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

    2D AGO

    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 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

    36 min
  2. 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. 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
  3. Bonus Episode: What Creating a Podcast Taught Us About Real Learning

    OCT 16 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: What Creating a Podcast Taught Us About Real Learning

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this reflective bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie turn the mic on themselves to share the unexpected lessons they've learned from creating the podcast. From realising how people fit learning into their daily lives, to discovering the quiet power of voice and conversation, they explore what has made this journey meaningful — both for them and their listeners. They talk about: Why learning doesn’t need a classroomHow stories often stick more than strategiesThe surprising intimacy of audioWhy downloads don’t measure real impactIf you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a podcast — or how learning really happens in the moments between the frameworks — this episode offers a warm and thoughtful look at what matters most. 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

    5 min
  4. Angela De Souza: From Unqualified to Unstoppable – Building Business on Her Own Terms

    OCT 9

    Angela De Souza: From Unqualified to Unstoppable – Building Business on Her Own Terms

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E10 In this rich and revealing episode, we’re joined by Angela De Souza – serial entrepreneur, author of over 30 books, and founder of Women’s Business Club, a global platform championing women in business. Angela’s story is anything but conventional, beginning with a childhood snail-breeding venture and evolving into a purpose-led business movement that spans continents. We explore her unshakable belief that business can – and should – be human. Angela shares powerful reflections on building with integrity, leading from lived experience, and why success must be self-defined. She opens up about shifting from pastoral care to profit, unpublishing her past to tell a new story, and how nature influences her approach to growth and sustainability. From pricing with confidence to redefining leadership and letting go of imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with honesty, encouragement and grounded business insight. Key Takeaways Profit isn’t a dirty word  it’s proof of a sustainable business. Angela challenges the discomfort many women feel around money, emphasising that making a profit should be seen as a strength, not something to apologise for. A healthy business isn’t just about passion, it must also be financially viable. Success should reflect your values, not social expectations. Rather than chasing a polished image of success, Angela encourages defining it on your own terms. For her, success is found in daily balance, meaningful impact and making time for what brings joy not just what brings revenue. Guest Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacdesouza/ https://www.angeladesouza.com/ https://womensbusiness.club/ https://www.muffinandpoppy.co.uk/ 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

    41 min
  5. From Audience Seats to Centre Stage: Our Speak and Shine Experience

    OCT 2 · BONUS

    From Audience Seats to Centre Stage: Our Speak and Shine Experience

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie share their personal journey from sitting in the audience to stepping onto the stage at the Speak & Shine Summit. Speak & Shine is a platform that helps women build confidence, raise their visibility, and share meaningful messages on stage. After watching from the sidelines, both Julia and Valerie decided to take the leap and discovered just how powerful it feels to step up and truly own your voice. They open up about the nerves, the preparation, the unexpected challenges, and the standout moments that made the experience unforgettable. From the writing process to the reactions in the room, this conversation is a candid look at what it really takes to move from “I could never do that” to “I did it and I grew from it.” If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if you said yes to being seen in a bigger way, this episode might be the encouragement you need. 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

    17 min
  6. The Emotional Intelligence Renaissance: EQ over IQ in the Age of Automation

    SEP 25 · BONUS

    The Emotional Intelligence Renaissance: EQ over IQ in the Age of Automation

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if the real leadership advantage in the AI era is not about IQ at all, but EQ? In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Training Consultant Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend explore why emotional intelligence is emerging as the defining trait for leaders in a world shaped by automation. They share real examples of leaders who used empathy and openness to ease anxiety around AI, highlight the five traits that make EQ practical rather than abstract, and touch on the rise of SQ (social quotient) in building stronger teams. Expect clear insights, relatable stories from the field, and practical ways to start developing your own emotional intelligence, even if it does not come naturally. Whether you are leading through change, working in a team that is adapting to new technology, or curious about the future of leadership, this conversation shows why EQ is no longer optional, it is essential. 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
  7. Following the Spark: Jo Cook’s Journey into Learning and Leadership

    SEP 19

    Following the Spark: Jo Cook’s Journey into Learning and Leadership

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E9: In this candid and engaging episode, we’re joined by Jo Cook, virtual learning pioneer, editor of Training Journal, and unapologetically curious creative. Jo shares her unconventional journey from teenage journalism dreams to discovering a passion for teaching, which sparked during a nerve-racking first classroom experience. We explore Jo’s fearless move into self-employment, her early adoption of virtual classrooms, and how creativity fuels everything she does, from glittery canvases to online facilitation. She also opens up about navigating feedback, synthesising insights across projects, and why her business is aptly named “Lightbulb Moment.” Whether you’re an L&D professional, creative thinker or someone figuring out what energises you, this episode is packed with humour, honesty and practical wisdom. Key Learnings Curiosity is a powerful compass for career growth Jo’s journey shows that following what genuinely interests you even if it doesn’t fit the conventional path  can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities. Her curiosity led her from journalism to teaching, and eventually to becoming a respected voice in virtual learning. Feedback is valuable, but boundaries matter Jo shares how learning to discern which feedback to take on board, and which to leave behind, was a crucial part of her personal and professional development. It’s not about ignoring criticism, but about knowing yourself well enough to decide what truly serves your growth. Guest Information:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocooklightbulb/ https://lightbulbmoment.info/ https://www.trainingjournal.com/ jo@lightbulbmoment.info 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

    26 min
  8. From Stage to Strategy: Michael Strawbridge on Confidence, Curiosity and Community in L&D

    SEP 11

    From Stage to Strategy: Michael Strawbridge on Confidence, Curiosity and Community in L&D

    If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E8: In this engaging episode, Valerie and Julia are joined by Michael Strawbridge, Global Head of Community at the Learning and Performance Institute, whose unique journey from professional actor to L&D leader offers rich insights into confidence, connection and the power of asking questions. Michael shares how his stage training continues to shape his approach to public speaking, virtual engagement and leadership presence. He reflects on the transferable skills that have allowed him to build trust with global audiences, and how he uses curiosity as a compass in both community-building and learning design. From hosting high-impact webinars to shaping global conversations, Michael reveals what makes a professional community thrive and why meaningful exchange, not job titles, builds lasting partnerships. We also explore current L&D challenges, including AI, impact measurement and leadership development, and why some conversations still haven’t moved on. A thought-provoking conversation for anyone working through the evolving learning landscape. Key Takeaways Confidence is built through preparation, not personality Michael draws on his acting background to highlight how knowing your message and treating every engagement like a performance helps overcome nerves, even for introverts. It's not about being extroverted, it's about being ready. Meaningful professional communities are built on genuine conversation – Rather than leading with job titles or sales pitches, Michael emphasises the importance of curiosity and human connection. The most valuable exchanges often come from informal, agenda-free conversations. Guest Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-strawbridge-flpi-filp-ba-hons-66793331/ mstrawbridge@thelpi.org https://www.thelpi.org/ 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

    29 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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