In a fast-changing world, learning isn’t a checkbox; it’s a mindset.

Drawing on their knowledge of Learning and Development, Kasper and Donald explore how professional development has shifted from a top-down process to a self-driven pursuit. From apprenticeships enhanced by AI to peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing and digital courses that fit around flexible work, they discuss how organizations can build a genuine learning culture that lasts.

Explore the limits of technology in corporate learning and how AI can’t replace the human experience of mentorship, reflection and skill-building. Creating a culture of continuous learning takes time, trust and commitment from both leaders and individuals.

About the authors:

Kasper Spiro has been involved in knowledge sharing, performance support and e-learning for over three decade and independently advises organizations in learning and development. He is an international speaker, podcast host and author for various L&D magazines and was the co-founder and CEO at Easygenerator for 12 years. He is the co-author of Employee-Generated Learning.

Donald H Taylor began his career in technology and training in the early 1980s. His experience since then ranges from training design and delivery to managing director and vice-president positions. He is Chairman of the Learning Technologies Conference and the author of Learning Technologies in the Workplace.

Where to find them:

Kasper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasperspiro/

Website: kasperspiro.com

Donald

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/

Website: donaldhtaylor.co.uk

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introductions

01:15 – Why did you write a book all about L&D?

03:07 – Employee expectations around learning in the past decade

15:34 – Is it a risk to rely too heavily on tech for learning?

28:45 – Creating an open and honest culture

35:18 – What shift is needed in L&D over the next 5 years?

45:09 – One key thing you learned from writing your book

49:37 – Where to find the authors

#LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateLearning #FutureOfWork #Leadership #AI #Upskilling #ContinuousLearning #OrganizationalCulture #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

What happens when the systems we’ve built can no longer keep up with the pace of change?

Drawing on their insights and expertise, Perry and Kent explore how technologies such as generative AI continue to drive disruption, with many organizations finding that their operating models are too rigid to adapt. They explore how HR can take the lead in reinventing these models and place data, technology and people at the centre to evolve from being a function of delivery to a designer of the future workplace.

They discuss how human and machine collaboration can create a win-win ecosystem, where adaptability becomes a mindset and innovation an everyday reality. The organizations that learn to redesign continuously are the ones that will thrive.

About the authors:

Perry Timms has more than 20 years' experience in HR and organizational development and is the Founder and Chief Energy Officer at People & Transformational HR Ltd. He is the author of Transformational HR, The Energized Workplace and The HR Operating Model.

Kent McMillan is a thought leader, innovator, consultant and a regular speaker in the area of operating model and organization design and implementation. He is a managing director at Accenture and holds two US patents for Accenture's organization analytics and design platform. He is the co-author of Rethinking Operating Models.

Where to find them:

Perry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrytimms/

Website: pthr.co.uk

Kent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akentmm/

Website: accenture.com/us-en/services/talent-organization/future-organization

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introductions

01:05 – Why did you decide to write a book on HR Operating Models?

07:08 – What is an operating model?

15:39 – HR as the designer and enabler of organizational agility

27:23 – Adopting more strategic operating models

38:28 – One thing leaders can do to reshape operating models for the future

47:36 – One key thing you learned from writing your book

51:16 – Where to find the authors

#FutureOfWork #AgileHR #OperatingModels #DigitalTransformation #GenerativeAI #HRLeadership #OrganizationalChange #BusinessStrategy #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

We all know data is everywhere, but how do we really make sense of it?

Drawing on their expertise, Adam and Nicholas unpack what data literacy means in practice. They explore the difference between correlation and causation, how to build the confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions and how to engage with data on your own terms.

Discover why data isn’t just for analysts. It’s about learning the language, developing curiosity, and collaborating with others to bring meaningful data-driven thinking into every part of your role. Whether you’re early in your career or leading a team, you’ll learn how to own your seat at the table, build your data vocabulary, bring meaningful data-driven thinking into every part of your role and turn information into confident decision-making.

About the authors:

Adam Ross Nelson is a data science consultant and career coach based. Having transitioned into the data science field from his career as an attorney, he helps those looking to develop their data science skills, pivot their career or improve their career trajectory. He is the author of Confident Data Science.

Nicholas Kelly is a principal at G&K Consulting and is a leader in analytics adoption having designed and developed dashboards for some of the world's largest companies, from global banks to Formula 1 teams. He is the inventor of the Dashboard Wireframe Kit and is the author of Delivering Data Analytics and How to Interpret Data.

Where to find them:

Adam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnelson/

Website: coaching.adamrossnelson.com/free-booklet

Nicholas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaspkelly/

Website: deliveringdataanalytics.com

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

00:53 – Why did you write a book on data?

02:54 – Overcoming data jargon

07:23 – Common mistakes when interpreting data

11:30 – Speaking confidently about data

18:27 – Making data relatable

24:26 – One key thing you learned from writing your book

28:59 – Where to find the authors

#DataLiteracy #Analytics #DecisionMaking #DigitalSkills #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #DataCulture #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

Is remote work really the threat to productivity and culture that some leaders fear?

Drawing on their knowledge and experience, Jennifer and Gemma challenge the myths surrounding hybrid and remote work, exploring how flexibility can boost inclusion, engagement and long-term success. They explore how digital-first organizations are thriving, why trust is the foundation of effective leadership and how empathy and communication can prevent burnout and build belonging.

Discover the link between work and happiness and how purpose, wellbeing and autonomy intersect in today’s evolving workplace. From rethinking leadership traits to creating environments that value individuality and connection, find out how managers and organizations can adapt to a world of work that is here to stay.

About the authors:

Jennifer Moss is the co-founder of Plasticity Labs, a technology startup that produces software to measure organizational culture, inform leaders of their current and ongoing social/emotional state and improve employee happiness at work. She is the author of Unlocking Happiness at Work.

Gemma Dale is a Senior HR professional, conference speaker, writer and coach with over 20 years' experience. She is a lecturer in employment law, organizational behaviour and wellbeing at Liverpool John Moores University Business School, UK and co-founder of The Work Consultancy where she helps business develop their people policies. She is the author of How to Manage Remotely, Flexible Working, Employee Relations Explained and Employee Engagement and Wellbeing Explained.

Where to find them:

Jennifer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenleighmoss/

Website: jennifer-moss.com

Gemma:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-dale/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

01:19 – Why did you decide to write your book on the ‘new world of work’

03:44 – Debunking remote working myths

12:48 – Being a 'good manager’ in a remote-first world

24:03 – Happiness and its importance in performance

29:24 – One thing a manager should do to boost connection and morale

33:09 – One key thing you learned from writing your book

35:30 – Where to find the authors

#HybridWork #RemoteLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #Inclusion #WorkplaceWellbeing #Leadership #CompanyCulture #FlexibleWork #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

How can travel brands stay relevant in an era of shifting loyalties and sustainability demands?

Drawing on their expertise, Steve and Caroline discuss how tourist destinations can build stronger communities, nurture loyalty in an age of brand disloyalty and use social media to create authentic, shareable moments. We also look at how sustainability has moved from a differentiator to a necessity, with younger travellers demanding responsibility and purpose from the businesses they support.

Discover why now is the time to future-proof your brand, embed sustainability at every level and find out how authenticity and transparency are defining the next era of the travel industry.

About the authors:

Stephen Lowy is Chairman of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and CEO of Anglo Educational Services (AES), which manages foreign student apartments in Central London. He is serving as Interim CEO of the Mountbatten Program and is a board member of the Tourism Alliance, Trustee of the Savoy Educational Trust and Chairman of Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP). He is the author of Creating Loyalty in Youth Travel.

Caroline Bremner is a global travel thought leader with 28 years of experience in market research. She advises global travel brands, destinations and consumer goods players on how to navigate the new travel normal, embrace consumer trends, digitalization and sustainable innovation to meet climate targets and unlock long term value. She is the author of Future-Proofing Travel.

Where to find them:

Stephen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelowy/

Website:

angloeducaional.com (Anglo Educational Services)

umidigital.co.uk (Umi Digital)

residenceapartments.com (Company)

Caroline

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinebremner1/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introductions

01:05 – Why did you decide to write a book on the future of travel?

03:38 – Future-proofing your travel business

06:58 – Driving loyalty among Gen Z

14:05 – Digital habits and social media influencing brand perception

21:10 – Balancing sustainability and the fast-changing market

27:28 – One key thing you learned from writing your book

31:36 – Where to find the authors

#TravelMarketing #BrandStrategy #Sustainability #InfluencerMarketing #CustomerExperience #FutureOfBusiness #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

What if every conversation you have is a form of negotiation?

Drawing on their insights and knowledge, Mike and Alan define negotiation, not as a high-stakes skill reserved for boardrooms, but as a fundamental part of everyday communication. From building rapport and finding shared understanding to knowing when to pause and listen, negotiation is about searching for agreement, not winning an argument.

Find out how effective negotiators are great communicators first, how listening and silence can shape outcomes and why asking questions often achieves more than making statements. You’ll also hear how persuasion, patience and reflection can transform the way we collaborate, influence and build trust.

About the authors:

Mike Clayton has had a long career as a project manager, consultant, educator and writer. Formerly a senior manager at Deloitte, he has trained tens of thousands of managers throughout the UK and beyond. He is the author of How to Negotiate.

Alan Barker is Managing Director of Kairos Training Limited, a specialist consultancy dedicated to developing creativity and communication skills. A prolific writer, he is the author of How to Improve Your Communication Skills and The Complete Copywriter.

Where to find them:

Mike:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeclayton/

Website:

mikeclayton.co.uk (Company)

onlinepmcourses.com (Company)

youtube.com/channel/UCQazot7vvCK6sz3ZAr6OG9g (Management Courses)

Alan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanbarker/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:03 - Why did you decide to write a book on communication?

04:22 - Negotiation is fundamentally a communication skill

11:40 - Struggling to speak up for yourself

20:24 - Everyday communication skills = strong negotiator

37:02 - One habit to improve communication and negotiation skills43:46 - One key thing you learned from writing and researching your books

50:40 - Where to find the authors

#NegotiationSkills #Communication #Leadership #Listening #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessCommunication #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

Why are so many employees disengaged, and what can leaders do about it?

Drawing on their expertise, Dan and Nick look beyond short-term causes to explore the deeper, long-term factors shaping disengagement across industries. They explore why true engagement isn’t about quick fixes or KPIs; it’s about contentment, respect, wellbeing and a shared sense of purpose, even in times of uncertainty.

Discover the four practical steps leaders can take to foster belonging, psychological safety and social wellbeing, alongside the importance of emotional intelligence, critical thinking and composure under pressure. A thriving organization starts with people who are proud to be part of it.

About the authors:

Nick Smallman is Founder and CEO of Working Voices. He has been advising blue-chip clients on engagement, leadership and communication for more than 27 years. During that time, he has built an international reputation for thought leadership, delivering acclaimed talks for multinationals on a range of leadership and communication issues

Dan Parry is the Head of Communications at Working Voices. With nearly 30 years' experience in the media, he has a track record in journalism and documentaries and is a published author of three other books.

They are the co-authors of Engaging Teams.

Where to find them:

Nick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeynotespeaker/

Website: workingvoices.com

Dan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-parry-b2b374a0/

Website: workingvoices.com

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introductions

01:01 - Why did you decide to write a book about engaging teams?

04:40 - Defining team engagement vs employee engagement

08:04 - Including all team members

14:07 - Leadership behaviours that affect team engagement

20:30 - Habits to help with engagement in everyday life

25:10 - One key thing you learned while writing your book

29:48 - Where to find the authors

#EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #WellbeingAtWork #OrganizationalCulture #Belonging #WorkplaceWellbeing #OffThePage #BusinessBooks

How can the human element be leveraged to boost individual and business performance?

Drawing on their expertise in employee experience, Simon and Michael explore the human factors of the workplace, what culture means for the future workplace generations and how clarity, trust and innovation can drive a competitive advantage.

Gain key insights and practical tips on how to help improve your organization’s performance in the constantly evolving and changing world of work, embed collaboration, team spirit and a culture of advocacy into your processes and optimize both individual and collective performances for a happy and productive workplace.

About the authors:

Michael Esau is a Global Value Advisor at SAP with over 25 years' experience in delivering organizational development solutions, cultural transformations and employee engagement strategies.

Simon Humphreys is a Global Solution Architect at SAP with 30 years experience, working with clients globally on how to maximize return on HR technology investments.

They are the co-authors of The Human Factor.

Where to find them:

Simon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sihumphreys/

Website: https://podcast.opensap.info/the-human-factor/

Michael

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-esau-00a78a1/

Website: https://podcast.opensap.info/the-human-factor/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Introductions

00:54 – Why did you decide to write a book on ‘the human factor’

05:16 – The key elements of a workplace culture

10:57 – Building trust and collaboration

16:50 – Where to put your focus - Metrics or efficiency?

21:03 – Integrating human-centric practices

27:26 – One key thing you learned while writing your book

31:07 – Where to find the authors

#TheHumanFactor #EmployeeExperience #EX #OrganizationalPerformance #WorkplaceWellbeing #Innovation #OffThePage #BusinessBooks