Episodes
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Lane Hannah and Ange Forde from One New Zealand, alongside Dan Hibberd from Makeshapes, discuss how One New Zealand transformed its learning model to enable consistent, scalable, and engaging learning. The shift was driven by the need to support a diverse workforce across locations and roles, particularly during a major brand transition. The trio explore how peer-to-peer learning, supported by the Makeshapes platform, were used to foster collaboration, build capability, and support innovation - including around the adoption of AI. This episode offers practical advice on designing for social learning and building a modern learning ecosystem.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/169/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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How do you equip a workforce for an AI-enabled future? Amy Vig from KPMG Australia joins Michelle Ockers to share the story behind KPMG’s AI Learning Academy. Amy discusses how her team fostered innovation, psychological safety, and continuous learning while navigating rapid technological change. Discover practical insights into designing an internal learning solution that blends self-directed learning, curated pathways, and hands-on practice with emerging AI tools. A rich, real-world example of building future-fit skills and strengthening learning culture.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/168/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode, Michelle Parry-Slater returns to Elevate to explore how L&D professionals can make their budget stretch further. With the current environment of budget constraints and rising business expectations, Michelle and Michelle Ockers share practical approaches to prioritising spend, aligning learning with business needs, and tapping into existing resources—both internally and externally. From curation and internal podcasts to cross-functional budget partnerships, leveraging existing tech and communities of practice, they outline actionable ideas drawn from both corporate and not-for-profit sectors. This conversation is a rich source of insight for anyone looking to deliver value on a tight budget.
Hosted by Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-44/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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Keith Heggart from the University of Technology Sydney joins Michelle Ockers to discuss the creation of the Graduate Certificate in Learning Design. He takes us behind the scenes of the design process—how he spent months consulting with industry experts, developing learner personas, and challenging traditional university structures to create a program that is fast-paced, practical, and immediately useful. Keith also shares key insights on the growing demand for learning design expertise, the critical role of communication in the field, and why the divide between corporate and higher education learning design needs to be bridged.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/167/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode of Learning Uncut Elevate, Michelle Ockers speaks with Catherine Lombardozzi about her latest research with the Learning Guild, which explores how leadership development strategies are evolving. Catherine set out to understand what’s changing in leadership development and how organisations are adapting to post-pandemic realities. Her findings highlight three key shifts: greater emphasis on experiential learning, more sustained and blended approaches, and an increasing focus on relational learning to strengthen leadership networks. This research provides L&D professionals with practical insights to design more relevant and effective leadership development programs.
Hosted by Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-43/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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Australia has a critical structural engineering skills shortage, yet many qualified graduates and migrant engineers struggle to find jobs. In this episode, Michelle Ockers talks to Moly Ashtari and Alex Jovanovski, co-founders of Learnpedia. Moly shares her personal challenges as a migrant engineer seeking local experience. Alex highlights difficulties small businesses face hiring skilled engineers. They discuss creating Learnpedia to provide project-based traineeships combining real-world projects, on-site training, and mentorship. Discover how their practical learning approach equips engineers with essential workplace experience and why industry collaboration is vital for solving Australia's engineering skills shortage.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/166/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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Australia’s tech sector faces a critical skills gap. Women – who make up just 30% of the tech workforce – represent the largest untapped talent pool to close this gap. Michelle Ockers speaks with Kade Brown from RMIT Online and Rhiannon Yetsenga from Deloitte Access Economics about their latest research report into skills and talent diversity in Australia’s tech workforce. They explore the key findings of the report, including the scale of the skills gap, why women are the biggest untapped opportunity to close this gap, and the business case for investing in re-skilling. The conversation also highlights practical actions organisations can take to attract, retain, and develop more women in tech roles.
Hosted by Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-42/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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The 2025 Global Sentiment Report has been released, capturing the pulse of L&D professionals worldwide. In this episode, Michelle Ockers speaks with Donald H Taylor about the key findings and what they reveal about what L&D is paying attention to in 2025. AI continues to dominate conversations, but there’s also continued interest in skills and data, with the creating value on the rise again. Don shares insights on why these trends matter, how they vary across different regions, and what L&D professionals can take away from the results.
Hosted by Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-41/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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Ryan Byrne, Senior Manager of Capability and Learning at Sydney Trains joins host Michelle Ockers to discusses the "First Impressions Count" performance campaign. This campaign focused on enhancing customer service through station cleanliness, uniform standards and empowering and engaging staff. Ryan shares insights on using employee feedback to identify barriers and build respectful, actionable solutions. He also highlights how Sydney Trains engaged staff via competitions, incentives, and real-time customer feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the frontline.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/164/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers and co-host Laura Overton are joined by Lisa Christensen, Director of Learning at McKinsey, to explore the organisation's innovative approach to enhancing feedback skills. Lisa introduces the Receive to Grow program, a targeted initiative designed to help employees build the skill of receiving feedback effectively - a critical competency in McKinsey's fast-paced and high-performance culture. Lisa delves into McKinsey's broader feedback surge strategy, discussing how cross-functional collaboration, data-driven insights, and behavioural science have shaped this impactful initiative. Discover how simple, actionable learning techniques and a holistic talent strategy are transforming feedback practices at scale.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/163/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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Michelle Ockers is joined by Dr. Cathryn Lloyd, founder of Maverick Minds, to explore how L&D professionals can shift their thinking and support others to shift their thinking. Cathryn shares how her own experiences of personal and professional transformation led to her work in helping individuals and organisations think differently. They discuss why shifting thinking is crucial for L&D professionals who are responsible for supporting learning, change, and capability-building in their organisations. Cathryn introduces practical tools and insights from her book on storytelling and creativity.
Hosted by Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/elevate-40/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode of Learning Uncut, Catherine Sharpe (Blackmores) and Mark Eggers (Yarno) join Michelle Ockers to discuss their award-winning learning solution. Recognised at the AITD 2024 Excellence Awards for both Best Use of Technology for Learning and Best Use of Gamification or Simulation, their initiative tackled the challenge of embedding financial acumen across Blackmores’ diverse, multilingual workforce. Catherine and Mark share insights on leveraging gamification, microlearning, and data-driven engagement to transform revenue management training. Learn how this innovative partnership boosted learning outcomes and engagement across 13 Asia-Pacific markets.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/162/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode of Learning Uncut, Millie Law discusses a highly successful blended learning initiative at ANZ Bank that won the 2024 AITD award for best blended learning solution. The program focused on developing business development capabilities among home lending specialists. The solution combined self-paced learning, peer workshops, and practical application, with strong support from internal coaches. Through careful performance consulting, collaboration and a focus on mindset shifts, the program achieved sustained 20-25% improvements in key business metrics.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/161/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this special episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers presents an AI playbook for Learning and Development professionals. Drawing from conversations with industry practitioners throughout 2024, she distills key principles and practices for implementing AI effectively in L&D. The episode explores how organizations can move beyond the hype to create real value with AI, offering practical guidance whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to scale existing initiatives. A reflection and discussion guide is available in the show notes to help teams apply these insights in their own context.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/160/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle Ockers and Chemène Sinson reflect on the key themes explored in the 2024 Learning Uncut podcast episodes and connect them to broader trends and conversations in L&D. This year’s standout themes include moving from talk to action with AI, adopting skills-based approaches, fostering community and collaboration, and driving real behaviour change. Underpinning it all is the vital interplay between humanity and technology. From stories of professional growth to global learning insights, this episode offers rich inspiration as we step into 2025. Join the discussion on LinkedIn—find the episode post on Michelle’s profile and share your thoughts!
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/159/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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This episode of Learning Uncut offers a rare ‘before and after’ look at the design, execution, and outcomes of a workplace learning campaign. Michelle Ockers speaks with Matthew Murray, VP of Digital Learning, and Sydney Cannon, Senior Manager of Learning Engagement at Bain & Company, about their October Skills Boost campaign.
The episode starts by exploring exploration their low-resource, email-driven approach to fostering self-directed learning among functional professionals. Seven weeks later, they return to share candid reflections on the campaign's outcomes, unexpected challenges, and key lessons learned. Packed with insights this discussion is a must-listen for learning for learning professionals looking to experiment to encourage self-directed learning in their organisations.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/158/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers is joined by Adam Le Nevez and Adrian Manning from the Australian Public Service (APS). They explore how the APS L&D Community of Practice (CoP) fosters collaboration amongst L&D teams across over 100 agencies. They discuss the unique challenges of building capability in a decentralised system with over 170,000 employees and how the CoP helps reduce duplication, share best practices, and build professional networks. They also highlight the importance of creating a safe space for L&D practitioners to connect and learn from each other, ensuring that the community evolves organically to meet its members' needs.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/157/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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Michelle Ockers speaks with Cameron Hedrick, Chief Learning Officer at Citi, about the complexities and opportunities of skills portfolio management. Cameron shares his insights on moving beyond traditional job roles to focus on skills as organisational assets, and how this shift can enhance workforce planning, internal mobility, and overall business resilience. They discuss the challenges of implementing skills management at scale, from building dynamic skills taxonomies to integrating multiple talent platforms, and address the organisational, cultural, and technological changes required for success. Cameron also offers practical advice for organisations looking to start small and scale their skills initiatives over time.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/156/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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In this episode of Learning Uncut, Michelle Ockers is joined by Brad Hodge, health innovator and educator at La Trobe University, to explore the role of generative AI in modern education, particularly in the rural health sector. Brad shares his journey in health innovation and how he is using AI, including chatbots, to enhance student support, drive behavior change, and foster innovation. They delve into the challenges of rural healthcare education, the potential of AI to impact learning outcomes, and how educators can harness the power of AI tools to better prepare students for real-world settings. This episode provides practical insights for educators, L&D professionals, and innovators looking to embrace AI in learning.
Host: Michelle Ockers
Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/155/
Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/
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