Voices from Online Educa Berlin 2025. Recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2025, this episode brings together five perspectives on keeping the human at the centre of learning in the age of AI. From global learning trends and AI maturity, to human-centred education, the Global South, emerging talent, and the long view of digital learning, these conversations capture the diversity, tensions, and possibilities shaping education and workplace learning worldwide. Guests Donald H. Taylor Margaret Korosec I...
Jan 26, 2026•1 hr 56 min•Season 15Ep. 123
The year ahead for learning, skills and work As organisations head into 2026, Josh Bersin returns to The Learning Hack to make sense of what is really changing in work, skills and learning. Drawing on his latest research and global advisory work, Josh explains why AI has crossed a threshold, how jobs are being reshaped rather than eliminated, why skills velocity is fundamentally cultural, and why L&D is facing a once-in-a-generation structural reinvention. Timestamps 01:28 – Intro 03:12 – Wh...
Jan 12, 2026•51 min•Season 15Ep. 122
Recorded live at Online Educa Berlin, this episode of Great Minds on Learning explores AI and the Global South through history, hard lessons, and contemporary debate. John Helmer and Donald Clark examine early techno-utopian experiments, the ethics wars around AI, and newer perspectives rooted in language, power, and lived experience. From Negroponte and Mitra to Gebru, Arora, Manyika, and Mugane, the conversation asks who AI is really for—and who gets to decide. Timestamps 00:57 – Intro 01:58 –...
Dec 15, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 7Ep. 44
2025 was billed as a "make-or-break year" for L&D. But what actually happened? To make sense of a turbulent twelve months in learning, talent and HR, John Helmer speaks with Myles Runham of Fosway Group, Europe's leading analyst firm. They explore AI's real impact, shifting buying patterns, skills intelligence, evaluation, and whether L&D is heading for reinvention or obsolescence. A clear-eyed, data-led look at where we stand — and where we're heading. Timestamps 00:59 – Intro 03:30 – D...
Nov 24, 2025•54 min•Season 14Ep. 121
How AI agents are reshaping learning workflows and the L&D ecosystem "Agentic AI" is the buzzword of the moment. But how many people fully understand what it really means—or how it will change learning and work? Dr. Ashwin Mehta, Chief AI Strategist at the Learning & Performance Institute and founder of Mehtadology AI, joins John Helmer to unpack the hype and explore the practical realities of AI agents, workflow re-engineering, and the emerging skills ecosystem in learning and developme...
Nov 10, 2025•59 min•Season 14Ep. 120
From refugee to Russian pop star, startup founder to life coach and evangelist pastor — Christian Ray Flores's journey has spanned continents, ideologies, and careers. In this remarkable conversation, John explores how those experiences shaped Christian's views on creativity, entrepreneurship, AI, faith, and the American dream. Can such diverse identities truly fit together? The result is a thought-provoking dialogue across boundaries of culture, belief, and experience. Timestamps 00:00 – Start ...
Oct 27, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 14Ep. 119
The human heart of learning in a digital age. Jay Moore and Doug Scott look back on the legendary Crotonville leadership institute — and forward to what its ethos means for learning in the age of AI. They tell John Helmer how a culture built on humility, connection and trust continues to shape GE's learning legacy today. As training becomes more digital, how do we preserve those "human moments" that make real development possible? Timestamps: 00:51 - Intro 03:00 - What is Crotonville? 07:44 - Wh...
Oct 13, 2025•56 min•Season 14Ep. 118
The Human Side of AI at Work Brian Murphy, Global Head of Learning & Development at NTT DATA, shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping work and productivity. Drawing on his experience at Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and Citi, Brian argues for a human-centric coalition between people and machines. He explores how L&D and HR can steer organizations through AI transformation, ensuring it's about value creation and capability — not just cost cutting. Timestamps: 00:00 - Start 01:44 - Intro 0...
Sep 29, 2025•53 min•Season 14Ep. 117
Systems, skills and the eight levers of learning transformation. Lori Niles-Hoffman, learning strategist and data evangelist, joins John to explore how L&D can escape legacy mindsets and regain strategic impact. Drawing on her new book, Lori outlines the eight key levers for enterprise learning transformation, why ecosystems matter more than platforms, and how AI is reshaping the role of the learning professional. Timestamps 00:01:43 - Intro 00:03:46 - What brought her into the world of lear...
Sep 15, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 14Ep. 116
Stanford professor Jan Liphardt—founder of OpenMind—joins the podcast to explore the future of learning at the intersection of AI, robotics, and human development. He explains why robot dogs might be ideal math tutors, how Socratic dialogue can be scaled through machines, and what AI means for education, healthcare, and daily life. A bold vision of multi-agent learning ecosystems from a scientist who's seen both the lab and the startup world. Timestamps · 00:00 – Start · 01:47 – Intro · 04:34 – ...
Sep 01, 2025•58 min•Season 14Ep. 115
AI shockwaves and human resilience in L&D At the Learning Technologies Conference 2025, John Helmer speaks with leading voices in learning and AI—including Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, Jerome Pereira, Sophie Costin, Tadelayo Sodipe, and Donald H. Taylor—about disruption, ethics, innovation, and the changing role of L&D. 00:03:08 - Intro 00:05:08 - Josh Bersin 00:41:44 - Daniel Hulme 01:01:39 - David Kelly 01:26:57 - Prof. Jerome Pereira 01:58:09 - Sophie Costin 02:12:23 - Tade...
May 12, 2025•3 hr 1 min•Season 12Ep. 114
Leading Through Culture, Teams, and AI-driven Change John Helmer discusses organizational culture, collective leadership, and AI's impact on future workplaces with Kevin Oakes (CEO, i4cp), Kim McMurdo (Global Head of OD, Standard Chartered), and Terry Jones (International Head of Talent Development, ex-PaloAlto Networks). Key themes include culture renovation, developing team-centric leadership capabilities, and leveraging AI for enhanced human productivity in rapidly evolving organizations. The...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 12Ep. 112
The Battle To Keep Inclusion on the Organizational Agenda. Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) under existential threat? With political shifts and corporate cutbacks, is this the end of D.E.I. as we know it—or just a moment of transformation? In this episode, John Helmer speaks with Amri B. Johnson, author of Reconstructing Inclusion and CEO of Inclusion Wins, about the evolving landscape of D.E.I. in the workplace. They discuss whether D.E.I. is fundamentally flawed, if it will persist...
Mar 17, 2025•52 min•Season 12Ep. 111
In this episode, John Helmer engages with UK-based artificial intelligence expert Robert Guidi to explore the potential impact of AI on Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in data science and technology policy, Robert has worked across industries to help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, translating complex AI concepts into practical strategies. They discuss whether AI poses an existential threat to the L&D profession or offers new opportuni...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 12Ep. 110
Mastering Skills Tech: Implementation, Validation & Organizational Change. In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of skills technology with Teresa Rose, an award-winning learning and performance consultant and founder of ConsultHer Ltd. With over 16 years of experience in organizational and people development, Teresa shares her insights on implementing skills technology, the importance of skills validation, and how organizations can adapt to make skills initiatives successful....
Feb 10, 2025•51 min•Season 12Ep. 109
Challenging assumptions about learning, performance, and the rise of AI. Nick Shackleton-Jones returns to The Learning Hack to challenge assumptions about learning theory, discuss his Affective Context Model, and reflect on the future of workplace learning. From TikTok as a learning platform to the risks of deceptive AI, this thought-provoking conversation will inspire and provoke in equal measure. Prepare for fresh insights and bold perspectives from one of learning's great minds. 00:00:00 - St...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 12Ep. 108
Voices from Berlin: Learning in the Age of AI. In this episode, John Helmer reports from the Online Educa Berlin (OEB) Conference, engaging with four influential voices in learning and development: futurist Gerd Leonhard, workplace learning expert Laura Overton, digital education innovator Maribel Reyes-Millán, and L&D thought leader Donald H. Taylor. Together, they discuss the transformative power of AI, strategies for navigating disruption, and the evolving demands of learning in an uncert...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 12Ep. 107
Revisiting Learning Theories: Insights and Challenges for the Future In this special live episode of Great Minds on Learning, recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2024, Donald Clark and John Helmer tackle listener questions about learning theory's relevance, biases, and practical applications. They reflect on three years of the podcast, exploring 2,500 years of educational thought, and discuss the future of learning, including the transformative impact of AI. Engaging and insightful, this episode is ...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 6Ep. 37
Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Cultural Change in Workplaces In this episode, Chris Jay, founder of Bascule Disability Training, shares insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tackling stereotypes about disability. Drawing from personal experiences as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Chris discusses the economic benefits of inclusion, the challenges of hidden disabilities, and the importance of cultural change. He also explores disability representation in media throug...
Dec 02, 2024•41 min•Season 12Ep. 106
Send in your questions for the Great Minds on Learning Q&A! Donald Clark and John Helmer will answer them at Online Educa Conference in Berlin, which will be recorded for a podcast episode to be issued before Christmas 2024. Email them in to john@learninghackpodcast.com or reach out on social media.
Nov 21, 2024•58 sec
Strategic Insights on Leadership, AI, and Skills for Tomorrow John Helmer explores the future of learning with Anne-Valérie Corboz (HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (Akkodis Academy). They discuss leadership evolution, generative AI's impact, and strategies for building future-ready skills. From innovation challenges to aligning L&D with business goals, this episode offers actionable insights for learning professionals navigating rapid technological change and preparing ...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 11Ep. 105
The Future of Learning with AI: Moving Past Simple Applications to Transformational Impact (Learning Leaders pilot) This episode premieres the newest podcast from the Learning Hack stable, Learning Leaders, produced by NIIT in association with The Learning Hack. In this pilot episode, John explores the future of AI learning with Gregg Collins and Sailesh Lalla. Moving beyond content creation, they discuss how AI can drive performance by delivering personalized, real-time learning experiences. Di...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 11Ep. 104
Exploring Appalachia's Culture and Countering Stereotypes Through Podcasting In this episode, John Helmer is joined by Brigid McCormack, podcast producer and researcher, to discuss her study on podcasting in the Appalachian region of the United States. Brigid shares how local podcasters in this culturally rich yet often stereotyped region are using the medium to tell authentic stories and challenge long-standing negative narratives. She also touches on the power of oral storytelling and podcasti...
Oct 21, 2024•44 min•Season 11Ep. 103
An innovative performance support project in healthcare points the way to significant productivity improvements. In this episode, John Helmer is joined by Saskia Huusen, Sanne Mateman, and Callum Clark to discuss a groundbreaking AI-powered learning project at the Alrijne Healthcare Group. This practical conversation dives deep into the real-world application of AI in learning, demonstrating eye-opening time savings and efficiency improvements in a healthcare setting. The team shares how they im...
Oct 07, 2024•57 min•Season 11Ep. 102
The Chair of iVentiv's upcoming Learning Futures conference talks AI, performance and L&D complacency. John Helmer speaks with Charles Jennings, managing director of Duntroon Consultants and a founding partner of the 70:20:10 Institute. Charles has over 40 years of experience in corporate learning and performance improvement and is widely known for advocating the 70:20:10 framework. The conversation delves into the future of workplace learning, exploring how L&D professionals can evolve ...
Sep 23, 2024•52 min•Season 11Ep. 101
How a top CLO, author and podcaster transforms learning strategy. In this special 100th episode of The Learning Hack podcast, we celebrate a milestone by diving deep into curiosity and corporate learning with Simon Brown, Global Learning and Development Leader at EY and best-selling author of The Curious Advantage. Simon, formerly CLO at Novartis, shares his insights on the pivotal role curiosity plays in driving personal and organizational growth. We explore how AI is reshaping learning landsca...
Sep 09, 2024•54 min•Season 11Ep. 100
Learning Technologies London is Europe's leading showcase of organisational learning and the technology used to support learning at work. John Helmer visited the show and talked to a rich mix of the most interesting people he found there: the analyst, the ingenue, the philosopher, the CLO, the keynoter, the vendor, the budget holder and the pirate (yarr!). The result is a snapshot of the industry, and a deep dive into key themes and insights shaping the future of the learning profession. 00:00:0...
May 20, 2024•2 hr 35 min•Season 10Ep. 99
An award-winning learning designer reflects on 30 episodes of our sister podcast, Great Minds on Learning. This episode features a deep dive into the history of learning theory with Leonard Houx, Director of Learning Design at the Cambridge Education Group. Host John Helmer and Houx embark on an intellectual journey through the evolution of educational philosophy, touching on the contributions of ancient Greeks, German idealists, and the foundational concepts of modern education systems. 00:00:0...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Season 10Ep. 98
What does the intense focus on AI in learning today have to say about the future of L&D? Don Taylor is a well-recognised commentator and thinker in the fields of workplace learning and supporting technologies. He speaks world-wide, and has chaired the Learning Technologies Conference in London since 2000. His annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey, started in 2014, provides a unique perspective on L&D trends from over 100 countries, asking the question, what's going to be hot in L&D?...
Mar 25, 2024•52 min•Season 10Ep. 97
Turning uncertainty from a problem into an opportunity. We are living in a time of great uncertainty. Economies are still suffering the effects of Covid. Countries that are home to nearly half the world's population will hold elections in 2024. Meanwhile the climate is going mad, and geopolitics seem balanced on a knife edge. How do we cope with all this uncertainty in our personal and working lives? Katherine Templar Lewis and Sam Conniff are uncertainty experts, who bring their learning in neu...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min
