The Assembly

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The Assembly: Where L&D Minds Assemble The future of workplace learning doesn’t live in theory — it lives in lived experience, fresh research, and honest conversations. That’s what The Assembly delivers. Hosted by Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You and digital learning veteran, and Brigid McCormack, a newcomer to the world of L&D, this is your go-to space for rich, real talk on what’s driving L&D forward. In each episode, you’ll find: Richer insights that go beyond surface-level tips to unpack what really works in learning today Expert perspectives from leaders shaping the L&D landscape Access to new research on tech, methods, and innovations defining tomorrow’s learning culture Practical strategies you can use right now to build essential skills like leadership, communication, and adaptability Whether you’re designing programs, shaping strategy, or driving culture change — if learning is your thing, this is your podcast. Formally known as L&D Challenges.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    The Summer of Learning: Building an AI-Ready, Experimental Culture at Immediate with Kathryn Swandale

    The Summer of Learning: Building an AI-Ready, Experimental Culture at Immediate with Kathryn Swandale In 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 strategy Connect 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

    50 min

  2. 23 SEPT

    Product Design and Product Innovation with Funmi And Lindsey at Learning Pool

    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.

    34 min

  3. 16 SEPT

    Launching an AI Coach at Novo Nordisk with Peter Riber

    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 Riber 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.

    47 min

  4. 9 SEPT

    Building a Real Learning Culture with Lavinia Mehedințu

    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 Platform 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.

    41 min

  5. 2 SEPT

    Beyond "Are You Okay?": Supporting Your Colleagues Mental Health with Pooja Shemar 

    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.

    37 min

  6. 26 AUG

    Beyond the Fluff: How to Use AI to Reinvent E-learning with Jayne Mather

    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.

    36 min

  7. 19 AUG

    Can Culture Save L&D with Dwayne Britton

    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-belongs DAYWON 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.

    35 min

  8. 12 AUG

    Think Like a Marketer, Act Like an L&D Leader with Barry Ryan

    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.

    44 min
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About

The Assembly: Where L&D Minds Assemble The future of workplace learning doesn’t live in theory — it lives in lived experience, fresh research, and honest conversations. That’s what The Assembly delivers. Hosted by Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You and digital learning veteran, and Brigid McCormack, a newcomer to the world of L&D, this is your go-to space for rich, real talk on what’s driving L&D forward. In each episode, you’ll find: Richer insights that go beyond surface-level tips to unpack what really works in learning today Expert perspectives from leaders shaping the L&D landscape Access to new research on tech, methods, and innovations defining tomorrow’s learning culture Practical strategies you can use right now to build essential skills like leadership, communication, and adaptability Whether you’re designing programs, shaping strategy, or driving culture change — if learning is your thing, this is your podcast. Formally known as L&D Challenges.

Information

  • Creator
    Assemble You
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Assemble You Limited
  • Show Website
    The Assembly

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