in a fast-changing landscape, this episode is essential listening.

Get Ready For What Comes Next

L&D isn't ready for what's next, but you will be - the L&D Performance Academy is a free 9 course certification that gives you the playbook to stay essential in the age of AI agents and rising expectations.

Learn how to align learning with business goals, measure real impact and lead with confidence alongside a global community of L&D pros.

Don't just ask for a seat at the table, show up with the agenda – enrol here - https://bit.ly/488gT5w

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Standing still in today’s landscape is risky, L&D needs to go beyond producing content and become an indispensable partner in workforce performance.

Egel shares and explains the 3 future models L&D can use to evolve and become invaluable within their business - Skills Authority, Enablement Partner, and Adaptation Engine.

Not adopting AI is becoming a career-limiting risk for L&D professionals. Your performance is likely to be defined by whether and how you work with AI.

BEST MOMENTS

“L&D can move beyond content creation, embrace new models of impact and position itself as an indispensable partner in the workforce.”

"L&D can't stay a content producer or it will disappear"

"First understand your starting point, what does the business come to you for? What is your value add? "

Egle Vinauskaite Bio

Egle Vinauskaite brings extensive expertise in learning, behaviour, and technology, working with both global enterprises and emerging edtech innovators. Her background spans AI, XR, mobile learning, digital platforms, and blended learning design, giving her a unique perspective on how technology is reshaping organisational learning and the future of work. As both an advisor and researcher, she helps L&D teams integrate AI into their operations and prepare workforces with the skills needed for effective adoption. Blending rigorous research with hands-on application, Egle has a sharp view of how AI is redefining the role of L&D and creating new possibilities for learning in the workplace.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinauskaite

http://nodes.works

The Race for Impact report: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/focus04-race-for-impact

VALUABLE RESOURCES

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

https://360learning.com/blog

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Too often, Learning and Development professionals find themselves reacting to requests, churning out courses, and struggling to prove their value. In this episode, Jess Almlie—L&D leader and author of L&D Order Taker No More—shares how L&D teams can stop spinning their wheels and start stepping into a more strategic, credible role.

Drawing from her 20+ years of experience and the insights in her new book, Jess unpacks why L&D gets stuck, how legacy thinking from stakeholders holds us back, and what it takes to shift from service provider to business partner. She introduces tools like the "Order Taker Assessment," the power of building a vision, and the role of strategic playbooks in aligning stakeholders across the business.

Jess also explores the reality of organisational politics, the importance of truly understanding your business, and the small, intentional steps that help L&D earn trust and influence over time.

For anyone who’s tired of being reactive and wants to build a more impactful L&D function—this episode offers both validation and a clear path forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Moving from being order takers to true business partners means saying no to low-impact requests and focusing on work that drives organisational goals.

L&D needs to get off of the content creation hamster wheel.

Navigating organizational politics, the “unwritten rules” of how work gets done, is essential, not optional.

Operate with integrity and savvy, not naivety or ego.

BEST MOMENTS

“If you stand in one place on the beach and apply gentle pressure with your foot and slowly massage the sand, eventually you create a deep indent.”

"We need to operate as if we are a part of the business, not as separate.”

“This is a mindset and cultural shift for the entire organisation about how to work with L&D.”

Jess Almlie Bio

Jess Almlie is a seasoned Learning and Development leader, consultant, speaker, and author of L&D Order Taker No More. With over two decades of experience across sectors including healthcare, education, and financial services, Jess has led enterprise learning strategies that focus on business alignment, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Learning Experience at WEX.

Drawing on her own journey from instructional designer to senior L&D executive, Jess helps practitioners diagnose the factors keeping them stuck and take deliberate steps toward becoming strategic business partners. Her work blends deep organisational insight with practical tools - like assessments, playbooks, and stakeholder mapping - to help L&D teams earn influence and deliver real value.

Jess is helping to reshape what it means to be effective in L&D today - moving beyond reactivity to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie

L&D Must Change Podcast: https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast

Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Order-Taker-No-More-Strategic-ebook/dp/B0F83XBBCV

VALUABLE RESOURCES

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT DAVID JAMES

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

https://360learning.com/blog

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Kevin Yates - widely known as the L&D Detective® - joins David to explore why measuring impact remains one of the most persistent challenges in Learning & Development, and how L&D can finally start getting it right.

Together, they unpack why reporting on learning activity isn’t enough, what it really means to uncover evidence of performance impact, and how L&D must evolve to contribute meaningfully within the wider performance ecosystem. Kevin outlines the flaws in traditional training needs analysis, introduces his Workplace Performance Investigation Framework, and explains how business metrics—not LMS data—must become the cornerstone of meaningful measurement.

Kevin also shares how L&D teams can use tools like the Performance Impact Blueprint and Instructional Design for Performance to plan for outcomes from the outset, and why embracing the identity of ‘impact investigators’ is critical for L&D’s future. If you’re serious about proving learning’s contribution to business performance, this episode is unmissable.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The "village" approach is central to performance. L&D should measure collective, not isolated, impact.

LMS data is easy to get, but it does not truly measure the impact on business performance.

The 6 questions for business performance and 6 for human performance, in the framework, uncover the true needs behind a training request.

Because improving performance involves many teams, a project management approach helps organize everyone’s roles, tasks, and contributions toward a shared business goal.

BEST MOMENTS

“It takes a village to impact workplace performance."

“We must define impact. Before we can investigate it.”

"Designing for performance is very different than designing for training."

Kevin M. Yates Bio

Kevin M. Yates is globally recognised as the L&D Detective®, known for investigating the impact of training and learning on workplace performance. With over 25 years of experience across major brands like McDonald’s, Meta, and Grant Thornton, Kevin brings a practical, data-driven approach to measuring learning’s contribution to business results. His work empowers L&D teams to go beyond activity metrics and uncover real evidence of performance impact. Kevin is also the founder of Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit tackling food insecurity with the same focus on measurable outcomes.

You can follow and connect with Kevin via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmyates/

Book: https://kevinmyates.com/detective-kit

Website: https://kevinmyates.com/

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

Blog: https://360learning.com/blog

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

For many L&D teams, compliance training is a necessary burden—dominated by tick-box exercises, clunky e-learning, and endless chasing. But it doesn’t have to be this way - even in highly regulated industries! In this episode, Nick Taylor, Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, shares how his team has reimagined compliance as a practical, performance-oriented part of everyday work.

Drawing on his experience transitioning from less regulated sectors into one where compliance is non-negotiable, Nick explores how to balance regulatory demands with business needs and employee experience. He explains how his team integrates compliance into role-based learning, navigates multiple stakeholder voices, and uses collaborative learning principles to target risk in the flow of work.

Nick also shares how his team has tackled the operational pain points of compliance - through automation, shared accountability, and a clear mindset shift that has transformed how the L&D function works.

For L&D professionals tired of compliance being a drag on time, creativity, and credibility, this episode offers a smarter, more human approach to getting it right.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Get compliance, processes, systems, and learning foundations right before tackling advanced initiatives. 

Clearly define compliance courses, their validity, who needs them and when in their work journey.

Effective compliance training requires balancing the needs of legal, compliance, line managers, and end users.

Scenario-based compliance training with actors and short, relevant talks are effective. Engage emotions.

Automate and train your L&D team in basic data analysis.

BEST MOMENTS

“The consequences of us not doing this right ... could be as severe as somebody losing their life.”   

“Training really is only such a small percentage of the impact of behaviour.”   

“Good data in, good data out - is the powerhouse.” 

Nick Taylor Bio

Nick Taylor is an experienced Learning and Development leader with a strong track record of building high-impact L&D functions across diverse industries. He is currently Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, a global manufacturer operating in a tightly regulated environment, where he leads efforts to integrate compliance and capability development into day-to-day performance.

Before joining Ishida, Nick held senior L&D roles at organisations including Howsy, Wagamama and Pizza Hut. This broad sector experience - from hospitality to manufacturing - has shaped his pragmatic, people-first approach to learning, where business relevance and learner experience go hand in hand.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James 

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. 

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. 

CONTACT METHOD 

 https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

https://360learning.com/blog

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

Many L&D teams are under pressure to deliver business impact—but are held back by disorganisation, unclear positioning, and a lack of strategic focus. In this episode, Guus van Deelen, author of Organising L&D for Results, shares a practical approach for transforming how L&D functions operate from the inside out.

Drawing on his experience and research, Guus explores why traditional L&D structures fall short, how organisational context shapes what “good” looks like, and why it’s time for L&D to get closer to the business. He introduces key tools like the L&D Quick Scan and the five L&D ‘chessboards’ that help leaders navigate complexity, make conscious trade-offs, and align their teams for real impact.

Guus unpacks the value of structured experimentation, the trade-offs of reporting lines, and how L&D can move from a reactive service to a proactive, credible partner in driving performance.

For L&D professionals looking to bring clarity, structure, and business relevance to their function, this episode is a timely and actionable guide.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·  Don´t let day to day tasks stop you from spending time ensuring your L&D department is working optimally.

·  Stop serving the person who shouts loudest.

·  Automate your admin and processes, if you don´t the business will replace you.

·  Truly immerse yourself in the business.

·  L&D Quick Scan is effective and free to download.

BEST MOMENTS

“Making sure an L&D department is set up for success is very fundamental to everything you want to do .”

“An L&D department is never done; it's more about keeping things moving and constantly improving.”

“It's not about talking with a manager. It's about going out there, listen, smell, feel. What´s the root cause?”

Guus van DeelenGuus van Deelen is a seasoned L&D leader, consultant, speaker, and author of Organising L&D for Results (original Dutch: Leren organiseren). He began his career leading L&D teams at major multinational organisations such as FrieslandCampina, ProRail and SHV, gaining deep insights into the complexities and “messiness” of internal L&D operations.

For the past six years, Guus has been operating as an independent consultant, working with over 100 L&D departments across sectors including government, retail, industry, and financial services. He guides organisations through the (re)positioning of their L&D functions—helping teams define governance, structure, and strategy to drive measurable business impact.

His first book offers a robust model and actionable methods, including the L&D Quick Scan and the five strategic “chessboards”, that L&D leaders can use to build teams that are credible, aligned, and structured for scale .

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guusvandeelen/details/experience

Organising L&D for Results book: https://www.amazon.com/Organizing-results-Managing-Learning-Maximum/dp/9462724407

L&D QuickScan and more: https://guusvandeelen.nl/en/downloads

RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media https://disruptivemedia.co.uk

In this episode, Becky Willis joins David to explore the increasingly crowded world of learning platforms—from the evolution of LXPs to the challenge of aligning stakeholders with vastly different needs. Together, they tackle what’s hot (and what’s not) in the market right now, why so many organisations are still unhappy with their chosen platforms, and how L&D teams can start with strategy, not software.

Becky also shares her insights on building tech ecosystems that support collaborative learning, the realistic role of AI in platforms, and what impact should really look like. If you’re rethinking your learning tech stack for 2025—or wondering how to finally make yours work—this episode is essential listening.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Choose learning technologies that deliver real impact, not just content

Outdated LMS seriously hinders growth.

Invest in modern digital learning platforms that offer a mix of capabilities, with a focus on skills, social networking, groups, chat bots and AI-powered personalization.

You to be able to easily access and analyse your data, including how people are using the platform.

Get the buy-in of stakeholders.

You need a clear organizational strategy to guide your purchasing decision.

The tech has to be user-friendly.

Focus on organisational outcomes rather than platform features.

BEST MOMENTS

"Do you want a dinosaur to run your system on? Or a race car?"

“It's not about course management, it's about strategy. It's about achieving your goals, it´s about business impact."

"It has AI at its core; it's not AI that's been bolted on."

"We have to come up with better answers and have a better conversation than we're having."

Becky Willis

Becky Willis is a founder and chief learning officer at Tractus Learning. She helps guide Tractus customers to implement successful digital learning. She is also the founder of WillLearn Consulting, where she helps companies plan, design, and develop high-performance digital learning ecosystems. Previously, she was the vice president of engagement at EdCast and led learning innovation at Hewlett Packard.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckywillis/

Website: https://tractuslearning.com/

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

Blog: https://360learning.com/blog

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Traditional L&D teams often struggle to prove their value—but at Comcast, Martha Soehren built a Talent Development function that drove measurable business impact at scale.

In this episode, Martha shares how her team aligned with strategic priorities, built trusted stakeholder relationships, and embedded governance to keep L&D at the heart of business conversations. She also explains how data, storytelling, and a focus on succession planning helped elevate the function’s credibility across the organisation.

Packed with hard-won insights from leading L&D in one of the world’s largest companies, this episode is essential listening for L&D leaders ready to lead with influence and impact.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Build strategic alignment through an executive learning council.

Design learning solutions with clear business metric analysis incorporated.

For impact, use data in your storytelling.

Once you get senior executives on side they will stand up for you when you are not at the table.

At all levels, people should mentor others and develop talent.

BEST MOMENTS

"You can never over communicate to those senior executives."

“By having that data and telling the story of the way things were being done, I got a lot of buy in."

"Care about your people and the people around you, get the job done and do it right, and always act with integrity."

Martha Soehren Bio

Martha Soehren is the former Chief Talent Development Officer and SVP at Comcast Cable, where she led enterprise-wide learning and talent initiatives for nearly 15 years. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a background that spans 25 years in the U.S. Army, Martha brings deep expertise in instructional design, workforce planning, and organisational effectiveness to her corporate roles.

She has served on numerous boards, including ATD, the Wharton/UPenn Doctorate of Learning Advisory Board, and SCTE, and is a recognized industry leader—named one of CableFax’s Most Powerful Women in Cable and a recipient of the WICT Liberty Award. Martha continues to contribute to the field through thought leadership, mentoring, and active participation in the Elliott Masie Learning Consortium.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-soehren-phd-a012074/

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

https://360learning.com/blog

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this special live episode recorded with a virtual audience, host David James is joined by an all-star panel of Learning & Development leaders - Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson - for a dynamic conversation on the future of workplace learning.

Together, they explore:

Whether "Learning & Development" is the wrong name for the profession.

The growing shift from learning-centric to performance-focused strategies—and why this remains a point of contention.

How AI is transforming productivity and reshaping L&D approaches.

Real-life examples of how leading organizations are navigating this evolution.

This episode pulls no punches as it challenges long-held assumptions in L&D and sparks essential questions about the direction of the profession. Tune in for sharp insights, bold ideas, and practical takeaways from some of the most influential voices in the field.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Focus on intentional impact rather than just delivering courses

Ask stakeholders “what are you trying to change?”

Seek out the ultra-keen or those who are desperate for change.

Stop worrying about the ethics of using AI, it´s an effective productivity tool, so use it.

L&D needs to have the tough conversations.

BEST MOMENTS

“The word learning has turned into a noun rather than a process.”

“Intentional impact is the thing that really drives me.”

"That AI on the sly thing, it´s not enough.”

"If you still call yourself L&D in 5 years ... you're defining yourself as sort of milky weak."

GUESTS

Laura Overton

Laura is an award-winning L&D analyst and co-author of Evidence-Informed Learning Design. As the founder of Towards Maturity and a champion of research-led practice, Laura has spent her career helping organizations unlock the potential of workplace learning through data, insight, and innovation.

Donald Clark

Donald is a learning technology entrepreneur, author, and advocate for the use of AI in education. With decades of experience in digital learning, he is the CEO of Wildfire Learning and a former CEO and founder of Epic Group. He is known for his bold perspectives on the future of learning, captured in his books like Artificial Intelligence for Learning and his influential blog.

Gemma Paterson

Gemma is Head of Culture Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group, where she leads work that reimagines how culture, learning, and innovation intersect in large organizations. With a background in digital learning and organizational development, Gemma is passionate about creating environments that foster curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful change at scale.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of 1000s of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

CONTACT METHOD

 https://twitter.com/davidinlearning

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin

https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/