The Secrets of Learning & Development
Episodes
Bonus Episode: Valerie Merrill Why Social Capital Matters More Than Ever
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Social capital is the invisible force that shapes how work really gets done, especially ...
Rethinking L&D Through Curiosity and Community: Lavinia’s Offbeat Journey
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we meet Lavinia Mehedintu, c...
Leading without the Armour - Why Vulnerability isn't a risk
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning & Development, Julia Bend and Valer...
More Than Bouncing Back: A New Take on Resilience with Lucy Wooldridge
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S4 EIn this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are jo...
Valerie Merrill - Learning in the flow of work
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What happens when learning is no longer an event, but a natural part of everyday work?In...
Sarah Armstrong-Smith: When Culture Fails: What Crisis Teaches Us About People, Power and Prevention
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down...
The MAYA Principle: Innovation People Will Actually Say Yes To
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Why do some ideas land effortlessly while others get rejected, even when they promise pr...
Can AI Ask a Better Question? Coaching, Access and the Role of Technology with Sam Isaacson
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Sam Isaacson, ...
Bonus Episode: Stop Waiting for Calm: Why Your Growth Can’t Be Delayed
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode, Julia and Valerie unpack why so many high-performing professional...
Victoria Rennoldson on Being Seen, Heard, Understood: Communicating with Confidence Across Cultures
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this warm and insightful episode, we’re joined by Victoria Rennoldson – global co...
Bonus Episode: Valerie Merrill on The Smart Way to Set Learning Goals That Actually Matter
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode, Julia and Valerie explore why learning goals matter more than eve...
Stage to Workshop: How Ashleigh Harvey Found Confidence in the Chaos
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S4 E3In this episode, we sit down with Ashleigh Harvey actor, writer and confidence coac...
The Hidden Barriers to Success: Baiju Solanki on Identity, Energy and Self-Leadership
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S4: E2What happens when success on paper doesn’t match how you feel inside?In this pow...
Bonus Episode: How Real Relationships Begin: A Conversation About Networking
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode, Julia and Valerie talk openly about what networking is really abo...
Nick Shackleton-Jones: Finding Work That Actually Fits
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S4:E1In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are j...
Bonus Episode Book Review :The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Bonus Episode: Exploring The Coming Wave by Mustafa SuleymanIn this bonus episode of The...
Backing Yourself: Pooja’s Journey Through Change and Leadership
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:12In this warm and compelling episode, we’re joined by Pooja – senior leader, t...
Outgrowing Old Beliefs: Why Open-Mindedness Matters Now
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning & Development, Valerie and Julia un...
Experiment, Challenge, Rethink: L&D with Tom McDowall
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3: E11In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie s...
Bonus Episode: You Got the Promotion – So Why Does It Feel Empty?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we explore a question ...
Bonus Episode: What Creating a Podcast Taught Us About Real Learning
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this reflective bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and V...
Angela De Souza: From Unqualified to Unstoppable – Building Business on Her Own Terms
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E10In this rich and revealing episode, we’re joined by Angela De Souza – serial e...
From Audience Seats to Centre Stage: Our Speak and Shine Experience
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie shar...
The Emotional Intelligence Renaissance: EQ over IQ in the Age of Automation
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if the real leadership advantage in the AI era is not about IQ at all, but EQ?In th...
Following the Spark: Jo Cook’s Journey into Learning and Leadership
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E9: In this candid and engaging episode, we’re joined by Jo Cook, virtual learning ...
From Stage to Strategy: Michael Strawbridge on Confidence, Curiosity and Community in L&D
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E8: In this engaging episode, Valerie and Julia are joined by Michael Strawbridge, Gl...
Stella Collins: Rewiring the Way We Learn with Neuroscience and Curiosity
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:E7In this episode, we sit down with Stella Collins, co-founder of Stellar Labs and a ...
Dr Seb Fox on Emergent Coaching: Rethinking What Teams Really Need
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:E6In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie welco...
Cheers to One Year: Curiosity, Connection and Conversations
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! It’s our podcast anniversary!One year, three seasons, and a whole lot of honest conver...
Bonus Episode: Reinvention Isn’t Just a New Job It’s an Emotional Shift
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if career change isn’t just about your next role, but who you’re becoming?In th...
The Message Behind the Brand: Laurie Kozan on Clarity and Connection
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:5In this episode, we’re joined by Laurie Kozan, founder of Own Source Marketing S...
Bonus: It’s Not What You Say: Why Feelings Shape What People Remember
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if people don’t remember your words or actions, but how you made them feel?In thi...
From Neuroscience to TEDx: Gill McKay on Visibility and Voice
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:4In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are ...
Bonus: From Repetitive to Remarkable: What Superworkers Are Doing Differently
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode, Julia Bend and Valerie Merrill dive into a trend that’s...
Beyond Training: Cathy Hoy on How L&D Leaders Can Drive Real Business Impact
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E3: In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we sit down with Cath...
Bonus Episode Beyond Confidence: What’s Really Holding You Back?
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if confidence isn’t the real issue? In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learn...
From Career Crossroads to Purposeful Work: Holly Worton on Reinventing Yourself with Confidence
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:In this episode, we meet the multifaceted Holly Worton – coach, author, shamanic pr...
L&D in 2025: Personalised, Inclusive and Always Evolving
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie takes the lead...
The Mindset Shift You Need to Succeed: Lessons from Sarah Pittendrigh
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E1: What does it take to rise from financial devastation and build a thriving busines...
Season 3 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived!
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! This season hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend, bring you fresh, thought-provoking con...
Dynamic Alignment: Find Clarity, Energy & Purpose with Brad Borkan & Holly Worton
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2 E:13In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Vale...
Global Mindsets Unlocked: Viktoria Kish on Leading Across Cultures
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E12In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia ar...
Beyond the Numbers: Douglas Lines on Building Trust and Inspiring Innovation
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E11 - In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Val...
Julia Bend: Why Boundaries Aren’t Harsh – They’re Essential
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, the spotlight turns to...
Redefining Inclusion and Creativity: Allegra Chapman’s Journey to Empowerment
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E10 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie a...
Curiosity in Practice: Coaching Meets Training
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie take a closer ...
From Saving Lives to Leading Teams: Ashley Brice on Mastering High-Stakes Communication
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E9In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are...
Is Your Story Landing? Why Perception Shapes Opportunity
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this reflective bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Mer...
Mastering Workplace Harmony: Proactive Conflict Resolution with Nicole Posner
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E8In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie wel...
Bonus Episode: Bespoke Training – Why It’s More Than Just ‘How-To’
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special fireside edition of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia hands...
Brad Borkan - Decisions Under Pressure: What Antarctic Explorers Teach Us About Leadership and Resilience
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E7 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia we...
Cyber Security Essentials with Valerie Merrill: How to Stay Safe Online
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and co-h...
Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: I.Stephanie Boyce on Resilience, Leadership & Social Mobility
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this powerful episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we welcome I. Step...
From Experience to Opportunity: Julia Bend on Making Your Skills Work for You
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie ...
Glen Williamson Reveals the Secret to Building Unbreakable Client Bonds
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E5 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie ...
M365 Copilot: Your AI Assistant for a Smarter Workday
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie explore Co...
Redefining Learning: Donald Taylor on Networks, Technology, and the Future of L&D
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E4In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie...
Feeling Stuck in Your Career? It Might Be Time to Move On
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie and Ju...
Unlocking Client Attraction: Henriette Danel on Energy Alignment and Strategic Growth
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E3 - In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development hosts Valerie and Jul...
Beyond the Basics, Transform Your Workflow with Excel 365
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, I’m joined by my co-host V...
Leading with Laughter: Em Stroud on Creativity, Impact, and Authentic Leadership
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E2Â In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia ...
Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E1 - In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are excite...
Season 2 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived!
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend as they dive even deeper into the inspiring, t...
Julia Unlocks Career Satisfaction Through Core Values
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Julia, my ...
Unlocking Growth: Paul Mills on Mastering Strategic Marketing, Fractional Leadership, and Building a Personal Brand
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E12 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia...
Unlocking the Secrets: Season 1 Highlights of The Secrets of Learning and Development
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Season 1 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! Join hosts Valerie Mer...
How SharePoint Transforms Collaboration and Productivity
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Valerie, m...
Unlocking Media Visibility: Marina Gask on Elevating Your Profile and Crafting Compelling Stories
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E11 -In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie ...
Championing Diversity: Mo Kanjilal’s Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E10 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia...
Unlocking the Power of Voice: Anne Leatherland’s Expertise in Building Confidence and Personal Growth
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E9 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia ...
Let's Get Visible! : Sapna Pieroux’s Secrets to Building Your Personal and Business Brand
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E8 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie ...
Transforming Leadership: Charles McLachlan on Experiential Learning and CEO Growth
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E6 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia ...
Transforming Professional Relationships: Andy Lopata
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E7 - In this thought-provoking episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are...
Unlocking the Subconscious: Tanya Mann Rennick's Secrets to Mindset Recalibration
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E2 - In this captivating episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are honou...
Breaking Barriers: Tracey Barr’s Journey from Engineering to Healthcare Leadership
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E5 - In this compelling episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we sit down w...
Beyond Buzzwords: Understanding True Resilience in the Workplace
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E4 - In this enlightening episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia...
The Four Pillars of Business Growth: Sales, Margins, Profitability, and Value Creation
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E3 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we're thrilled to w...
Julia & Valerie Introduction: Who We Are and What We Do: Introducing the Secrets of Learning and Development
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E1 - Welcome to the first episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, where we, y...