In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle Ockers and Chemène Sinson reflect on the key themes explored in the 2024 Learning Uncut podcast episodes and connect them to broader trends and conversations in L&D. This year’s standout themes include moving from talk to action with AI, adopting skills-based approaches, fostering community and collaboration, and driving real behaviour change. Underpinning it all is the vital interplay between humanity and technology. From stories of professional growth to global learning insights, this episode offers rich inspiration as we step into 2025. Join the discussion on LinkedIn—find the episode post on Michelle’s profile and share your thoughts!

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/159/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

This episode of Learning Uncut offers a rare ‘before and after’ look at the design, execution, and outcomes of a workplace learning campaign. Michelle Ockers speaks with Matthew Murray, VP of Digital Learning, and Sydney Cannon, Senior Manager of Learning Engagement at Bain & Company, about their October Skills Boost campaign.

The episode starts by exploring exploration their low-resource, email-driven approach to fostering self-directed learning among functional professionals. Seven weeks later, they return to share candid reflections on the campaign's outcomes, unexpected challenges, and key lessons learned. Packed with insights this discussion is a must-listen for learning for learning professionals looking to experiment to encourage self-directed learning in their organisations.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/158/ 

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers is joined by Adam Le Nevez and Adrian Manning from the Australian Public Service (APS). They explore how the APS L&D Community of Practice (CoP) fosters collaboration amongst L&D teams across over 100 agencies. They discuss the unique challenges of building capability in a decentralised system with over 170,000 employees and how the CoP helps reduce duplication, share best practices, and build professional networks. They also highlight the importance of creating a safe space for L&D practitioners to connect and learn from each other, ensuring that the community evolves organically to meet its members' needs.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/157/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Michelle Ockers speaks with Cameron Hedrick, Chief Learning Officer at Citi, about the complexities and opportunities of skills portfolio management. Cameron shares his insights on moving beyond traditional job roles to focus on skills as organisational assets, and how this shift can enhance workforce planning, internal mobility, and overall business resilience. They discuss the challenges of implementing skills management at scale, from building dynamic skills taxonomies to integrating multiple talent platforms, and address the organisational, cultural, and technological changes required for success. Cameron also offers practical advice for organisations looking to start small and scale their skills initiatives over time.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/156/ 

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers is joined by Brad Hodge, health innovator and educator at La Trobe University, to explore the role of generative AI in modern education, particularly in the rural health sector. Brad shares his journey in health innovation and how he is using AI, including chatbots, to enhance student support, drive behavior change, and foster innovation. They delve into the challenges of rural healthcare education, the potential of AI to impact learning outcomes, and how educators can harness the power of AI tools to better prepare students for real-world settings. This episode provides practical insights for educators, L&D professionals, and innovators looking to embrace AI in learning.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/155/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Michelle Ockers is joined by Dr Thomas J. Tobin to explore the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in an organisational context. They discuss how Learning and Development can act as a catalyst for fostering a culture that prioritises inclusivity in both design and content delivery. Tom shares his journey into UDL and explains why these principles are vital not just for the minority, but for the majority of learners. The conversation covers who is responsible for applying UDL principles and how organisations can empower their learners by adopting these practices without becoming overwhelmed. Tom also presents real-world examples from projects where organisations have successfully enhanced their use of UDL. He sheds light on the common barriers that large organisations face when implementing UDL principles and offers strategies for overcoming the content overwhelm that many are currently experiencing.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/154/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

In this episode of Learning Uncut, Lozanne Pretorius discusses how Mitsubishi Motors Australia has used the MiCareerTrak program to foster a customer-centric culture in an industry facing rapid technological and customer expectation changes. She explains how the program was designed to build adaptive skills and resilience, essential for navigating the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world of work. By positioning learning and development as a strategic pillar, the organisation has seen improvements in customer experience, profitability, and employee engagement, making L&D a key driver of organisational transformation.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/153/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Pauline Rebourgeon and Peter Sheppard from Ericsson discuss how they are innovating with AI for learning and development. They outline how Ericsson's Learning NEXT community fosters a culture of experimentation with emerging technologies to support learning and development. Pauline and Peter discuss the importance of community in scaling these efforts, and the strategic balance between quick wins and long-term impact. The episode highlights practical examples such as AI-based translation and coaching tools, underscoring the value of starting small and pivoting as needed to meet evolving business needs.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/152/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

David Kelly, Chairman of the Learning Guild, joins Michelle Ockers to discuss how to make sense of technology trends as an L&D professional. Their discussion explores why trends matter and how to stay abreast of trends, including attending conferences, how to find experts to follow online, and leveraging your network. They also discuss how to think critically about trends and make better choices about what to experiment with and use. This episode will leave you with practical approaches to stay on top of trends as an L&D practitioner.

Conferences are a great way to stay abreast of trends and create a high-value network. DevLearn, run by Learning Guild, is North America’s largest learning technology event with more than 200 sessions and networking activities. DevLearn is celebrating 20 years of learning technology excellence in November 6-8, 2024 in one of the most exciting cities in the United States, Las Vegas. To join the international learning & development community at this event, register at devlearn.com. Use Promo Code UNCUT to save 100 US Dollars.

Hosted by Michelle Ockers 

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-39/ 

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Henriette Kloots and Evitha Scharloo, Co-founders of Interlocked, join Michelle Ockers to discuss the World of L&D and the World of Impact Maps. These maps use associative cartography to visualise the journey from learning to performance and impact. The World of L&D Map creates a tangible common language that prompts effective analysis within L&D teams, helping members to collectively shape their transition from order takers to performance partners. The World of Impact Map enables teams to enhance their analysis and position themselves within the organisational context to deliver higher impact. This episode delves into the creation of these maps and shares key lessons Henriette and Evitha have learned from using them in their work with L&D teams.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/151/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/

Mehri Doyle joins Michelle Ockers to discuss the use of small private online courses (SPOC) at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These online courses have a focus on social learning with the use of online asynchronous community through educators and peer collaboration. This program has had great success, increasing reach of learning resources 10-fold, receiving recognition through being awarded Best Capability Program by Australian Institute of Training and Development in 2021.

Host: Michelle Ockers

Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/150/

Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/