Learning to Fly

In this episode we talk with renowned leadership expert, public speaker, and author, Bob Bradley. We delve into the nuances of leadership and the power of diversity, not only in terms of background and experience but also traditional diversity factors like race and gender. Bob talks to us about everything from 'loneliness at the top' to the need for a safe space for leaders to discuss vuln...

This week we're joined by Common Wealth Games gold medalist, Sarina Sundara Rajah. Sarina shares her journey from competitive gymnastics to running a rhythmic gymnastics club since 2004. She emphasizes the challenges young athletes, especially in gymnastics, face regarding body image and societal pressures. Sarina discusses her compassionate leadership style and advocates for safe sports, shar...

In this episode of our host Ulrika Brunnerdials in for a conversation with Christine Amour-Levar. The discussion revolves around the theme of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth. Christine emphasizes the importance of curiosity, rating it beyond the scale, and narrates her experiences in venturing into unfamiliar territories, such as launching an NFT-based community in Singap...

Join us for an insightful episode as CEO of SweetRush, Andrei Hedstrom, discusses the intricate connections between learning and development in the corporate landscape. Explore the future of leadership, the influence of neuroscience on employee performance, and the thrilling possibilities that emerging technologies bring to crafting effective marketing strategies for corporations. Get ready for a...

In the latest 'Learning to Fly' episode, Danny, an expert in leadership development, delves into the intricate fabric of workplace culture. Part 1 sets the stage by emphasizing the impact of organizational history and effective leadership. Tune in as Danny shares personal experiences and explores the delicate balance between shaping culture and nurturing learning environments. In this two-...

In this episode, Mark Lewis, Head of People and Culture at Connectics, delves into the core of organizational growth. He discusses the vital link between people, capability, and the success of businesses. From navigating leadership challenges to fostering a culture of continuous learning, Mark shares invaluable insights. Join us for a thought-provoking kōrero which offers a holistic perspective on...

In this episode, Damien Woods, the Chapter Lead of Learning and Growing at 7-Eleven, discusses the development of a learning culture in an Agile business environment. Damien emphasizes the importance of building habits and rituals, such as regular retrospectives and reflective practices, to foster a culture of continuous learning. He highlights that Agile is not a one-size-fits-all approach and sh...

In a special Learning to Fly episode we welcome Chris Maika, CEO of Māori eLearning and capability consultancy, Ruku ki te ako. As a follow on from our most recent Inspire Connect events, Chris shares insights into embedding Te Ao Māori in organisations, emphasizing the importance of leadership engagement, understanding the organisation's why, and implementing a strategic direction. He highlig...

Join your host (and our New Zealand CEO), Aidan Stoate, as he has a kōrero with the agent of change, Digby Scott. Digby's superpower is bringing people together to create high-trust, deep-learning environments. He geeks out on making the complex simple (but not simplistic). His perspectives on leadership and change are what made him the perfect guest to kick off the revitalisation of our Learn...

We dialled in for a kōrero with Gemma Sides, the Kaiwhakatere for Inspire Group. We discussed 'Decolonising Ohu Inspire' which is an internal initiative—now in it's third year at Inspire Group—which is focused on helping the organisation become better Treaty partners, and develop better, more inclusive learning for their clients. Gemma shares the what, why and how, of Decolonising Ohu...

Time flies! Inspire Group is 20 years young!  Aidan Stoate interviews Dan Tohill on all the challenges, changes and lessons learnt in the L&D industry over the last 20 years. Inspire started with an idea, to bring to the market a new approach to organisational learning with the belief that – 'better learning is life changing'. Over the last 20 years we have grown from our Wellington base to Auckla...

In this episode Dan Tohill talks to Fran Hoover who shares some of her experiences while working for many years in the public and community sectors and the importance of ensuring learning is culturally appropriate. C onnect with Fran Hoover: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-hoover-15ab225b/   About Fran Hoover: Although she hasn’t been in a traditional classroom for many years, Fran describes hers...

Ulrika Brunner interviews Michaela Boye - Managing Director from Scania Group Taiwan, and they discuss how leadership is democratising globally and the importance of having open discussions to nurture your company culture through developing trust and ensuring employees align with core values early on in their induction process. Connect with Michaela Boye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-boye-...

Ulrika Brunner interviews James Hudson from Drive Development Solutions and L&D Mastermind and they discuss leadership and L&D challenges at this time and how to lead with genuine compassion and understanding to help people adapt to change and this new digital world of virtual working. They also discuss the three stages of leadership development: Lead self Lead others Lead results Connect with Jam...

Dan Tohill interviews Peter Keegan. At the time of recording Peter was the Capability Development Manager for the Department of Conservation. Peter shares some of the work he's done around personas for the learning and development of DOCs diverse workforce.   Connect with Peter Keegan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterandrewkeegan/   Connect to us online everywhere: Visit our website: https://www....

In this episode Nat Gunn chats to Dan Tohill and provides practical tips on building your team culture online. Nat, co-owner of Epic Learning, is a Learning and Development Specialist with a lot of experience both working and learning online. She leads a remote team, spread across Australasia. Epic has carved a great company culture online, continue to grow and develop their people and even get a...

Kimble Vowless shares his thoughts with Dan Tohill on the incredibly unique year that was 2020, how he managed working 80 hour weeks urgently training people in the health sector, his tips on virtual working and the 'remote learning revolution'.   Connect with Kimble Vowless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimble-vowless/   Connect to us online everywhere: Visit our website: https://www.inspiregroup....

Aidan Stoate interviews Andrew Curtis, one of our trusted associates here at Inspire Group. Andrew Curtis is captivated by finding the answer to one question, How do you really help someone?' . This search began in his teens as he tried to find ways to help friends and family members with mental health challenges and has since become part of his journey as an entrepreneur, leadership coach and tra...

In this episode Dan Tohill interviews Todd Hammington a Visual Designer, Illustrator, UX and UI expert and product owner of Chameleon Creator an online learning authoring tool.  Listen to Todd explain how UX and UI principles can be used in a learning design context to enhance learning outcomes. Some of our favourite quotes from Todd in this episode:  "A good learning designer really cares about t...

Aidan Stoate interviews Alyson Garrido, one of our trusted associates here at Inspire Group. Alyson is an established Career Coach with a number of years’ experience in helping her clients to identify the right career path, hone their leadership strategies and present themselves in the best possible light for their job search and career advancement. Alyson is an ICF credentialed PCC, Professional...

Trends in L&D contracting Are you thinking about becoming an L&D Contractor and want tips on how to go freelance?  Are you looking for L&D talent and want insights on how to get the right person in this perceived ‘candidate rich’ market?  Want to know how recent events have impacted the L&D contracting market in NZ?  Want to know what key L&D skills organisations are looking for right now?  Listen...

In this episode Dan Tohill interviews David James the Chief Learning Officer at Looop and Podcast Host of The Learning & Development Podcast .  David James discusses the challenges in learning and development and how we're in for a tough time as a result of the pandemic as we're set to make up for lost opportunities in harsh economic circumstances.   In this episode David shares his ideas on: Acce...

Being the Chief People Officer of AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad, Syukri Sudari  has, like many of us, needed to adapt in work and life in recent months. But that is only half the story. In a wide ranging and very open conversation with our  Inspire Group Asia   CEO  James  McCulloch ,  Syukri  shares how his love of people, ability to see challenges as opportunities and his inspiring strength...

As the recent CEO of Bernama, the Malaysian national news agency, Nurini Kassim has some great thoughts to share with our  Inspire Group Asia   CEO James McCulloch  on leading in a changing world and industry- and how the blend of clear direction, empathy and also a higher calling of ‘service’ is key. "You need to inspire people towards a greater good, not just because you are the boss!" - Nurini...

As the Senior General Manager for HR across the vast and diverse Malaysian conglomerate, Berjaya Corporation Berhad ,  Grace Chan  has some great views to share on how HR can enhance its relevance at this time of great change. Grace also has a fantastic energy and a brilliant passion for caring for people and their wellbeing- which makes her the perfect leader for this conversation with our  Inspi...