The Assembly
The Assembly is a podcast about workplace learning and development (L&D). Hosted by Adam Lacey, co-founder of Assemble You, and Brigid McCormack, it features conversations with experts and leaders in the L&D field. Each episode provides insights, research, and practical strategies for building skills like leadership and communication. The show aims to go beyond surface-level tips to explore what really works in learning today.
Episodes
Hiring for Values without AI: How Barnardo's Recruited its L&D Team from 500+ Applicants with Jodie Pritchard
When Jodie Pritchard joined Barnardo's, she took on the challenge of leading learning for a massive workforce of over 25,000 colleagues and volunteers across the UK. Moving from hospitality management into the third sector, she brought a deep focus on human-centred training, responsible resource management, and aligning everyday learning with overarching organisational values.Brigid McCor
How to Lead L&D Through Acquisition and Uncertainty with Gemma Glover (Cezanne HR & LearnAmp)
When Gemma Glover joined LearnAmp, it was a 37-person employee experience platform. Following its acquisition by Cezanne HR, she transitioned into Head of L&D within a combined business of over 215 people across multiple global offices. Almost overnight, the tight-knit atmosphere of a small startup dissolved into a complex company filled with new management layers and separate team cu
How Merlin Entertainments Scales Learning with Rob Peacock
At Merlin Entertainments, local L&D teams handled everything from seasonal onboarding and safety training to leadership development. Urgent work came first, so longer-term priorities were often pushed aside. Merlin responded by creating global specialist teams to give those priorities more focus. But how could those teams stay connected to what each attraction needed?For L&D leade
Building Great Managers at Flat Iron with Gina Knight
When Gina joined Flat Iron three years ago, it had nine restaurants and around 540 employees. It now has 23 locations and more than 1,300 people. The informal ways of working that worked for a small company no longer fit. Managers needed clearer processes, more support and the confidence to handle tough conversations early.Adam Lacey talks with Gina Knight, who leads all things people at
What Skills Are Hiding in Plain Sight with David Hayden
Most organisations know what their employees have done at work. They know far less about what those same people learn through hobbies, volunteering and life outside the job. Useful skills can stay hidden until someone thinks to ask.That gap is the subject of Adjacent Learning, a book about recognising the knowledge and skills people gain outside an organisation and bring back into work. A
Be Inclusive When Nobody's Looking with Esi Hardy
You have a disability inclusion policy. The hard part is making a disabled colleague actually feel the difference. That part costs nothing, and most of it sits with your line managers.Esi Hardy has spent almost ten years turning disability inclusion policies into practice. Her company, Celebrating Disability, trains line managers to spot the barriers a disabled colleague faces and fix the
Culture Is What Happens When Nobody's Watching with Kira Squire at LastPass
Most L&D teams know the frustration: you run the workshop, people enjoy it, the feedback is positive… and then everyone goes back to work and nothing really changes.Kira Squire is taking a different approach. When LastPass identified continuous feedback as a significant organisational challenge, she didn't just build a training programme. She designed an ongoing system around it, comb
The L&D Nobody Has to Show Up For with Emma Ackers at Aviva
Most L&D is built for a captive audience: employees who have to attend whether the training is any good or not. Emma Ackers builds for the opposite, an audience that can walk away. Her learners are external insurance brokers, free to ignore her work entirely, and that one difference sharpens how she designs it.Adam Lacey sits down with Emma Ackers, Learning and Development Manager at
Stop Proving Value. Start Being Valuable with Tom McDowall
If the value conversation happens at the end of your projects, the only question left is how to justify what you have already built.Adam sits down with Tom McDowall, who through Evolve LD helps organisations upskill their L&D, training and HR teams in practical ways of working, to unpack a distinction that changes how a function operates: the difference between proving you were valuab
The Science of How We Actually Learn with Tessa Forshaw, PhD
If your learning programmes are built on instinct and inherited habits, the science of how the brain actually learns changes what good design looks like.Brigid McCormack sits down with Tessa Forshaw, a cognitive scientist who studies how we work, learn and create, to unpack what neuroscience reveals about how adults really learn, and the myths still shaping L&D.A cognitive scientist,
Sell the Problem, Not the Programme with Lori Anne Powell
If your L&D team keeps landing the last seat at the table, the way in is to get close to the commercial reality of the business.Brigid McCormack sits down with Lori Anne Powell, leadership development consultant and co-founder of LVL London, to unpack how L&D earns influence the way any function does: with credibility, trust and results the business can see.Lori began her career a
Leadership Is Judgment in Action With Amy Smith
If your leaders keep asking for the perfect words before every difficult conversation, what they are missing is not a better script. It is confidence in their own judgment.Brigid McCormack sits down with Amy Smith, Inclusion Campaign Manager at Business in the Community, to unpack person-centred leadership: the idea that fairness does not necessarily mean sameness, that leaders shape peop
Why People Don't Use the Learning You Buy With Michelle Hazelton at Access Group
You can buy great content, roll it out properly, and still watch most of your people never touch it. Michelle Hazelton explains why, and the reason is simpler than motivation.Adam sits down with Michelle Hazelton, former MD of Anders Pink (acquired by Go1) and now content lead at Access Learning, part of the Access Group, to unpack the shift reshaping learning technology: from learning as
Stop Starting from L&D With Anne-Marie Burbidge
If your L&D work feels invisible to business leadership, the problem might be where you're starting from.Brigid sits down with Anne-Marie Burbidge, founder of Spark L&D Consultancy and fractional Head of L&D, to unpack the mindset shift that changes everything: stop leading with what L&D can offer, and start from what the business actually needs. With 20+ years across HR a
The Messy Middle: Why Your Managers Are Flying Blind With John Gregg
Your senior leaders get coaching. Your early careers get apprenticeships. But the managers actually running your organisation day-to-day? They're on their own.John Gregg has spent over 20 years in L&D and OD across commercial, regulated and nonprofit sectors - most recently as Head of Learning and OD at Alzheimer's Research UK. With a small team and a tight budget, he built a manageme
Why Your EDI and L&D Functions Are Fighting the Same Battle, Separately? With Shannon Rivers
You've run the awareness session. The feedback was strong. People were nodding. And then... nothing changed. If that sounds familiar, it's not because your programme was wrong. It's because awareness alone doesn't change behaviour. Conditions do.Brigid sits down with Shannon Rivers, organisational development strategist, consultant and Director of Social Enterprise, Social Responsibility
Building the L&D Team of the Future with Simon Gibson of Center Parcs
Adam sits down with Simon Gibson, the Talent Director at Center Parcs and former Group Head of L&D at M&S, to get brutally honest about what's holding L&D back and what high-performing teams do differently.With a career spanning banking, retail, nuclear decommissioning and hospitality, Simon has a rare cross-industry perspective: if you don't understand how your business makes
If They Can't See It, They Can't Do It: Scaffolded Learning That Actually Sticks. With Stephanie Alayyoubi-Trattles
Most people don't fail because they're incapable. They fail because the support disappears too early.Brigid sits down with Stephanie Alayyoubi-Trattles, founder of Kyoshi Consulting, to explore what it actually takes to build learning that drives measurable change.Stephanie has spent over a decade leading learning strategy and design across EdTech unicorn Multiverse, London Business Scho
Most manager development programmes are well-designed. They just weren't built for how humans actually behave. With Farley Thomas - Manageable
Adam sits down with Farley Thomas, CEO of Manageable, the global manager development platform he co-founded in 2020, to explore why manager development so often falls short and what it takes to build something that sticks.After a decade in investment banking at HSBC, Farley trained as a coach and spent years advising CEOs before spotting that managers were one of the most underserved popu
Your middle managers are not underperforming. They are under-resourced. With Toluwa Hughes
Brigid sits down with Toluwa Hughes, behavioural scientist, two-times TEDx speaker, and founder of Zoah Consultancy, to explore why the manager layer is so often the most overlooked group in any organisation and what L&D can do about it right now.Toluwa has coached over 4,000 leaders across the UN in East Africa, tech scale-ups, and global enterprises including HSBC, Dell, and Alzheim
How Do You Build Critical Thinking, Curiosity, and Better Decision-Making in an AI-Driven World? With Liggy Webb
In this episode, Adam sits down with Liggy Webb to explore how L&D leaders can equip their people with the human skills that matter most - cutting through noise, thinking clearly, and performing in a complex environment.Liggy, a behavioural skills specialist and author, shares practical ways to develop an “inquiring mind” - from building self-awareness and asking better questions, to
How do you prove the value of L&D in a business that sees it as a cost, not a driver of performance? With Jade Rogers
In this episode, Brigid sits down with Jade Rogers to unpack how learning and development leaders can build influence, demonstrate impact, and secure a more strategic role within their organisations.Jade, an L&D professional in a tech consultancy, describes her role as “the bridge between potential and performance” - but like many in the field, she’s had to navigate the challenge of m
Award-Winning L&D at Qatar Airways: Gary Clarke's Blueprint for Success
Adam sits down with Gary Clarke, former Group Head of Learning & Development at Qatar Airways, for a candid conversation spanning 20+ years of global L&D leadership - from starting in the British Army at 16 to leading functions at BlackRock, Capita, and Qatar Airways.Gary delivers a masterclass on managing a complex, geographically dispersed L&D function. He shares the real wo
How do you move L&D from delivering training to driving real performance in an AI-powered world? with Yousaf Khan
In this episode, Brigid sits down with Yousaf Khan, an AI strategy and business transformation consultant, to explore how learning and development leaders can shift from knowledge delivery to measurable impact, and stay relevant as work evolves.Starting his career in L&D, Yousaf quickly recognised the gap between learning and real performance. Now working across strategy, performance
The Human Side of Change Management: Navigating Uncertainty at Work with Ket Patel
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Ket Patel, the founder of Change Agitators and Assemble You Expert.Ket is a master change practitioner with over 20 years of experience, specialising in helping organisations navigate the uncertainty of scaling and modernising. Transitioning away from traditional, purely process-driven change management, Ket focuses deeply on the human and
Are your inclusion efforts driving real impact or just ticking boxes with Chris Shearer-Wright
Are your inclusion efforts driving real impact or just ticking boxes?In this episode, Brigid sits down with Chris Shearer-Wright, Senior EDI and Community Partnerships Manager at Oliver Bonas, to explore how L&D and EDI can work together to create more inclusive, effective workplaces.Starting his career on the shop floor in 2012, Chris has grown with Oliver Bonas through every stage o
From 9-to-5 to 24/7: How They Rolled Out Audio Learning at AO.com with Stephen Holderness
In this special live episode recorded at the Podcast Learning Festival, Adam speaks with Stephen Holderness, Learning and Development Lead for Digital Strategy and Growth at AO.com.Stephen shares his journey of transforming the digital learning offering at AO, a rapidly growing electrical retailer known for owning every part of its customer journey—from in-house legal teams to logistics n
How to Build Psychological Safety and Trust in L&D Workshops with Charlie Manthorp at Wiser
In this engaging episode, Brigid sits down with Charlie Manthorp.Charlie is a passionate workshop facilitator and the head of the talent development function at Wiser, where he focuses primarily on early talent and developing future leaders. With an unconventional career path that transitioned from management consultancy at Accenture to a coaching role at Multiverse (Europe's first EdTech
The Missing Pillar of Wellness: Why Social Health Matters at Work with Dr. Lalith Wijedoru
In this insightful episode, Adam is joined by Dr Lalith Wijedoru.Dr Lalith is a social health champion, emotional well-being consultant, and a former NHS consultant paediatrician in emergency medicine. He is the founder of Behind Your Mask, a consultancy that uses the power of personal storytelling to improve human connection and trust within teams.In this interview, Dr Lalith explores th
Start with the Problem, Not the Program: Rethinking L&D Strategy with Caroline Freeman
In this insightful interview, Brigid sits down with Caroline Freeman of Grey Space Consulting.Caroline is a leadership and learning consultant and the founder of Grey Space Consulting. Her career began at Nordstrom in 2008 , where she learned the value of promoting from within and prioritizing people development. Today, she focuses on bridging the gap between ambition and reality , helpin
Community to Corporate - Lessons from the Third Sector for Corporate L&D with Kelly Rodrigues (Webpros)
In this insightful interview, Adam sits down with Kelly Rodrigues. Kelly is a multi-award-winning learning specialist currently at WebPros, with a diverse background spanning the arts, non-profits, and commercial sectors. She shares her unique journey from professional dancer to global L&D leader and discusses the transition from community-focused roles to the fast-paced corporate tec
Poetry in Business: Navigating the "Messy Middle" with Kate Jenkinson
In this inspiring episode, Brigid speaks with Kate Jenkinson, an HR Director turned Business Poet and Creative Executive Coach.With over 25 years of experience in HR within engineering and science sectors, Kate now runs her own business, Next Step HR. She is a sought-after neurodiversity coach, spoken-word artist, and founder of the Poetry in Business Conference. Kate uniquely bridges the
Generational Intelligence: Leading a Gen Z Workforce with Zavier Coyne and Patrick Quinton-Smith
In this enlightening episode, Adam is joined by Zavier Coyne and Patrick Quinton-Smith, the founders of Gen Z Coach. Zav is the youngest qualified master intuitive psychology coach in the world and a TEDx speaker. Patrick is a certified leadership trainer and ICF PCC coach who has led multiple high-performing teams globally. Together, they combine their expertise to help businesses bridge
Embodied Learning with Horses: How Altezza People UK Drives Behavioural Change
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Julia Jones of Altezza People UK.Julia is the founder of Altezza People UK, a leadership and emotional intelligence consultancy that uses embodied learning with horses to create measurable behavioural change. With a background in financial services and psychometrics, she combines commercial acumen with a passion for helping leaders and te
Skills with a "Little s": A Practical Approach to Closing Skills Gaps with Nelson Sivalingam, HowNow
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Nelson Sivalingam of HowNow.Nelson is the CEO and Co-founder of HowNow, a learning experience platform used by over 100 fast-growing companies and global enterprises. A serial entrepreneur and author of Learning at Speed, Nelson brings an outsider's perspective to L&D, challenging traditional approaches to solve the "mother of all probl
Moving L&D from "Nice to Have" to a Strategic Business Driver with Neil Cunningham
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Neil Cunningham.Neil is a strategic L&D people partner at the Children's Investment Fund Foundation with over 15 years of experience across diverse sectors such as tech, comms, utilities, and philanthropy. His expertise lies in developing key capabilities, measuring learning impact, and driving digital L&D strategy.In this episode
Reinventing Compliance Training: The Power of Podcast Learning
In this interview, Adam sits down with Abi Holmes of Assemble You.Abi is the Head of Content at Assemble You, bringing over a decade of experience in learning design. She has led teams creating blended programmes, bespoke solutions, and off-the-shelf learning, always with human-centred design at the heart of her work. She now leads the development of Assemble You's audio learning content,
Agile L&D Strategy: The "Design, Deliver, Refine" Approach with Nick Lennon-Barret
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Nick Lennon-Barrett.Nick is an award-winning L&D leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformation and building learning cultures. He is the founder of Superpower Mastery and the bestselling author of Organised Chaos: Turbocharge Your ADHD Superpowers. This book blends memoir with practical self-development advice for neu
The Human Touch: Employability, AI, and Reimagining Career Support with Scott Parkin
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Scott Parkin.Scott is the Group CEO of the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP), an award-winning global body with a mission to support the professionals who help others gain, progress in, and retain work. With nearly 35 years of experience across employment, skills, and social care, Scott has expanded the IEP's reach globally, es
The State of Women in Learning: Bridging the Leadership Gap with Sharon Claffey-Kaliouby
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Sharon Claffey-KalioubySharon is a seasoned L&D executive and HR Tech leader with over two decades of experience at organisations like Thomson Reuters, State Street Global Advisors, and Learning Pool. A passionate advocate for gender equity, she has spent the last 12 years championing the Women in Learning initiative, working to bridg
Running L&D Like a Startup: AY Founders Adam & Rich unpack the mindset to increase influence & real learning impact
In this special episode, Assemble You Co-Founders Adam Lacey and Richard Ward step out from behind the interview chair for a raw, founder-to-founder conversation - sharing the practical lessons from building Assemble You that L&D leaders can apply immediately to increase adoption, influence stakeholders and drive behavioural change.Instead of theory or frameworks, this episode is buil
Employee Engagement Strategy: Inside Boden’s ‘In Conversations With’ Series with Kat Hayes
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Kat Hayes.Kat is the Senior Director of People at Boden, the iconic British fashion brand. With a commercial mindset and a passion for practical, human-centred change, she works closely with the executive team to shape culture, strengthen leadership, and build sustainable talent across the UK and US.In this episode, Kat shares the story b
Let's Talk About Executive Leadership Development with Samah Salih
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Samah Salih.Samah is a strategic talent and learning leader with over 18 years of experience in FTSE 100 retail and corporate environments, including pivotal roles at Nestlé, BGA, River Island, and BT. She specialises in helping organisations build leadership pipelines and align people strategy with business goals to enable transformation a
Engage, Inspire, Empower: Designing Experiences, Not Just Courses with Jez Anderson
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Jez Anderson.With over 30 years in L&D as a manager, leader, and consultant, Jez has a deep passion for understanding how people learn. He specialises in digital learning technologies, informal learning, and creating cultures that foster curiosity and growth.In this episode, Jez draws on his extensive experience to provide a mastercla
Navigating Hyper Growth and the Move to Digital Learning at Spotify with Adela Paun
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Adela Paun.Adela is a global L&D leader with over 15 years of experience, known for her pivotal role as a founding member of Spotify's L&D team, "The Greenhouse." During her 11+ years at Spotify, she witnessed and supported hypergrowth, scaling learning initiatives for thousands of employees globally while navigating the shift to a
Building Bridges, Not Barriers: The Power of Cross-Cultural Communication with Anita Anthonj
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Anita Anthonj.Anita is the co-founder of Talaera, a New York-based business communication and cultural training company. Drawing on her own experience moving from Germany to the US, she has deep expertise in the challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural communication in a global business environment.In this episode, Anita provides a
How to Successfully Launch New Learning Technology with Ashley Robinson (Virgin Media/O2)
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Ashley Robinson of Virgin Media/O2.Ashley is the Strategic Learning & Operational Lead at Virgin Media/O2, bringing a wealth of experience as a senior digital technology professional and project manager. He specialises in implementing learning systems globally, improving employee attainment, and demonstrating clear ROI across diverse wo
The 5% Shift: How small, consistent behavioural changes transform workplaces with Dan Philips
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Dan Philips.Dan is a highly experienced L&D consultant with a deep background in psychology and behavioural change. For the last 15 years, he has specialised in using the Insights Discovery model to help individuals, teams, and leaders improve their self-awareness, communication, and collaboration.In this episode, Dan provides a maste
From Nokia to Adidas: Lessons in Global Sales Enablement with Sybrand Oudega
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Sybrand Oudega.Sybrand is a global learning and talent development leader with 25 years of international experience at iconic brands like Nokia, Microsoft, and Adidas. As the former Senior Director of the Global Sales Academy at Adidas, he was responsible for the skills and performance of over 35,000 employees across 75 countries and 37 lan
Building Thriving Learning Communities with Nahdia Khan
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Nahdia Khan.Nahdia is a strategic advisor and purpose-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in digital learning, public policy, and executive education. As the former Chief Impact Officer at Mind Tools, she has deep expertise in transforming customer relationships into vibrant communities of practice that drive both engagement an
The Summer of Learning: Building an AI-Ready, Experimental Culture at Immediate with Kathryn Swandale
The Summer of Learning: Building an AI-Ready, Experimental Culture at Immediate with Kathryn SwandaleIn this fascinating interview, Adam is joined by Kathryn (Katie) Swandale, Senior Learning and Development Partner at Immediate. Immediate is a major publishing group known for brands like Radio Times, Good Food, and BBC Gardeners’ World. With over a decade of experience designing and deli
Product Design and Product Innovation with Funmi And Lindsey at Learning Pool
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Lindsey Coode and Funmi O'Dell of Learning Pool.Lindsey is Learning Pool’s Director of Content Software, with over 25 years of experience in learning design and technology. Funmi is a Product Manager at Learning Pool, specializing in shaping impactful digital learning and compliance solutions with a deep background in product development
Launching an AI Coach at Novo Nordisk with Peter Riber
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with digitial learning industry leader, Peter Riber.Peter is the Head of New Tech and Digital Learning Solutions at Novo Nordisk and is known for being at the forefront of technological innovation in L&D. Over the last two years, he and his team have pivoted to building and deploying internal Generative AI agents to tackle long-standing chal
Building a Real Learning Culture with Lavinia Mehedințu
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Lavinia Mehedințu of Offbeat.Lavinia is a co-founder and Learning Architect at Offbeat, with 12 years of experience designing learning experiences and career development programs. She specialises in applying adult learning principles to help L&D professionals connect, collaborate, and grow.In this episode, Lavinia challenges the popul
Beyond "Are You Okay?": Supporting Your Colleagues Mental Health with Pooja Shemar
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Pooja Shemar.Pooja is a senior L&D leader and passionate mental health advocate with over 20 years of experience, including 17 years driving transformation at Microsoft. Fuelled by her own personal journey, Pooja is on a mission to normalise conversations around mental health in the workplace, creating environments where people can trul
Beyond the Fluff: How to Use AI to Reinvent E-learning with Jayne Mather
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Jayne Mather.Jayne is an author, consultant, and expert in technology adoption, focusing on digital transformation and intelligent automation. She is the author of Humans and AI: The Future of Work and Super User Networks for Software Projects and specialises in helping businesses integrate emerging technologies to deliver long-term value
Can Culture Save L&D with Dwayne Britton
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Dwayne Britton of DayWon.Dwayne is a seasoned expert in learning, brand, and culture with over 15 years of experience at iconic, people-first companies like Apple, Lululemon, and On. Now, through his consultancy, DayWon, he helps growing organisations align their learning initiatives with their unique brand culture.In this episode, Dwayne d
Think Like a Marketer, Act Like an L&D Leader with Barry Ryan
In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Barry Ryan of Thirst.Barry is a seasoned marketer turned L&D advocate and is the Head of Marketing at Thirst, the learning platform built for SMEs. With a deep background in B2B marketing, Barry is on a mission to help L&D teams think more like marketers to drive real impact and boost learner engagement.In this episode, Barry talk
How to get people to think differently with Sarah Clayton-Jones
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Sarah Clayton Jones.Sarah is the Founder and CEO of Read to Lead, an organisation that delivers book-inspired peer learning experiences to develop human-skilled leaders and connected teams. With over 20 years of experience leading teams at global organisations, including VW and Accenture, Sarah is an ICF-accredited performance coach, facili
Accessibility in L&D with Susi Miller
In this episode of The Assembly, host Brigid sits down with Susi Miller, an internationally recognised expert in e-learning accessibility and the award-winning author of Designing Accessible Learning Content. With over 30 years of experience, Susi breaks down the essentials of creating digital learning that is not just compliant, but truly inclusive and effective for all learners.Together
Using Competitive Advantage to get a Seat at the Table with Will Thalheimer
In this interview, Adam sits down with Will Thalheimer, a world-renowned expert in learning science, learning evaluation, and evidence-based practice in L&D.Will is the founder of Work-Learning Research, a respected speaker, and the creator of the Learning Transfer Evaluation Model (LTEM). He is also the author of Performance-Focused Learner Surveys and his latest release, The CEO’s G
Learning Strategy in 2025 with Lori Niles-Hofmann
In this episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack sits down with renowned senior learning strategist Lori Niles-Hofmann to demystify the big shifts shaping Learning and Development today. With over 25 years of experience across international banking, consulting, and marketing, Lori offers a compelling look into the evolving world of L&D—from digital acceleration to AI and skills-b
How to Leverage the Levy with Jez Light at Ground Control
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Jez Light of Ground Control.Jez is an award-winning learning leader, known for his transformational approach to L&D. He is Head of Learning and a member of the executive team at Ground Control, a national maintenance and construction company operating across the UK. Jez previously led learning for global brands including Phones4U and Su
How to Buy L&D with John Helmer
In this debut episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack welcomes the inimitable John Helmer—podcast host, writer, and long-time learning industry figure—for a no-nonsense exploration of how the world of L&D has evolved over the past two decades. Drawing on his deep experience as a marketer, buyer, and thought leader, John shares practical advice on how to navigate the complex, oft
AI and the Future of Content with special guests Ross and Paul from Mindtools
In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Ross Garner and Paul Buller of Mind Tools to explore one of the most pressing topics in L&D today: the role of AI in content creation and the future of learning.Ross is Chief Learning Officer at Mind Tools and a former Learning Designer of the Year. He’s also a long-time podcast host and co-author of the L&D Dispatch newsletter. Pau
Welcome to the Assembly
Welcome to the very first episode of The Assembly – the new voice of Assemble You. Formerly known as L&D Challenges, our rebranded podcast reflects a more inclusive, optimistic, and forward-thinking take on learning and development.In this episode, co-founders Richard Ward and Adam Lacey are joined by new co-host Brigid McCormack to walk you through what’s changing—and why.What’s new?
Performance support is back, baby! With special guests Ross and Paul from MindTools
Remember 'performance support'? Amid all the talk of AI, adaptive learning, and skills, it's kind of been forgotten.But not by us! Or by respondents to Don Taylor's Global Sentiment Survey, who ranked it 11th hottest trend this year (up two from last year).In the first of a two-part series of crossover episodes with our partner MindTools, Adam sits down with Ross G and Paul to discuss:Wha
The Power of Coaching Conversations with Jane Murray of Marston’s
In this excellent interview, Adam chats with Director of Learning, Leadership, & Inclusion at Marston's, a leading UK pub operator with over 1,300 pubs and over 10,000 workers. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, she is recognised as a senior L&D thought leader and a strong believer in fostering high-impact cultures where individuals feel deeply aligned wit
Frontline Learning in Hospitality with Si Cox at Greene King
In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with the Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, Simon Cox.Si is a dynamic leader specialising in employee engagement and learning innovation, with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. As Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, Si oversees the design and delivery of impactful learning strategies fo
Running a Successful Early Careers Programme at Together Money with Natalie Newton
In this exciting interview, Adam speaks with Natalie Newton the Early Careers Lead at Together Money. Beginning her career in recruitment advertising, Natalie developed a passion for talent development and creating impactful early career experiences. She has over 25 years of experience in talent development and has been leading the early career strategy at Together Financial Services for
Inclusive Learning Design with Cameo Bondy at River Island
In this insightful interview, Adam chats with the digital learning partner at River Island, Cameo Bondy. Cameo is a passionate Learning and Development specialist with a strong track record in designing inclusive and engaging training programs. With experience in both retail and healthcare settings, Cameo is dedicated to fostering accessible learning experiences, championing neurodivergen
Using Skill Sprints to Drive Individual-Lead Learning with Russell Woods
Using Skill Sprints to Drive Individual-Lead Learning with Russell WoodsIn this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Russel Woods from Aster Group UK.Russell is the Learning and Development Partner for Aster Group. He has taken his experience from leading and developing organisations in the sports and social housing sectors into L&D and is now designing and delivering learning jou
Mental Fitness Masterclass: The Power of Prevention with Aaron Ridley
This episode features former professional athlete and mental health coach Aaron Ridley of Tribox & OPTIEDGE. Aaron is a former professional athlete who has spent years learning, improving, and gaining qualifications to switch from the ring to developing businesses in the corporate mental health arena.In this powerful Mental Fitness Masterclass, we go beyond stress management and the n
How to Build a High-Impact L&D Team at River Island with Tom Kirk
In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with Learning Manager at River Island Tom Kirk. Tom has nearly 15 years of experience in various learning formats, including sports and business coaching, and university lecturing, and is a qualified Science teacher and former Head of Year. Since transitioning to Learning & Development post-COVID, he has trained thousands in leadership, skills d
Creating a Hive Mindset Around Learning with Dr Kinga Petrovai
In this fantastic interview, Dr Kinga Petrovai chats with Adam about her unique approach to workplace learning, The Learning Hive. Dr Kinga Petrovai is a workplace learning consultant and podcaster with a doctorate in learning technologies from Oxford University and an M.Ed. from Harvard University. With a background as an electrical engineer, Kinga works at the intersection of research a
Building a Culture of Learning at Together Money through Learnfest with Tom Newman
In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with Tom Newman, the Group Head of Talent Development at Together Money. Tom is passionate about talent development and creating an environment for people to realise their full potential. He believes that talent development done well empowers others to define their own success and allows organisations to thrive by building an ongoing culture of lear
The Role L&D Plays in Retaining Great People with Kelly Pirotte - Keys Group
In this excellent interview, Adam discusses the tips and tricks of retaining great employees with Kelly Pirotte. Kelly is the Group Head of Learning and Development for the Keys Group, a national multi-site business in the care sector. She holds an MSc in Management, which sparked her interest in Learning and Development and has completed the CIPD Advanced Diploma, earning Fellow status.
How to Build Transferrable Skills that Stick with Clodagh Beatty
In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with head of talent management, learning and DEI at travel agency Love Holidays, Clodagh Beatty. Clodagh has spent over 20 years shaping Talent Management and Learning and Development across various industries worldwide, with a focus on financial services and tech scale-ups. Throughout her career, Clodagh has supported elite athletes transitioning i
The Six Essential Ways Ways to Take Control of Your Career in 2025 with Emma Ewing
This bonus episode features Emma Ewing With a leading trainer provider and founder of Big Fish Training, Emma chats with Adam on how individuals can make the most of life at work, grow in their careers, and build up their professional confidence and happiness. Emma and Adam walk through the six ways to take control of your career: Building Your Career, Building Success, Building Relations
Testing New Technology to Improve Learning at SJP with Nicki Finnigan
In this great episode of L&D Challenges, Adam chats with Nicki Finnigan, Director of Learning and Development at financial advisory company St. James Place, about SJP’s new learning experiences they’ve created recently.Leading a number of transformative L&D projects, Nicki launched a new platform and app that delivers a learning programme to the SJP partnership and employees. Comb
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