The Secrets of Learning & Development

Valerie & Julia

Our podcast is designed for business leaders, managers, consultants, industry experts, and individuals who are passionate about driving change and promoting growth in their organisations or personal development. Each episode will delve into crucial topics such as mindset recalibration, visibility, and strategic planning. We will have insightful conversations about change management and innovative initiatives that can transform your approach to learning and development.  Our aim is to equip you with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills, business acumen, and personal growth.  We are focusing on our leaders and professional guests' unique journeys and the key moments that have shaped their careers.   We are passionate about sharing stories that inspire, educate, and ignite a spark within our listenersJoin us on this journey as we unlock the secrets to success in the dynamic world of learning and development. Stay tuned and get ready to be inspired!Host Information:Julia BendExecutive Career Coachhttps://www.premier-coaching.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bend-premier-coachingValerie MerrillLearning & Development Trainer & Advisorhttps://www.merrillconsultants.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/merrillvalerie/

  1. Stella Collins: Rewiring the Way We Learn with Neuroscience and Curiosity

    1D AGO

    Stella Collins: Rewiring the Way We Learn with Neuroscience and Curiosity

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:E7 In this episode, we sit down with Stella Collins, co-founder of Stellar Labs and a trailblazer in applying neuroscience and psychology to learning and development. From starting out as a coder to becoming an influential speaker and author of Neuroscience for Learning and Development, Stella shares how her career evolved through curiosity, frustration with traditional training, and a deep-rooted passion for making learning practical and effective. We explore her journey into entrepreneurship, her creation of the GEAR model, and her insights on how AI and data can support learning that truly transfers into behaviour. Stella also shares her experience as a keynote speaker and her ambitions to help organisations build self-directed learning cultures that actually work. Whether you’re in L&D, leadership or just fascinated by how we learn, this episode is packed with honest reflections, practical ideas and a few surprises (pirate ships included). Key Learnings Learning Transfer Requires More Than Just Content Stella emphasises that real learning happens when people apply what they've learned, not just consume information. Her GEAR model (Guide, Experiment, Apply, Retain) and collaboration with experts in learning effectiveness highlight the importance of designing learning experiences that lead to behavioural change , not just knowledge gain. AI and Tech Are Tools, Not Solutions , Without Human Understanding While Stella champions the use of AI and data in learning, she is clear that these tools are only effective when grounded in a solid understanding of how people learn. It’s the human judgement, clarity of outcomes, and relevance that determine whether tech truly enhances learning. Guest Information: http://stellacollins.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellacollinslearningrevolution/

    31 min
  2. Dr Seb Fox on Emergent Coaching: Rethinking What Teams Really Need

    AUG 28

    Dr Seb Fox on Emergent Coaching: Rethinking What Teams Really Need

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:E6 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie welcome Dr Seb Fox, an experienced team coach, researcher and soon-to-be author for a compelling conversation that challenges conventional coaching models. Seb shares his unexpected journey from finance and marketing into the world of coaching, and how a curiosity about behavioural change led him to specialise in team coaching. Drawing on insights from his doctoral research into emergent coaching, he unpacks what really makes teams effective and why traditional models often miss the mark. Listeners will gain fresh perspectives on: The true purpose of team coaching and why performance isn't the goal The concept of emergence, and how it reshapes the coaching conversation Why team coaching isn't just one-to-one coaching in a group setting Navigating complexity, discomfort and transformation within team dynamics What to expect from Seb’s upcoming book on emergent team coaching Whether you're a coach, team leader or simply curious about the future of team development, this episode offers rich insights into a practice that is as complex as it is rewarding. Key Takeaways True transformation in teams begins when coaches let go of rigid models and allow what’s blocking progress to emerge. Seb challenges traditional frameworks, arguing that teams often don’t know what’s getting in their way until they’re given space to explore, and that’s where emergent coaching begins. Performance is not the coach’s responsibility, it’s the team’s. Rather than striving to drive outcomes, Seb emphasises that a coach's role is to create the conditions for insight and ownership. Sustainable performance only comes when teams take responsibility for the change themselves. Guest Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianfox/ http://www.brownfoxconsultancy.com/ sebastian@brownfoxconsultancy.com

    27 min
  3. Cheers to One Year: Curiosity, Connection and Conversations

    AUG 22 · BONUS

    Cheers to One Year: Curiosity, Connection and Conversations

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! It’s our podcast anniversary! One year, three seasons, and a whole lot of honest conversation later, we’re celebrating everything The Secrets of Learning and Development has become. In this special episode, we reflect on what sparked the podcast, how it’s evolved, and the moments that made it all worthwhile from the honest stories our guests have shared to the listener messages that stayed with us. We share a few behind-the-scenes memories, celebrate our award nomination, and look ahead as Season 4 begins to take shape. To everyone who’s tuned in, joined us as a guest, shared an episode, or simply listened quietly in the background, thank you.

    8 min
  4. Bonus Episode: Reinvention Isn’t Just a New Job It’s an Emotional Shift

    AUG 14 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Reinvention Isn’t Just a New Job It’s an Emotional Shift

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if career change isn’t just about your next role, but who you’re becoming? In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend uncover the hidden emotional load behind career change the identity shifts, quiet questions and inner work that rarely make it onto LinkedIn. They share real experiences and insights on what it feels like to lose your footing, why emotions like grief, doubt and guilt surface, and how to start rebuilding without rushing the process. Expect honest stories, practical ways to ease the uncertainty, and a reminder that reinvention isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s a slow, reflective process that shapes not just your career, but how you see yourself. Whether you’re in transition or supporting someone through one, this conversation will help you recognise the invisible workload of reinvention and why it matters.

    10 min
  5. The Message Behind the Brand: Laurie Kozan on Clarity and Connection

    AUG 7

    The Message Behind the Brand: Laurie Kozan on Clarity and Connection

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:5 In this episode, we’re joined by Laurie Kozan, founder of Own Source Marketing Studio, whose career spans PR, branding, design and digital strategy, all anchored by a single golden thread: shaping how people experience information. Laurie talks about navigating transitions, from international moves to career pauses and pivots, and how each phase deepened her understanding of meaningful communication. She shares powerful insights into the often-overlooked nuances of brand identity, particularly for solopreneurs translating deep expertise into something their audience can actually connect with. We explore how curiosity drives her strategic approach, why she believes in saying yes before self-doubt kicks in, and what she learned from stepping onto the stage at Speak and Shine. With refreshing honesty and wit, Laurie unpacks the messy beauty of building a business that truly reflects your voice, while reminding us that clarity often begins with simply paying attention. Whether you're rethinking your brand, wondering how to present yourself after a career break or just love hearing how others turn curiosity into impact, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways Clarity in Communication Begins with Perspective-Shifting Laurie emphasises that effective communication isn’t just about what you want to say, but how the audience will receive it. Whether you’re building a brand, pitching expertise or writing copy, success lies in understanding and bridging the gap between your own knowledge and how others perceive the problem. This shift in perspective is especially crucial for solopreneurs moving from corporate roles to consultancy. Your Brand Identity Should Be a Daily Tool, Not a Decorative Asset Laurie introduces the idea of a “source book”  a practical, strategic framework that anchors every brand decision, from messaging to offers. She makes a compelling case that brand identity isn’t about colours or logos, but about clarity of purpose, values and consistent language. When done well, your brand strategy becomes something you actively use to shape decisions, not just a static set of assets. Guest Information: https://www.sourcemarketingstudio.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriekozan/ lauriekozan@gmail.com

    40 min
  6. Bonus: It’s Not What You Say: Why Feelings Shape What People Remember

    JUL 31 · BONUS

    Bonus: It’s Not What You Say: Why Feelings Shape What People Remember

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if people don’t remember your words or actions, but how you made them feel? In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend explore why emotional presence shapes every interaction from coaching sessions to training rooms to everyday conversations. They share personal stories and insights about the subtle ways energy, connection and psychological safety influence how people learn, engage and remember you. Expect relatable examples, practical reflections and a reminder that sometimes the smallest gestures a pause, a smile, a touch of patience leave the biggest mark. Whether you lead, teach or simply work with people, this episode will shift how you think about the atmosphere you create.

    9 min
  7. From Neuroscience to TEDx: Gill McKay on Visibility and Voice

    JUL 24

    From Neuroscience to TEDx: Gill McKay on Visibility and Voice

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:4 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are joined by the inspiring Gill McKay, speaker, neuroscience advocate and co-founder of Speak and Shine. Gill shares her fascinating career journey across learning and development, corporate leadership and addiction recovery coaching, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her work. From designing leadership programmes informed by neuroscience to delivering a powerful TEDx talk on sober shaming, Gill reflects on the personal and professional experiences that helped her find her voice and support others in doing the same. She also introduces the mission behind Speak and Shine, which creates inclusive spaces for women to step into visibility with confidence. This is a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about identity, growth and speaking up, even when it feels difficult. Key Learnings Visibility begins with self-acceptance and clarity of purpose Gill emphasises that confidence in public speaking and in professional life more broadly comes from knowing what you stand for and being able to say it out loud. Whether it's stepping onto a TEDx stage or launching a movement like Speak and Shine, the first step is internal: recognising your own voice and values before sharing them with others. Challenging cultural norms can lead to powerful personal and professional transformation Gill’s decision to become alcohol-free revealed the deep-rooted stigma around sobriety, even among friends and colleagues. Her experience highlighted how prevalent unspoken biases can be, and how addressing them publicly can give others permission to reflect, relate and heal. This has become a cornerstone of her work, showing that personal change can drive meaningful social impact. Guest Information: https://gillmckay.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillmckay/ hello@gillmckay.com

    38 min
  8. Bonus: From Repetitive to Remarkable: What Superworkers Are Doing Differently

    JUL 17 · BONUS

    Bonus: From Repetitive to Remarkable: What Superworkers Are Doing Differently

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode, Julia Bend and Valerie Merrill dive into a trend that’s gathering pace across organisations the rise of the Superworker. Far from being a tech buzzword, this is about real people using AI tools to work smarter, not harder. Valerie shares what’s driving the shift, what traits define a Superworker, and why it’s less about being tech-savvy and more about being curious, thoughtful and human. We look at the opportunities and the cautions from better decision-making to digital overload and offer practical tips for both leaders and individuals on where to begin. A thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in how technology is reshaping not just what we do, but how we grow, collaborate and lead.

    9 min
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About

Our podcast is designed for business leaders, managers, consultants, industry experts, and individuals who are passionate about driving change and promoting growth in their organisations or personal development. Each episode will delve into crucial topics such as mindset recalibration, visibility, and strategic planning. We will have insightful conversations about change management and innovative initiatives that can transform your approach to learning and development.  Our aim is to equip you with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills, business acumen, and personal growth.  We are focusing on our leaders and professional guests' unique journeys and the key moments that have shaped their careers.   We are passionate about sharing stories that inspire, educate, and ignite a spark within our listenersJoin us on this journey as we unlock the secrets to success in the dynamic world of learning and development. Stay tuned and get ready to be inspired!Host Information:Julia BendExecutive Career Coachhttps://www.premier-coaching.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bend-premier-coachingValerie MerrillLearning & Development Trainer & Advisorhttps://www.merrillconsultants.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/merrillvalerie/

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