I had no idea what I was doing when I started podcasting.

This episode breaks open the often-overlooked truth in learning and development: formal training rarely creates real impact. Instead, we hear how genuine curiosity, performance-focused design, and unexpected life experiences shape transformative L&D practices. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this conversation will push you to rethink what works—and what’s just wasting time and budget.

Tom Bailey, Dr. Alistair Ritt L&D Professional of the Year 2025 and creator of the Rogue L&D Podcast, shares his journey from category manager to award-winning learning leader. With stories ranging from childhood kite contests to professional breakthroughs at Blackmores, Tom unveils the mindset shifts and tactical changes that power high-impact development in modern organizations. If you're ready to ditch the old models and learn from someone who’s actually done it, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways;

• Great L&D isn’t about training—it’s about enabling behavior change that impacts business outcomes.
• Most professionals in L&D never studied it formally; real growth comes from experience and community.
• Building genuine, trust-based relationships in L&D opens doors to innovation, collaboration, and transformation.

Timestamps

• [00:00] — The energy cost of networking (and why it’s worth it)

• [00:51] — Who is Tom Bailey, and why he’s on the mic this time

• [01:40] — What drives real behavior change in L&D

• [02:40] — Why Nick Shackleton-Jones’ book changed his life

• [03:48] — Microlearning, space repetition, and why Yanu works

• [05:18] — How most of us learned L&D through the side door

• [07:01] — Building the award-winning Blackmores Commercial Academy

• [08:45] — The L&D fail that cost a company big (and why it still hurts)

• [10:50] — Renting vans to childhood heroes: the Keith Harris story

• • [13:25] — The Lurpak kite, Dutch radio, and other strange origin stories

  
  

  Links

  • Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
  • Tom Bailey Website

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