The Summer of Learning: Building an AI-Ready, Experimental Culture at Immediate with Kathryn Swandale

In this fascinating interview, Adam is joined by Kathryn (Katie) Swandale, Senior Learning and Development Partner at Immediate. Immediate is a major publishing group known for brands like Radio Times, Good Food, and BBC Gardeners’ World. With over a decade of experience designing and delivering strategically aligned experiential learning,

In this strategic and practical episode, Katie walks through the initiative's evolution, sharing the nuts and bolts of how they achieved an 86% AI adoption rate among employees, a figure significantly above the industry average.

Key takeaways from this masterclass in strategic L&D and cultural change:

• Genesis: The initiative was sparked by the impact of generative AI, forcing Immediate to address a potential AI skills gap and meet people where they were on their learning journey.
• Program Structure: The eight-week program features an Immersion Day, self-serve workshops linked to five strategic themes, and dedicated Experimentation Days for safe project ideation.
• Driving Engagement: High engagement is ensured by strong leadership backing and Subject Matter Experts. Crucially, all activities are made tangible and clearly linked to the business strategy

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-swandale/

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In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Lindsey Coode and Funmi O'Dell of Learning Pool.

Lindsey is Learning Pool’s Director of Content Software, with over 25 years of experience in learning design and technology. Funmi is a Product Manager at Learning Pool, specializing in shaping impactful digital learning and compliance solutions with a deep background in product development and UX design.

In this episode, Lindsey and Funmi break down the core concepts of experience design and product innovation, explaining how these disciplines are transforming the L&D landscape. They provide a masterclass in product thinking for learning professionals, including:

1. The Cereal Analogy: Funmi provides a brilliant and simple way to understand the difference between content (the cereal), user interface (the bowl and spoon), and experience design (the entire end-to-end feeling of eating it).
2. The Goal is to "Delight Learners": Lindsey explains how experience design in learning moves beyond just knowledge transfer to focus on how the experience makes people feel, which is critical for both engagement and impact.
3. Innovation vs. Invention: Learn why innovation isn't about creating something from scratch, but about applying existing ideas and technologies in new ways to solve real problems.
4. Practical Techniques to Spark Creativity: Discover actionable brainstorming methods like "Worst Possible Idea," "Brain Writing," and "Working Alone Together" to generate better ideas and ensure all voices are heard.
5. The Role of AI: Lindsey and Funmi discuss how AI is used both in their products (for role-plays and feedback) and in their process (as a "brainstorm buddy"), and why the question isn't just can we use AI, but should we?

Lindsey and Funmi offer a clear and accessible guide to the skills and mindset needed to innovate in L&D. If you want to understand how to design more impactful and engaging learning experiences, this is a must-listen-to episode.

Connect with Lindsey and Funmi on LinkedIn: Lindsey Coode & Funmi Wendel

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In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with digitial learning industry leader, Peter Riber.

Peter is the Head of New Tech and Digital Learning Solutions at Novo Nordisk and is known for being at the forefront of technological innovation in L&D. Over the last two years, he and his team have pivoted to building and deploying internal Generative AI agents to tackle long-standing challenges in the workplace.

In this episode, Peter shares the behind-the-scenes story of how his team moved from managing learning platforms to building bespoke AI coaches. He provides a masterclass on the practical application of GenAI in a large enterprise, including:

1. The “Dilemma Coach”: Discover the AI agent Peter’s team has successfully deployed, which allows employees to practice difficult conversations in a safe, private, and contextual environment.
2. Why Build When You Can Buy?: Peter explains the critical, non-negotiable reason for building internally: context. Learn why an AI trained on your company’s unique values, policies, and culture is the key to creating a believable and effective experience.
3. Safety and Trust are #1: Hear about the meticulous process of ensuring user data is secure and building trust through early user testing and clear, human-centric communication.
4. The Future is Career Coaching: Peter unveils his next ambition: an AI-powered career coach that connects employees to internal opportunities based on a rich, contextual skills assessment conducted by the AI itself.
5. Lessons from the Trenches: Learn why you don’t need all the data to create a powerful AI experience, and why L&D must avoid over-engineering solutions.
6. A Practical Guide to Getting Started: Peter provides clear, actionable advice for any L&D professional wanting to experiment with AI: start small, build a tangible prototype (not a PowerPoint), and educate yourself on the technology.

Peter offers a rare and candid look into what it truly takes to move beyond the hype and implement generative AI in L&D. If you are looking for an inspiring and practical guide to building your own AI solutions, this is a must-listen-to episode.

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: Peter Riber

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