The Secrets of Learning & Development

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, dynamic arrays, and advanced functions. She share...

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 a career in sales to becoming a successful...

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 changing landscape and prepare for an unpredic...

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 transitions to embracing fresh approaches in...

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 values, sharing real-life examples of how misa...

If 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 transitioning from a 20-year corporate career...

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 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 document chaos to disjointed communication, a...

If 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 what it takes to shape the future of learning a...

If 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 insights into how individuals and organisations...

If 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 entrepreneur, and co-founder of Watch This Sp...

If 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 coach, blending her scientific knowledge with her...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E8 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie are joined by Sapna Pieroux, a leading expert in brand, and a multi-award-winning entrepreneur. Sapna shares her journey from a successful corporate career in media and marketing to today, where she now helps businesses and individuals build standout...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E6 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Charles McLachlan, who is committed to developing senior executives with a rich background in technology, teaching, and leadership development. Charles, who played a role in Valerie's own professional journey, shares his unique insi...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E7 - In this thought-provoking episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are thrilled to welcome Andy Lopata, one of Europe's leading business networking strategists, renowned for his expertise in building meaningful professional relationships. With six influential books and a client list including PayPal, GlaxoSmithKlin...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E3 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we're thrilled to welcome Rob Nicholls, a seasoned CFO and private investor who has navigated the corporate landscapes of both the UK and the USA. With over 35 years of experience, Rob has successfully supported businesses in scaling their operations, maximising profita...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E4 - In this enlightening episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down with Karen Ferris, a renowned author, consultant, and speaker who has revolutionised the approach to organisational change and workforce resilience. Karen's journey from IT service management in the UK to becoming a pivotal...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E5 - In this compelling episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we sit down with Tracey Barr, a remarkable strategic advisor whose journey from a small village in Cumbria to leading roles in healthcare and consultancy sectors is nothing short of inspiring. Tracey’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast com...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E2 - In this captivating episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are honoured to welcome Tanya Mann Rennick, a transformative figure in the fields of clinical hypnotherapy, EMDR, and life coaching. Tanya's journey is nothing short of extraordinary—she has not only survived personal trauma and anxiety but has also dedic...

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E1 - Welcome to the first episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, where we, your hosts Julia and Valerie, take you on a journey through our personal and professional experiences that have shaped our passion for learning and development. This episode is all about getting to know us—our stories, our motivations, and what drives...