L&D Disrupt

HowNow

The world and the L&D space are changing faster than ever, but are you evolving with it? L&D Disrupt brings you tactical advice, proven tactics and honest experiences from people in the industry, helping you drive more impact every day. Every Monday join Nelson Sivalingam for the podcast that's powered by HowNow, to empower every L&D professional.

  1. 18 hr ago

    From Barista to Boardroom: How Costa Coffee Built a Learning Culture That Drives Real Business Impact | L&D Disrupt | Episode 203

    In this episode of L&D Disrupt, host Kelsey speaks with Ruth South, who leads Talent Development and Learning at Costa Coffee, about what it really takes to build a learning culture that drives business success and meaningful internal mobility. Ruth explains how Costa invests in apprenticeships, coffee craft, and centrally funded talent pathways that move people from barista to leadership roles , including transitions into the support centre across functions like data, digital, supply chain, and procurement. She shares how the team connects learning strategy to business outcomes, measuring impact through promotion rates and customer metrics like net promoter score, while getting the balance right between digital, face-to-face, and in-the-flow tools like skills cards next to the coffee machine. The conversation also covers leadership development through coaching programs and a CEO-sponsored global talent initiative, ongoing onboarding improvements, the realities of supporting a largely under-25 workforce, and Costa's evolving thinking on AI and the youth employment agenda. Ruth also shares her hot take for L&D teams: stop waiting for a seat at the table, start creating one. 00:00 Create the Table 01:31 Meet Ruth South 02:24 Careers Beyond Transient 04:08 Talent Programs Ecosystem 05:10 Apprenticeships as Strategy 06:24 Data Driven L&D Impact 07:43 Learning Culture Stories 09:02 Apprenticeship Playbook Tips 10:59 Building Learning Community 13:00 Managers Coaching Leadership 15:53 Onboarding and Transitions 20:46 Early Careers Skills Balance 23:31 Self Serve Flow of Work 27:34 Measuring ROI and Value 30:17 Next Frontier AI Youth 35:05 Hot Takes Start Stop 36:14 Final Advice and Wrap

    38 min

  2. 22 Jun

    How to Build Capability Frameworks, Prove L&D ROI, and Scale Mentorship | L&D Disrupt | Episode 102

    In this episode, strategic talent and development leader and coach Shane Halifax shares how he moved from being a general manager at DFS into L&D after realizing he most enjoyed developing people, and explains what he learned about what does and doesn’t translate from courses into workplace performance. He outlines a capability-based approach: defining role capabilities, benchmarking with top performers, using 360-style input to identify gaps, and aligning development to both business needs and squiggly career mobility through transferable skills. Shane discusses gaining C-suite credibility by engaging early in strategy conversations, focusing on root-cause diagnosis and measurable outcomes (KPIs, engagement, customer satisfaction), and demonstrating ROI beyond “bums on seats.” He also covers making mentorship strategic and scalable using technology, including matching for chemistry, tracking outcomes, and experimenting with group and reverse mentoring, plus how AI can accelerate content creation while keeping L&D focused on real business problems.  00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro  00:26 Shane’s Path Into L&D 01:13 Learning That Sticks at Work 03:19 Capability Mapping and 360 Gaps 05:23 Squiggly Careers and Transferable Skills 06:50 Making Skills Strategic With Leaders 09:25 Diagnosing Requests With 5Di 12:26 Mentorship That Actually Works 15:13 Scaling Mentorship With Tech 19:48 Upskilling New Managers 22:30 Rolling Out Relevant Training 24:26 Marketing Learning for Adoption 25:55 Getting a Seat at the Table 28:29 Proving ROI That Execs Care About 30:01 The Future of L&D and AI 32:28 Wrap Up and Where to Connect

    35 min
  3. Unlocking Potential: The Power of L&D in Business Outcomes | L&D Disrupt | Episode 101

    9 Mar

    Unlocking Potential: The Power of L&D in Business Outcomes | L&D Disrupt | Episode 101

    We’re excited to kick off Season 4 with our new host, Pauline Taylor, VP of People at HowNow! Join us for an engaging discussion with Ian Walker, an industry leader and expert in Learning and Development (L&D), as he explores the transformative power of L&D in driving business outcomes. In this episode, Ian highlights the crucial role L&D plays in unlocking potential, fostering collaboration, and enhancing organizational culture. The conversation covers the significance of effective onboarding, the impact of mentorship and coaching, and the emerging influence of AI on learning practices. Ian also shares his experiences in building cohesive L&D programs, the importance of continuous learning, and practical strategies for measuring the business impact of L&D initiatives. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate learning and development within their organization. To learn more about HowNow, you can chat with the team here: HowNow Demo

    54 min

  4. 12 Feb

    Inside L&D teams that get results | L&D Disrupt | Episode 100

    🎉 Celebrating the 100th episode of L&D Disrupt Live at World of Learning! Nelson Sivalingam is joined by four forward-thinking L&D leaders—Tara (AND Digital), Stephen (So Energy), Penny (inRiver), and Joe (Centrick)—for a conversation about how Learning & Development is evolving in today’s organisations. They explore how L&D teams are moving from problem solvers to problem finders, sharing real-world strategies that work: from AI upskilling programs and centralised learning hubs to a skills-first approach that puts learners at the heart of learning. The panel dives into meeting learners where they are, using technology to create meaningful impact, and focusing on business outcomes over content creation. Packed with practical tips, this discussion is a must-watch for any L&D professional looking to make a bigger impact in their organisation. 00:00 Introduction to L&D Challenges 01:40 Celebrating 100 Episodes of L&D Disrupt 02:21 Panel Discussion: Identifying and Solving L&D Problems 03:47 Tara's Approach to Evolving Learning Solutions 04:52 Joe's Strategy for a Unified Learning Ecosystem 06:42 Steven's Dual Focus on Compliance and Learning Perception 08:12 Penny's Certification Program Overhaul 09:30 Innovative Approaches to L&D Content and Engagement 15:08 AI Upskilling at And Digital 23:22 Moving Towards a Skills-Based Learning Approach 27:07 Engaging Line Managers in L&D 29:38 Final Thoughts and Actionable Takeaways

    32 min

  5. 23 Jan

    L&D Disrupt Live: What will actually matter in L&D in 2026? | L&D Disrupt | Episode 99

    Join us in this exciting episode of L&D Disrupt Live as we explore the latest trends, lessons learned, and predictions for the future of Learning and Development with Nelson, CEO and co-founder of HowNow, along with a panel of experts. From discussing the role of AI in L&D to the importance of evidence-based practice and the shift to performance-based metrics, this episode covers it all. Featuring Andy Lancaster, Stella Collins, and Ross Garner, this conversation delves into what worked, what didn't, and where L&D is headed in 2026. Don't miss insights on systemic thinking, the impact of AI, skills frameworks, and the crucial metrics that will define L&D success. Tune in to understand how to stay relevant and make a meaningful impact in the evolving world of L&D. 00:00 Introduction 04:25 Welcome to L&D Disrupt Live 06:32 Biggest Surprises of 2025 12:46 Biggest Winners of 2025 23:25 Biggest Losers of 2025 30:58 The Impact of AI on L&D 32:59 Overhyped Trends in L&D for 20253 4:12 The Complexity of Skills Frameworks 39:49 Challenges with AI Literacy Programs 43:09 Hard Lessons for L&D in 2025 52:59 Looking Forward to 2026 01:00:58 Predictions for L&D in 2026

    1hr 4min

  6. 10/11/2025

    Shaping the Future of Organisational Learning | L&D Disrupt | Episode 98

    Join us for an engaging discussion with Lavinia, founder of OffBeat and a thought leader in Learning and Development (L&D), as she explores the future of organisational learning. In this episode, Lavinia highlights the crucial role L&D plays in fostering collaboration, trust, and adaptability within organisations. The conversation covers the impact of AI on L&D, the distinction between individual and organisational learning, and strategies to enhance sense-making, experimentation, and teamwork. Lavinia also shares her experiences in building vibrant L&D communities, the relevance of behavioural science, and practical steps for cultivating a thriving learning culture. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate learning and development in their organisation. To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

    41 min

  7. 03/11/2025

    From Accidental Managers to AI-Driven Teams: Rethinking Leadership and Learning | L&D Disrupt | Episode 97

    In this episode, Adam Horne joins the show to unpack the challenges of “accidental managers”, those promoted without proper leadership training, and the friction caused by poorly designed roles. Drawing on his experience at Open Org, Adam explains how the organisation supports HR professionals in startups through community building, content creation, and consulting. He explores the impact of AI on HR and learning, identifying common pain points facing today’s people leaders and making the case for a shift from traditional training to more experiential, on-the-job learning. Adam also discusses how AI can be leveraged to reduce workplace friction, enable experimentation, and redesign employee experiences to foster continuous learning and growth. When it comes to management, Adam highlights systemic issues in how organisations define and support leadership roles. He advocates for a community of practice approach and challenges companies to rethink career progression and growth in flatter, faster-moving structures. As the conversation wraps up, Adam outlines key priorities for HR leaders preparing for the future, particularly around AI adoption, talent development, and evolving organisational design. To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

    37 min

  8. 19/10/2025

    Beyond the Algorithm: Why the Future of Learning Is Still Human | L&D Disrupt | Episode 96

    In this episode, Ross Stevenson explores how Learning and Development is evolving in the age of AI. As technology reshapes how we work and learn, Ross shares how L&D professionals can harness AI’s potential while keeping the human element at the heart of learning. Drawing from his journey from practitioner to creator and consultant, he offers practical advice on experimenting with AI tools, adapting to change, and building resilience in a rapidly shifting landscape. Tune in for an honest conversation about why, even in an AI-driven world, the future of learning will always depend on human connection, curiosity, and creativity. To hear more about HowNow, speak to the team! https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

    48 min
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About

The world and the L&D space are changing faster than ever, but are you evolving with it? L&D Disrupt brings you tactical advice, proven tactics and honest experiences from people in the industry, helping you drive more impact every day. Every Monday join Nelson Sivalingam for the podcast that's powered by HowNow, to empower every L&D professional.

Information

  • Creator
    HowNow
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © HowNow
  • Show Website
    L&D Disrupt

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