The Future of Leadership Development: 4 Essential Shifts | L&D Disrupt | Episode 93

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Raquel, a dynamic L&D leader, to uncover the keys to successful Learning and Development practices. We explore common misconceptions about L&D, the importance of facilitating knowledge sharing, and the challenges of driving a culture of learning. Raquel discusses how the right technology, the adoption of an experimental mindset, and a focus on relevance, accessibility, and scalability can transform L&D strategies. Plus, we delve into the use of Scrum in L&D teams and the significance of working smart- doing what brings value to both the business and the learners. Tune in for practical insights and actionable tips that can elevate your L&D efforts.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’re joined by Penny Simpson, an experienced L&D professional with a passion for making learning actually stick.We dive into how to create repeatable and scalable learning experiences, the importance of aligning L&D with business goals, and how to embed learning into the flow of everyday work. Penny shares how tools like the Learning Canvas, HowNow and Guru AI are helping her deliver personalised learning that drives real impact.We also explore how AI and analytics are being used to measure success and why future-proofing your L&D strategy is all about making learning more relevant, timely and actionable.Looking to move from delivering courses to driving real behaviour change? This one’s for you.If you would like to learn more about HowNow, you can speak to the team here https://www.gethownow.com/book-demo

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