Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, an ...
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Our podcast is designed for business leaders, managers, consultants, industry experts, and individuals who are passionate about driving change and promoting growth in their organisations or personal development. Each episode will delve into crucial topics such as mindset recalibration, visibility, and strategic planning. We will have insightful conversations about change management and innovative initiatives that can transform your approach to learning and development. Our aim is to equip yo ...
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Art & Success by Pamela Caughey, delivers a transformative experience through specialized training and workshops designed to elevate your art from good to exceptional. With a deep understanding of both artistic technique and the business of art, Pamela guides participants in honing advanced skills and refining their unique artistic voice. These dynamic sessions provide invaluable insights into navigating the competitive art world, ensuring not only creative growth but also strategic success. ...
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Living with disability can be hard. People living with disability need to do all the same things as people who do not have disabilities, but must figure out a different way to do them. Dissing My Ability podcast is about helping removing shame, feelings of "otherness," and of feeling alone in disability. Every week guests share in how disability has affected their life, the ups and downs. But more importantly, we focus on how individuals living with disability are rock-stars, and how their d ...
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Global Mindsets Unlocked: Viktoria Kish on Leading Across Cultures
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28:09If 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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Abstract Art Mastery: Color Design and Composition
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1:10Art and Success presents Abstract Art Mastery: Color Design and Composition, a professional-level course crafted to elevate your abstract art through expert training in color theory and compositional strategy. This comprehensive program guides artists in understanding how to use color with intention, create visual harmony, and construct balanced, c…
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Develop Your Unique Style in Abstract Painting
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1:02At Art and Success, our program to Develop Your Unique Style in Abstract Painting is designed to help artists discover and refine their individual creative voice. This specialized course encourages exploration, experimentation, and personal expression through structured lessons and expert guidance. You'll learn how to identify recurring themes, tec…
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Professional Art Masterclass in Color and Composition
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1:05The Professional Art Masterclass in Color and Composition by Art and Success is a focused, advanced-level course designed to help artists master the foundational elements that elevate visual impact. Tailored for professionals, this online program dives deep into color theory, harmony, contrast, balance, and compositional structure—key tools for cre…
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Comprehensive Abstract Art Masterclass for Professionals
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1:06The Comprehensive Abstract Art Masterclass for Professionals by Art and Success is designed for experienced artists ready to elevate their abstract art to the next level. This advanced online course focuses on refining techniques, developing a personal visual language, and deepening creative expression. Through expert-led video lessons, live critiq…
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Beyond the Numbers: Douglas Lines on Building Trust and Inspiring Innovation
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34:25If 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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Resilience Reimagined: Navigating Change and Transformation
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49:36In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chad Foster, author, innovator, and leadership expert known for helping global organizations turn adversity into advantage. Chad shares his remarkable journey of breaking barriers, from creating the first CRM software for the visually impaired to guiding leaders at Google, IBM, and Microsoft. We e…
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Julia Bend: Why Boundaries Aren’t Harsh – They’re Essential
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7:07If 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
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36:25If 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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Complete Guide to Color and Composition for Artists
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0:04At Art and Success, we are committed to helping artists master the core foundations of great artwork. Our Complete Guide to Color and Composition for Artists offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and applying essential artistic principles. This all-inclusive program covers color theory, design structure, and compositional techniques, pro…
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Fast-Track Masterclass in Color Design and Composition
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1:03At Art and Success, we understand that passionate artists want results — fast. Our Fast-Track Masterclass in Color Design and Composition is crafted to accelerate your artistic growth without sacrificing depth or quality. This intensive program dives into the essential principles of color theory, design balance, and dynamic composition, offering pr…
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Advanced Masterclass in Color Theory and Art Composition
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1:01At Art and Success, we are dedicated to helping artists unlock their full creative potential. Our Advanced Masterclass in Color Theory and Art Composition is designed for those who are ready to take their work to a professional level. This masterclass offers in-depth training on the sophisticated use of color, advanced composition strategies, and t…
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Advanced Art Mastery: Color Design and Composition
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1:05At Art and Success, we believe that mastering art is a lifelong journey. Our Advanced Art Mastery: Color Design and Composition program is designed to help artists at all levels elevate their skills and create impactful, professional-quality work. This comprehensive course dives deep into the principles of color theory, sophisticated design strateg…
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Curiosity in Practice: Coaching Meets Training
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5:04If 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
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46:04If 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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AI Meets L&D: Unlocking the Potential of Personalized Learning
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57:02In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we explore the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and learning and development with Margie Meacham. Margie is the renowned author of AI in Talent Development, learning consultant, and a global expert in applying neuroscience and AI to transform education and performance. Margie shares how AI is…
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Is Your Story Landing? Why Perception Shapes Opportunity
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6:43If 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
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32:24If 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’
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6:13If 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
32:33
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32:33If 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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Mastering Color Palette Creation for Painters
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1:06Art and Success is the best choice for Color Palette Creation for Painters, offering expert guidance to help artists develop unique and harmonious color schemes. Their approach teaches painters how to create balanced, expressive palettes that enhance composition, depth, and emotion in their artwork. Through structured courses, practical exercises, …
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Mastering Comprehensive Color Course for Artists
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1:04Art and Success is the best choice for a Comprehensive Color Course for Artists, offering expert guidance to help painters master color theory and application. Their in-depth course covers essential topics like color mixing, tonal values, contrast, and harmony, providing artists with the skills needed to create dynamic and visually compelling artwo…
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Mastering Creative Color Strategies for Painters
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1:06Art and Success is the best choice for Creative Color Strategies for Painters, providing expert guidance to help artists master color theory and application. Their innovative approach teaches painters how to develop a unique and expressive color palette, ensuring greater depth, contrast, and harmony in their artwork. Through comprehensive workshops…
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Cyber Security Essentials with Valerie Merrill: How to Stay Safe Online
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11:32If 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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Strategies to Enhance Your Team’s Decision-Making Skills
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48:39Great teams make great decisions when they’re empowered to do so. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment and author of Enabling Empowerment: A Leadership Playbook for Ending Micromanagement and Empowering Decision-Makers. Together, we discuss how leaders can foster shared leadership, empow…
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Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: I.Stephanie Boyce on Resilience, Leadership & Social Mobility
34:43
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34:43If 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
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9:08If 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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Art and Success is the best place for a Professional Masterclass in Art Composition, offering expert guidance to help artists refine their creative skills. This course provides in-depth lessons on balance, structure, focal points, and visual harmony, essential for creating powerful compositions. With step-by-step instruction, professional insights,…
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Art and Success is the best place to learn Advanced Abstract Art Techniques and Design, offering expert-led courses designed to elevate your artistic skills. This program focuses on composition, layering, color harmony, and expressive techniques, helping artists develop a distinctive and professional abstract style. Through step-by-step lessons, in…
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1
Online Masterclass in Advanced Abstract Painting
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1:02Art and Success is the best place for an Online Masterclass in Advanced Abstract Painting, offering expert instruction for artists looking to refine their techniques and expand their creative vision. This comprehensive course covers composition, color theory, texture, layering, and expressive brushwork, helping you develop a distinctive and profess…
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1
Glen Williamson Reveals the Secret to Building Unbreakable Client Bonds
36:56
36:56
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36:56If 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
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7:34If 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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AI to Improve Learning and Development Outcomes
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44:28In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we chat with Kayvon Touran, Co-Founder and CEO of Zal.AI, to explore how AI is transforming Learning & Development. Kayvon has been at the forefront of reshaping training strategies, leveraging AI to enhance personalization, engagement, and measurable business impact. Tune in as we discuss: ✅ How AI is revol…
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Redefining Learning: Donald Taylor on Networks, Technology, and the Future of L&D
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33:38If 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
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11:49If 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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Unlocking Client Attraction: Henriette Danel on Energy Alignment and Strategic Growth
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28:57
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28:57If 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
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6:08If 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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Mental Wellness in the Workplace: Supporting Millennial and Gen Z Employees
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44:05Anxiety has become a pervasive issue, especially among younger generations. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly 62% of Millennials report feeling overwhelmed by stress, and Gen Z-ers are not far behind at 59%. These statistics highlight the pressing need to address mental health challenges in our workplaces and comm…
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Leading with Laughter: Em Stroud on Creativity, Impact, and Authentic Leadership
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26:47
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26:47If 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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Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change
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36:28If 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!
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6:32If 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
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13:02If 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…
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Harnessing Technology for Continuous Learning and Development
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27:46In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re diving into the transformative power of technology in employee learning and development. Our guest, Bonnie Anderson, Founder and President of Anderson Training and Development, brings her wealth of expertise in instructional design, project management, and technology integration to the conversation. To…
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Unlocking Growth: Paul Mills on Mastering Strategic Marketing, Fractional Leadership, and Building a Personal Brand
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40:03If 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 are joined by Paul Mills, a seasoned leader with a diverse background spanning pharmaceutical, corporate finance, and now the entrepreneurial world as a fractional CMO. Paul shares his personal journey of…
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Unlocking the Secrets: Season 1 Highlights of The Secrets of Learning and Development
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10:36If 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 Merrill and Julia Bend on a journey through the unexpected, the inspiring, and the game-changing. With real stories, actionable insights, and jaw-dropping moments from industry leaders, this season uncovers wh…
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How SharePoint Transforms Collaboration and Productivity
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7:30If 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, my co-host and founder of Merrill Consultants, who shares her expertise in transforming team collaboration and productivity through SharePoint. She explores the common challenges faced by organisations, from …
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Embracing Failure: How Leaders Can Transform Setbacks into Stepping Stones
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50:21In a world where the fear of failure often hinders progress, embracing and learning from our mistakes has become crucial for both personal and professional growth. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we chat with Jordan George, an award-winning HR leader, to explore how embracing failure can drive personal and professional growth. Jordan share…
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Unlocking Media Visibility: Marina Gask on Elevating Your Profile and Crafting Compelling Stories
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27:08If 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 welcome Marina Gask, a distinguished journalist, magazine editor, and visibility coach with over 35 years of experience. Marina shares her extensive knowledge on press and visibility, offering valuable ins…
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Championing Diversity: Mo Kanjilal’s Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces
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30:06If 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 are joined by Mo Kanjilal, a dynamic leader in diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Mo shares her personal journey from growing up as a shy child in East Anglia to becoming a TEDx speaker, award-winning …
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1
Unlocking the Power of Voice: Anne Leatherland’s Expertise in Building Confidence and Personal Growth
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46:17If 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 are joined by Anne Leatherland, a dynamic professional with a unique blend of expertise in science, music, and coaching. Anne shares her fascinating journey from teaching chemistry to becoming a voice coac…
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