The Secrets of Learning & Development

Valerie & Julia
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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. The Hidden Barriers to Success: Baiju Solanki on Identity, Energy and Self-Leadership

    4D AGO

    The Hidden Barriers to Success: Baiju Solanki on Identity, Energy and Self-Leadership

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S4: E2 What happens when success on paper doesn’t match how you feel inside? In this powerful conversation, performance psychologist, entrepreneur and author Baiju Solanki shares how redefining success, removing interference and getting radically honest transformed his career and his life. From walking away from a high-paying role to launching multiple businesses, Baiju speaks candidly about identity, leadership and the mindset traps that hold even high-achievers back. We explore: • Why alignment matters more than accolades • How fear and avoidance show up in leaders • What true performance looks like when ego is stripped away • Why AI is creating a new imperative for human-led leadership Honest, energetic and full of sharp insight — this episode will stay with you. Key Takeaways Performance isn’t about potential — it’s about removing interference. Baiju unpacks how internal blockers like fear, self-doubt and people-pleasing can quietly limit even the most outwardly successful professionals. True success comes from inner alignment, not external validation. Through stories and lived experience, Baiju explains why fulfilment starts with identity, self-awareness and taking responsibility at the highest level. Guest Information:  linkedin.com/in/baijusolanki-performance-psychologist baijusolanki.com/ changeyourgamebook.com/   Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    35 min
  2. Bonus Episode: How Real Relationships Begin: A Conversation About Networking

    DEC 4 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: How Real Relationships Begin: A Conversation About Networking

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode, Julia and Valerie talk openly about what networking is really about. It’s not the awkward card-swapping kind, but the kind that leads to real relationships, unexpected opportunities and even co-hosting a podcast. From the cringe of speed networking to the value of showing up consistently, they explore why some connections last 15 years while others fade away. Valerie shares her approach to staying curious, being present and following up in a way that feels natural rather than strategic. Julia reflects on how her own view has evolved and why networking no longer feels performative. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in a room full of strangers or unsure how to re-engage with your network, this conversation is for you. Practical, honest and full of warm insight, it’s a reminder that the best connections often begin with a simple conversation.  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    11 min
  3. Nick Shackleton-Jones: Finding Work That Actually Fits

    NOV 27

    Nick Shackleton-Jones: Finding Work That Actually Fits

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S4:E1 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are joined by Nick Shackleton-Jones, award-winning learning strategist, author and speaker, known for shaking up traditional thinking in learning and development. Nick shares his unconventional career journey from psychology lecturer to leading roles at Siemens, the BBC, BP and Deloitte, reflecting on how questioning the norm and embracing being a self-described “nuisance” shaped his path. He discusses what happens when your values no longer fit the corporate mould, why he believes success isn’t about scaling up, and how “holding hands” is essential when driving meaningful change. This is a candid and thought-provoking conversation about challenging conventions, finding work that truly fits and redefining what success can look like. Key Takeaways Success doesn’t always mean scaling up – Nick challenges the obsession with constant growth, arguing that success can mean building a career and life that prioritise adventure, fulfilment and alignment with personal values over expansion for its own sake. Meaningful change in organisations requires “holding hands”  Driving change isn’t about racing ahead with big ideas. It’s about bringing people along, showing them the vision, moving at a sustainable pace and building trust so the change actually lasts. Guest Information: Shackleton Consulting nick@shackleton-consulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    28 min
  4. Book Review :The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

    NOV 20 · BONUS

    Book Review :The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Bonus Episode: Exploring The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning & Development, Julia and Valerie explore The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman a thought-provoking bestseller examining how AI and biotech are reshaping our world. Valerie, ever the book enthusiast, shares why this title grabbed her attention and how it’s influencing her thinking on innovation, ethics and inclusion. Together, they unpack the book’s key themes, from the promise of AI-powered breakthroughs in healthcare and education to the darker concerns around power, pace and global inequality. Whether you're tech-savvy or just tech-curious, this conversation offers a balanced, accessible entry point into some of the most pressing questions of our time. Tune in for honest reflections, sharp insights and a few surprises all sparked by one compelling read.  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    11 min
  5. Backing Yourself: Pooja’s Journey Through Change and Leadership

    NOV 15

    Backing Yourself: Pooja’s Journey Through Change and Leadership

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:12 In this warm and compelling episode, we’re joined by Pooja – senior leader, transformation expert and passionate advocate for women in tech and leadership. Her story takes us from restarting a career in a new country to leading complex global programmes, uncovering strength in uncertainty and growth in discomfort. We explore what it means to adapt across cultures, step into unfamiliar territory and stay true to yourself along the way. Pooja shares candid reflections on finding her voice in British corporate life, leading high-stakes projects like Terminal 5, and making the jump from operations to technology leadership. With refreshing openness, she speaks about the power of asking for help, the myth of work-life balance and why she never looks for a perfect fit in her next role. This episode offers thoughtful insight into resilience, purpose and the quiet confidence that comes from backing yourself. Key Learnings You don’t need to know it all to say yes – Pooja highlights the importance of taking on new challenges before feeling fully ready, trusting that growth comes through action, not perfection. Real change is always about people – Whether leading major tech transformations or adapting to a new culture, Pooja reminds us that success hinges on connection, collaboration and shared purpose. Guest Information:  linkedin.com/in/poojabatrabagga1 poojabagga1@gmail.com  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    30 min
  6. Outgrowing Old Beliefs: Why Open-Mindedness Matters Now

    NOV 6 · BONUS

    Outgrowing Old Beliefs: Why Open-Mindedness Matters Now

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning & Development, Valerie and Julia unpack the role of open-mindedness in dealing with change, both personally and professionally. They explore how assumptions, like “I’m not creative” or “I’m too old for this tech”, can quietly shape behaviour and block growth, even when the tools and opportunities are right in front of us. From coaching insights to learning design, they discuss why the real challenge isn’t adapting to change. It’s believing we can. Featuring practical thinking models like First Principles, Inversion and Second-Order Thinking, this conversation offers a thoughtful take on how leaders and learners can stay relevant, reflective and curious in the face of rapid shifts like AI and hybrid working. If you’ve ever questioned whether your mindset is helping or holding you back, this episode is for you.  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    9 min
  7. Experiment, Challenge, Rethink: L&D with Tom McDowall

    OCT 30

    Experiment, Challenge, Rethink: L&D with Tom McDowall

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3: E11 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down with Tom McDowall, consultant, strategist and founder of Evolve L&D, for a conversation that questions long-standing norms in the learning and development space. Tom’s career began in sales management, where he quickly saw how poor training was not only failing to deliver results, but was also letting people down. That early frustration led to a mission: to challenge ineffective practices, encourage experimentation and push L&D to think harder about what it really exists to do. Together, they explore why many L&D teams are still stuck in a cycle of producing content rather than solving problems, and how that mindset limits their influence and impact. Tom shares how simple A/B testing, bold thinking and candid internal dialogue can shift a team from doers to trusted partners in organisational performance. They also discuss what it truly takes to earn a seat at the top table. Beyond ambition, there is often a skills gap that prevents many from operating effectively at a strategic level. Tom opens up about the pressures of professionalising the industry, the need for clearer career pathways, and why generosity and support matter more than ever for those entering the profession. This episode is full of straight-talking insight, grounded advice and constructive provocation. Whether you are new to L&D or a seasoned leader ready to shake things up, Tom’s perspective offers a thoughtful call to action. Stop doing what has always been done and start thinking differently. Key Learnings L&D needs to stop measuring success by output and start focusing on impact. Tom challenges the long-standing reliance on metrics like number of courses delivered or attendance rates. He argues that these fail to reflect real learning or behavioural change, and that L&D teams must take responsibility for shifting the conversation toward more meaningful measures. Without that shift, L&D risks being undervalued and stuck in an order-taking role. Small-scale experimentation can lead to powerful insights and organisational change. Through a simple A/B test comparing traditional e-learning with a drip-fed email campaign, Tom demonstrated how alternative approaches can dramatically increase engagement and effectiveness. These kinds of experiments not only improve outcomes, they also prompt broader discussions about the purpose and direction of L&D within organisations. Guest Information: tom.mcdowall@outlook.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdowall https://www.youtube.com/c/InstructionalDesignTips Evolve L&D - Making L&D a Radical But Essential Business Partner  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    37 min
  8. Bonus Episode: You Got the Promotion – So Why Does It Feel Empty?

    OCT 22 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: You Got the Promotion – So Why Does It Feel Empty?

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we explore a question that many senior professionals carry quietly: “Is this all there is?” It’s not about failure or dissatisfaction. It’s about the unsettling moment when success doesn’t feel how you thought it would. The promotion comes through, the goals are met, but something still feels off. Julia shares a real conversation that sparked this reflection, and together with Valerie, they unpack what happens when external success no longer aligns with internal motivation. They explore why this feeling is more common than you might think, what it could be telling you, and how to start listening to it without tearing everything down. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the path you're on, even quietly, this one’s for you.  Just to let our listeners know — we’ve just won Podcast of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards 2025 Support the show Support the Show Help us continue making great content and get a shout-out on the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389736/support

    7 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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