Learning Uncut

176: Mentoring That Works: Lessons from Construction – Jana Clyde and Jo Farrell

This episode explores NAWIC ACT's award-winning mentoring programme for women in construction. Jo Farrell from Build Like a Girl and Jana Clyde from Wisdom Learning discuss addressing gender equity challenges through structured mentoring. They cover participant matching, workshops, psychological safety measures, and the importance of time in building trust. Jo shares her journey from apprentice to mentor, whilst Jana explains key design principles. The conversation examines retention challenges, programme evolution since 2017, and signs of cultural change in the industry. Host: Michelle Ockers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/] Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/176/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/176/] Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/]

175: AI in L&D: Race for Impact – Donald H. Taylor

Donald H. Taylor joins Michelle Ockers and co-host Michelle Parry-Slater to unpack findings from the latest instalment of his multi-year research on AI in L&D, conducted with Eglė Vinauskaitė: The Race for Impact. They discuss how AI has reached an inflection point, becoming a standard part of the L&D toolkit, along with its growing use in research and analysis. The conversation also examines three possible futures for L&D emerging from the research, each with implications for how the profession may evolve. Host: Michelle Ockers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/] Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/175/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/175/] Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/]

174: Crafting a Learning Culture – Hannah Ryan

Hannah Ryan, Learning and Capability Manager at Versent, joins Michelle Ockers to share how she helped shape a vibrant learning culture at the Australian technology consultancy, recognised with the 2025 AITD Excellence Award for Best Learning Culture. As Versent's first and only L&D professional, Hannah reflects on how she reshaped her role managing an LMS and leadership program to enabling learning in the flow of work. The conversation dives deep into Craft | 180, a peer-led, program designed to grow technical mastery. Hannah unpacks how Versent cultivates self-directed learning, builds deep craft expertise, and strengthens community across a geographically dispersed and technically diverse workforce. This episode offers a compelling example of modern, scalable L&D practice—where learning is embedded, employee-led, and aligned with business and individual growth. Host: Michelle Ockers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/] Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/174/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/174/] Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/]

173: Frontline Leadership Development in a Tech Environment – Matthias Nauwelaers

Matthias Nauwelaers, Learning Experience Lead at Imec, joins Michelle Ockers to discuss how Imec is building the capability of its frontline people leaders. In a fast-growing, highly technical R&D environment, consistent leadership is key. Matthias shares how Imec replaced ad hoc, inconsistent manager development with a scalable, structured program grounded in real work, peer support, and behavioural change. Learn how they engaged stakeholders, designed for busy experts, and built momentum through iterative improvement—creating a practical, flexible approach that supports leaders across the globe. Host: Michelle Ockers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/] Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/173/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/173/] Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/]

172: Human-Centred Approach to AI Literacy – Christine Gaynor-Patterson

Christine Gaynor-Patterson joins Michelle Ockers to share how she and her L&D team enabled 10,000 professionals in a large US-based organisation to support workforce AI literacy. Drawing on her blend of experience in education, change management and learning design, Christine approached AI as a tool to enable humans to do better work. She discusses her team's framework for AI literacy, change enablement strategies, and how they tailored support at scale. A practical, example of how L&D can lead responsibly in the evolving AI landscape. Host: Michelle Ockers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/] Transcript and related resources: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/172/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/172/] Podcast information and more episodes: https://learninguncut.global/podcast/ [https://learninguncut.global/podcast/]