Simplify to Amplify: Sparking Innovation by Doing Less | L&D Disrupt | Episode 86

Lisa Bodell on Simplifying Complexity to Drive InnovationIn this episode, Lisa Bodell—founder of FutureThink—shares how simplification became her unexpected path to driving innovation. From “kill the crap” committees to eliminating time-sucks, Lisa explores practical ways to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. We dive into why people struggle to say no, how to reclaim time from meetings and emails, and what leaders can do to reduce fear and friction. Plus, we unpack the role of AI in leadership and why human skills still matter in an automated world.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 embark on a journey with Alex Beard, author of 'Natural Born Learners,' as he shares his experiences and insights into the future of learning. Alex discusses his global exploration to understand innovative learning practices and speaks on the importance of play, adaptability, and creative thinking in today's fast-changing world. We delve into the differences in educational approaches across countries, the role of AI in learning, and how to prepare the next generation for future challenges. This conversation emphasizes the need to cultivate passion, collaboration, and resilience in learners to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.00:00 Embarking on a Global Learning Journey01:23 The Genesis of HowNow and Natural Born Learners02:30 The Future of Learning: Insights from Around the World03:50 Eye-Opening Visits to Global Educational Institutions05:24 The Purpose of Education in Different Cultures08:52 The Role of Technology in Learning17:06 The Importance of Core Knowledge and Creativity19:34 Innovations at MIT Media Lab20:22 The Four P's of Learning

In this episode, Paul is back to dig into one of L&D’s biggest challenges: shifting from content overload to real behaviour change. We explore how L&D teams can move beyond delivering training to actually driving impact that aligns with business goals.From engaging stakeholders with the cost of inaction to using the sat nav analogy for navigating change, Paul shares sharp insights and practical takeaways for L&D pros who want to make learning stick and matter.

In this episode, we sit down with Menna, a seasoned L&D leader with nearly a decade of experience, to uncover what really drives impact in Learning and Development. From her early days as a training coordinator to building strategies that align directly with business goals, Menna shares a practical, experience-rich playbook that challenges the one-size-fits-all approach.We explore the importance of tackling unique organizational challenges, decentralizing learning, and embedding L&D across the business. Menna discusses how engagement surveys, qualitative feedback, and smart data use can drive meaningful change. Plus, we dive into the growing role of AI in personalizing learning experiences—and why creativity, curiosity, and internal marketing are must-haves for today’s L&D professionals.

In this episode, we sit down with Menna, a seasoned L&D leader with nearly a decade of experience, to uncover what really drives impact in Learning and Development. From her early days as a training coordinator to building strategies that align directly with business goals, Menna shares a practical, experience-rich playbook that challenges the one-size-fits-all approach.We explore the importance of tackling unique organizational challenges, decentralising learning, and embedding L&D across the business. Menna discusses how engagement surveys, qualitative feedback, and smart data use can drive meaningful change. Plus, we dive into the growing role of AI in personalizing learning experiences—and why creativity, curiosity, and internal marketing are must-haves for today’s L&D professionals.

In this episode, Henry, the Head of Talent at Lucid Group, shares his journey from outdoor education to corporate learning and development (L&D). He discusses the evolving landscape of L&D, the importance of adaptability, and the impact of AI on the profession. Henry emphasizes the need for intentionality in using AI tools, the shift towards being more strategic in aligning learning with business outcomes, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in communications. He also addresses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI and provides practical advice on how L&D professionals can start integrating AI into their workflows.

Leadership isn’t just about what you know - it’s about how you show up, do the inner work, and integrate personal growth into your impact on the world.Dr. Lucrecia Grandolini, Global Head of Learning at Investec, goes beyond strategy to explore the deeper, more human side of leadership. From self-awareness and emotional intelligence to ethical and spiritual dimensions, we dive into what it really takes to lead with integrity.Tune in for a refreshingly real conversation on leadership that goes beyond the surface - one that challenges, inspires, and redefines what it means to lead with purpose, heart, and authenticity.

To celebrate his final episode as host of L&D Disrupt, Gary shared some of the best lessons from recent guests. If you want to connect with Gary on LinkedIn, you can find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stringer-copywriter And to be clear, this is not the final episode of the podcast, so we'll see you with another great episode soon!

Heather Burright is the Community Manager for the Non-Profit L&D Collective, host of the Learning for Good podcast, and delivers instructional design and leadership development for nonprofits. So, it’s safe to say she knows this space well! And she joined us to explain some of the best insights and lessons other L&D pros can take from the nonprofit space. Expect to learn whether it’s easier to connect people to purpose in non profit organisations. Lessons on building leaders in these organisations, why non-profits tend to invest more in learning, how they approach storytelling, why they have to prioritise buy-in because there are certain things they can’t mandate, and much more. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro to Heather and her L&D community 5:29 How nonprofits build buy-in 8:51 L&D storytelling and internal marketing 16:01 Are employees prioritising social impact? 19:48  Developing leaders in nonprofits 27:09 ROI and budgeting 29:38 Do nonprofits invest more in learning? 32:36 Development over compliance How to connect: Find Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ Subscribe to Heather’s newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nonprofit-l-d-insiders-7056631980473397248/Listen to the Learning for Good podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-good-l-d-solutions-and/id1621971310

Behaviour change is driven by everyday action, continuous feedback and incremental improvements over time… The trouble is, most of the ways we approach it not are flawed! Whether it’s the personality tests that have no practical application or the lack of clear success behaviours and measurement of those. Will Murray created Packtypes to change all that, and he joins us today to explain how you can do it too. 0:00 Intro 3:52 The problem with personality tests 12:55 The need for practical application 20:12 What are Packtypes? 24:07 Success behaviours 39:22 Behaviour and culture 48:02 Continuous Human Improvement 53:29 Trying out Packtypes How to connect: Find Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-murray-9055142a/  Visit Packtypes’ website: https://www.packtypes.com/ Learn more about HowNow: https://hubs.la/Q02Cbv6x0