The TJ Podcast

Should L&D leaders stop talking about learning?

In the latest TJ podcast, Jo Cook speaks with Cathy Hoy about what it really takes to step up as an L&D leader.

They discuss commercial confidence, getting closer to the business, moving beyond delivery, the limits of obsessing over ROI, and why strategic thinking needs protected time.

A particularly strong challenge from Cathy: if you want to lead L&D, understand the business first.

Links from the podcast:

⁠TJ L&D Influence Report 2026⁠

⁠Contribute to our continuing research!⁠

CLO100Edited with Camtasia from ⁠⁠TechSmith

Jo Cook is joined by Donald H Taylor to explore what L&D needs to do differently in a rapidly changing world. They discuss why showing value has become an urgent priority, what strategic influence really looks like, the skills L&D Leaders need to develop, and how AI is reshaping the profession. They also consider the impact of Covid, uncertainty about L&D’s future and whether we’re losing some of the conversational skills that underpin relationships, listening and influence at work.

Links from the podcast:

TJ L&D Influence Report 2026

Contribute to our continuing research!

Don Taylor's Global Sentiment Survey 2026

Edited with Camtasia from ⁠TechSmith

Jo Cook speaks with Julia Bersin from The Josh Bersin Company about the rise of the “supermanager” in the age of AI. They explore why managers remain vital to trust, adoption and performance as organisations invest in AI tools. Julia shares research insights on how managers can use AI to become better people leaders, while helping their teams experiment, learn and adapt.

Links from the podcast:

TJ article including transcript (TBC)

Research download

Edited with Camtasia from TechSmith

At TJ’s 60th Anniversary Conference, Andrew Jacobs discusses with Laura Overton and Kirsty Lewis what L&D has gained and lost over six decades. The exploration goes from laserdiscs to AI, classrooms to communities, and why social, human learning still matters more than ever for performance, culture, connection and future readiness.

Links from the podcast:

⁠Podcast learning festival⁠

Speakers:

1. ⁠Andrew Jacobs⁠
2. ⁠Kirsty Lewis⁠
3. ⁠Laura Overton

Jo Cook, Josh Bersin, and Erica Farmer explore how AI is shifting L&D from static courses to dynamic, personalised support, featuring real examples, AI coaching, smarter content curation, and a sharper focus on business impact.

Links from the podcast

TJ's 60th anniversary conference

Thanks to ⁠⁠TechSmith⁠⁠ for providing Camtasia and Audiate for editing

Guests

1. Erica Farmer
2. Josh Bersin
3. Laura Overton

In this episode, we explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle)differences between teaching, training, and facilitation—and why they matter more than you might think. From accidental facilitators to seasoned pros, our guests share honest reflections, practical approaches, and cautionary talesabout what makes learning stick. We dive into the skills that set great facilitators apart, the common mistakes that derail engagement and impact, and why designing for learning transfer is non-negotiable. Whether you're delivering in person or online, this is a conversation packed with insight,energy, and plenty of reminders that good delivery is about more than just good slides.Links from the podcast:

Will Thalheimer’s research paper “Does eLearning Work?”

SOFest – School of Facilitation learning festival in June 2025

Kirsty’s SOFest blogs

HR Unconference from Fiona McBride

Facilitation Shindigs from Julie Drybrough

Thanks to ⁠TechSmith⁠ for providing Camtasia and Audiate for editing

Guests

1. Kirsty Lewis
2. Colin Smith
3. Melanie Martinelli
4. Erica Farmer
5. Tina Seth
6. Andy McConville
7. Jo Cook

If you have something  new to share with the L&D community and would like to be part of TJ’s podcasts. Contact the Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jo Cook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode uses artificial intelligence dive into neuroscience for learning, to look back at a Training Journal magazine and update it with current articles.

Links include:

Notebook LM

Neuroscience and the learning brain: Is there a better way?

Using neuroscience in learning

Training Journal magazine January 2018

Thanks to TechSmith for providing Camtasia and Audiate for editing.

If you have something  new to share with the L&D community and would like to be part of TJ’s podcasts. Contact the Editor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jo Cook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode authors reflect on what they shared in their A Week In The Life Of series, links to their articles below:

A week in the life of: The Editor of Training Journal⁠

⁠A week in the life of: The CEO of a learning business community and Learning Network board member⁠

⁠A week in the life of: A Leadership Development Manager⁠

⁠A week in the life of: A Learning Community Manager⁠

⁠A week in the life of: The Editor of Learning News

Kim Ellis

Rob Clarke

Sheridan Webb

Andy McConville

Mark Brooks OBE

Susan Poppola

Jenny Muhlwa

Helen Marshall

Flexjobs AI gender gap report

Text to speech from Elevenlabs

International Men’s Day

Survey: Investigating gender equity in L&D

This is the News Insight, where Editor Jo Cook looks at the newsflash and highlights important stories.

This podcast references items you can read more about in this Newsflash article:

https://www.trainingjournal.com/2024/content-type/news/tj-newsflash-2-october-lots-of-stress-and-overwhelm-fears-about-skills-and-digital-timeout