The Future of Learning: Escaping the Content Trap | L&D Disrupt | Episode 92 (Part 1)

Join us for an engaging discussion with Lavinia, founder of OffBeat and a thought leader in Learning and Development (L&D), as she explores the future of organisational learning. In this episode, Lavinia highlights the crucial role L&D plays in fostering collaboration, trust, and adaptability within organisations.The conversation covers the impact of AI on L&D, the distinction between individual and organisational learning, and strategies to enhance sense-making, experimentation, and teamwork. Lavinia also shares her experiences in building vibrant L&D communities, the relevance of behavioural science, and practical steps for cultivating a thriving learning culture.This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate learning and development in their organisation.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, Adam Horne joins the show to unpack the challenges of “accidental managers”, those promoted without proper leadership training, and the friction caused by poorly designed roles. Drawing on his experience at Open Org, Adam explains how the organisation supports HR professionals in startups through community building, content creation, and consulting.He explores the impact of AI on HR and learning, identifying common pain points facing today’s people leaders and making the case for a shift from traditional training to more experiential, on-the-job learning. Adam also discusses how AI can be leveraged to reduce workplace friction, enable experimentation, and redesign employee experiences to foster continuous learning and growth.When it comes to management, Adam highlights systemic issues in how organisations define and support leadership roles. He advocates for a community of practice approach and challenges companies to rethink career progression and growth in flatter, faster-moving structures.As the conversation wraps up, Adam outlines key priorities for HR leaders preparing for the future, particularly around AI adoption, talent development, and evolving organisational design.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo?

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to make learning a daily habit at work. From finding that sweet spot between passion, relevance, and environment, to empowering managers and influencers to champion learning, we explore the practical side of building a true learning culture.You’ll hear how technology can reduce friction, how merging cultures can reshape development, and why redefining what “learning” looks like is key. We also unpack the shift toward skills-based growth, smarter performance metrics, and the ongoing journey of embedding learning into everyday workflows.The episode wraps up with personal reflections on keeping learning alive, through curiosity, conversation, and the power of supportive colleagues.To learn more about HowNow, you can chat to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo? 

How do you transform a fragmented organization into one united by shared goals, values, and performance? In this episode, Emma shares her journey leading talent management at James Fisher, reflecting on the rebrand from L&D to Talent, building strategies in times of transformation, and shifting perceptions of HR’s role from “just training” to driving real business impact.We explore how to:Align talent strategies with business prioritiesUse performance management as a lever for transformationBalance global consistency with local relevanceBuild credibility and buy-in during organisational changeIf you’re navigating change, leading L&D, or looking to connect people and business strategy more effectively, this conversation is full of practical insights and lessons learned.

In this episode of L&D Disrupt, we sit down with Joe Milton, Learning and Development Manager at Centrick, to explore what it really takes to build the next generation of leaders.From his beginnings as a music teacher to shaping leadership development strategies in fast-moving businesses, Joe shares how teaching children isn’t so different from coaching adults, and why positive reinforcement, curiosity, and proactivity are critical ingredients for effective leadership today.We dive into the four essential shifts in leadership development:Why traditional leadership models no longer cut itThe growing importance of people skills alongside technical expertiseHow to spot and nurture future leaders by focusing on business gapsThe role of AI in scaling leadership development and creating safe spaces for vulnerabilityJoe also reveals practical ways L&D teams can invite change, measure impact, and shift leadership thinking from being about you to being about service.Packed with insights, examples, and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working to align leadership development with business outcomes.👉 Want to learn more about HowNow? Speak to the team here: https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In Part 2 of this special episode, Nelson continues unpacking the future of workplace learning—focusing on how L&D leaders can future-proof their strategies in an era of exponential change. He explores why the fastest learners—both individuals and organisations—are the ones who will thrive, and why L&D must evolve from a compliance-driven function into a true strategic lever for business performance.The conversation highlights how AI and community-driven learning will reshape workforce development by 2026, the importance of aligning learning with business objectives, and the need for rapid skill acquisition. Nelson offers practical insights for L&D leaders on cutting learning waste, fostering a culture of psychological safety for innovation, leveraging internal experts, and preparing for the wider adoption of AI agents as learning interfaces.Want to learn more about HowNow? Speak to the team here: www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, the tables are turned as our usual host, Nelson, takes the hot seat to explore the current state of L&D. The conversation kicks off with the challenge of content overload and what it means for HR and L&D leaders trying to cut through the noise. Nelson explains why shifting from a content-first to a skills-first approach is essential, and how connecting the right learning to the right people at the right time drives real impact.He also unpacks the disconnect between L&D programs and business goals, highlighting the importance of aligning learning strategies with measurable skill development. The discussion explores the growing role of AI in skills measurement, real-time feedback, and delivering hyper-personalised learning experiences.Whether you’re an L&D leader or just curious about the future of workplace learning, this episode offers practical insights on staying relevant and driving meaningful change in a rapidly evolving landscape.🎧 Listen to Part 1 now — and stay tuned for Part 2 dropping next Monday!If you’d like to learn more about HowNow, speak to the team here: www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, Ajay Pangarkar discusses the importance of aligning L&D with business goals in order to deliver measurable results. He highlights the need for L&D professionals to develop fluency in business and financial metrics so they can clearly demonstrate the value of their initiatives. Ajay shares insights from his latest book on learning metrics, alongside practical strategies for integrating L&D with wider business operations, illustrated with anecdotes that showcase the impact of well-targeted learning interventions.The conversation also examines why learning should be regarded as a means of achieving business objectives, rather than an end in itself, and offers actionable advice for L&D professionals seeking to enhance their effectiveness and relevance within their organisations.If you would like to hear more about HowNow, speak to the team here www.gethownow.com/book-demo?P.s, if you want to check out Ajays book, use code KOGANPAGE25 for 25% off at checkout!

This special episode of L&D Disrupt, recorded live at Learning Technologies, features Nelson Sivalingam exploring how AI can help solve one of L&D’s biggest challenges: scaling great teaching. Drawing on examples like Bruce Lee’s transformation under his mentor Ip Man, Nelson unpacks why great learning has always been rooted in mentorship, not just content. He discusses the historical context of workplace learning, the limitations of traditional methods, and the opportunity AI presents to deliver personalised, interactive, and context-specific learning experiences at scale.Listeners will learn why great teaching is essential for capability building, how AI agents can replicate and scale that experience, and the three core elements needed to truly build capability in organisations. This episode also explores what the future of workplace learning could look like, and what that means for business impact, skills growth, and the evolving role of L&D leaders.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

In this episode, we dive into the importance of skill development within organisations. Our guest, Kyle, an HR Business Partner at the TM group, discusses his journey from an L&D advisor to his current role and shares how his background in learning and development has been instrumental in shaping his approach to HR. We explore the critical need for continuous development, the strategy behind skill building, and the challenges and successes in implementing a skills-first approach. Kyle emphasises the importance of manager buy-in, proactive development strategies, and leveraging AI tools like HowNow to tailor learning to individual job roles. This conversation provides valuable insights for HR and L&D professionals looking to drive meaningful development within their organisations.