Plain speaking on learning
Contrarian, practical notes from four decades in the field. The things I wish more people said out loud.
The human side of learning. And why it gets ignored.
There’s a lot of focus in learning and development on platforms, methodologies, frameworks, and dashboards. There’s far less focus on the humans involved in the work. The ones…
Why freelance L&D professionals don’t have to go it alone
Going freelance is one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s also one of the hardest. I went freelance in 2025, after nearly four decades inside agencies, leading…
How to choose the right learning platform
(and why most organisations get it wrong) Choosing a learning platform feels like progress. There’s a contract to sign, a budget to commit, and something concrete to point…
Why I put technology last
(and what I put first instead) April is when most organisations begin their new financial year. New budgets get released. Learning plans that have been waiting for approval…
Why March is the right time for a learning spring clean
By March, most learning feels busy. Things are live. Things are in progress. Metrics are being gathered somewhere, in theory. And there’s a general sense that everything is…
Why Delivery Always Feels Harder Than Expected
By February, I often hear a version of the same story. The training plan is agreed. The full scope is clear. Everyone feels like they’re on the same…
Why I Still Slow Projects Down at the Start
Discovery is simply a structured pause January always makes people want to get moving. New plans. New initiatives. Lots of energy to get things going. There’s a sense…
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