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-based transformation.

Together, Brigid and Lori unpack:

• The three seismic shifts reshaping L&D post-pandemic
• Why skills—not job titles—are the future of workforce strategy
• What L&D professionals really need to know about AI and AI agents
• How to track and recalibrate skills over time like a supply chain
• Actionable tools and trusted resources for those new to the field
• Why the human element will always be at the heart of learning—even in an AI-driven world

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insight and perspective on the path forward in L&D.

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinileshofmann/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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 Superdry, where his work won a CIPD People Management Award.

At Ground Control, Jez has reimagined L&D—moving it from compliance-driven training to a vibrant, learner-first culture that supports everyone, from apprentices to senior leaders.

In this episode, Jez walks Adam through how he’s rebuilt learning at scale. He shares the tools, tone, and thinking behind GC Academy, and how he transformed a dormant apprenticeship levy into a major engine for growth and retention.

Jez covers:

1. How to rebrand L&D to engage the whole business
2. Creative strategies to make learning accessible, flexible and fun
3. Turning the apprenticeship levy into a company-wide perk
4. Practical systems for tracking ROI and learner impact
5. Building psychological safety inside L&D teams

Jez gives honest, inspiring, and refreshingly practical advice on how to create a learning culture people genuinely use—and love. If you’re trying to get your L&D function listened to, this is a must-listen episode.

Connect with Jez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jez-light-07150249/

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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, often messy business of purchasing learning solutions.

This episode is essential listening for anyone stepping into the L&D space—especially those grappling with vendor selection, learning systems, or content procurement.

Brigid and John discuss:

• Why trust, scale, and innovation are non-negotiables in vendor relationships
• The difference between content vendors and LMS providers—and why it matters
• How to sniff out risk, recognise desperation, and avoid getting "nickeled and dimed"
• The buyer’s golden rule: Know your vendor

John gives practical advice and insight to the world of L&D, if you're just starting out or want to increase your knowledge then this is a must-listen-to episode.

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/

Listen to the Learning Hack: The Learning Hack podcast

Looking for a content library to help your team develop their productivity, communication, leadership skills and more? Check out assembleyou.com and follow us on LinkedIn.