The Women Talking About Learning Podcast

The Learning Podcast Festival takes place in London on 26 February 2026. Details are at https://podcastlearningfest.live.You can contact Women Talking About Learning at https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com. Support us at https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning. Email us at [email protected] episode looks at how learning design is shifting in an AI driven world. New tools appear every week. Old assumptions keep moving. We explore what this means for people who build learning. What stays useful. What needs to stop. What comes next.Our guests work with content at scale and see the changes ahead.Gaenor Aitken Gaenor has more than 25 years in learning and development. She works in global shipping with a focus on systems training and large scale content. She is interested in how AI and short form video will change future learning work. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gaenor-aitkenKaren Cureton Karen is a social media specialist after a long career in sales and marketing. She helps organisations use platforms with confidence and keeps her approach simple and practical. Website: https://curetonconsulting.co.uk LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/karencuretontrainingKathryn (Katie) Swandale Katie is Senior Learning and Development Partner at Immediate. She has experience across teaching, apprenticeships and CIPD qualification design. Her work focuses on inclusive learning and has been recognised with collaboration and transformation awards. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kathryn-swandale Company: https://linkedin.com/company/immediatemediaLaura Giles Laura is Head of Learning at Desq. She designs digital learning for global brands and uses behavioural science, UX and storytelling in her work. Her time building MOOCs at the University of Sheffield shaped her evidence based approach. Website: https://desq.co.uk LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/laura-giles-learning-designerFull episode resources All links and references are listed on our website.https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/2025/11/25/the-more-content-one/Thanks for listening.

Contact Women Talking About Learning Website: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com Email: [email protected] Support us: https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning Twitter/X: @WTAL_PodcastThis episode looks at women’s voices. How they are heard. How they are silenced. What happens when we choose to amplify them. It is about confidence, power, bias and allyship. You will hear from two women using learning, science and leadership to shift systems and create impact.Full episode resources All the articles, research and book links mentioned in this episode are listed on our website. 👉https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/?p=5045GuestsAynsley Szczesniak Founder and CEO of Speak Out Sisterhood, a nonprofit helping young professional women in STEM become agents of social change. Aynsley is a third-year Honors Carolina scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying Biology, Chemistry and Entrepreneurship on the pre-medical track. She writes for the Association of Women in Science magazine, sits on the Carolina Women’s Center Advisory Board and leads the Student Success in STEM Task Force. A proactive STEMinist and aspiring physician in women’s health, she is passionate about education, collaboration and social entrepreneurship. • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aynsley-szczesniak/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aynsleyszczesniak/ • Speak Out Sisterhood: https://www.speakoutsisterhood.orgAlison Shea A fourth-generation educator who leads global learning and development for a tech start-up. Alison’s background spans financial services, organisational transformation and diversity, equity and inclusion. She has also worked in consulting and learning product development, designing award-winning workshops and speaking at international conferences. With an MEd in curriculum and instructional technology, Alison is passionate about mentoring and giving back to future learning professionals. • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmshea/Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.

Contact Women Talking About Learning Website: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com Email: [email protected] Support: https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning Podcast Learning Festival: www.podcastlearningfest.liveThis episode explores the intersection of fun, engagement, and effective learning. Our guests challenge conventional approaches to leadership development and learning design, sharing insights on creating psychologically safe spaces, using humour and gamification, and making learning truly memorable.Full episode resources All the links and articles mentioned are listed on our website: 👉 https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/GuestsJess Rogers — Leadership coach with nearly 20 years of experience helping ambitious, values-driven senior leaders find their voice and lead authentically. She works with directors, VPs, chiefs of staff, and senior counsel to build confidence, resilience, and clarity without compromise.Website: https://www.jessicavrogers.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessrogerscoach/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessrogerscoach/Elaine Gosden — CEO and founder of Blue Gnu Consulting, a leadership development consultancy specialising in organisational growth. As a highly skilled facilitator with accreditations in Insights Discovery, MBTI, Hogan and Facet5, Elaine creates psychologically safe environments where teams can have authentic conversations and unlock their potential.Website: http://www.bluegnuco.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-gosden-bluegnu/Kuva — Co-founder of Emergent Learning, a learning strategist and designer fascinated by the sweet spot between fun and effectiveness. With a PhD in online learning design, Kuva explores how gamification, humour, and clever design can transform dry learning experiences into something unforgettable.Website: https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuvaj/Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.

Contact Women Talking About Learning Website: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com Email: [email protected] Support us: https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning Twitter/X: @WTAL_PodcastThis episode explores women, data, and AI — where they intersect, why representation matters, and how we can build more inclusive paths into data science and analytics. Expect conversation on leadership, bias, and the realities of working in data-driven roles.Full episode resources All the articles, research, and podcast links mentioned in this episode are listed on our website: 👉 https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/2025/10/14/the-data-one/GuestsRebecca Oliver — Founder of Juxta Marketing Solutions, helping startups and scale-ups build smart, human-first go-to-market strategies that make people feel something. Her work focuses on meaningful connection, storytelling, and empathy in marketing. After redundancy during maternity leave, Rebecca became an advocate for mums in marketing and shares advice and support through her community @marketing__mum. • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver14/Rachel George — Generative BI Senior Manager leading AI transformation within Business Intelligence. Rachel designs and delivers education programmes in data and AI, including an industry-leading Data & AI Summer School, now in its third year. She champions practical learning, ethical AI, and representation for women in tech. • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelemmadickinsonThanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who’d value it.

Contact Women Talking About Learning Website: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com Email: [email protected] Support: https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearningThis episode explores writing, confidence, facilitation, and how learning happens inside teams. You’ll hear honest stories and practical insights from our guests.Full episode resources All the links, articles, and books mentioned are listed on our website: 👉 https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/GuestsHannah Brown — Author of Into the Hands of Leaders and Training that Clicks. With 25 years in learning development and two design awards, Hannah helps organisations build learning cultures through leadership. • Website: https://hannahbrown.co • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahbrown-learning/Pam Hamilton — Collective intelligence expert, author of The Workshop Book and Supercharged Teams, and founder of Paraffin. Pam’s mission is to change the way the world works together, one team at a time. • Website: https://www.superchargedteams.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/workshopbook/Beth Cougler Blom — Facilitator, designer, and author of Design to Engage. Her new book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation, is due Winter 2025/26. She also hosts the Facilitating on Purpose podcast. • Website: https://bcblearning.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcouglerblom/Emily Gardner — Trainer, coach, and author of The Path of the Guide. Former head of Ninety Academy, recognised at the Learning Awards. Emily supports facilitators to grow their impact. • Website: https://www.emilyfacilitates.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygardnerfacilitator/Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.

Contact Women Talking About Learning Website: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com Email: [email protected] Support: https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearningThis episode explores writing, confidence, facilitation, and how learning happens inside teams. You’ll hear honest stories and practical insights from our guests.Full episode resources All the links, articles, and books mentioned are listed on our website: 👉 https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/GuestsHannah Brown — Author of Into the Hands of Leaders and Training that Clicks. With 25 years in learning development and two design awards, Hannah helps organisations build learning cultures through leadership. • Website: https://hannahbrown.co • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahbrown-learning/Pam Hamilton — Collective intelligence expert, author of The Workshop Book and Supercharged Teams, and founder of Paraffin. Pam’s mission is to change the way the world works together, one team at a time. • Website: https://www.superchargedteams.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/workshopbook/Beth Cougler Blom — Facilitator, designer, and author of Design to Engage. Her new book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation, is due Winter 2025/26. She also hosts the Facilitating on Purpose podcast. • Website: https://bcblearning.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcouglerblom/Emily Gardner — Trainer, coach, and author of The Path of the Guide. Former head of Ninety Academy, recognised at the Learning Awards. Emily supports facilitators to grow their impact. • Website: https://www.emilyfacilitates.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygardnerfacilitator/Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.

You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com We’re on Twitter @WTAL_Podcast You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via [email protected]   Episode Links: How to MC, compère, or chair events What is typically expected of a conference session chair? - Academia Stack Exchange How to be a brilliant conference chair | Universities | The Guardian Chairing Events - The Turing Way What is the Role of the Session Chair in a Conference? How to be a great conference chair—Part 1: Prepare and open the session Guidance for session Chairs - RGS Seven Helpful Tips For A First-Time Speaker 10 Attributes of a Great Chair - Leading Governance How To Chair An Event | Helen Kara How to chair at a learning and development conference Learning Technologies   This week’s guests are Sarah Clayton-Jones is the founder and CEO of READ TO LEAD, delivering book-inspired peer learning experiences that develop human-skilled leaders, connected teams, and curious workplace cultures. With over 20 years’ experience leading and developing teams at global organisations including Volkswagen and Accenture, Sarah blends sharp commercial insight with a people-centred approach, to create agile, high-performing, and engaged leaders at every level. An ICF-accredited performance coach and facilitator, certified NLP and Neuroscience Practitioner, and DiSC Trainer, her unique blend of expertise brings together the science of learning and the art of human connection. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahc-j/ Sheena Whyatt is an award-winning trainer, business coach, speaker, and founder of KAPOW! Business Coaching With Impact. With over 24 years in Learning & Development, she has spent the past decade working with the Learning Technologies Conference, serving as Chairs Captain for the last three years. Sheena helps small business owners grow with clarity and confidence, replacing overwhelm with practical action. She has been shortlisted for multiple business awards in 2025 and is known for her warm humour and no-nonsense support. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenawhyatt/ https://www.kapowme.com/ https://heroes.kapowme.com/sheenas-blog Claire Doody is a change leadership expert with 20+ years of global experience in learning and organisatio

You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com We’re on Twitter @WTAL_Podcast You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via [email protected]   Episode Links: Your Past Does Not Define You or Your Future - Skilled at Life No One Works Harder Than a Woman Who Doesn’t Like Asking for Help - luminate-group.co.uk Why Women Don’t Ask For Help - Thrive Global Why Do Women Find it Hard to Ask For Help? The Cognitive Dimension of Household Labor - Allison Daminger, 2019 Some Theories on Why Men Don't Do as Many Household Tasks - The Atlantic These Chores Don’t Count? On Men’s Hidden “Second Shift” - Life of Dad Men may not ‘perceive’ domestic tasks as needing doing in the same way as women, philosophers argue | University of Cambridge It’s a total myth that women are better at keeping track of household chores | Allison Daminger | The Guardian No, Men Don’t Suck at Doing Laundry or Other Housework ‘Because They’re Men’ | by Katie Jgln | The Noösphere | Medium Women, why is it so hard to say NO? – Angie Greaves Why Women Have a Hard Time Saying No | Psychology Today United Kingdom Gender differences on household chores entrenched from childhood The Second Shift - Wikipedia Finding Balance: A Woman's Guide to Juggling Work, Life, and Laughter American Time Use Survey Summary - 2024 A01 Results The Shriver Report What It Means to Be a Woman Juggling Motherhood, Wifehood, and Career Aspirations | by Ally Garofalo How Women Can Navigate Multiple Roles in Today’s World | SSI SCHAEFER <a href="htt

This week’s first guest is Romy Alexandra. Romy is on a mission to humanise workplaces and learning spaces to accelerate high performance cultures. She specialises in designing and facilitating transformative experiences that integrate psychological safety, experiential learning, neuroscience, and sustained behaviour change. A former Peace Corps Volunteer and Fulbright Scholar, Romy brings a global perspective and nearly 15 years of international expertise spanning 85 countries across 4 continents. She has worked with organisations across every sector - from governments to Fortune 500 companies to Formula 1 teams - helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential and build the collaborative competencies necessary for high performance. In 2024, Romy was honoured as a LinkedIn Top Voice for her thought leadership in experiential learning and workplace culture. Her work is rooted in the belief that fostering a culture of learning and psychological safety drives innovation and high performance at every level of an organisation.  Romy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romy-alexandra/ Website: https://bento.me/romyalexandra   One of the 30 u 30 learning technologists in the UK in 2024, Anu Roy is a senior instructional designer specialising in AI learner centred technology and design. Her design values are rooted in being inclusive, trauma informed and aligned with business KPIs. In her spare time she is an avid F1 watcher, badminton player and working on gender equity CSR projects with the UN.  Her LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anu-roy-inclusive-experiences-through-design-393993178/ Her contact email is : [email protected]   You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com We’re on Twitter @WTAL_Podcast You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via [email protected]   Episode Links: Psychological Safety Daniel Ricciardo - Wikipedia Looking Ahead: Predictions for L&D in 2025 | Unboxed Training & Technology Creativity Scars — Jen Waldman Studio Your Brain on Art It takes a village - Wikipedia How L&D teams can build a learning culture that empowers individuals | Virtual College Collaborate vs cooperate (definitions and differences) | Indeed.com UK Attitude and Learning Approaches in the Study of General Didactics. A Multivariate Analysis - ScienceDirect Creating learning cultures: assessing the evidence Experiential learni

  You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com   You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via [email protected]   Episode Links: Adult learner - Wikipedia Purposeful Reflection | Learner Variability Project 1 Continuous learning challenges the working adult – how to provide organisational support? Laura Erkkilä, Annu-Riina Lamberg Fix the System, Not the Women by Laura Bates | Goodreads The impact of leadership on the workplace learning of individuals and teams: a literature review and synthesis | Emerald Insight Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully by Elaine Lin Hering | Goodreads The Power of Unlearning | Psychology Today United Kingdom Learning and Work Institute What is Adult Learning Theory - LearnUpon Top 5 Challenges in Adult Education | Avado The impact of leadership on the workplace learning of individuals and teams: a literature review and synthesis - ScienceDirect How to Link Learning and Performance Management | Acorn Adult Learning Theory: How Adults Learn Differently | Park University How leaders learn Five reasons to learn as an adult – The Education Hub Pedagogy, Andragogy, & Heutagogy | University of Illinois Springfield   This week’s guests are Candice Neveu is a certified life coach, educator, and the founder of Candice Neveu Coaching. With nearly 20 years of experience helping people grow into their fullest potential, she supports adult learners — especially women — to overcome self-doubt and take courageous, aligned action to step into their next level, whether that means returning to school, pivoting careers, or reclaiming their purpose. A former mid-career student herself, Candice understands the mindset shifts and inner courage it takes to grow beyond self-doubt. Her 2023 TEDx talk explored how closing the confidence gap is key to adult learning success — a message she brings to all her work.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-neveu-a055034b/ Website https://imp