For the first time ever, The Learning & Development Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience in New York! In this special episode, I sit down with Julianne Gill, Director of Learning & Development at Smile Brands, to explore what it truly takes to build an L&D function that delivers measurable impact.

Julianne shares insights from her career journey, how she assessed and transformed L&D at Smile Brands, and the pivotal role of performance consulting and collaborative learning in making L&D a strategic business driver.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• L&D leaders need to think strategically to truly help the business.
• Seek real customer feedback. If you don´t know what people really think you can´t improve.
• Focus on how people really learn. It is always evolving.
• The L&D department needs to learn and evolve themselves.
• Collaborative learning works.
• Always partner with subject matter experts. Where possible update what they have already created, then get them to edit it.
• Start by helping people to achieve their KPIs.
• Educate yourself about performance consulting.
• Focus on outcomes.
• Be smart with people´s time.
• When you have different perspectives and experiences in the room you achieve more.

BEST MOMENTS

“You need to show value pretty quickly.”

“You are telling them their baby is ugly, and nobody likes to be told that their baby is ugly.”

“When training is the absolute wrong solution, you're going to waste a lot of money.”

“I can turn anything into a $ sign.”

“Start with the data.”

“Take the wins when you can and work your way around.”

Julianne Gill Bio

Julianne is an innovative Learning, Development, Talent Acquisition, & Knowledge Management leader with a track record of success in leading complex initiatives. Julianne has deep expertise in training design & strategy, performance improvement, business planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, operational efficiencies, leadership development, and change management with a proven history of building and leading high performing teams. Through leadership and collaboration, Julianne has successfully developed and executed programs and improved operational workflows that lead to performance improvement and achievement of strategic goals.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog
• L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

In a time when organisations must adapt and evolve more rapidly than ever, the role of learning is at a crossroads. In this episode, Nigel Paine, author of The Great Reset: Unlocking the Power of Organisational Learning, shares his vision for transforming L&D into a strategic driver of culture, leadership, and inclusion-focused change.

Nigel outlines the dimensions of organisational learning, the five values that underpin it, and the critical questions that leaders must ask to shift from transactional L&D to a more holistic and impactful approach. He also discusses the role of generative AI in reshaping learning and how L&D professionals can rise to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape.

With philosophical reflections and practical guidance, this conversation provides a roadmap for those ready to reset their thinking, elevate their practice, and embrace a bold vision for the future of learning.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sharing and supporting is a component of agile organisations.
• Provide people with the freedom to work holistically and across departments.
• Ensure your systems are relevant.
• Create a culture of trust so people are free to support each other.
• Use team targets instead of individual ones.
• Set benchmarks to prove you have achieved it.
• Empower people to look after their own development and remove barriers.
• AI can be a personal development engineer for each person.
• Inclusion genuinely brings different perspectives.

BEST MOMENTS

“I don't believe you can rely on individuals being smart enough ... We need collective intelligence.”

“Value decency and human kindness.”

“Detoxify your culture.”

“The 5 values create an agenda for action.”

“AI is going to be life enhancing.”

“Build credibility based on making meaningful impacts.”

Nigel Paine Bio

Nigel Paine is a renowned author, speaker, and thought leader in the field of L&D. He is a passionate advocate for innovative, people-centred approaches to organisational development.

As the author of several influential books, Nigel challenges L&D professionals to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace the profound potential of learning to shape culture, foster leadership, and drive inclusion.

Nigel’s career spans senior leadership roles, consulting with global organisations, and teaching at institutions such as the University of Chicago and IE Business School.

Twitter: @ebase

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelpaine

Book: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-great-reset Use the discount code: LDAP10

https://www.nigelpaine.com

VALUABLE RESOURCES

L&D Master Class: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James has been a People Development professional for 20+ years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

David is Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

•  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
• https://360learning.com/blog

Too often, L&D delivers learning solutions that fail to drive real behaviour change. But why does this happen, and how can we design interventions that truly make an impact? In this episode, learning design expert Julie Dirksen unpacks the science behind effective learning and what actually motivates people to apply what they’ve learned.

Julie explores the biggest reasons training fails, the role of attention and habit formation, and how L&D can move beyond information delivery to solving real performance challenges. She also shares strategies for diagnosing root causes, overcoming engagement barriers, and designing for complex skill development.

With practical insights and research-backed strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for L&D professionals looking to create learning that sticks—and that leaders take seriously as a driver of business success.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When people do not see the value in the action they do not do it.
• If what you are asking for is not viable people won´t do it e.g. They can´t see their work clearly while wearing safety glasses.
• Learning does not have to be short; it has to be relevant.
• User testing learning before rollout is effective.
• Teaching people how to examine and solve problems is powerful.
• Create opportunities for feedback to reinforce learning.
• AI can help you in ways humans can´t.
• Break down why the behaviour is not happening.

BEST MOMENTS

“They know the right actions to take, yet it’s still not happening.”

“Sometimes people don't see the value in the action.”

“AI can pull out what is successful and then use that as a model.”

Julie Dirksen's Bio

Julie Dirksen is an expert in instructional design, learning science, and behaviour change. She is the author of Design For How People Learn and a sought-after consultant who helps organisations create learning experiences that drive real performance improvement. With a background in UX, game design, and cognitive psychology, Julie focuses on bridging the gap between what we teach and what people actually do. Through her work, she equips L&D professionals with the tools to design learning that truly sticks.

You can follow and contact Julie via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen/

Blog: http://usablelearning.wordpress.com/

Website: https://usablelearning.com/

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

Reskilling is high on the agenda for many organisations, but how do you do it reliably—and at scale? In this episode, Molly Howes returns to share the incredible progress of the Aviva Foundry, an ambitious initiative to upskill employees from Customer Support roles into Digital careers, alongside Alex Price, who was a successful participant in the program.

They discuss what’s changed since their last appearance, the processes that have made large-scale reskilling successful, and how they’ve ensured employees aren’t just exposed to learning but are truly ready for new roles. They also dive into the challenges of expanding the program internationally, launching new initiatives like the Data Upskilling Bootcamp, and securing buy-in from stakeholders.

Packed with insights and real-world lessons, this episode is essential for L&D professionals looking to move beyond training and deliver reskilling programs that change lives and drive business success.

Take your L&D to the next level

Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.

It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Aviva Foundry trains people for emerging roles and reskills those whose roles are no longer needed.
• The Foundry is available to anyone who wants to retrain.
• The key is really understanding the skills stakeholders need and focusing on the way your organisation works.
• Learners are supported by people who do the role they are training for and apply what they learn in practical ways.
• Colleagues that reskill bring something fresh to their new roles.
• The Foundry approach is now in Canada and works there too.
• Take the leap and set up your own Foundry.

BEST MOMENTS

“If those roles are no longer there for them, they get the opportunity to re-skill.”

“This isn't us hand-picking people … this is people saying I want to learn.”

“You have to build that trust.”

“We knew that if we started making that progress, we'd learn.”

Molly Howes

Molly is Foundry and GenAI Capability Lead at Aviva having joined the company in 2015 and transitioned into roles including Team Leader and Digital Product Owner. The Aviva Foundry being a learning community, developing the knowledge and skills Aviva need to succeed in an increasingly digitised world.

Alex Price

Alex is Group Brand Expression & Design Manager at Aviva having successfully transitioned from a Broker Development Associate via the Aviva Foundry program.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog
• L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

As remote and hybrid work redefine the modern workplace, leadership must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership, shares invaluable insights on leading in this new era.

Wayne explores how leadership has fundamentally changed, the unique challenges of asynchronous and hybrid environments, and what leaders can do to foster strong team cultures and productive collaboration. Packed with actionable advice, this conversation offers a roadmap for leaders and organizations navigating the complexities of remote and hybrid work.

See the full agenda for L&D Next, which runs from March 3rd to 6th and register for free today at https://360learning.com/l-and-d-next/2025/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• For many, leading long-distance is the new norm. Despite pushback, remote and hybrid working is here to stay.
• We need to move from monitoring activity to monitoring output.
• Get back to first principles.
• Some types of work are best done remotely, while other tasks are better done in the office.
• Build a strong culture – ensure remote workers work collaboratively and network internally.
• Have good one to one conversations with remote workers and don’t leave them out of group discussions.
• Remote workers need to actively demonstrate their value and seek out training and development opportunities.

BEST MOMENTS

“We are in the middle of the most seismic workplace change since the 1920s and 30s.”

“What we do as leaders hasn't radically changed. How we do it has.”

“Micromanagement never worked great, and it's actually impossible to do in the modern workplace.”

“We need to move from monitoring activity to monitoring output.”

Wayne Turmel

Wayne Turmel is the co-author of The Long-Distance Leader and a recognized authority on leadership in remote and hybrid work environments. As co-founder of the Remote Leadership Institute, Wayne has dedicated his career to equipping leaders with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in distributed workplaces.

With decades of experience in communication and leadership training, he has written multiple books on leadership, team collaboration, and professional development. Wayne is a sought-after speaker and podcast host, known for his practical advice and engaging storytelling that resonates with leaders across industries.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneturmel

Book and special offers: https://longdistanceworklife.com/long-distance-leader

Kevin Eikenberry Group https://kevineikenberry.com

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Maturity Model: https://360learning.com/maturity-model/

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
• L&D Maturity Model: https://360learning.com/maturity-model/
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog
• L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

As generative AI continues to evolve from novelty to everyday adoption, its transformative potential for Learning & Development is becoming increasingly clear. In this episode, Sean Bengry, a senior L&D leader, shares his experiences and insights on harnessing AI to drive impact and innovation in our field.

Sean discusses the pivotal moment that revealed the power of generative AI, offers jaw-dropping demonstrations of its current capabilities, and explores its applications in personalised learning and talent development. From enhancing human understanding to redefining L&D’s core aims, this conversation is packed with practical examples and forward-thinking strategies.

With actionable advice and a look at the industry’s leading AI adoption, Sean provides a roadmap for L&D professionals ready to embrace this game-changing technology and rethink what’s possible.

See the full agenda for L&D Week March 3rd to 6th and register for free today at https://360learning.com/l-and-d-next/2025/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI can create content that is designed to specifically appeal to and engage with each person.
• A lot of what we do is gathering data from one place, reworking it and sharing it for application. AI is very good at this e.g. Notebook LM podcast feature.
• Most people have still not explored how AI can help them to do their L&D job.
• You can use voice and your camera to interface with AI.
• Tell AI to take on personas to explore, test and get feedback for your ideas.
• There are ways around any issues related to putting your business data into AI.
• AI enables you to get down to the micro level and create content to close very specific skills gaps.
• Be curious and start small.

BEST MOMENTS

“AI provides real impact.”

“It was a new mode of content synthesis that I had never seen before.”

“The more data you can put in there around who a person is … the more AI can personalise that learning information.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home

Sean Bengry Bio

Sean Bengry is a senior Learning & Development leader with a passion for driving innovation and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to empower organisations and their people. Currently the Director of Learning Transformation & Technology at DaVita Kidney Care, Sean leads strategic initiatives to enhance talent development and organisational growth.

At the forefront of L&D transformation, Sean is known for his forward-thinking insights and ability to inspire action, helping organisations navigate the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving learning landscape.

Connect with Sean via:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbengry/

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
• L&D Maturity Model: https://360learning.com/maturity-model/
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog
• L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home