Your brain is designed to be lazy—and that’s exactly why most people stop learning.

Most leaders believe they’re constantly learning—but are they really? In this episode, we dive deep into what it actually takes to grow as a leader, why so many people stop learning after childhood, and how to reignite that spark.

Phil Cross, founding partner at Leaders for Good, shares insights on creating better team conversations, avoiding common leadership blind spots, and using learning as a tool for real transformation. Whether you’re leading a team or just looking to develop yourself, this conversation will change how you think about growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Learning isn't just for kids—it’s the key to unlocking better leadership. If you’ve lost the excitement of learning, it might be holding you back more than you think.
2. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just checkboxes—they require real, ongoing conversations. The best leaders challenge their assumptions and create space for new perspectives.
3. The best leadership development isn’t about what you teach—it’s about the conversations you start. Shaping the right discussions leads to real, lasting change.

Timestamps:

[01:32] – How leaders can create better conversations

[03:47] – Why most training programs fail

[06:25] – The key to running inclusive meetings

[08:59] – The role of AI in learning & development

[11:43] – What leaders should outsource vs. develop

[14:18] – Overcoming the biggest blind spot in leadership

[17:05] – The “complacency of good intentions” in diversity

[20:36] – The one question every leader should ask themselves

[23:51] – Why referrals are the ultimate success metric

Links Phil Cross on LinkedinLeaders for Good WebsiteTom Bailey on LinkedInTom Bailey Website

From coaching athletes to teaching educators, Chemène Sinson shares what makes learning truly transformational.In this episode, Chemène Sinson, an Olympic athlete turned educator, dives into the importance of resilience, adaptability, and learner-centric approaches in L&D. From designing effective programs to navigating the challenges of organizational demands, Chemène shares actionable insights that will inspire educators to prioritize care and creativity over perfection. Plus, hear the story of her unexpected connection with legendary musician Lenny Castro and what it taught her about life and learning.Key Takeaways

1. The best L&D programs are learner-centric, focusing on the journey from start to finish.
2. Resilience and adaptability, learned from elite sports, are vital for thriving in education and training.
3. Caring about learners’ success matters more than achieving perfection in teaching.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Chemène Sinson introduces her dual role in education and training
• [02:03] Finding joy in helping others achieve what they thought was impossible
• [03:00] Why the best L&D programs focus on the learner experience
• [05:40] Lessons in resilience from elite sports
• [07:45] Ice cream practices and a proud coaching moment
• [09:30] Worst experience in L&D: A tough lesson on preparation
• [11:45] Unexpected connections: Five hours with Lenny Castro
• [13:30] The challenge of addressing what clients think they want vs. what they need
• [15:00] Why caring is more important than perfection in L&D
• [16:30] Closing reflections on the value of fun and curiosity in education

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Links

• Chemène Sinson on LinkedIn
• Chemène Sinson Website
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website
• Black Water Projects

Traditional L&D is dying, and that might be the best news for your organisation.

Discover how breaking free from traditional L&D thinking can transform your organisation's learning culture. This episode dives deep into real-world examples of digital transformation, human-centered leadership, and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom in corporate learning. You'll learn practical strategies for making L&D more relevant to business outcomes while building truly engaging learning experiences that drive organisational success.

Key Takeaways

1. Success in L&D requires breaking out of the L&D bubble and focusing on business impact
2. Digital transformation in learning should focus on practical solutions that serve real business needs
3. Building human-centered organisations leads to better performance and more resilient teams

Timestamps

• [00:01] Key advice: Why L&D needs to engage beyond its bubble
• [00:55] Nigel Payne introduces his human-centered philosophy
• [02:40] Transforming eLearning at the BBC: The big change
• [06:30] The challenge of engaging learners with scenario-based approaches
• [12:45] How "Editorial Pulsing" reshaped training at the BBC
• [13:57] A career low point: Learning project rejection at the BBC
• [18:39] Addressing imposter syndrome and lessons on leadership
• [20:30] The role of fieldwork in understanding organizational needs
• [21:50] The mindset shift needed for effective L&D

Links & Future Learnings

• Dr. Nigel Paine on Linkedin
• Learning Now TV
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website
• Get Dr. Nigel Paine’s Books