Best Tom McDowall Podcasts (2025)

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Experiment, Challenge, Rethink: L&D with Tom McDowall 36:17

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7d ago36:17

36:17

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3: E11 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down with Tom McDowall, consultant, strategist and founder of Evolve L&D, for a conversation that questions long-standing norms in the learning and development space. Tom’s career began in sales manage…

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Outgrowing Old Beliefs: Why Open-Mindedness Matters Now 8:41

15h ago8:41

8:41

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 unpack the role of open-mindedness in dealing with change, both personally and professionally. They explore how assumptions, like “I’m not creative” or “I’m too old for this tech”, can quietly shape behaviour an…

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Bonus Episode: You Got the Promotion – So Why Does It Feel Empty? 7:02

17d ago7:02

7:02

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 that many senior professionals carry quietly: “Is this all there is?” It’s not about failure or dissatisfaction. It’s about the unsettling moment when success doesn’t feel how you thought it would. The pro…

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Bonus Episode: What Creating a Podcast Taught Us About Real Learning 4:55

23d ago4:55

4:55

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 Valerie turn the mic on themselves to share the unexpected lessons they've learned from creating the podcast. From realising how people fit learning into their daily lives, to discovering the quiet power of…

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Angela De Souza: From Unqualified to Unstoppable – Building Business on Her Own Terms 41:28

1M ago41:28

41:28

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E10 In this rich and revealing episode, we’re joined by Angela De Souza – serial entrepreneur, author of over 30 books, and founder of Women’s Business Club, a global platform championing women in business. Angela’s story is anything but conventional, beginning with a childhood snail-breed…

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From Audience Seats to Centre Stage: Our Speak and Shine Experience 17:21

1M ago17:21

17:21

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 share their personal journey from sitting in the audience to stepping onto the stage at the Speak & Shine Summit. Speak & Shine is a platform that helps women build confidence, raise their visibility, and shar…

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The Emotional Intelligence Renaissance: EQ over IQ in the Age of Automation 7:28

1M ago7:28

7:28

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 this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Training Consultant Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend explore why emotional intelligence is emerging as the defi…

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Following the Spark: Jo Cook’s Journey into Learning and Leadership 26:24

2M ago26:24

26:24

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 pioneer, editor of Training Journal, and unapologetically curious creative. Jo shares her unconventional journey from teenage journalism dreams to discovering a passion for teaching, which sparked during a n…

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From Stage to Strategy: Michael Strawbridge on Confidence, Curiosity and Community in L&D 29:11

2M ago29:11

29:11

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, Global Head of Community at the Learning and Performance Institute, whose unique journey from professional actor to L&D leader offers rich insights into confidence, connection and the power of asking questio…

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Stella Collins: Rewiring the Way We Learn with Neuroscience and Curiosity 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:E7 In this episode, we sit down with Stella Collins, co-founder of Stellar Labs and a trailblazer in applying neuroscience and psychology to learning and development. From starting out as a coder to becoming an influential speaker and author of Neuroscience for Learning and Development, St…

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Dr Seb Fox on Emergent Coaching: Rethinking What Teams Really Need 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3:E6 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie welcome Dr Seb Fox, an experienced team coach, researcher and soon-to-be author for a compelling conversation that challenges conventional coaching models. Seb shares his unexpected journey from finance and ma…

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Cheers to One Year: Curiosity, Connection and Conversations 8:09

3M ago8:09

8:09

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 conversation later, we’re celebrating everything The Secrets of Learning and Development has become. In this special episode, we reflect on what sparked the podcast, how it’s evolved, and the moments that made it…

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Bonus Episode: Reinvention Isn’t Just a New Job It’s an Emotional Shift 10:04

3M ago10:04

10:04

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 this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend uncover the hidden emotional load behind career change the identity shifts, quiet …

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The Message Behind the Brand: Laurie Kozan on Clarity and Connection 40:02

3M ago40:02

40:02

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:5 In this episode, we’re joined by Laurie Kozan, founder of Own Source Marketing Studio, whose career spans PR, branding, design and digital strategy, all anchored by a single golden thread: shaping how people experience information. Laurie talks about navigating transitions, from intern…

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Bonus: It’s Not What You Say: Why Feelings Shape What People Remember 9:19

3M ago9:19

9:19

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 this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend explore why emotional presence shapes every interaction from coaching sessions to…

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From Neuroscience to TEDx: Gill McKay on Visibility and Voice 38:48

4M ago38:48

38:48

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E:4 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are joined by the inspiring Gill McKay, speaker, neuroscience advocate and co-founder of Speak and Shine. Gill shares her fascinating career journey across learning and development, corporate leadership and a…

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Bonus: From Repetitive to Remarkable: What Superworkers Are Doing Differently 9:36

4M ago9:36

9:36

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 gathering pace across organisations the rise of the Superworker. Far from being a tech buzzword, this is about real people using AI tools to work smarter, not harder. Valerie shares what’s driving the shift…

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Beyond Training: Cathy Hoy on How L&D Leaders Can Drive Real Business Impact 35:20

4M ago35:20

35:20

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 Cathy Hoy, a trailblazer in the L&D space with an impressive career spanning over 25 years at global giants like Tesco, Coca-Cola, and Expedia. Cathy shares her unconventional journey into L&D, the pivotal mom…

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Bonus Episode Beyond Confidence: What’s Really Holding You Back? 8:41

4M ago8:41

8:41

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 Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill interviews Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend to unpack a common career assumption: “I just need more confidence.” But is that really what’s holding people back…

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From Career Crossroads to Purposeful Work: Holly Worton on Reinventing Yourself with Confidence 30:31

5M ago30:31

30:31

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 practitioner and founder of North Downs Publishing. From quitting graduate school to running an eco hotel in Mexico, and later building a thriving publishing business in the UK, Holly shares the defining mome…

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L&D in 2025: Personalised, Inclusive and Always Evolving 7:16

5M ago7:16

7:16

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 as she and Julia explore the trends shaping L&D in 2025. From the rise of personalised learning and microlearning to the growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, Valerie shares timely insights a…

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The Mindset Shift You Need to Succeed: Lessons from Sarah Pittendrigh 33:25

5M ago33:25

33:25

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 business? In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we welcome Sarah Pittendrigh award-winning entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and author of The ICAN Method. Sarah’s story is a testament to resi…

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Season 3 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! 8:14

5M ago8:14

8:14

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 conversations with the people shaping how we learn, lead and grow at work. From bold career moves to innovative approaches to leadership and development, each episode offers honest reflections, practical take…

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Dynamic Alignment: Find Clarity, Energy & Purpose with Brad Borkan & Holly Worton 34:02

5M ago34:02

34:02

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2 E:13 In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are joined by authors Brad Borkan and Holly Worton to discuss their collaborative book, Dynamic Alignment. Together, they unpack the eight-step process designed to help you uncover your passions, alig…

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Global Mindsets Unlocked: Viktoria Kish on Leading Across Cultures 28:32

6M ago28:32

28:32

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E12 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Viktoria Kish, a global business consultant, entrepreneur, and connector with over 25 years of experience in international business education and leadership. Viktoria shares her remarkable jou…

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Beyond the Numbers: Douglas Lines on Building Trust and Inspiring Innovation 34:49

6M ago34:49

34:49

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 Valerie sit down with Douglas Lines, a seasoned chartered accountant and co-founder of IBEM Group, who has led transformative change across multiple continents and industries. With a career that spans corpora…

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Julia Bend: Why Boundaries Aren’t Harsh – They’re Essential 7:30

6M ago7:30

7:30

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 our co-host Julia Bend as she unpacks the power of boundaries in leadership, coaching and life. Together with Valerie Merrill, she explores why boundaries are so often misunderstood, and how setting them …

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Redefining Inclusion and Creativity: Allegra Chapman’s Journey to Empowerment 36:48

6M ago36:48

36:48

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 are joined by Allegra Chapman, co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce, a consultancy dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces. Allegra shares her inspiring and non-linear career journ…

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Curiosity in Practice: Coaching Meets Training 5:27

7M ago5:27

5:27

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 look at Curiosity, what it means, how it shows up in their work and why it matters more than ever. While they approach it from different angles, Julia through coaching and Valerie through IT training, they…

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From Saving Lives to Leading Teams: Ashley Brice on Mastering High-Stakes Communication 46:27

7M ago46:27

46:27

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E9 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Ashley Brice, a former military police officer, police negotiator, and now a highly sought-after communication and leadership expert. Ashley’s journey spans from handling covert police operatio…

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Is Your Story Landing? Why Perception Shapes Opportunity 7:06

7M ago7:06

7:06

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 Merrill is joined by co-host and executive career transition coach Julia Bend to unpack the real impact of perception during times of change. It’s not just about your experience, it’s about how others interpr…

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Mastering Workplace Harmony: Proactive Conflict Resolution with Nicole Posner 32:47

7M ago32:47

32:47

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E8 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Nicole Posner, an expert mediator and executive conflict coach. With a background in PR and psychology, Nicole shares how her early experiences in a toxic work environment inspired her to specialise …

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Bonus Episode: Bespoke Training – Why It’s More Than Just ‘How-To’ 6:36

8M ago6:36

6:36

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 the mic to co-host Valerie Merrill for an expert deep dive into the world of bespoke training. If you’ve ever been involved in rolling out a customised system, you’ll know it’s far from straightforward. V…

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Brad Borkan - Decisions Under Pressure: What Antarctic Explorers Teach Us About Leadership and Resilience 32:56

8M ago32:56

32:56

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 welcome Brad Borkan, an author and decision-making expert with a unique approach to leadership inspired by history. Brad’s career spans from roles at tech giants like SAP and Oracle to becoming a published a…

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Cyber Security Essentials with Valerie Merrill: How to Stay Safe Online 11:55

8M ago11:55

11:55

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-host Valerie Merrill dive into the crucial topic of cyber security awareness for end users. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, understanding the risks and how to safeguard yourself is more important than …

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Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: I.Stephanie Boyce on Resilience, Leadership & Social Mobility 35:06

8M ago35:06

35:06

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. Stephanie Boyce, a trailblazer in the legal profession and a relentless advocate for social justice, equality, diversity, inclusion, and social mobility. As the first person of colour to become President of the…

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From Experience to Opportunity: Julia Bend on Making Your Skills Work for You 9:31

8M ago9:31

9:31

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 Merrill and Julia Bend explore one of the most critical yet overlooked elements of career success, leveraging transferable skills. Whether you're considering a career shift or looking to elevate your leade…

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Glen Williamson Reveals the Secret to Building Unbreakable Client Bonds 37:20

9M ago37:20

37:20

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 welcome Glen Williamson, a visionary sales coach with nearly four decades of experience. Glen has transformed the concept of selling, introducing an approach he calls coach-based selling, which combines hu…

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M365 Copilot: Your AI Assistant for a Smarter Workday 7:57

9M ago7:57

7:57

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 Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI-powered assistant designed to help professionals work smarter, not harder. Valerie explains how M365 Copilot enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks, managing em…

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Redefining Learning: Donald Taylor on Networks, Technology, and the Future of L&D 34:01

9M ago34:01

34:01

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E4 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Donald Taylor, Chair of the Learning Technologies Conference and a pioneering thought leader in the L&D field. With a career spanning decades, Donald reflects on how his early decisions and exper…

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Feeling Stuck in Your Career? It Might Be Time to Move On 12:12

9M ago12:12

12:12

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 Julia shine a light on a career dilemma many professionals face but rarely discuss: the hidden costs of staying in a role for too long. What happens when comfort turns into stagnation? Julia, an Executive Ca…

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Want to Revolutionise Learning? Start with Product Thinking! 36:16

9M ago36:16

36:16

Send us a text In this episode of the Ideas Podcast, we sit down with Greg, founder of Two Circle Studio, to explore a bold vision for the future of learning and development. Greg dives into the idea of applying a "product mindset" to L&D, challenging traditional approaches and advocating for a shift towards standardisation, clear requirements, and…

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Unlocking Client Attraction: Henriette Danel on Energy Alignment and Strategic Growth 29:21

10M ago29:21

29:21

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 Julia welcome Henriette Danel, an award-winning business coach, client attraction specialist, TEDx speaker, and host of the Entrepreneurial Success Podcast. Henriette shares her journey from interior design t…

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Beyond the Basics, Transform Your Workflow with Excel 365 6:32

10M ago6:32

6:32

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 Valerie, founder and MD of Merrill Consultants, as she reveals the untapped potential of Excel 365. Drawing on over 30 years of training experience, Valerie explains transformative features like XLOOKUP, dyna…

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Leading with Laughter: Em Stroud on Creativity, Impact, and Authentic Leadership 27:10

10M ago27:10

27:10

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E2 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Em Stroud, a multi-talented leadership coach, performer, and podcaster known for her unique blend of comedy, business expertise, and authentic storytelling. Em shares her inspiring journey from…

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Making Data Work for You: Overcoming the Fear and Finding Meaning 41:36

10M ago41:36

41:36

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Alaina Szlachta shares her thoughts on overcoming the fear and overwhelm often associated with data. She explores how to use data strategically to make informed decisions, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to build a strong foundation of baseline data. Dr. Szlachta offers practical insights fo…

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Low Fidelity, High Impact - Live from LN Connect 2024 with Heidi Kirby 37:13

10M ago37:13

37:13

Send us a text Can instructional designers create impactful learning experiences using low-fidelity modalities? This is the central question Tom and Heidi discuss in this episode of the iDeas Podcast. They also explore: - If podcasting is an effective modality for workplace learning, - What we consider to be impactful, - How we can 'sell' low fidel…

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Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change 36:51

10M ago36:51

36:51

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 excited to welcome Tom Cheesewright, a futurist, author, and commentator on the future of work. Known for his compelling take on tomorrow's world, Tom helps organisations and individuals navigate a rapidly chang…

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Season 2 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! 6:55

10M ago6:55

6:55

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, the innovative, and the transformative. This season brings you more real stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking moments from leaders shaping the future of learning and growth. From mastering career…

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Julia Unlocks Career Satisfaction Through Core Values 13:26

11M ago13:26

13:26

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 co-host and founder of Premier Coaching, who brings her expertise in helping individuals align their careers with their core values. She explores the transformative impact of understanding and prioritising v…