Protecting Your Space: Human-Centered L&D and Avoiding Burnout in 2026

Welcome back Listeners! This 2026 first episode of the People Performance Podcast features Scott Morrison and our newest T2 Senior Consultant, Alex Mather.

Scott and Alex discuss the importance of shifting focus to a human-centered approach in learning and development (L&D) for 2026.

Alex, who has over 20 years in the L&D space , stresses that leaders should focus less on performance and more on the people, what motivates them and what they are trying to achieve.

The conversation offers actionable advice for leaders, especially at the start of the new year, to avoid burnout and sustain performance:

• Model the behaviour you want to see in your team, and take initiative to organise your own regular check-ins with your manager.

  
  

• Protect your space by blocking out non-negotiable reflection time, such as at least 30 minutes a week in your diary.

  
  

• Integrate L&D into the business as usual routine rather than treating it as a special, one-off event.

  
  

• Conduct regular team check-ins and build an environment of psychological safety to ensure honest engagement.

  
  

Alex shares that his purpose is to develop awareness in himself and others so they can be as effective and healthy as possible.

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