Voices of the Learning Network

The Learning Network
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Get ready for "Voices of the Learning Network", from The Learning Network! Tune in to hear straight from our members, and industry partners, and keep up with what happening in the Network and the wider Learning and Development industry! Voices of the Learning Network is the official podcast of The Learning Network. We are a Community Interest Company (CIC) and exist solely to support you as a learning professional – so whether you are a seasoned professional or have just entered the field, the Learning Network exists to help you no matter what stage of your career you’re in. We like to think we have something for everyone – our community includes instructional designers, trainers, developers, technologists, consultants, strategists, freelancers and industry leaders.

  1. 5h ago

    Beyond the AI Shock: AI and the Future of L&D

    What happens when generative AI stops being a novelty and simply becomes part of how work gets done? In episode one of the latest season of The Voices of The Learning Network, Bill Banham speaks with Donald H Taylor, one of the best-known voices in workplace learning and learning technology, about the impact of artificial intelligence on Learning and Development and the choices now facing the profession. Don is Co-Chair of the Learning Technologies Conference in London, founder and lead researcher of the L&D Research Series, and the creator of the annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey. With almost 40 years working across learning design, delivery, technology, research and strategy, he has witnessed plenty of technologies arrive with promises to transform workplace learning. He believes the current AI shift deserves to be taken seriously. The conversation looks beyond the initial excitement surrounding generative AI to ask what L&D should actually do with it. Don describes the profession as reaching a fork in the road. One option is to use AI primarily to automate familiar L&D activities: producing courses, generating learning content and completing existing tasks more quickly and cheaply. But as AI makes content increasingly easy to create, content production itself becomes less valuable as a differentiator. The alternative is potentially much more significant. L&D can use AI to remove old bottlenecks, tackle problems that were previously difficult or expensive to address, and become more closely involved in improving organisational and individual performance. Bill and Don explore some of the practical opportunities already emerging, including the ability to analyse large volumes of workplace data such as call centre transcripts and use those insights to identify performance gaps and provide more targeted support. They also discuss what happens when AI allows people outside traditional L&D teams to create credible learning and coaching solutions themselves. If colleagues in marketing, operations or other functions can build AI-enabled coaching tools without involving L&D, what becomes the distinctive contribution of the learning profession? For Don, the answer is not simply about finally securing the much-discussed “seat at the table.” Influence comes from solving meaningful business problems. Whether the challenge is employee turnover, frontline performance or another organisational priority, L&D has an opportunity to demonstrate its value by focusing less on the production of learning and more on the outcomes the organisation needs. The conversation also considers something AI cannot easily replicate: trusted human relationships. As technology becomes more capable and content more abundant, professional networks, conversations, trust and human connection may become even more valuable. In this episode, we explore: * What Donald H Taylor means by the “AI shock” and why L&D is entering a new phase of AI adoption * How generative AI is changing Learning and Development * Why learning content is increasingly becoming a commodity * The choice between using AI to automate traditional L&D and using it to expand L&D's role * Practical applications of AI in workplace learning and performance support * What it means when other business functions can create their own AI-powered coaching and learning tools * Why solving real organisational problems matters more than chasing a “seat at the table” * The continuing importance of trust, relationships, networking and human connection * What the rise of AI could mean for the future role of L&D professionals Don will explore these themes further in his keynote, Beyond the AI Shock: Possible Futures for L&D, at The Learning Network's Connect Conference in November 2026. If you work in Learning and Development, HR, talent development, organisational development, learning technology or workplace learning, this conversation offers plenty to consider about where the profession goes next. Connect with Donald H Taylor Connect with Bill Banham Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Beyond the AI Shock: AI and the Future of L&D

  2. Aug 6

    Why Great L&D Professionals Never Stop Learning

    What keeps learning and development professionals effective in a world of constant change? In this season finale of Voices of The Learning Network, host Bill Banham sits down with David Hayden, experienced L&D practitioner, author, and contributor to the latest edition of L&D Practice in the Workplace, for a wide-ranging conversation about professional growth, community, and the habits that help learning professionals stay relevant throughout their careers. Drawing on decades of experience spanning organizational design, recruitment, lean engineering, and workplace learning, David reflects on the importance of continuing professional development (CPD), mentorship, and learning from diverse perspectives. He argues that professional growth isn't something that happens alongside work—it should be embedded within it. The discussion explores the role of professional communities such as The Learning Network and the impact of inclusive events like Connect, where learning professionals at all stages of their careers can share experiences, challenge assumptions, and build lasting relationships. Bill and David also examine what meaningful CPD really looks like. Moving beyond course attendance and certification tracking, David explains why reflection, evidence gathering, and behavior change are the true measures of professional development. Drawing on his experience supporting CIPD CPD audits, he shares practical insights into how professionals can turn learning activities into lasting impact. The conversation also touches on adaptability, including lessons learned while working internationally in Armenia, where understanding the client's context proved far more valuable than relying on a perfectly prepared plan. Along the way, David offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of L&D, professional resilience, and why predictions about the "end of training" continue to miss the mark. Whether you're just starting your L&D career or are a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable reminders about curiosity, humility, and the power of continuous learning. In this episode: Why professional communities matter throughout your L&D careerThe value of inclusive networking and learning eventsMentoring as a way to support and develop future practitionersWhat meaningful CPD looks like beyond courses and certificationsLessons from supporting CIPD CPD auditsUsing reflection and evidence to improve professional practiceLearning through unfamiliar situations and international assignmentsWhy context often matters more than planningMaintaining a positive and constructive professional mindsetThe recurring predictions about the "end of training" and why they persistKey insights from the latest edition of L&D Practice in the WorkplaceAbout David Hayden David Hayden is an experienced Learning and Development professional, author, and contributor to L&D Practice in the Workplace. His career spans organizational design, recruitment, lean engineering, leadership development, and workplace learning. He is passionate about professional development, mentoring, and helping learning practitioners translate knowledge into meaningful workplace impact. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Why Great L&D Professionals Never Stop Learning

  3. Jul 30

    Purpose, Curiosity, and Learning Culture

    What does it take to build a learning culture that moves beyond buzzwords and actually changes how people work, grow, and lead? In this episode of Voices of The Learning Network, host Bill Banham sits down with Alex Clark, Head of Culture and Learning at the Scouts, for a practical conversation about purpose-driven leadership, growth mindsets, and creating learning environments that help people thrive. Alex shares his unconventional career journey from youth work into senior leadership, including the bold decision to apply for a chief executive role despite not having the traditional credentials many would consider essential. His story highlights the power of purpose, curiosity, and learning through experience as drivers of both personal and professional growth. The discussion explores how leaders can create cultures where people are encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zones, take on meaningful challenges, and learn by doing. Alex explains why growth mindset only becomes meaningful when organizations actively support responsible risk-taking and development opportunities. Bill and Alex also unpack the practical realities of building a learning culture. They discuss the role curiosity plays in leadership effectiveness, why coaching conversations often deliver more value than simply giving instructions, and how organizations can connect learning initiatives directly to business and strategic outcomes. Drawing on his experience at the Scouts, Alex offers unique insights into designing learning and development solutions for diverse audiences, balancing the needs of a relatively small staff population with a vast volunteer network. The conversation explores how organizations can maintain flexibility and autonomy while ensuring critical capabilities such as safeguarding, compliance, and risk management remain consistent. Whether you're a learning leader, people manager, HR professional, or organizational development specialist, this episode offers practical ideas for building cultures where learning becomes part of everyday work. In this episode: How purpose can guide career decisions and leadership growthThe value of stretch opportunities and learning through experienceWhy curiosity is one of the most important leadership skillsBuilding a growth mindset through action rather than slogansCreating coaching cultures instead of telling culturesHelping employees connect their role to organizational strategyDesigning learning experiences for both employees and volunteersBalancing autonomy with essential compliance and safeguarding requirementsPractical ways to strengthen learning culture and engagementUsing a clear "North Star" to align people and performanceAbout Alex Clark Alex Clark is Head of Culture and Learning at the Scouts, where he helps shape organizational culture, leadership development, learning strategy, and capability building across both staff and volunteer communities. He is passionate about purpose-driven leadership, coaching, and creating environments where people can learn, grow, and contribute their best work. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Purpose, Curiosity, and Learning Culture

  4. Jul 23

    Why Good Training Fails Under Pressure

    What happens when people know exactly what to do—until the pressure is on? In this episode of Voices of The Learning Network, host Bill Banham sits down with Simon Strong, Co-Founder of Download Learning, to explore why traditional training often breaks down in high-pressure situations and what learning professionals can do to improve real-world performance. Drawing on research from neuroscience, education, and workplace learning, Simon explains how stress affects memory, attention, decision-making, and performance. He introduces the concepts of "cold training" and "hot training," revealing why content that works perfectly in a calm classroom environment may fail when learners face real-world consequences, tight deadlines, or critical decisions. The conversation explores one of the biggest challenges in instructional design: cognitive load. Simon argues that many learning experiences unintentionally overwhelm learners with information, making it harder—not easier—to perform when it matters most. Instead, effective learning design prioritizes clarity, simplicity, and decision-making support over content volume. Bill and Simon also dive into the science behind time-sequenced learning, examining how spaced learning approaches can improve retention, strengthen neural connections, and increase the transfer of learning into workplace performance. They discuss evidence from schools, universities, and workplace settings, as well as practical ways organizations can integrate time-sequenced learning into broader development strategies. The discussion concludes with an exploration of the CAR Model—Cognition, Application, and Review & Reflect—a framework designed to help learning professionals create learning ecosystems that support lasting behavior change rather than one-time knowledge acquisition. Whether you're an instructional designer, learning leader, compliance professional, or anyone responsible for workforce capability, this episode offers practical insights into designing learning that performs when it counts. In this episode: Understanding the difference between hot training and cold trainingHow stress affects memory, attention, and decision-makingWhy clarity often matters more than completenessThe hidden impact of cognitive load on workplace performanceCommon instructional design mistakes that undermine learning transferWhy knowledge recall is not the same as workplace competenceDesigning assessments that measure decisions and actionsThe neuroscience foundations of time-sequenced learningResearch on retention, application, and learning effectivenessApplying the CAR Model: Cognition, Application, Review & ReflectBuilding learning ecosystems that support behavior changeAbout Simon Strong Simon Strong is Co-Founder of Download Learning and a specialist in evidence-based learning design, workplace performance, and instructional effectiveness. His work focuses on helping organizations create learning solutions that improve real-world decision-making, retention, and performance under pressure. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Why Good Training Fails Under Pressure

  5. Jul 16

    Beyond Learning Programs: Building Learning Systems

    What if the biggest obstacle to learning culture is the way most organizations think about learning itself? In this episode of Voices of The Learning Network, guest host Bill Banham sits down with HR futurist, organizational designer, author, and thought leader Perry Timms to explore a radically different approach to workplace learning—one that moves beyond courses, catalogs, and content delivery. Perry argues that learning isn't something organizations should package and distribute. Instead, it's something they should cultivate. Drawing on his experience in organizational transformation and inspired by Ricardo Semler's work on self-directed education, Perry introduces the concept of the "learning mosaic"—a flexible, curiosity-driven approach that empowers people to follow meaningful learning pathways based on real work, experimentation, and peer collaboration. The conversation explores why traditional approaches to learning often struggle to keep pace with modern organizations, how learning can become embedded in everyday work, and why the future may belong to organizations that treat learning as a dynamic system rather than a department function. Bill and Perry also discuss the rise of polymorphic organizations—adaptive, shape-shifting businesses capable of evolving continuously while preserving the best elements of their legacy. Along the way, they explore practical ways leaders can create stronger learning cultures by modeling curiosity, encouraging experimentation, and embracing uncertainty. Whether you're an L&D leader, HR professional, organizational designer, or business executive looking to build a more adaptive workforce, this episode offers fresh perspectives on how learning can become a living, breathing part of organizational success. In this episode: Why learning culture is more than a collection of training programsMoving from learning delivery to learning cultivationThe limitations of traditional course catalogs and curriculum structuresUnderstanding Perry's "learning mosaic" conceptHow curiosity-driven learning pathways accelerate developmentWhat polymorphic organizations can teach us about adaptabilityEmbedding learning into work, projects, and decision-makingLeaders as co-learners rather than experts with all the answersTwo simple questions that can unlock meaningful development conversationsBuilding learning ecosystems through communities, peers, and experimentationWhy the future of L&D may be distributed throughout the organizationAbout Perry Timms Perry Timms is an internationally recognized HR futurist, organizational designer, author, and speaker. He is known for challenging conventional approaches to work, leadership, and organizational development. Perry writes extensively about polymorphic organizations, adaptive systems, and the future of work, helping organizations become more resilient, human-centered, and responsive to change. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Beyond Learning Programs: Building Learning Systems

  6. Jul 9

    Designing the Future of Work: Why L&D Must Move Upstream

    What if Learning and Development stopped waiting for business leaders to define the future—and started helping design it? In this episode of Voices of The Learning Network, host Bill Banham sits down with Barry Winkless, Head of the Future of Work Institute and author of Future Work World, to explore how learning leaders can play a far more strategic role in shaping organizational success. Barry argues that too many L&D teams operate downstream, responding to requests after strategic decisions have already been made. The most influential learning functions, however, move upstream. They help define the capabilities, behaviors, and experiences that transform business strategy from aspiration into action. Using the example of becoming a more customer-centric organization, Barry explains how learning professionals can partner with business leaders to identify the specific skills, mindsets, and behaviors required for success—and build measurable pathways to achieve them. The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI in workplace learning. Beyond automation and efficiency gains, Barry sees enormous potential for AI-powered augmentation, immersive learning experiences, personalized development journeys, and richer feedback loops. As learning becomes more accessible and scalable, the discussion turns to an important question: what uniquely human value will learning professionals bring in the future? Bill and Barry explore topics including emotional performance indicators, transformation-focused measurement, future-ready leadership mindsets, and practical strategies for scaling successful pilots into organization-wide initiatives. Whether you're leading learning strategy, designing workforce capabilities, or preparing your organization for the future of work, this episode offers practical ideas and fresh perspectives for increasing L&D's strategic influence. In this episode: Why L&D should move upstream into strategic business conversationsTurning business strategy into measurable skills, behaviors, and capabilitiesUsing customer-centricity as a framework for capability designBalancing skills taxonomies with transformation-focused outcomesHow AI is reshaping learning design and learner experiencesThe role of augmentation, automation, and immersive learningWhy experience design may become one of L&D's most important capabilitiesMoving beyond traditional KPIs toward emotional performance indicatorsBuilding future-ready mindsets and organizational adaptabilityScaling successful pilots into impactful "hero projects"Creating excitement and momentum around organizational transformationAbout Barry Winkless Barry Winkless is Head of the Future of Work Institute and author of Future Work World. He advises organizations on workforce transformation, future skills, learning strategy, leadership development, and the evolving relationship between technology, work, and human capability. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Designing the Future of Work: Why L&D Must Move Upstream

  7. Jul 2

    Why Playfulness Is a Serious L&D Advantage

    What if one of the biggest barriers to workplace learning is the belief that work must always feel serious? In this episode of Voices of The Learning Network, host Bill Banham sits down with Kelsey Kates, Founder of Play Free Works and former Global Head of Learning Experiences at Google, to explore why playfulness may be one of the most overlooked drivers of learning, trust, and performance at work. Drawing on years of experience designing learning at scale, Kelsey explains why people don't arrive at training sessions as blank slates or emotionless professionals. They arrive carrying stress, distractions, expectations, and life experiences that shape their ability to learn, connect, and contribute. The conversation challenges the "serious work fallacy"—the assumption that professionalism requires people to suppress their humanity. Kelsey shares how authentic playfulness creates psychological safety, encourages participation, strengthens relationships, and helps teams take the risks necessary for meaningful learning and innovation. Bill and Kelsey also unpack what playful learning actually means. Spoiler alert: it's not about adding games to every workshop. Instead, it's about creating environments where curiosity, experimentation, and connection can flourish. Through practical examples from her work at Google and beyond, Kelsey offers simple techniques that learning professionals, facilitators, and leaders can immediately apply to improve engagement and retention. From purposeful primers and movement-based prompts to creating opportunities for early participation, this episode is packed with practical ideas for anyone seeking to build more human-centered learning experiences. In this episode: Why emotional state and life context influence learning readinessChallenging the myth that professionalism requires seriousnessThe connection between playfulness, trust, and psychological safetyLessons from designing learning experiences at GoogleWhat playful learning means beyond gamification and "forced fun"How small moments of humor create stronger human connectionsWhy participation should begin within the first few minutes of learningPractical facilitation techniques to increase engagementUsing movement and visual shifts to reset attention and energyBuilding learning experiences that feel personal, even at scaleHow playful leadership can improve learning, collaboration, and performanceAbout Kelsey Kates Kelsey Kates is Founder of Play Free Works and former Global Head of Learning Experiences at Google. She helps organizations create more engaging, human-centered workplaces by applying the science of play, psychological safety, and experiential learning to leadership development, workplace culture, and learning design. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    Why Playfulness Is a Serious L&D Advantage

  8. Jun 25

    The L&D Confidence Gap: What High-Performing Teams Do Differently

    What if the biggest challenge facing Learning and Development isn't technology, budget, or stakeholder buy-in - but confidence? In this episode of Voices of The Learning Network, host Bill Banham sits down with learning industry researcher, analyst, and Learning Changemakers founder Laura Overton to explore why so many talented L&D professionals struggle to lead with influence despite delivering exceptional work. Laura shares insights gathered from years of researching high-performing learning teams and reveals the common behaviors that separate the most impactful functions from the rest. Rather than focusing solely on content creation and program delivery, successful teams position themselves as strategic enablers of performance, capability, and organizational readiness. The conversation explores why traditional approaches to measuring learning value can unintentionally limit L&D's influence, how learning leaders can shift stakeholder conversations toward business outcomes, and why adaptability has become one of the most critical capabilities in today's workplace. Bill and Laura also examine how organizations can navigate continuous disruption, from the rise of the internet to today's AI and automation revolution. Along the way, Laura introduces her memorable "windmill versus umbrella" mindset—a practical framework for helping learning professionals embrace change rather than shelter from it. Whether you're an instructional designer, learning leader, talent professional, or business partner, this episode offers practical ideas for increasing your impact and helping your organization become more adaptable in an increasingly uncertain world. In this episode: Why leadership is about inspiring people to learn, grow, and adaptUnderstanding the confidence gap many L&D professionals experienceWhat high-performing learning teams consistently do differentlyMoving beyond program delivery toward business enablementEquipping employees for today's performance and tomorrow's challengesNavigating complexity and change without losing strategic directionUsing "tuning in" techniques to increase relevance and engagementEscaping the metrics trap of completions and satisfaction scoresBreaking the cycle of reactive learning requestsLessons from previous waves of disruption and what AI means for L&DWhy learning leaders should become windmills, not umbrellasAbout Laura Overton Laura Overton is one of the learning industry's most respected researchers, analysts, and thought leaders. As Founder of Learning Changemakers, she helps learning professionals build confidence, influence, and business impact. Through decades of research into high-performing L&D teams, Laura has become a leading voice on learning strategy, organizational capability, and workforce readiness. Voices of the Learning Network is the Learning Network podcast connecting the learning and development community. https://thelearning-network.org/

    The L&D Confidence Gap: What High-Performing Teams Do Differently
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About

Get ready for "Voices of the Learning Network", from The Learning Network! Tune in to hear straight from our members, and industry partners, and keep up with what happening in the Network and the wider Learning and Development industry! Voices of the Learning Network is the official podcast of The Learning Network. We are a Community Interest Company (CIC) and exist solely to support you as a learning professional – so whether you are a seasoned professional or have just entered the field, the Learning Network exists to help you no matter what stage of your career you’re in. We like to think we have something for everyone – our community includes instructional designers, trainers, developers, technologists, consultants, strategists, freelancers and industry leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    The Learning Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Learning Network
  • Show Website
    Voices of the Learning Network