The Training Design Podcast

In this episode, Sheridan Webb teams up with social media expert Karen Cureton and online business strategist Becs McNeill to tackle the feeling that marketing is a "dirty word" in the training industry.

If you're looking to attract and engage your audience more effectively, this episode is full of gems.

And it's not just for freelancers! Internal L&D teams need to persuade people to complete training and enrol on courses too.

Sheridan, Karen, and Becs talk about the power of clear communication, why it’s important to focus on outcomes rather than just objectives, and how to simplify your marketing without losing its impact.

They share strategies for crafting personalized marketing messages that really stand out, using social proof to your advantage, and building your customer relationships to encourage people to engage and commit.

If you’re a training professional or freelancer wanting to step up your marketing game, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Learn how to turn marketing from a dreaded chore into a powerful tool that not only grabs attention but keeps it.

🎧 Give it a listen and share in the comments—what’s been your biggest marketing challenge in the training profession?

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Episode specific

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencuretontraining/ 

Visit her website: https://curetonconsulting.co.uk/contact/ 

Enroll on the Social Media for Trainers Programme https://curetonconsulting.co.uk/services/social-media-for-trainers/ 

Connect with Becs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becsmcneilluk 

Or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becsmcneill/ 

Visit her website: https://becsmcneill.co.uk/ 

Save Time with AI Assisted Training design: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/ai-training-design

In our latest podcast episode on neurodiversity, Eleanor Walker from Unboxed Talent joins us to talk about how embracing neurodiversity can transform training environments and help create a culture of inclusion and understanding.

In conversation we discuss what it means to be neurodivergent in the workplace and how simple changes can make training sessions more accessible and effective for everyone, no matter their neurological makeup.

Sheridan Webb and Eleanor Walker share personal stories and professional insights and discuss the crucial role the training environment plays in helping neurodivergent individuals tap into their unique abilities. Eleanor emphasises that small tweaks in how we design and deliver training can make a big difference.

Whether you’re a training professional or just interested in fostering more inclusive practices, this conversation is packed with valuable insights to help make training more inclusive.

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Episode specific

Connect with Eleanor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elewalker/  

Visit her website: https://www.discoverunboxed.co.uk/ 

Neurodiversity in Business report: https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Neurodiversity-in-Business-report_June-2023_Digital.pdf# 

Lunch n learn: Neurodiversity and training design: https://training-designers-club.newzenler.com/courses/lunch-n-learn-designing-training-neurodiversity 

Liberating Structures: https://www.liberatingstructures.com 

Neurodiversity in Business – website and resources: https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org/

In this insightful conversation, leadership expert Tracy Rotsey sheds light on a topic that many of us encounter at some point AND that we are often asked to cover in training - Imposter syndrome.

Tracy shares practical tips for silencing that inner voice that tells us we’re not good enough. Whether you’re a seasoned business leader, head of an L&D team, a freelance trainer, or just starting out in your career, Imposter Syndrome can be a tough mental hurdle. But it’s one you can overcome with the right tools and mindset.

In this episode, we discuss strategies for building confidence, recognizing your value, and understanding why self-awareness is key to both personal growth and professional success. And it’s not just about training design—it’s also about creating a work environment where people feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them.

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Episode specific

Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyrotsey/ 

Visit her website: https://practicaltrainingsolutions.co.uk/ 

Lean In by Cheryl Sandberg: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lean-Women-Work-Will-Lead/dp/0753541629 

Ready-Written Recruitment Interview Training: https://www.power-hour.co.uk/product-page/recruitment-interviewing-1

In the latest episode of the Training Design Podcast join Sheridan Webb and virtual production expert, Gayle Thompson, as they talking about Working With A Virtual Producer.

Together, they explore how a skilled virtual producer can be a game-changer for your virtual training events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and participants stay engaged—crucial elements in today's digital learning landscape.

Virtual producers are the behind-the-scenes heroes, managing event support, handling technical issues, and helping to keep participants engaged, leaving the facilitator free to FACILITATE!

They dive into best practices for designing virtual training sessions and how to ensure strong collaboration between producers and facilitators to make sure everything goes according to plan.

This is one episode you won’t want to miss, if you’re all about creating engaging, efficient, and impactful virtual training.

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Episode specific

Connect with Gayle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle--thompson/ 

Visit her website: https://www.vilt.co.uk 

Get useful advice about virtual training and working with a virtual producer here: https://vilt.co.uk/resources

Dawn Smart from Labyrinth Learning chats to Sheridan Webb to explore the ins and outs of Blended Learning.

Blended learning is more than just mixing different resources—it’s about creating a seamless, connected learning journey that sticks with learners over time.

Dawn shares how revisiting key learning points in various formats helps them really sink in. By blending synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) methods, blended learning caters to different learning styles, making education more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

In this episode, you’ll also some of the practical challenges that come with designing blended learning programs, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.

Sheridan and Dawn share the art of crafting the perfect blend, from deciding how to sequence and deliver learning objectives to choosing the right tools for the job.

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Episode specific

Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnsmarttraining/ 

Visit her website: https://www.labyrinthlearning.co.uk/ 

New Zenler: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/N-Z 

GirraffePad: https://www.giraffepad.com 

Other relevant podcast episodes: 

Learning Journeys: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nm0UYarPaLb 

Peer learning: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rQnvGcrPaLb 

Working with a Virtual Producer
Gamification: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Oyj7TdyPaLb

In our latest podcast episode Sheridan Webb and Remi Harris dive into the core of what leadership truly means and why and how it needs to be approached differently to maximise the potential of women in the workplace.

They discuss the importance of identity work within

They touch on second-generation gender bias and how it

Program designer and facilitator Remi Harris shares her

https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership

Book - Coaching Women: Changing the system not the person https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coaching-Women-Geraldine-Gallacher/dp/033525120X

Report - Women in the Workplace: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace

White Paper - Taking Gender into Account : Theory and design for Women's Leadership development Programmes

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Connect with Remi on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/remi-harris-mbe-15220311/ 
Visit her website: https://remiharrisconsulting.com/

Our latest podcast episode considers the impact of unconscious biases in training design and delivery. With expert guest Jasmine Gartner, we dig deep into the implications for both trainers and learners, offering insights and practical tips for making sure learning is equitable and inclusive.

We explore how unconscious biases shape our assumptions and actions, potentially creating barriers that hinder inclusive and effective training. 

Jasmine illuminates how biases extend beyond race and gender, affecting every aspect of training, from content creation to the delivery format. 

With her background in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she provides valuable insights into why recognising these biases is crucial for trainers and facilitators .

This episode is not just theory—it's loaded with actionable advice. Learn how pre-work can make your training sessions more impactful, why flexibility in camera usage can cater to diverse participant needs, and the vital role of research in avoiding assumptions in your training materials. 

Take a listen and why not become a VIP of the Training Designer's Club just like Jasmine? Use code "podcast" and get your first month's membership for half price.

https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership

Visit ⁠www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk⁠ for more information and become a VIP member here: ⁠https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership⁠ 

Check us out on YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub⁠ 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/⁠ 

Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminegartner/ 

Visit her website: https://www.jasminegartner.com/ 

Get her FREE paper on Unconscious bias here: https://www.jasminegartner.com/inclusion 

Thinking Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0141033576 

MASTER your training design: https://training-designers-club.newzenler.com/courses/master-training-design

Fiona Bryan of Developing Leaders and Sheridan Webb in the latest episode of the training design podcast as they discuss the intricate world of training design.

The discussion begins with a critical look at what constitutes training design versus preparation.

They explore the challenges trainers faced during the pandemic, wherein their expertise in detailed design granted them the agility to switch to online platforms more smoothly than those less prepared. They also discuss why training design is more than just making eye-catching slides; and how the invisible nature of the design process often leads to its undervaluation.

The conversation also covers practical advice for those venturing into the realm of training design, with the need for effective facilitation skills and the ability to adapt on the fly to unexpected changes during live training sessions.

Why not become a VIP yourself? Use code "podcast" and get your first month's membership for half price.

https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information and become a VIP member here: https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/ 

Episode specific

Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/fibryan/ 

Blog about the difference between design and prep: https://trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/2020/12/07/when-does-prep-become-design/ 

Design training in 6 Simple Steps: https://trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/6-simple-steps 

MASTER your Training Design: https://trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/master 

Design a Session Plan: https://training-designers-club.newzenler.com/courses/design-a-session-plan 

All training design courses: https://trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/courses 

Podcast episode on strategic learning design with Ross Stevenson: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/o8CIRkgZJKb 

The Training Designer’s Club YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub?sub_confirmation=1

It's been a while since Season 4 ended, so here's a sneak preview of what's coming up in Season 5, which is starting at the end of July.

Remember that design is the bridge between strategy and delivery, which is why these podcasts focus on what it means to be an L&D practitioner in today's organisations.

In season 5, I'll be discussing:

So listen is, and pick up some tips from VIP members of the Training Designer's Club and use that to develop your own practice.

And why not become a VIP yourself? Use code "podcast" and get your first month's membership for half price.

https://www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership

In our latest podcast episode with Sheridan Webb and induction expert Alex Castello-Cortes from CCW Consulting, you'll discover how induction processes can shape the future of employee success within an organisation.

Sheridan and Alex discuss the importance of employee induction, to help people and businesses thrive in today's modern workforce. They discuss the unique aspects of induction training, the 80/20 rule for job competency, and the importance of integrating new hires into teams smoothly and effectively.

Induction isn't just about completing training checklists; it's about fostering meaningful, two-way communication between managers and employees, utilizing hybrid learning methods, and ensuring that training is relevant and timely. Find out why induction needs to start before day one and should include a clear path of progression for both employees and managers.

If you're keen on developing a nurturing work environment that promotes long-term employee retention and satisfaction, this podcast episode is an invaluable resource. You'll hear how to blend technology with personalisation to enhance the onboarding experience. And remember, a good induction program benefits everyone!

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-castellocortes-retail-learning-consultant-413a7b12/ 

Visit her website: https://www.ccwlearningconsultants.com 

Download your free guide to induction here: https://training-designers-club.newzenler.com/courses/a-practical-guide-to-induction-training 

Materials for a new manager programme: https://www.power-hour.co.uk/product-page/the-new-manager-programme-1

Visit www.trainingdesignersclub.co.uk for more information

Become a VIP member here: https://trainingdesignersclub.co.uk/vip-membership 

Check us out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTrainingDesignersClub 

Connect with Sheridan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner/