What makes an L&D professional tick?
Learning and Development is at the core of what we do as a training company.
We thought it was high time we took a moment to explore what drives the passion of influencers and decision-makers in the world of staff education.
We hope you enjoy our ever-expanding interview series...
Pooja Pradeep
Learning and Development Business Partner at CERN
"Embrace a learner-centric approach. Empathize with your audience, understand their needs, and seek ways to create value and make a meaningful impact."
In the latest instalment of our series, we had the privilege of speaking to Pooja Pradeep, Learning and Development Business Partner at the world-renowned European Organization for Nuclear Research [CERN].
From her early beginnings as a counselling psychologist to what sparked her transition into the dynamic world of L&D, Pooja shared a warm and inspiring account of her career journey and the unique experiences that shaped her path.
Sue Turner OBE
Founder and CEO of AI Governance
"As a fundamental part of human nature, I hope we'll always want to be curious and continue to push ourselves."
We were thrilled to catch up with Sue Turner OBE, a specialist in AI, data governance and ethics and recognised as one of the “100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics”™, for an insightful and engaging interview. She is the founder and CEO of AI Governance, and a non-executive and executive board member.
Sue shares her personal journey into the AI and data field, and why she believes expanding her own knowledge will help to shift the power and encourage people to take control of the way AI is used in business and in everyday life. She gives a valuable perspective into the ethical considerations, capabilities and potential risks associated with AI, plus offers key insights that businesses can learn from adopting their own AI ethics strategies.
Andy Lancaster
Head of Learning at CIPD
"Learning has been the golden thread running throughout my career."
For the first in the series, we were delighted to catch up with Andy Lancaster, Head of Learning at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development.
Andy shares with us the eclectic career path he has taken so far, the importance of grabbing opportunities with both hands and why supporting people in their development is in his DNA.
Olga Manzano
Global Partner Manager at LPI
"For me, learning is the ultimate purpose in life."
For the next interview in our series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Olga Manzano, Global Partner Manager for the LPI (Learning and Performance Institute), the global body for workplace learning professionals which offers rapid upskilling, certifications, membership, resources, programmes, events and more.
Olga describes a rewarding career pivot from the aviation industry to L&D and why she believes learning is the ultimate purpose in life. We find out why hard work, risk-taking and perseverance, plus some difficult decisions along the way, has led Olga to her dream job and why she thinks a good mentor is invaluable.
Philip Mackle
Learning Manager at Aggreko
"Learning makes people more confident, saves them time and helps the bottom line of all business types."
For our third interview in the series, we caught up with Philip Mackle, Talent and Learning Manager at Aggreko, the global leader in temporary power, heating and cooling.
We learn the story behind Phil’s career transition from product design to L&D and how he manages to keep his own skills fresh while nurturing the learning needs of others. He lets us in on the best advice he’s ever been given, shares his memorable work 'ups' and ‘downs' and provides an insight into the latest L&D innovations at Aggreko.
Mary Chokani Mphonda
Chief L&D Officer at Transform 2 Excel
"Everything I do revolves around a deep passion for improving workplace performance."
For the fifth in the series, we were thrilled to catch up with Mary Chokani Mphonda, Chief Learning Officer at Transform 2 Excel, a learning and development consulting firm established to transform organisational learning and higher education learning in Africa.
Mary talks us through her key responsibilities as CLO and why everything she does revolves around a deep passion for improving workplace performance. She lets us in on how she balances a busy role with keeping her own development firmly on the agenda and shares some interesting reports to add to our reading list.
Jo Ruston - Stride Treglown - BCorp
"Learning has been the golden thread running throughout my career."
For the fourth in the series, we were thrilled to catch up with Jo Ruston, Learning and Development Advisor at Stride Treglown, an employee-owned architectural practice and a Certified B Corporation®.
Jo talks us through her fascinating route to L&D, which includes designing kitchens and supporting production room managers for a well-known cosmetics brand, and working in France and Canada as well as the UK.
Selina Morgan-Gayle
Founder and Chief Executive of SMG Mediation Ltd
"I am naturally inquisitive, with a strong interest in research and education."
We were delighted to catch up with Selina Morgan-Gayle, Founder and Chief Executive of SMG Mediation Ltd, a practice that offers exceptional, affordable mediation services throughout the UK.
We learn about her solid background and education in law and her commitment to continuous learning, and why the foundations of her business were built on her own personal journey and a strong desire to fit her successful career around her family.
Alex Dawson
Organisational Development Partner at University of East Anglia
"I think good L&D is about experience design and we can learn a great deal from the master storytellers and the structures and tools they use to delight and move their audiences."
For the latest in the series, we sat down for a fascinating and insightful chat with Alex Dawson, Organisational Development Partner at University of East Anglia - a world leading research institution based in Norwich, England and renowned for student experience.
We learnt about Alex’s varied L&D career to date (one that spans a number of different industries and work cultures including pharmaceutical, not-for-profit and consulting) as well as founding his own successful training consultancy.
Sally Hill
Global Consultant - People & Leadership Development at Munich Re
"My biggest piece of advice for any career, not just L&D, is to get involved, network, and put effort into your relationships."
We were thrilled to catch up with Sally Hill, Global Consultant - People & Leadership Development at Munich Re, a leading global provider of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk solutions.
Sally walks us through her fascinating career to date (one that also includes being a Radio Plugger) and why, although hesitant at first to consider HR and L&D, she’s never looked back.
Robin Hoyle - Head of Learning Innovation at Huthwaite International
"We need to focus on how we best enable people to build capability and develop their skills and behaviours for whatever the next challenge will be"
We sat down for a fascinating chat with Robin Hoyle, Head of Learning Innovation at Huthwaite International, an international training provider and behaviour change specialist. It helps organisations to transform their sales and negotiation outcomes by helping to permanently change the behaviour of their teams.
Robin shares with us the many facets of his established career in L&D, which includes being Chair of the World of Learning Conference, a contributor for Learning Now TV and a published author of books and magazine articles.
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