Marketing in learning isn’t just about flashy emails or poster campaigns. It’s about trust, visibility, and staying human, especially when the ground is shifting under our feet. In this episode, Ashley Hinchcliffe and Hannah Clark unpack why silence is the enemy of People functions, and how to keep your audiences engaged when uncertainty, redundancies, and AI-fuelled upheaval dominate the workplace. From K-pop obsessions to bluntly honest bank ads, they explore what makes campaigns stick in 2025...
Sep 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 127
This isn’t your average EdTech chinwag. In this special episode of the Marketing for Learning podcast, Ashley is joined by Lori Niles-Hofmann (author of The 8 Levers of EdTech Transformation ) and Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch (Global Head of Talent at SoftwareOne) for a no-fluff, no-slides-needed conversation about what really makes EdTech work — and what makes people quietly nope out of your platform. Together, the trio unpacks: The 8 levers of effective EdTech transformation The “leavers” - ie,...
Sep 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 126
L&D doesn’t need more content. Or more dashboards. Or more chaos. It needs structure. Strategy. And a system that actually works. In this final episode of Series 2, Han brings it all together — showing how every part of the People Impact Loop® helps you stop reacting and start delivering real, measurable change. You’ll learn: Why understanding your audience is the first, and most important, step How alignment and experience design unlock real relevance And why marketing and measurement aren’...
Aug 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 125
L&D knows measurement matters. But when the pressure’s on to “prove impact,” most teams default to what’s easy, not what’s meaningful. In this episode, we’re joined by Nelson Sivalingam to unpack how learning functions can shift from reporting activity to demonstrating real business value. We explore: Why traditional learning metrics fall short How to connect learning with performance and behaviour change What it takes to embed measurement into the entire learning process, not just the end T...
Jul 25, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 124
Most L&D “campaigns” are a poster, an email, and… silence. This episode calls time on one-and-done launches — and digs into what it really takes to build marketing for learning® campaigns that cut through the noise and drive action. You’ll learn: Why real campaigns don’t end at launch How to apply multi-channel, audience-first thinking to internal comms What L&D can steal from politics, brand marketing and behavioural science If your initiatives start strong and fizzle fast, this episode...
Jul 18, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 123
Learning isn’t broken because people are lazy. It’s broken because the experience is. In this episode, we’re joined by Tom McDowall to talk about why most learning still feels like a chore, and how to change it. We get into: Why more content ≠ more impact How to design frictionless, user-led learning journeys And what L&D can learn from UX, product, and service design This one’s for anyone sick of seeing learning dumped on a platform and called a solution. Because if the experience sucks, th...
Jul 11, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 122
Too many L&D teams are building content for “learners” — not people . In this episode, Ash and Han dive into the one thing that makes or breaks every learning initiative: knowing your audience. Not their job title. Not their LMS login history. But what actually drives them. They unpack: Why “employees” and “learners” aren’t real personas How to ask the right people the right questions (and avoid confirmation bias) What to do with audience research once you’ve got it — and how to avoid buildi...
Jul 04, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 121
This week, Han’s joined by the brilliant Heather Burright — and they’re cutting straight to the core of what’s holding L&D back. Spoiler: it’s not a lack of content. It’s a lack of curiosity. This episode covers: What it really means to identify root problems — and why content alone doesn’t drive change How to build trust with stakeholders (so you can disagree and still stay in the room) Why asking better questions leads to better learning — and better outcomes This is a must-listen for anyo...
Jun 27, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 120
Most L&D teams are stuck in a cycle of activity. Not impact. In this episode, your fav duo are back to rip into the status quo — and dig deeper into the People Impact Loop®: a no-fluff framework that helps People functions stop shouting into the void and start making measurable change. We’re talking: Why “aligning to business goals” isn’t optional (and how to actually do it) Why your learners are subscribers — and should be treated like it How long-term thinking beats one-off learning blasts...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 119
Drum roll please... 🥁🥁🥁 After lots of speculation and guessing, it's time for you to meet the People Impact Loop™. You've got the potential. You've got the passion. Yet you are still undervalued and constantly fighting for relevance. The issue isn’t effort or ideas – it’s the lack of a system that makes their work essential. For decades, the same challenges have persisted: low engagement, leadership buy-in struggles, and initiatives that fail to gain traction. And now, at last, the People Imp...
Apr 03, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 118
You’ve built an amazing learning product - now what? In this episode, Ashley and Hannah break down why marketing isn’t just a bolt-on to learning but a fundamental part of making it successful. They dive into how positioning, messaging, and audience research can transform a learning experience from nice to have to unmissable . Expect insights on emotional triggers, behavioural science, multi-channel campaigns, and why generic messaging just won’t cut it. Plus, plenty of playful banter, pineapple...
Mar 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 117
Your favourite duo is back to discuss a contentious topic in L&D: The Technology Trap. Of course, we all know technology is a critical tool in forward thinking L&D teams, but can it solve all of our issues? (Shock horror, Ash and Han don't think so!) In this episode we discuss: The importance of understanding the user experience and the need for root cause analysis to understand engagement challenges. Why audience centricity is key for future-proofing your L&D function. The importanc...
Feb 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 116
In this fantastic ep, Ash and Georgie Cooke dive into the crucial link between employee experience and L&D, covering everything from culture and management to learning opportunities. They explore why audience insights matter, how to personalise learning, and the necessity of aligning L&D with business goals. The conversation also tackles blended learning, accessibility, and the challenges of measuring impact, urging L&D to rethink success beyond just engagement metrics. Links: Georgi...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 115
In the second episode of our series "From Training to Transformation: Redefining L&D’s Role" Ash and Han delve into the critical role of stakeholders in transforming L&D from a cost centre to a strategic business partner. This ep is jam-packed with practical tips and insights including: Why it is critically important for L&D to align to the business goals. How you can engage with senior leaders and find out the crucial insights needed for success. The power of shifting from a trainin...
Jan 29, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 2
New Series! From Training To Transformation: Redefining L&D’s Role. We're so excited to announce our new multi-episode podcast series on L&D transformation. Our first episode kicks off with Derek Mitchell, Analytics Partner at Novo Nordisk. In this episode Derek discusses the critical role of data in L&D. He emphasises using data to proactively identify training needs, personalise communications, and measure the impact of learning initiatives. He also highlights the importance of mov...
Jan 22, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Grab your tissues... because this is the final time you'll hear from Ash & Han in 2024! 😢 But indulge us in an episode of reflections on the crazy year that was 2024. From their personal highlights (did they mention 2 weddings & a baby?!), they also share their highlights from L&D in 2024, and look ahead to a very exciting 2025. See you on the other side, our dear Marketing For Learning friends 🍍
Dec 13, 2024•46 min•Ep. 114
What are the big L&D trends of 2025? Well we don't know... but Han asked Chat GPT, and unsurprisingly she didn't like it's answer. So in this episode Han discusses the 'trends' we see year after year, and what she thinks should be the trend of 2025.
Dec 06, 2024•22 min•Ep. 113
For all you lifelong, lucky listeners we're giving you 10% off our new 'Strategic Marketing for L&D Leaders' course, which kicks off on March 5th, 2025. It's our Masterclass, but it's getting a facelift and a much bigger emphasis on strategic marketing. Lots more information on our website if you want it . If you want a 10% off voucher, just message Ash on LinkedIn and tell her you want to join the #PineappleArmy. We'll do the rest! P.S. Sorry for the weird promo - normal service resumes nex...
Dec 02, 2024•3 min•Ep. 112
Does everybody just know the value of L&D? That's what most learning professionals seem to think. And shock... Han disagrees. It's time L&D stopped assuming everybody knows our value... now is the time to prove it. In this episode, Han is going to cover: The danger of assumptions. Why data is your best friend. Why it's time to own our craft and align with the business goals. If you’re ready to step up, take ownership, and do something different. This is the ep for you. Happy listening fr...
Nov 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 111
When we mutter the phrase "internal comms" to many of our clients, we see them shudder. " Do we have to get them involved? They're always a blocker to our plans!" We've heard it all before... So in this ep, Ash and Han address why internal comms *must* be involved in your marketing for learning initiatives, and how to make the whole thing smoother. Happy listening guys! LINKS: Internal comms, friend or foe?...
Nov 15, 2024•39 min•Ep. 110
Welcome to the 2nd edition of our Sunday Surgery - our brand new feature on the Marketing for Learning pod. These episodes are designed to help real L&Ders tackle their real challenges in a free consultancy session with Ash and Han. In this session Vesta Charleshouse, Learning Coordinator at AMICULUM (and marketing for learning masterclass alumni!) joins Han to discuss getting more from what she has with her marketing approaches. From casting the net wider with influencers, to using MailChim...
Oct 27, 2024•43 min•Ep. 109
Inspired by a chat with Laura Overton at World of Learning, Han is here this week to talk to you about making 'movements' in L&D, alongside your marketing efforts. And it's all about relinquishing control and enabling your people to do it themselves! LINKS: Han's LinkedIn The Influencer Marketing Episode...
Oct 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 108
Hot off the back of World of Learning, Han is here to set the record straight: Marketing for Learning is for ALL businesses, no matter your size! You have an L&D team? Fab. Now think about marketing. Simples. Links: Han's LinkedIn Our personas ebook...
Oct 11, 2024•16 min•Ep. 107
James Blunt is a musician who knows how to get attention. In this episode Ash examines why his latest PR stunt is a masterclass in marketing and virality. SHOW NOTES James' video on X Marketing Masterclass info
Oct 04, 2024•17 min•Ep. 106
Welcome to the first edition of our Sunday Surgery - our brand new feature on the Marketing for Learning pod. These episodes are designed to help real L&Ders tackle their real challenges in a free consultancy session with Ash and Han. In this first session Louise Donnelly, Senior Learning Manager and Stephen Clark, Learning Technologies Manager bring a challenge our gals have seen time and time again: "We're building a thing, what do we call it?" So, what's in a name? Let's explore, shall we...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 105
WOWZERS. Episode ONE HUNDRED. We can't quite believe we've hit this milestone. So to mark the occasion, Han has handpicked the best bits from all 100 episodes, to share with you today. From campaigns to mindset - this episode covers it all. So grab a glass of fizz! - or a brew if you'd prefer - and share the next 30ish minutes with us as we toast 100 episodes of the Marketing for Learning® podcast. LINKS: Han's LinkedIn Ash's LinkedIn Full episodes: Beyond Bums On Seats: Solving The Engagement C...
Sep 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 104
Coming at you LIVE from LEARNING LIVE 2024... Ash and Han discuss one topic that has come up numerous times during this event: Market Research. No, it's not a sexy topic. But it's critical for your marketing for learning® success. So in this bitesized episode, we tell you how and why research is so important in L&D. LINKS: Our latest ebook Han's LinkedIn Ash's LinkedIn...
Sep 13, 2024•11 min•Ep. 103
Why do things go viral? How come humans seem to want to do something just because everyone else is? It's because of the psychological phenomenon called 'the bandwagon effect'. Ash explores with you what the bandwagon effect is, and how we can start to use this cognitive, unconscious bias to our advantage in marketing for learning®. NOTES & LINKS: What is the bandwagon effect? Ep 13 - L'Oreal's learning culture with Caroline Fitzpatrick Ep 56 - Leveraging FOMO for impact Ashley's LinkedIn...
Sep 06, 2024•15 min•Ep. 102
In this ep, Han is joined by Sam Goodman, L&D Manager at ITPEnergised. Sam is a teacher, who has transitioned over to L&D – and for that reason he has a super interesting take on engagement at all stages of the learning experience. This episode covers a range of topics, including: Contextualising learning for your audience The power of humility in learning and marketing How a marketing mindset will help L&Ders And as Han promised in the ep, here's the link to the Learner Personas gui...
Aug 30, 2024•51 min•Ep. 101
Competitions are a great tactic to boost engagement, right!? Welllllllll... Han disagrees. And in this podcast episode she explains why. Listen in to learn more about: The cobra effect The pitfalls of incentivising learning When you can use competitions or incentives (but Han is still reluctant!) LINKS: Han's Linkedin The AIDAL episode of the podcast And a lil' shout out to Tom McDowall and his podcast, Instructional Design Tips...
Aug 23, 2024•18 min•Ep. 100
