The Learning Hack podcast
What are the significant innovations shaping the future of learning? How is digital technology and scientific discovery changing the way we learn, train, teach and educate? Join John Helmer in conversation with the people who are visioning and actively creating that future. Published fortnightly (don't forget to subscribe!).
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AI Learning and the Global South (an episode of the Great Minds on Learning podcast)
12/15/2025
AI Learning and the Global South (an episode of the Great Minds on Learning podcast)
Recorded live at Online Educa Berlin, this episode of Great Minds on Learning explores AI and the Global South through history, hard lessons, and contemporary debate. John Helmer and Donald Clark examine early techno-utopian experiments, the ethics wars around AI, and newer perspectives rooted in language, power, and lived experience. From Negroponte and Mitra to Gebru, Arora, Manyika, and Mugane, the conversation asks who AI is really for—and who gets to decide. Timestamps 00:57 – Intro 01:58 – Introduction to AI & the Global South 14:11 – Nicholas Negroponte 17:38 – Sugata Mitra 24:11 – Global South takes on AI 28:11 – Timnit Gebru 32:27 – Payal Arora 37:39 – James Manyika 43:12 – John Mugane 54:49 – Summing up 58:41 – Q&A About the Show Great Minds on Learning explores 2,500 years of learning theory—from the Greeks to the geeks. Hosted by John Helmer and Donald Clark, the podcast connects historical ideas to today’s debates in education, technology, and society. Connect LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: https://learninghackpodcast.com
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LH #121 A Make Or Break Year? 2025 in review with Myles Runham
11/24/2025
LH #121 A Make Or Break Year? 2025 in review with Myles Runham
2025 was billed as a “make-or-break year” for L&D. But what actually happened? To make sense of a turbulent twelve months in learning, talent and HR, John Helmer speaks with Myles Runham of Fosway Group, Europe’s leading analyst firm. They explore AI’s real impact, shifting buying patterns, skills intelligence, evaluation, and whether L&D is heading for reinvention or obsolescence. A clear-eyed, data-led look at where we stand — and where we’re heading. Timestamps 00:59 – Intro 03:30 – Did we make it or break it? 07:02 – Are organisations spending smarter or just spending less? 09:06 – Have HR buying patterns changed too? 16:24 – Where is he seeing genuine AI transformation? 22:06 – Are organisations training enough on AI? 25:00 – AI effects on the job market 28:31 – Are we any closer to meaningful skills intelligence? 34:57 – Are we getting any better at evaluation? 37:31 – Trends in the systems and tools market 43:06 – Will L&D avoid obsolescence? 49:16 – Karaoke favourite? Contact / Follow LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com
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LH #120 Agent Provocateur with Dr. Ashwin Mehta
11/10/2025
LH #120 Agent Provocateur with Dr. Ashwin Mehta
How AI agents are reshaping learning workflows and the L&D ecosystem “Agentic AI” is the buzzword of the moment. But how many people fully understand what it really means—or how it will change learning and work? Dr. Ashwin Mehta, Chief AI Strategist at the Learning & Performance Institute and founder of Mehtadology AI, joins John Helmer to unpack the hype and explore the practical realities of AI agents, workflow re-engineering, and the emerging skills ecosystem in learning and development. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:51 - Intro 03:52 - AI strategist role with LPI 08:33 - What are AI agents? 12:41 - Is agentic AI tech widely available yet? 23:25 - What skills do L&D need to use Agentic AI? 29:25 - How Dr Mehta uses AI agents in his business 34:54 - Workflow re-engineering 40:14 - AI negatives Q&A: cost-cutting, slop, bias and AI armageddon 50:16 - How AI reshapes the L&D ecosystem 56:51 - End Connect LinkedIn: X (Twitter): Bluesky: Website:
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LH #119 Learning To Love America with Christian Ray Flores
10/27/2025
LH #119 Learning To Love America with Christian Ray Flores
From refugee to Russian pop star, startup founder to life coach and evangelist pastor — Christian Ray Flores’s journey has spanned continents, ideologies, and careers. In this remarkable conversation, John explores how those experiences shaped Christian’s views on creativity, entrepreneurship, AI, faith, and the American dream. Can such diverse identities truly fit together? The result is a thought-provoking dialogue across boundaries of culture, belief, and experience. Timestamps 00:00 – Start 00:51 – Intro 03:00 – Christian’s extraordinary backstory: refugee, pop star, entrepreneur 08:15 – Standing out by serving others 09:42 – Building a personal brand: the “outer game” 13:45 – How his program helps people flourish 18:35 – The role of “good fuel” and “bad fuel” in motivation 25:24 – AI and the future of coaching 35:46 – Faith and human potential 47:00 – Immigration and American values 54:31 – Go-to karaoke song? 55:21 – End Find John Helmer LinkedIn: X (Twitter): Bluesky: Website:
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LH #118 Human Moments: the View from Crotonville w. Jay Moore and Doug Scott
10/13/2025
LH #118 Human Moments: the View from Crotonville w. Jay Moore and Doug Scott
The human heart of learning in a digital age. Jay Moore and Doug Scott look back on the legendary Crotonville leadership institute — and forward to what its ethos means for learning in the age of AI. They tell John Helmer how a culture built on humility, connection and trust continues to shape GE’s learning legacy today. As training becomes more digital, how do we preserve those “human moments” that make real development possible? Timestamps: 00:51 - Intro 03:00 - What is Crotonville? 07:44 - What is the ethos and culture of Crotonville? 13:11 - How much learning is now digital at GE? 18:43 - Is Crotonville an ivory tower? 24:19 - How is the division into 3 business units affecting learning at GE? 40:44 - How do we keep humans in the loop – and in charge? 49:07 - Go-to karaoke song? 54:19 - End Connect with John Helmer 🔗 LinkedIn: 🐦 X: 🦋 Bluesky: 🌐 Website:
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LH117 AI, Productivity & Humans in Charge with Brian Murphy
09/29/2025
LH117 AI, Productivity & Humans in Charge with Brian Murphy
The Human Side of AI at Work Brian Murphy, Global Head of Learning & Development at NTT DATA, shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping work and productivity. Drawing on his experience at Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and Citi, Brian argues for a human-centric coalition between people and machines. He explores how L&D and HR can steer organizations through AI transformation, ensuring it’s about value creation and capability — not just cost cutting. Timestamps: 00:00 - Start 01:44 - Intro 03:45 - Challenges of redesigning work around AI 11:45 - Just a cost-cutting exercise? 16:08 - Role of people function in ensuring benefits, lessening friction 23:18 - An evolution of performance consulting 33:08 - Training AIs versus ‘training’ AIs 43:01 - How to be human-centric while deploying AI 51:01 - End Contact: LinkedIn: X: Bluesky: Website:
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LH #116 How L&D Gets Leverage, with Lori Niles-Hoffman
09/15/2025
LH #116 How L&D Gets Leverage, with Lori Niles-Hoffman
Systems, skills and the eight levers of learning transformation. Lori Niles-Hoffman, learning strategist and data evangelist, joins John to explore how L&D can escape legacy mindsets and regain strategic impact. Drawing on her new book, Lori outlines the eight key levers for enterprise learning transformation, why ecosystems matter more than platforms, and how AI is reshaping the role of the learning professional. Timestamps 00:01:43 - Intro 00:03:46 - What brought her into the world of learning tech? 00:07:03 - What convinced her of the need for this book? 00:12:58 - What are ‘the 8 Levers’? 00:24:06 - Stakeholder management 00:26:13 - Why is knowledge management lumped together with marketing? 00:33:03 - Ecosystems thinking 00:39:34 - Strategic alignment – a no-brainer? 00:40:17 - Why hasn’t L&D tackled its long-standing challenges to date? 00:48:58 - Will AI make us all systems designers? 00:57:43 - Lori’s interesting take on AI ethics Follow & Contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com
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LH115 Meet Your New Math(s) Teacher: a Robot Dog, with Jan Liphardt
09/01/2025
LH115 Meet Your New Math(s) Teacher: a Robot Dog, with Jan Liphardt
Stanford professor Jan Liphardt—founder of OpenMind—joins the podcast to explore the future of learning at the intersection of AI, robotics, and human development. He explains why robot dogs might be ideal math tutors, how Socratic dialogue can be scaled through machines, and what AI means for education, healthcare, and daily life. A bold vision of multi-agent learning ecosystems from a scientist who’s seen both the lab and the startup world. Timestamps · 00:00 – Start · 01:47 – Intro · 04:34 – What is OpenMind’s mission? · 13:25 – What is Multi-Agent Endpoint and why does it matter? · 18:53 – The learning potential of robots · 24:50 – Robot dog tutors & socratic dialogue · 28:36 – AI and Higher Ed · 37:55 – AI & healthcare · 46:03 – Is robotics developing slower than AI? · 55:34 – End Contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com
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LH #114 Learning Technologies 2025 Special with Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, etc.
05/12/2025
LH #114 Learning Technologies 2025 Special with Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, etc.
AI shockwaves and human resilience in L&D At the Learning Technologies Conference 2025, John Helmer speaks with leading voices in learning and AI—including Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, Jerome Pereira, Sophie Costin, Tadelayo Sodipe, and Donald H. Taylor—about disruption, ethics, innovation, and the changing role of L&D. 00:03:08 - Intro 00:05:08 - Josh Bersin 00:41:44 - Daniel Hulme 01:01:39 - David Kelly 01:26:57 - Prof. Jerome Pereira 01:58:09 - Sophie Costin 02:12:23 - Tadelayo Sodipe 02:33:39 - Donald H. Taylor 03:01:44 - End Connect with John Helmer LinkedIn: X: Bluesky: Website:
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LH #112: Learning Futures 3 with Kevin Oakes, Kim McMurdo and Terry Jones
03/31/2025
LH #112: Learning Futures 3 with Kevin Oakes, Kim McMurdo and Terry Jones
Leading Through Culture, Teams, and AI-driven Change John Helmer discusses organizational culture, collective leadership, and AI's impact on future workplaces with Kevin Oakes (CEO, i4cp), Kim McMurdo (Global Head of OD, Standard Chartered), and Terry Jones (International Head of Talent Development, ex-PaloAlto Networks). Key themes include culture renovation, developing team-centric leadership capabilities, and leveraging AI for enhanced human productivity in rapidly evolving organizations. The McKinsey paper mentioned in Kim's interview: De Smet, A., D’Auria, G., Meijknecht, L., Albaharna, M., & Fifer, A. (2024, October 31). Go, teams: When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits. McKinsey & Company. This article is available online at . (Please note that access to the full text may require a subscription or purchase.) Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Start 00:01:09 – Intro 00:03:31 – Kevin Oakes on culture renovation vs. culture change 00:27:58 – Kim McMurdo on collective leadership and hybrid teams 00:48:41 – Terry Jones on innovation, disruption, and practical AI use 01:14:59 – End Contact: LinkedIn: X: Bluesky: Website:
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LH #111 Is D.E.I. Now D.O.A.? with Amri B. Johnson
03/17/2025
LH #111 Is D.E.I. Now D.O.A.? with Amri B. Johnson
The Battle To Keep Inclusion on the Organizational Agenda. Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) under existential threat? With political shifts and corporate cutbacks, is this the end of D.E.I. as we know it—or just a moment of transformation? In this episode, John Helmer speaks with Amri B. Johnson, author of Reconstructing Inclusion and CEO of Inclusion Wins, about the evolving landscape of D.E.I. in the workplace. They discuss whether D.E.I. is fundamentally flawed, if it will persist under different branding, and how organizations should adapt to changing times. Amri's links: Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey Dr. Lauran Star Dr. David Livermore / Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. Frederick G. Falker Peter Mousaferiadis Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano TIMESTAMPS: • 00:00 – Start • 01:09 – Intro • 04:36 – Does he still have a job? • 11:30 – Is the language of D.E.I. one of the problems with it? • 22:19 – Will D.E.I. persist, but change its name and go underground? • 25:40 – How does he respond to the studies that show D.E.I. training doesn’t work? • 30:26 – Is D.E.I. just ‘woke capital’ at work? • 51:41 – End Connect with Amri B. Johnson: • Website: • LinkedIn: • Twitter: Follow The Learning Hack: Website: LinkedIn: X (Twitter): Bluesky:
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LH #110 Will AI Wipe Out L&D? with Robert Guidi
03/03/2025
LH #110 Will AI Wipe Out L&D? with Robert Guidi
In this episode, John Helmer engages with UK-based artificial intelligence expert Robert Guidi to explore the potential impact of AI on Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in data science and technology policy, Robert has worked across industries to help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, translating complex AI concepts into practical strategies. They discuss whether AI poses an existential threat to the L&D profession or offers new opportunities for growth and innovation. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI in L&D, the challenges of implementation, and the future landscape of learning technologies. They also discuss the book Robert is writing: ‘ChatL&D: A Practical Guide to AI-Powered Performance Support’. (This link will be live from 4 March 2025) Timestamps: • 00:01:09 - Intro • 00:03:36 - Does the world need another book about AI? • 00:12:30 - Is AI an existential threat to L&D? • 00:17:31 - An opportunity for 70/20/10 approaches? • 00:25:27 - Generic versus specialized software tools • 00:28:43 - The problem of ‘model drift’ • 00:31:35 - Implementation challenges • 00:43:23 - Change Management • 00:45:31 - Agentic AI • 00:55:29 - Small language models • 01:05:41 - When will the book come out? • 01:09:11 - End Contact Robert Guidi: • LinkedIn: Connect with Us: • Website: • Twitter: @johnhelmer • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast
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LH #109 The Skills Dat Pay da Bills with Teresa Rose
02/10/2025
LH #109 The Skills Dat Pay da Bills with Teresa Rose
Mastering Skills Tech: Implementation, Validation & Organizational Change. In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of skills technology with Teresa Rose, an award-winning learning and performance consultant and founder of ConsultHer Ltd. With over 16 years of experience in organizational and people development, Teresa shares her insights on implementing skills technology, the importance of skills validation, and how organizations can adapt to make skills initiatives successful. We also explore topics such as process mapping, change management, and designing effective reskilling journeys. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage skills to drive organizational success. Timestamps: • 00:00 – Start • 01:09 - Intro • 03:35 - Implementing skills technology • 07:45 - Skills validation • 10:31 - Data sources for skills tech • 21:22 - How does an organization need to adapt to make skills technology work? • 24:24 - Process mapping • 29:08 - Change management • 37:44 - Skills portfolio management • 40:23 - Designing reskilling journeys • 46:45 - Further reading • 49:06 - End Guest Contact Information: Teresa Rose • Website: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresar Resources Mentioned: • Guy W. Wallace’s work on process mapping and performance improvement • Peter Sheppard’s insights on skill sensing networks at Ericsson • Uncommon Sense by Julia Galef – a recommended read on decision-making and critical thinking • The Oxford Review – for research on competencies and skills in organizational performance Connect with Us: • Website: • Twitter: @johnhelmer • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast
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LH #108 Everything You Know About Learning Theory Is Wrong with Nick Shackleton-Jones
01/27/2025
LH #108 Everything You Know About Learning Theory Is Wrong with Nick Shackleton-Jones
Challenging assumptions about learning, performance, and the rise of AI. Nick Shackleton-Jones returns to The Learning Hack to challenge assumptions about learning theory, discuss his Affective Context Model, and reflect on the future of workplace learning. From TikTok as a learning platform to the risks of deceptive AI, this thought-provoking conversation will inspire and provoke in equal measure. Prepare for fresh insights and bold perspectives from one of learning’s great minds. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:09 - Intro 00:03:40 - TikTok: the ultimate learning platform? 00:09:28 - What has Nick been doing in the last 5 years? 00:22:43 - Is learning ROI based on magical thinking 00:27:37 - How has his thinking changed since he first wrote ‘How People Learn’? 00:36:26 - Have digital media become too poisonous for learning? 00:42:37 - Has the move to performance support really happened in L&D? 00:47:05 - AI: Is Nick a P-Doomer? 01:09:41 - Who does he follow in learning? 01:13:03 - End Contact John Helmer LinkedIn: X: Bluesky: Website:
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LH #107 OEB Show Special with Gerd Leonhard, Laura Overton, Maribel Reyes Millán & Donald H. Taylor
01/13/2025
LH #107 OEB Show Special with Gerd Leonhard, Laura Overton, Maribel Reyes Millán & Donald H. Taylor
Voices from Berlin: Learning in the Age of AI. In this episode, John Helmer reports from the Online Educa Berlin (OEB) Conference, engaging with four influential voices in learning and development: futurist Gerd Leonhard, workplace learning expert Laura Overton, digital education innovator Maribel Reyes-Millán, and L&D thought leader Donald H. Taylor. Together, they discuss the transformative power of AI, strategies for navigating disruption, and the evolving demands of learning in an uncertain world. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:06 - Intro 00:03:08 - Gerd Leonhard 00:22:32 - Laura Overton 00:46:23 - Maribel Reyes Millán 01:00:52 - Donald H. Taylor 01:21:06 - End Contact John Helmer LinkedIn: X: Bluesky: Website:
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GMoLS6E37 Question Time with Donald Clark
12/16/2024
GMoLS6E37 Question Time with Donald Clark
Revisiting Learning Theories: Insights and Challenges for the Future In this special live episode of Great Minds on Learning, recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2024, Donald Clark and John Helmer tackle listener questions about learning theory’s relevance, biases, and practical applications. They reflect on three years of the podcast, exploring 2,500 years of educational thought, and discuss the future of learning, including the transformative impact of AI. Engaging and insightful, this episode is a must-listen for learning professionals and enthusiasts alike. 00:00 - Start 00:59 - Introducing GMoL Question Time 08:17 - Why this podcast? 30:52 - What are the ‘lessons learned’? 47:48 - What next? AI and the future of institutional learning The Blog that started it all: Contact Donald X: @DonaldClark LinkedIn: Blog: Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer Email: LinkedIn: Website:
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LH #106 Include Me In with Chris Jay
12/02/2024
LH #106 Include Me In with Chris Jay
Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Cultural Change in Workplaces In this episode, Chris Jay, founder of Bascule Disability Training, shares insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tackling stereotypes about disability. Drawing from personal experiences as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Chris discusses the economic benefits of inclusion, the challenges of hidden disabilities, and the importance of cultural change. He also explores disability representation in media through his film initiative, Bascule Entertainment, advocating for authentic, empowering narratives. 00:00 - Start 00:51 - Intro 08:31 - Has disabilty awareness improved? 12:42 - The economic case for workplace inclusivity 15:42 - Hidden disabilities 20:04 - Does DEI training work? 24:03 - What really works in inclusiveness training? 28:51 - Do mental health disabiities get more ‘airtime’ nowadays than physical? 31:14 - Chris’s work in showbiz 36:55 - Where does he go for inspiration and information? 40:02 – End Follow Chris Jay: · LinkedIn: · Websites: (Bascule Disability Training) (Training for Businesses) (Bascule's online training) Email: chris@bascule.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack
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Great Minds on Learning – Question Time
11/21/2024
Great Minds on Learning – Question Time
Send in your questions for the Great Minds on Learning Q&A! Donald Clark and John Helmer will answer them at Online Educa Conference in Berlin, which will be recorded for a podcast episode to be issued before Christmas 2024. Email them in to or reach out on social media.
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LH #105: Learning Futures 2 with Anne-Valérie Corboz, Jane Underwood & Sarah Otley
11/18/2024
LH #105: Learning Futures 2 with Anne-Valérie Corboz, Jane Underwood & Sarah Otley
Strategic Insights on Leadership, AI, and Skills for Tomorrow John Helmer explores the future of learning with Anne-Valérie Corboz (HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (Akkodis Academy). They discuss leadership evolution, generative AI’s impact, and strategies for building future-ready skills. From innovation challenges to aligning L&D with business goals, this episode offers actionable insights for learning professionals navigating rapid technological change and preparing for tomorrow’s workplace. A must-listen for those shaping the future of education and work. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:11 - Intro 00:01:50 - Anne_Valerie Corboz 00:22:45 - Ad - iVentiv 00:23:26 - Jane Underwood 00:43:32 - Sarah Otley 01:13:49 – End Guest contacts: Anne-Valérie Corboz: Associate Dean for Executive Education at HEC Paris. Email: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/corboz X: @AnneVCorboz Jane Underwood: Global Head of Learning at Reckitt. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janeunderwoodorganisationaldevelopment X: @JaneUnderwood Sarah Otley: Global Head of Akkodis Academy. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-otley-0a065620 X: @SarahOtley Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com
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LH #104 AI Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit
11/04/2024
LH #104 AI Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit
The Future of Learning with AI: Moving Past Simple Applications to Transformational Impact (Learning Leaders pilot) This episode premieres the newest podcast from the Learning Hack stable, Learning Leaders, produced by NIIT in association with The Learning Hack. In this pilot episode, John explores the future of AI learning with Gregg Collins and Sailesh Lalla. Moving beyond content creation, they discuss how AI can drive performance by delivering personalized, real-time learning experiences. Discover the next wave of AI-powered simulations, intelligent tutoring, and immersive learning that goes beyond traditional courses, aiming to transform how organizations approach skill-building and unlock true business impact. 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:18 - Intro 00:02:03 - Will AI only intensify L&D’s addiction to courses 00:07:12 - Will AI be a solution looking for a problem in learning (like VR?) 00:19:44 - Does interacting with AI teach management skills? 00:38:10 - Learning and The Business 00:44:04 - What is the next step in AI for learning? 00:51:35 - What is the top level or goal of NIIT’s maturity model for AI? 01:04:36 - How do we preserve humanity in AI-driven learning? Sponsored by NIIT Website: https://www.niit.com/en/learning-outsourcing/ Follow Greg: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregg-collins-54a3971 Email: gregg.collins@niit.com Follow Sailesh: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sailesh-lalla-3224b2 Email: saileshl@niit.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack
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LH #103 Hillbilly Podcasters with Brigid McCormack
10/21/2024
LH #103 Hillbilly Podcasters with Brigid McCormack
Exploring Appalachia’s Culture and Countering Stereotypes Through Podcasting In this episode, John Helmer is joined by Brigid McCormack, podcast producer and researcher, to discuss her study on podcasting in the Appalachian region of the United States. Brigid shares how local podcasters in this culturally rich yet often stereotyped region are using the medium to tell authentic stories and challenge long-standing negative narratives. She also touches on the power of oral storytelling and podcasting as a learning medium and reflects on her role at Assemble You. For her research, McCormack focused on four podcasts created by five podcasters from the Appalachian region: Appodlachia by Chuck Corra: A podcast that takes a critical look at politics and economics in Appalachia, often addressing current issues and challenging stereotypes. What's Appalachian? by Gabe and Cody: A more casual, conversational podcast where the hosts discuss their daily lives, providing an authentic glimpse into contemporary Appalachian experiences. Now Appalachia by Eliot Parker: This podcast focuses on storytelling and also touches on political and social issues in the region. Appalachian Imagination by Jason: A conversational podcast featuring local friends and community members, offering diverse perspectives on Appalachian life. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:44 - Brigid’s research work on digital futures 06:03 - About Appalachia 07:49 - Appalachian stereotypes 16:47 - What did she learn about Appalachia? 19:19 - What podcast formats did they use? 23:23 - What conclusions did she draw from her work? 29:22 - What did she learn about learning? 39:51 - Her role at Assemble You 43:31 - End Follow Brigid McCormack: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brigid-mccormack Website: podsandprose.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack
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LH #102 AI Learning: the Rubber Hits the Road with Saskia Huussen, Sanne Mateman, and Callum Clark
10/07/2024
LH #102 AI Learning: the Rubber Hits the Road with Saskia Huussen, Sanne Mateman, and Callum Clark
An innovative performance support project in healthcare points the way to significant productivity improvements. In this episode, John Helmer is joined by Saskia Huusen, Sanne Mateman, and Callum Clark to discuss a groundbreaking AI-powered learning project at the Alrijne Healthcare Group. This practical conversation dives deep into the real-world application of AI in learning, demonstrating eye-opening time savings and efficiency improvements in a healthcare setting. The team shares how they implemented AI to improve workflow learning for surgical assistants, reducing SME time by 70% and shortening project timelines by 40%. They discuss the challenges of working with AI, how it differs from traditional performance support, and what they’ve learned through this innovative project. For anyone interested in AI for learning, this episode is packed with valuable insights on integrating AI into workplace learning. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:57 - Introducing the project 06:11 - Meet the team 09:51 - What part did AI play? 12:13 - What couldn’t be done by more traditional means? 14:54 - How different was project management? 20:41 - Did it help that they are young? 23:01 - The solution 29:14 - What did they learn as a team from doing the project? 43:02 - What are they doing next? 50:33 - Who to follow on AI (and who to avoid!) 54:58 - End Follow Saskia Huusen: LinkedIn: Website (company): https://xprtise.com/en/ Follow Sanne Mateman: LinkedIn: Follow Callum Clark: LinkedIn: Contact John Helmer X: LinkedIn: Website: Patreon:
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LH #101 Learning Futures with Charles Jennings
09/23/2024
LH #101 Learning Futures with Charles Jennings
The Chair of iVentiv’s upcoming Learning Futures conference talks AI, performance and L&D complacency. John Helmer speaks with Charles Jennings, managing director of Duntroon Consultants and a founding partner of the 70:20:10 Institute. Charles has over 40 years of experience in corporate learning and performance improvement and is widely known for advocating the 70:20:10 framework. The conversation delves into the future of workplace learning, exploring how L&D professionals can evolve their strategies to drive organizational success in a rapidly changing environment. Charles shares his thoughts on generative AI and its potential role in reshaping learning. He also discusses the importance of shifting focus from individual learning to team performance, emphasizing that teams are the “atomic units” of delivery in any organization. The episode further explores the current obsession with skills mapping and competency frameworks, with Charles offering a more holistic approach. He challenges the idea that skills development alone can drive organizational excellence and highlights the broader systemic factors that contribute to high performance. 00:00 - Start 03:16 - Is his a ‘restless intelligence?’ 06:19 - Will Gen AI prevent or reinforce bad habits in L&D 09:39 - Implications of AI for L&D’s role in the organisation 12:54 - The ‘skills obsession’ of L&D 17:17 - Are skills mapping exercises a waste of money 21:08 - Are we getting any better at thinking systemically 25:52 - Performance support: what are we waiting for 35:26 - Teams and social media 39:56 - Introducing the iVentiv conference Charles is Chairing 45:27 - Who does he follow? 50:41 – End Sponsor link: Follow Charles LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charles-jennings 70:20:10 Institute: Duntroon: Blog: Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LearningHack
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LH #100 The Curious Case of Simon Brown
09/09/2024
LH #100 The Curious Case of Simon Brown
How a top CLO, author and podcaster transforms learning strategy. In this special 100th episode of The Learning Hack podcast, we celebrate a milestone by diving deep into curiosity and corporate learning with Simon Brown, Global Learning and Development Leader at EY and best-selling author of The Curious Advantage. Simon, formerly CLO at Novartis, shares his insights on the pivotal role curiosity plays in driving personal and organizational growth. We explore how AI is reshaping learning landscapes, and Simon offers invaluable lessons on fostering innovation, building effective learning strategies, and navigating rapid change. Join us for an engaging conversation that marks our centenary episode with a true thought leader. 00:00 - Start 00:41 - Intro 03:26 - Why curiosity? 11:22 - Simon’s journey to top CLO 16:09 - How did he form his team at Novartis? 21:15 - How did he get the resources and C-Suite buy-in for the change? 26:58 - How specific is his take on strategy to the sectors he has worked in? 31:34 - His role at EY 36:07 - Is there substance behind the skills hype? 39:34 - Will AI-driven learning shut down curiosity? 47:47 - How does he pursue his own learning, and what sources does he follow? 53:25 - End Sponsor link: https://iventiv.com/learninghack Follow Simon Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/simoncbrown1 The Curious Advantage (podcast): The Curious Advantage (book): Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LearningHack
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LH #99 Special: Learning Technologies Exhibition & Conference 2024
05/20/2024
LH #99 Special: Learning Technologies Exhibition & Conference 2024
Learning Technologies London is Europe's leading showcase of organisational learning and the technology used to support learning at work. John Helmer visited the show and talked to a rich mix of the most interesting people he found there: the analyst, the ingenue, the philosopher, the CLO, the keynoter, the vendor, the budget holder and the pirate (yarr!). The result is a snapshot of the industry, and a deep dive into key themes and insights shaping the future of the learning profession. 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:48 - Intro 00:03:01 - Adam Lacey 00:08:19 - Hannah Frame 00:20:12 - Julian Stodd 00:29:42 - Paul Matthews 00:37:44 - Thimon de Jong 00:51:38 - Lauren Waldman 01:02:44 - Egle Vinauskaite 01:16:06 - Dani Johnson 01:27:31 - David Perring 01:46:16 - Caroline Ford 02:19:52 - Don Taylor 02:30:21 - End Follow John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LearningHack
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LH #98 The Knower & The Known with Leonard Houx
04/08/2024
LH #98 The Knower & The Known with Leonard Houx
An award-winning learning designer reflects on 30 episodes of our sister podcast, Great Minds on Learning. This episode features a deep dive into the history of learning theory with Leonard Houx, Director of Learning Design at the Cambridge Education Group. Host John Helmer and Houx embark on an intellectual journey through the evolution of educational philosophy, touching on the contributions of ancient Greeks, German idealists, and the foundational concepts of modern education systems. 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:36 - Intro 00:03:12 - Reflections on Great Minds on Learning 00:10:22 - The Greeks 00:39:02 - Separating the knower from the known 00:53:28 - The German Idealists 01:10:47 - Hegel & recognition 01:20:07 - Previewing next season of Great Minds on Learning 01:32:19 - End Sponsor event: Celebrating its 25th year, the Learning Technologies conference & exhibition 17-18 April 2024 is Europe’s leading workplace learning event. Register today at Follow Leonard Linkedin: Email: Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon:
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LH #97 What Do We Speak About When We Speak About AI? with Donald H. Taylor
03/25/2024
LH #97 What Do We Speak About When We Speak About AI? with Donald H. Taylor
What does the intense focus on AI in learning today have to say about the future of L&D? Don Taylor is a well-recognised commentator and thinker in the fields of workplace learning and supporting technologies. He speaks world-wide, and has chaired the Learning Technologies Conference in London since 2000. His annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey, started in 2014, provides a unique perspective on L&D trends from over 100 countries, asking the question, what’s going to be hot in L&D? No surprise, perhaps, that the answer this year was AI. But the scale of the vote for AI was unprecedented, and raises serious questions about the future of L&D. 00:00 - Start 01:06 - Intro 03:39 - An unprecedented survey result 06:07 - Has any other tech ever dominated the survey quite so much? 08:42 - How has the sentiment about AI changed over time? 21:13 - Are we on the verge of a ‘correction’ to AI enthusiasm? 28:37 - What does the survey tell us about L&D challenges? 32:27 - With all the focus on AI, what are we NOT focusing on? 36:38 - Preview of Learning Technologies Ex & Conf, London 45:56 - Who does Don draw inspiration from? 51:30 - End Sponsor event: Celebrating its 25th year, the Learning Technologies conference & exhibition 17-18 April 2024 is Europe’s leading workplace learning event. Register today at Sponsor event: Webinar: Designing a Successful Learning Content Strategy with Mike Taylor and Bianca Baumann on 9 April 2024, register now at: The Mindtools visualization of GSS over time: Follow Don Linkedin: Website: Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon:
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LH #96 Uncertainty with Katherine Templar Lewis & Sam Conniff
03/11/2024
LH #96 Uncertainty with Katherine Templar Lewis & Sam Conniff
Turning uncertainty from a problem into an opportunity. We are living in a time of great uncertainty. Economies are still suffering the effects of Covid. Countries that are home to nearly half the world's population will hold elections in 2024. Meanwhile the climate is going mad, and geopolitics seem balanced on a knife edge. How do we cope with all this uncertainty in our personal and working lives? Katherine Templar Lewis and Sam Conniff are uncertainty experts, who bring their learning in neuroscience, psychology, history and social entrepreneurship to bear in helping organizations and individuals improve uncertainty tolerance. 0:00:00 - Start 00:00:31 - Intro 00:03:16 - Is uncertainty more than just a trend? 00:12:23 - Where does all this uncertainty come from 00:20:42 - How can we deal with uncertainty? 00:30:09 - Is AI increasing uncertainty? 00:38:22 - Be more pirate to profit from uncertainty 00:44:45 - Practical advice for coping with uncertainty 01:02:12 - End Sponsor event: 21st March is World Learning Content Clean-up Day: Follow Katherine Linkedin: Website (company): https://www.kindastudios.com/ Follow Sam Linkedin: Website (company): Website (company): Website (company): Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon:
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LH #95 The Human Moment with Rob Hubbard
02/26/2024
LH #95 The Human Moment with Rob Hubbard
In the age of AI, what do we need humans for? The latest advances in AI are highlighting human capabilities, and particularly shortcomings, in a way that causes us once again to re-evaluate what it is to be human. Rob Hubbard is Founder of LearningAge Solutions, an award-winning provider of digital learning services that practices what it calls human-centred learning. What exactly does that mean in the age of AI – and what does the future, for people who want to continue to work and provide value in the learning industries, look like? 00:00 - Start 00:31 - Intro 03:06 - What does he mean by ‘Human-centred Learning’? 11:13 - What is technology telling us about our strengths & weaknesses as humans? 23:45 - Mindfulness and attention 27:11 - Human thinking vs machine thinking 31:00 - Dealing with the shortcomings of technology 41:45 - Advice for employees in the new future of work 52:16 - Who does he follow? 57:41 - End Sponsor event: 21st March is World Learning Content Clean-up Day: Follow Rob Linkedin: Website (company): Email: rob.hubbard@las-hq.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon:
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LH #94 The Language of Learning with Peter Manniche Riber
02/12/2024
LH #94 The Language of Learning with Peter Manniche Riber
Does the way we talk about learning improve our understanding – or hold it back? The language of learning is charged with resonant abstract nouns that mobilize professionals around new ideas and concepts. But are these concepts really so new in all cases – and do they provide a focus for practical action? To what extent is the debate driven by the commercial imperatives of Learntech vendors rather than the real needs of employees and students? Peter Manniche Riber is Head of Digital Learning at Novo Nordisk, Europe's most valuable company, and a formidable critic of this 'buzzword bingo'. He talks to John Helmer about the language of learning. Does it help or hinder? 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:33 - Intro 00:03:19 - Is the language we use in learning fit for purpose? 00:09:06 - Peter’s Top 3 buzzword dislikes 00:12:34 - Drilling into those top 3 buzzword hates 00:26:17 - Digital Transformation 00:36:35 - Gamification 00:38:41 - GenAI and the language of learning 00:49:51 - The language of L&D 01:05:42 – End Sponsor event: AI & Training Design Masterclass with Dr. Philippa Hardman presented by aNewSpring, sign up at: Follow Peter Linkedin: Email: Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: Website: Patreon:
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