What if your organization’s biggest performance issues aren’t due to talent—but bad learning models?

Learning isn’t about sitting in classrooms or ticking boxes—it’s about embedding growth into the real, messy challenges of everyday work. In this episode, listeners dive deep into how transformative learning can drive genuine performance change across organizations. You'll discover why traditional models are failing, and why courageous, purpose-driven approaches to development are the future.

Leonie Rothwell, co-founder of Encounters and Sprout and a global expert in leadership and organizational performance, shares her bold vision for what learning should be—and the pitfalls that many companies fall into when they don’t evolve. From live learning challenges to virtual coaching revolutions, this conversation will inspire you to rethink everything you thought you knew about L&D.

Key Takeaways

1. Real change in organizations happens when learning is embedded into real work, not isolated training rooms.
2. Redefining performance around purpose, motivation, and problem-solving transforms companies at every level.
3. True learning requires action—knowledge without application doesn’t drive real change or growth.

Timestamps

[00:00] Why Knowing Isn’t Enough Without Action

[00:49] Meet Leonie Rothwell: Learning Innovator

[01:22] Passion for People and Systemic Change

[02:11] How Development Is Changing Globally

[03:00] High-Stakes Learning: Real World Applications

[04:00] Filmmaking Lessons and Learning by Doing

[05:00] Solving Career Challenges for People with Disabilities

[06:13] The Dangers of Non-Expert L&D

[07:03] Meeting Robbie Williams and the Leadership Lesson

[08:32] How Virtual Leadership Coaching Changed the Game

Links & Future Learnings

• Leonie Rothwell on Linkedin
• Encountas
• Sprouta
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website