L&D Leaders Podcast

Howspace

Host Hanna Liimatainen sits down with influential voices in learning and development to discuss what it takes to make learning collaborative, strategic, and continuous in organizations changing faster than ever. Join the L&D Leaders community at ldleaders.net.

Episodes

  1. JAN 5

    L&D must drive AI adoption with Patrik Hedljung

    #2 with Patrik Hedljung, Manager of AI Adoption at Scania. In this episode, Patrik discusses the evolving role of L&D as organizations navigate the shift toward new technology. We explore the tension between slow organizational processes and fast-moving tech, and why AI transformation requires a cross-functional effort across IT, HR, and Legal. Other themes in this episode include Speed over perfection: Why perfectionism is the enemy in a fast-moving landscape and why you must iterate rather than waiting for a mandate.Beyond content delivery: Why an overabundance of content doesn't solve the learning gap.Leading by understanding: Why leaders don't need to be AI experts but must understand the tech enough to manage the transition.Integrating into existing flows: How to tweak existing leadership structures rather than adding more to busy agendas.The "Scania Learner": Fostering individual agency and curiosity as the core of digital transformation.L&D's cultural role: Why AI adoption is a cultural change that requires a human-centric perspective.Collaborative learning as a choice: The need to prioritize and incentivize social learning in a results-driven culture.Takeaways Screw the mandate: Stop waiting for permission and start experimenting, demonstrating, and inviting others to learn.Bridge the silos: AI transformation cannot be solved by one department; it requires leaning in together across IT and HR.Leaders as learners: Use the "Nordic" style of dialogue to learn alongside direct reports rather than standing on a pedestal.Chapters 00:01:21 Introduction and Patrik's role at Scania00:03:46 The "two-minute rule" for daily learning00:10:45 Why AI transformation requires cross-functional collaboration00:12:25 The challenge of yearly processes in a fluid tech world00:18:29 Scania's culture: From classroom sharing to digital internships00:23:53 Prioritizing collaborative learning as a strategic choice00:28:04 The impact of AI on white-collar roles and leadership00:32:44 Integrating AI knowledge into leadership programs00:43:36 Why L&D is crucial for the cultural side of AI00:53:47 A call to action: "Screw the mandate" and start experimentingJoin the L&D Leaders Community at ldleaders.net — a trusted peer space for mid-to-senior professionals to connect, learn from each other’s real experiences, and strengthen collaborative learning in their organizations.

    38 min
  2. 11/26/2025

    Building future capabilities through social learning with Katarina Noén

    #1 with Katarina Noén, Head of Learning for Sweden at Ericsson. In this episode, Katarina shares how she helps people learn and grow inside a global, fast-moving tech organization. We discuss what it takes to build future capabilities at scale, why social learning matters, and how to keep learning connected to real business needs. Katarina talks about working across functions and industries, and creating spaces where people learn from each other through real projects, mentoring, and communities. Other themes in this episode include How to support learning in complex environmentsWhy clarity, curiosity, and collaboration matterThe role of Communities of Practice and cross-company learningHow L&D can act as a trusted partner to the businessPractical examples from Ericsson’s current collaborative learning initiativesTakeaways Building future skills means aligning learning with business goals.Knowledge sharing across companies and industries supports building the needed capabilities for the future.Curiosity and innovation are key to successful learning.Social learning and networking are essential for career growth.Leadership should focus on clarity, people development, and results.Involving end users early leads to better learning outcomes.Building connections is crucial for future success.Learning should be a core part of organizational success.Chapters 00:01:21 Introduction and Katarina's role00:05:37 Career evolution00:08:34 Approach to learning00:10:49 Collaboration initiatives00:14:21 Future learning strategies00:22:29 Aligning with business goals00:27:18 Ericsson's learning supportKatarina also references a national collaboration between Ericsson, Saab, ABB, Volvo Group, and four Swedish universities. More information: https://www.linkedin.com/company/expert-learning-lab Join the L&D Leaders Community at ldleaders.net — a trusted peer space for mid-to-senior professionals to connect, learn from each other’s real experiences, and strengthen collaborative learning in their organizations.

    34 min

About

Host Hanna Liimatainen sits down with influential voices in learning and development to discuss what it takes to make learning collaborative, strategic, and continuous in organizations changing faster than ever. Join the L&D Leaders community at ldleaders.net.