The Free Spirits of L+D

L+D Free Spirits
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This is the L&D Free Spirits Podcast, where we share everything about life as a freelancer in the world of learning and development, and ask our guests all the questions you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask). We even talk about how we get business AND what we charge. And as a bonus, each guest gets to set a question for the next. Whether you're thinking about taking the leap, you've just started freelancing, or an experienced freelancer - you won't want to miss this.

  1. May 25

    Episode 19 - The 3 stages of a freelance L&D career

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode — the final of Season 2 — we talk with Andy Candler, founder of Aprendido and self-styled "plain speaking learning consultant," who brings nearly 40 years of experience in digital learning, agency life, and now freelance consulting to one of our most grounded, honest conversations yet. Andy shares how a company merger, a well-timed redundancy, and a long overdue moment of reflection led him to go it alone — and what the two years since have really looked like. He answers Jules's question from the previous episode on the most valuable lesson a client has ever taught him, and sets a cracking question for our next guest.  Along the way, Andy covers why he prefers to fish in different ponds when it comes to conferences, his three-stage model of Learn, Earn and Return, the art of 'co-opetition', why he started charging for the conversations he used to give away for free, and the LinkedIn approach that finally started bringing work through the door. Oh, and he tells us what he charges — with a starting price of one million pounds. Andy also shares the news of his new role as COO of Free Spirits — the community that was there for him from day one of his freelance journey, and one he's been quietly contributing to ever since. Whether you're thinking about making the leap, navigating the rollercoaster of your first year, or looking for a calmer, more considered approach to building a freelance business, this episode is for you. Find Andy on LinkedIn, or visit his website at www.aprendido.co.uk — where you can book a free 30-minute call or a paid hour of his time directly from his calendar. This is the final episode hosted by Mark Gilroy. The podcast will return in the autumn with a new host and fresh guests. Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories across two incredible series.

  2. Apr 27

    Episode 18 - Is your freelance L&D business solving the right problem?

    In this episode of the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, we chat with Jules Wyman, coach, speaker, and founder of Positive Belief — who, it turns out, may well be the longest-serving L&D freelancer we’ve ever had on the show, with 21 years under her belt. Jules shares a remarkably honest origin story that begins not in a boardroom or a training room, but in theatre and television — and takes an unexpectedly raw and courageous turn before landing her in the world of coaching almost by accident. She opens up about how her business truly started her, rather than the other way around, and why she’s never had a business plan.We talk about the confidence coach label she never sought but that served her well — and why she changed her LinkedIn profile just the day before we recorded this episode. Jules shares her thinking on niching, why getting too precious about it can tie you in knots, and how her work has evolved into something she’s still learning to articulate: transformational coaching that goes to the problem behind the problem. Jules answers Gary's question about what she wishes she’d known at the start of her freelance journey — introducing us to her brilliant FROGS framework — and poses a cracking question for our next guest. And of course, Jules tells us how she charges, with a characteristically sharp reminder that your net and self worth a two very different things. Whether you’re thinking about making the leap, just starting out, or well into your freelance journey, this episode is warm, funny, honest, and packed with the kind of wisdom that only comes from 21 years of doing the work. Find Jules and all her resources — including her free weekly reflection email, podcast, books, membership, retreats, and one-to-one coaching — at https://www.juleswyman.online Meanwhile - if you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of despair, contact Samaritans on 116 123

  3. Mar 30

    Everything you missed from Free Spirits Live (Spring '26 edition)

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast for a very special episode — we're bringing you the full Free Spirits Live conference in a box. Mark chats with speakers, attendees and the Free Spirit behind it all as the day unfolds, then catches up with a couple of guests a few days later once the dust has settled. In this episode you'll hear from Emma Klosson, who shares reflections on her session about impact and recognition, the value of showing your work like a maths exam, and why building a case study is always worth it whether or not you win the award. Kara Stanford, marketing strategist and first-time speed session speaker, talks about taking real-time action during sessions — including updating her LinkedIn profile mid-talk and leaving with a full post-Judy to-do list. Jill Sainsbury returns from last year's live podcast to share highlights from her video tips session, a fascinating new approach to AI accuracy, and the fascinating concept of the COI (cost of inaction) — as a way of helping clients understand the value of doing something. Amy Gottler from the eLearning Academy gives her verdict as a first-time attendee, explaining why the online format gave her the confidence to take part more fully than she ever could in person, and why validation can be just as powerful as learning something new. Dave Plunkett shares his experience as a speaker at the event, giving his take on the audience, the organisation and what made it such a smooth experience to be part of. Tejas Kotecha joins Mark a couple of days later to reflect on his first Free Spirits Live, the newfound confidence to say no to the wrong kind of work, and why he reckons the admission fee paid for itself within the first ten minutes. And finally, Kim Ellis, the original Free Spirit and host of the whole event, joins Mark to talk about what went right, what went wrong, what she took away from Dave's referrals session, and what's already in motion for the next Free Spirits Live event. Reserve your ticket for the next Free Spirits Live event on 1st October 2026 at https://ldfreespirits.com/product/find-your-voice/

  4. Feb 23

    Episode 16 - Losing it all and starting again as a freelancer

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into life as a freelancer navigating identity, impact and reinvention. In this episode, we chat with Gary Butterfield, founder of Joy Junction and a wellbeing consultant with nearly two decades of self-employment under his belt. Gary shares how a disappointing appraisal experience set the trajectory for his entire career, why he believes social wellbeing is “the glue” that holds organisations together, and how he created the Conversation Canvas tool now used around the world. We explore the rise and closure of his subsidiary business during COVID, the loneliness of running a company through crisis, and the existential questions that followed. Gary opens up about rebuilding from scratch, choosing impact as his North Star, and designing a freelance business around the parts of work he truly enjoys. We also cover: • Why most appraisals miss the point • How to audit your freelance life and remove what drains you • Coping with loneliness as a solo business owner • The Business Model Canvas and why he wishes he’d found it sooner • His day rate and why he discounts for the public and third sectors Gary answers Emma Coller’s question from the previous episode and sets a powerful one for our next guest: What do you wish you knew at the beginning of your freelance experience that you know now? Whether you’re early in your freelance journey or reflecting on your next chapter, this episode offers honesty, perspective and practical insight. Find Gary on LinkedIn or visit his website. Download the Business Model Canvas from https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

  5. Jan 26

    Episode 15 - The hidden cost of giving your value away

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore what happens when freelancing grows up. In this episode, we sit down with Emma Coller, a retired police officer turned executive coach, consultant, and co-founder of Growth Pod, a leadership development business based in Yorkshire. Emma shares her journey from policing into learning and development, what it was like entering the commercial world for the first time, and why confidence took longer to build than competence. We talk openly about the loneliness of early freelancing, the moment Emma realised she did not want to do it alone, and how a chance collaboration evolved into a long-term business partnership. Emma also breaks down the realities of bid writing, why most people avoid it, and how investing in learning that skill led to winning a major national contract. Emma answers Sara’s question from the previous episode on what she has learned to say no to, including why giving work away for free stops being sustainable, and how knowing your direction makes decisions easier. She also sets a thoughtful question for our next guest about choosing a personal North Star word to guide decision-making for the year ahead. Plus, Emma shares how she thinks about pricing, fairness, and paying associates well. Whether you are new to freelancing or already a few years in, this episode offers honest insight into growth, boundaries, and building something that lasts. You can find Emma on LinkedIn, visit GrowthPod at https://www.growth-pod.co.uk, or email her at emma@growth-pod.co.uk

  6. 12/22/2025

    Episode 14 - What happens when you finally quit and go freelance?

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the emotional and practical reality of going freelance. In this episode, we sit down with Sara Duxbury, a business psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Blooming Potential. Just three months into freelancing, Sara shares an honest account of burnout, stepping away from in-house roles, and building a career that aligns with her values and energy. We talk about the slow decision to go freelance, why rest feels uncomfortable, how the inner critic changes shape, and what it really means to earn enough. Sara also breaks down her day rates, her sliding scale coaching model, and how she reframes pricing conversations without discounting her value. This episode covers boundaries, money, community, energy management, and why freelancing is as much a psychological shift as it is a practical one. If you are considering the leap, already freelance, or feeling definitely quietly exhausted in an in-house role, this conversation will resonate. Find Sara on LinkedIn, follow Blooming Potential on LinkedIn & Instagram, or visit https://www.bloomingpotential.co.uk/https://www.bloomingpotential.co.uk/

  7. 11/24/2025

    Episode 13 - A squiggly story about freelancing in L&D

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore what it really takes to build a meaningful freelance career in learning and development.In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Potter, coach, consultant and founder of Frankly. Jennifer shares her wonderfully squiggly path into L&D, from early burnout at Vodafone to retraining in Chinese medicine, then building a coaching and leadership development business grounded in purpose and values. She talks openly about loneliness, belonging, midlife pivots, the reality of running a freelance business and why freedom sits at the heart of her choices.We also explore how to stay resourced, navigating tough years, and how she thinks about pricing across coaching, team coaching and leadership development work.Jennifer answers Kelly’s question from the previous episode on staying centred in your ‘why’, and sets a new question for our next guest on how they resource themselves. And yes, Jennifer also shares exactly what she charges for her work.Whether you’re early in your freelance journey or looking to evolve your practice, this conversation is full of honest, generous insights.Find Jennifer on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/potterjennifer/

  8. 10/27/2025

    Episode 12 - How to future-proof your L&D freelance career?

    Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the world of freelancing in learning and development.In this episode, we chat with Kelly Rodrigues: a learning designer, people leader, and part-time dancefloor queen. Currently heading up the global L&D function at web pros. Kelly shares her unique journey from professional dancer to L&D leader, and how the spark for using movement to support people with dementia eventually led her into the world of design, coaching, and leadership.We discuss: why values matter more than job titlehow to push back when L&D isn’t the answerstaying future-ready in a world of AIand Kelly’s powerful approach to setting (and keeping) boundaries as a multi-hat freelancer.Kelly answers Jo Cook’s “Clark Kent vs Superman” question from the last episode, and sets a beautiful reflective challenge for our next guest.Plus – as always – Kelly shares her rates, and why she’s not afraid to say “no” to the wrong kind of work.Whether you’re new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a lot of heart.Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn.☕️ Bonus: Yes, she really does have an open-door policy for virtual cuppas!

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This is the L&D Free Spirits Podcast, where we share everything about life as a freelancer in the world of learning and development, and ask our guests all the questions you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask). We even talk about how we get business AND what we charge. And as a bonus, each guest gets to set a question for the next. Whether you're thinking about taking the leap, you've just started freelancing, or an experienced freelancer - you won't want to miss this.

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  • Creator
    L+D Free Spirits
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © L+D Free Spirits
  • Show Website
    The Free Spirits of L+D