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

Why does leadership buy-in matter more than anything in L&D

In this episode, Lucas Lee dives into the transformative power of finding your IMP—identity, meaning, and purpose—and how it shapes career success. We explore the critical role of leadership buy-in in creating impactful L&D programs and how design thinking drives innovation in work and life. From mental well-being initiatives to career-defining moments, Lucas shares actionable strategies to help you lead with purpose, inspire your teams, and achieve sustainable balance in your career.

Key Takeaways

1. Identity, meaning, and purpose (IMP) are crucial for career success and personal fulfillment.
2. Leadership buy-in and role modelling are key to creating impactful L&D programs.
3. Using design thinking can revolutionise how we approach problem-solving in work and life.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Lucas explains the concept of IMP: Identity, Meaning, Purpose
• [01:06] Lucas’s career journey: From airport planning to design thinking
• [03:15] Why content creation must focus on people’s needs
• [05:40] The importance of role modeling in successful L&D initiatives
• [07:30] A powerful example: Mental well-being fireside chat with senior leaders
• [09:45] Lessons learned from airport planning and tech implementation
• [12:20] How leadership support impacts the success of programs
• [13:30] Finding work-life balance through purpose-driven goals
• [14:30] The impact of role models on company culture
• [15:56] Closing thoughts on transforming careers with IMP

Links & Future Learnings

• Lucas Lee on LinkedIn
• Changi Airport Singapore
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website

The secret to better leadership isn't knowing all the answers—it's asking the right questions.

In this episode, you’ll learn how Tim Roberts Ferguson leveraged decades of experience in corporate L&D to build transformative sales and leadership programs. Discover how his innovative approaches to coaching and Insight Selling redefined team performance and created lasting impact.

From designing curated learning experiences to embracing cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT, Tim shares actionable strategies to empower individuals and organizations. Tune in to explore the principles of effective leadership and how asking the right questions can unlock new opportunities.

Key Takeaways

1. Insight Selling methodologies can create transformational change across sales teams when paired with strong leadership coaching.
2. Effective learning programs rely on fostering autonomy, reflection, and collaboration rather than overloading content.
3. Asking questions isn’t a weakness—it’s the key to uncovering solutions and building trust in leadership.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Tim’s advice: The importance of asking questions.
• [00:52] From corporate career to founding Trionix Solutions.
• [02:30] Tim’s passion for one-on-one learning and feedback.
• [04:10] Transforming a sales team with Insight Selling.
• [07:45] Transitioning sales leaders into true leadership roles.
• [09:12] A grueling day of back-to-back workshops.
• [10:44] The allure (and letdown) of a U2 concert.
• [12:08] Why curated sales events beat jam-packed schedules.
• [13:45] Leveraging ChatGPT as a learning assistant.
• [14:42] Closing thoughts: Always ask questions.

Links & Future Learnings

• Tim Roberts-Ferguson on Linkedin
• Triadic Solutions
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website

Is your L&D program actually driving growth, or just ticking boxes?

Are we truly helping people grow, or are we stuck in outdated learning methods? In this episode, explore how a fresh take on learning and development can revolutionise workplace performance. From the importance of internal mobility to breaking free from traditional educational models, discover actionable strategies to make learning truly impactful. Learn how to build transformative experiences and foster growth while avoiding common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

1. Shifting focus from traditional education to transformative learning can create better workplace results.
2. Internal mobility and supportive challenges are vital for meaningful learning experiences.
3. Cultivating self-awareness and adaptability is key to personal and professional growth.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Why Laughing at Yourself is the Best Advice
• [01:00] Introducing Nick and His Philosophy of Learning
• [02:36] Examples of Transformative L&D in Action
• [04:10] Internal Mobility at the BBC: A Game-Changer
• [05:20] The Role of Leadership in Supporting Growth
• [07:00] Worst Practices in L&D and What to Avoid
• [08:15] Learning Without Formal Education
• [09:30] Overcoming Challenges in Corporate Meetings
• [10:45] Embracing Change in Learning Practices
• [11:52] Closing Thoughts on Improving People Development

Links & Future Learnings

• Nick on Linkedin
• Shackleton Consulting
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website
• Nick’s books

Reach out and work with Tom Bailey - https://thomasbailey.co/ What’s the real reason great leadership programs fail to make an impact? Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: Be kind to yourself and others in L&D.

[00:17] Podcast overview: Meet brilliant minds in people development.

[00:53] Michelle’s journey: From teaching English in Japan to running Kairos Modern Learning.

[01:27] Starting early in L&D: Why timing and relationships matter.

[02:24] The power of relationships: Understanding the language of your business.

[04:38] Culture for learning: Addressing the missing foundation in leadership programs.

[06:17] Lessons from failure: Saying "yes" vs. learning when to say "no."

[08:37] Proudest moment: Facilitating a critical conversation on diversity and inclusion.

[10:20] Worst L&D moment: Early public speaking challenges in male-dominated spaces.

[13:03] Evidence-based practice: Why it’s crucial for effective L&D solutions.

What does it take to create truly impactful learning programs? In this episode, we explore why even perfectly designed leadership programs fail when culture and relationships aren’t prioritized. You’ll learn how starting L&D initiatives early, building strong workplace relationships, and asking the right questions can transform your organization's approach to development. We’ll also uncover the role of evidence-based practice in solving real business challenges. Links & Future Learnings

• Michelle Parry-Slater on Linkedin
• Michelle Parry-Slater’s latest book - The Learning and Development Handbook
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website

What if everything we know about learning and development is actually excluding the people who need it most?"

Leadership is evolving, and the way we train leaders must evolve too. In this episode, we explore how agile leadership, inclusive practices, and innovative L&D strategies are reshaping workplaces for the future. Discover practical ways to create brain-friendly, effective learning experiences that reduce overwhelm and empower leaders to drive change. Whether you’re looking to improve team resilience or transform your personal leadership impact, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you lead with empathy, curiosity, and agility.

Key Takeaways:

1. Agile leadership and brain-friendly learning are essential to future-proof organisations.
2. Inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodiverse training methods foster greater engagement and success.
3. Transformative leadership goes beyond the workplace, impacting personal and professional relationships.

Timestamps

• [00:40] Meet Jen Fram: A global expert on organisational change.
• [01:08] Why brain-friendly and inclusive learning matters.
• [02:06] Inspiring examples of innovative L&D in action.
• [03:18] How creativity and curiosity fuel personal growth.
• [04:04] The profound impact of the Agile Change Leadership Certificate.
• [05:41] The frustration of outdated training methods.
• [06:19] A surprising celebrity encounter with INXS.
• [08:03] Building collaboration for seamless leadership development.
• [09:00] Practical advice for curiosity, playfulness, and bravery.
• [10:31] How to connect and boost organisational development impact.

Links & Future Learnings

• Jen Frahm on LinkedIn
• Jen Frahm Online
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website
• Jen Frahm Books & Other Writings