The Assembly

Assemble You
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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. 2d ago

    Building the L&D Team of the Future with Simon Gibson of Center Parcs

    Adam sits down with Sam Gibson, the Talent Director at Center Parcs and former Group Head of L&D at M&S, to get brutally honest about what's holding L&D back and what high-performing teams do differently. With a career spanning banking, retail, nuclear decommissioning and hospitality, Sam has a rare cross-industry perspective: if you don't understand how your business makes money, you're probably doing nice things that don't matter. They cover how to diagnose the right problems, build a commercial business case, and tell stories that earn influence which includes a standout M&S example where fixing a policy search issue saved 5,000 managers 30 minutes a month and unlocked a multi-million pound productivity win. They also tackle the deskless workforce problem: most L&D solutions are built for people with desks and diaries, and frontline teams deserve better. If you want to sharpen your commercial edge and prove your worth - this one's for you. Episode breakdown:(00:00) From banking to L&D - Simon's unlikely path in(02:30) What L&D is getting fundamentally wrong(04:30) How to understand your business (and why most don't)(07:00) Finding the right problem before building the solution(10:00) The power of informal networks and honest feedback(16:45) Measurement, impact, and the art of telling great stories(19:00) The M&S case study - from policy chaos to productivity win(24:00) Scrutiny vs. value - are we just bad at proving our worth?(26:00) The future skills every L&D professional needs now(31:00) Deskless workers - why they're underserved and what to do about it(38:30) Three pieces of advice for anyone starting out in L&D 🔗Connect with SimonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongibsonlearning/ 📮 The Assembly DebriefA short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. 👋 Come and connect with usWe’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world.Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The AssemblyLearning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com Privacy & DataThis podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/ 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.

    43 min

  2. May 26

    If They Can't See It, They Can't Do It: Scaffolded Learning That Actually Sticks. With Stephanie Alayyoubi-Trattles

    Most people don't fail because they're incapable. They fail because the support disappears too early. Brigid sits down with  Stephanie Alayyoubi-Trattles, founder of Kyoshi Consulting, to explore what it actually takes to build learning that drives measurable change. Stephanie has spent over a decade leading learning strategy and design across EdTech unicorn Multiverse, London Business School, and global organisations. She began her career in the classroom, and she makes a compelling case that the teaching frameworks we left behind in education are exactly what corporate L&D is missing. At the centre of the conversation is the gradual release of responsibility: I do, we do, you do. Stephanie unpacks what this looks like in practice inside an organisation, how to model best practice before expecting people to replicate it, and why most programmes skip the very steps that make learning stick.  She also shares how to build the wider ecosystem around a training programme, from communities of practice and peer feedback to manager reinforcement in the flow of work. She doesn't shy away from the harder conversation either. L&D teams too often operate as order takers, delivering ad hoc content that isn't tied to business priorities. Steph's challenge is to pause, get a seat at the table, and design with intention so that learning creates real capability, not just compliance. If you're designing, running, or rethinking how learning lands in your organisation, this episode will give you a sharper, more grounded way to approach it. What you'll takeaway from this episode: What the gradual release of responsibility looks like in practice and why it works just as well for an 8-year-old as a 48-year-oldWhy people cannot do what they haven't seen and how to audit your existing programmes for this blind spotThe two traps that stop L&D from modelling best practice: the curse of knowledge and imposter syndrome and how to overcome bothHow to build a competency framework that defines best practice before you design a single piece of learningWhat scaffolding looks like inside a real organisation with a detailed example from Stephanie's time at MultiverseWhy communities of practice and mentorship are the parts of the learning ecosystem that create lasting capabilityHow to build a learning culture where people don't just attend, they queue up to get inThe first practical step for any L&D team ready to start integrating this approach 🔗 Connect with Stephanie  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-trattles/ 📮 The Assembly Debrief A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. https://www.assembleyou.com/the-assembly/newsletter 👋 Come and connect with us We’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world. Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/ Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly & Assemble You Learning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com Privacy & Data This podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/

    37 min

  3. May 19

    Most manager development programmes are well-designed. They just weren't built for how humans actually behave. With Farley Thomas

    Adam sits down with Farley Thomas, CEO of Manageable, the global manager development platform he co-founded in 2020, to explore why manager development so often falls short and what it takes to build something that sticks. After a decade in investment banking at HSBC, Farley trained as a coach and spent years advising CEOs before spotting that managers were one of the most underserved populations in any organisation. Manageable was built to fix that. Farley breaks down eight pieces of the manager development puzzle, from building genuine learning habits to using AI as a safe practice environment for difficult conversations. He also tackles the cohort versus individual learning debate and explains why most organisations are getting both wrong. If you are designing, running, or rethinking a manager programme, this episode will give you a sharper framework to work from. What you'll learn: The eight pieces of the manager development puzzle and why most programmes only tackle two or threeWhy cutting practice from your programme is the most expensive corner you can cutHow to make cohort-based learning genuinely valuable rather than logistically painfulWhat scaffolding actually means and how it builds lasting learning habitsWhere AI fits into manager development and where it falls shortThree practical tips for any new or aspiring manager just starting out🔗 Connect with Farley LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farleythomas/ 📮 The Assembly Debrief A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. 👋 Come and connect with us We’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world. Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/ Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly Learning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com Privacy & Data This podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/ 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.

    30 min

  4. May 12

    Your middle managers are not underperforming. They are under-resourced. With Toluwa Hughes

    Brigid sits down with Toluwa Hughes, behavioural scientist, two-times TEDx speaker, and founder of Zoah Consultancy, to explore why the manager layer is so often the most overlooked group in any organisation and what L&D can do about it right now. Toluwa has coached over 4,000 leaders across the UN in East Africa, tech scale-ups, and global enterprises including HSBC, Dell, and Alzheimer's Society.  Her work sits at the intersection of behavioural science and real-world leadership pressure - helping managers stay steady through growth, change, and AI adoption. In this episode, she breaks down the hidden cost of ignoring middle managers from the two things their role actually demands (translation and emotional regulation) to why high performers are the ones most quietly burning out. She also challenges L&D teams to stop asking managers what training they need, and start asking better questions entirely. If you work with or support managers, this episode will sharpen how you think about development, wellbeing, and where L&D can have the most impact. What you'll learn: Why middle managers carry more than any job description acknowledges and why they rarely say soThe two types of managerial silence, and how to tell them apartWhy 82% of managers step into leadership with no formal training and what that actually costsHow mindset, not skills, determines behaviour under pressureThe three things L&D already has that are more valuable than budget permission, proximity, and trustWhy leadership development and wellbeing must be the same conversationThe questions that surface what managers are really carrying 🔗 Connect with Toluwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toluwa-oyeleye/ Zoah Consultancy: https://www.zoahconsultancy.co.uk 📬 The Assembly Debrief A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. https://www.assembleyou.com/the-assembly/newsletter 👋 Come and connect with us We're always keen to hear what's resonating or what you're seeing in your world. Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/ Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly & Assemble You Learning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com This podcast is hosted by Transistor. For privacy information visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy

    49 min

  5. May 5

    How Do You Build Critical Thinking, Curiosity, and Better Decision-Making in an AI-Driven World? With Liggy Webb

    In this episode, Adam sits down with Liggy Webb to explore how L&D leaders can equip their people with the human skills that matter most - cutting through noise, thinking clearly, and performing in a complex environment. Liggy, a behavioural skills specialist and author, shares practical ways to develop an “inquiring mind” - from building self-awareness and asking better questions, to strengthening curiosity and critical thinking. Together, they unpack how learning can move beyond information and focus on how people think, decide, and act - offering simple, actionable ways to navigate today’s fast-changing world. If you’re looking to future-proof your workforce or build stronger thinking skills, this episode will give you practical ways to move forward. Episode breakdown: (00:00) Introduction to Inquiring Minds (02:00) Why critical thinking matters more than ever (04:00) The nine skills of an inquiring mind (05:00) Self-awareness and feedback (09:00) Cultivating curiosity (12:00) Lifelong learning in a changing world (16:00) The power of human conversations (21:00) Asking better questions (26:00) Critical thinking vs emotional reactions (31:00) Distilling complexity (34:00) Problem solving and decision making 🔗 Connect with Liggy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liggyw/ 📮 The Assembly Debrief A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. 👋 Come and connect with us We’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world. Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/ Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly Learning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com Privacy & Data This podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://transistor.fm/privacy/

    45 min

  6. Apr 28

    How do you prove the value of L&D in a business that sees it as a cost, not a driver of performance? With Jade Rogers

    In this episode, Brigid sits down with Jade Rogers to unpack how learning and development leaders can build influence, demonstrate impact, and secure a more strategic role within their organisations. Jade, an L&D professional in a tech consultancy, describes her role as “the bridge between potential and performance” - but like many in the field, she’s had to navigate the challenge of making that value visible. Together, they explore practical ways to reposition L&D - from using storytelling to demonstrate ROI, to speaking the language of senior leaders and aligning more closely with business goals. They also go deeper into the realities of organisational change. Jade shares her experience navigating multiple rounds of redundancies—what it does to culture, trust, and morale - and how L&D professionals can support others while managing their own resilience. If you’re trying to increase your influence, communicate your value more effectively, or navigate uncertainty in your organisation, this episode will give you practical ways to move forward. Episode breakdown: (00:00) From youth work to L&D (02:30) Why L&D is misunderstood (04:30) Storytelling as ROI (06:30) The link between L&D and culture (08:00) Why L&D is at risk during redundancies (10:00) Speaking the language of leadership (12:00) Progress over perfection (14:00) The emotional impact of change (17:00) Rebuilding trust and culture (20:00) Meeting people where they are (22:00) Turning insight into action (25:00) Building resilience at work (28:00) Communicating your value 🔗 Connect with Jade LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaderogers/ 📮 The Assembly Debrief A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode—designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. https://www.assembleyou.com/newsletter 👋 Come and connect with us We’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world. Adam Lacey – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/ Richard Ward – https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly Learning that feels more like great content than training—explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com/ Privacy & Data This podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://transistor.fm/privacy/

    31 min

  7. Apr 21

    Award-Winning L&D at Qatar Airways: Gary Clarke's Blueprint for Success

    Adam sits down with Gary Clarke, former Group Head of Learning & Development at Qatar Airways, for a candid conversation spanning 20+ years of global L&D leadership - from starting in the British Army at 16 to leading functions at BlackRock, Capita, and Qatar Airways. Gary delivers a masterclass on managing a complex, geographically dispersed L&D function. He shares the real work behind building a high-performing, award-winning team - uniting a fragmented function post-COVID, running internal learning conferences with 270 attendees, and creating a culture where cleaners and café staff get recognised alongside senior leaders. He also gives sharp, practical advice on what it means to truly understand your business - and why that skill separates good L&D professionals from great ones. He takes us through: Managing Global Complexity: Leading an 80-person L&D team responsible for the capability strategy of 65,000 employees. Overseeing learning technology, digital content, leadership pipelines, and highly regulated operational training across 170 international stations.Rebuilding Team Culture: The impact that fostering a culture of trust and psychological safety can have, and how in enabled people to innovate.Fostering Connection: To build community, Gary introduced cross-departmental "Lunch and Learns" , "potluck" meals and internal learning conferences. Inclusive Recognition: Gary highlights the importance of recognising the entire workforce. He implemented peer-nominated awards, including a "Pay It Forward" trophy for acts of kindness outside the workplace.Connect with Gary LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/garyclarke21/ The Assembly DebriefA short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. Come and connect with usWe’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world.Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly & Assemble YouLearning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com Privacy & DataThis podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/

    33 min

  8. Apr 14

    How do you move L&D from delivering training to driving real performance in an AI-powered world? with Yousaf Khan

    In this episode, Brigid sits down with Yousaf Khan, an AI strategy and business transformation consultant, to explore how learning and development leaders can shift from knowledge delivery to measurable impact, and stay relevant as work evolves. Starting his career in L&D, Yousaf quickly recognised the gap between learning and real performance. Now working across strategy, performance, and AI, he helps organisations rethink how work actually gets done and where L&D can add the most value. Together, they unpack what it takes to reposition L&D as a driver of performance, from diagnosing the real problem to focusing on workflows over skills and using AI to enhance how work happens day-to-day. They also explore how AI is reshaping the workplace, and how L&D leaders can use it as a performance multiplier - boosting speed, capacity, and efficiency - without jumping to solutions before fully understanding the challenge. If you’re looking to move beyond traditional training, show real business impact, or better understand how AI is changing the role of L&D, this episode offers practical, thoughtful ways to rethink your approach. What You’ll Learn•     Why “skills” alone aren’t enough and why behaviour in context is the real measure of performance•     How to reposition L&D as a driver of performance by starting with workflows, not training briefs•     What the Fix, Enhance, Reimagine framework looks like in practice across different business functions•     How AI can augment work - speeding up research, proposals, follow-ups, and content - without replacing human judgment•     Why most organisations aren’t ready to use AI effectively yet, and what “fixing the foundations” actually means•     Practical questions L&D leaders can ask themselves this week to start identifying where AI could have real impact•     How the role of L&D shifts as AI takes on more of the diagnostic and data-gathering work  🔗 Connect with Yousaf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousaf-khan-b36a0591/?originalSubdomain=aePerformance Intelligence AI - www.performanceintelligence.co 📮 The Assembly Debrief A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise.https://www.assembleyou.com/newsletter 👋 Come and connect with us We’re always keen to hear what’s resonating or what you’re seeing in your world.Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/ More from The Assembly Learning that feels more like great content than training—explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work.https://www.assembleyou.com/ Privacy & Data  his podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://transistor.fm/privacy/

    48 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Assemble You Limited
  • Show Website
    The Assembly