The Secrets of Learning & Development
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 you with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills, business acumen, and personal growth. We are focusing on our leaders and professional guests' unique journeys and the key moments that have shaped their careers. We are passionate about sharing stories that inspire, educate, and ignite a spark within our listeners
Join us on this journey as we unlock the secrets to success in the dynamic world of learning and development.
Stay tuned and get ready to be inspired!
Host Information:
Julia Bend
Executive Career Coach
https://www.premier-coaching.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bend-premier-coaching
Valerie Merrill
Learning & Development Trainer & Advisor
https://www.merrillconsultants.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrillvalerie/
Episodes
26 episodes
Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: I.Stephanie Boyce on Resilience, Leadership & Social Mobility
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 mobil...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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35:19
From Experience to Opportunity: Julia Bend on Making Your Skills Work for 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 c...
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Season 2
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9:44
Glen Williamson Reveals the Secret to Building Unbreakable Client Bonds
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, introducin...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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37:32
M365 Copilot: Your AI Assistant for a Smarter Workday
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 Copilo...
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Season 2
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8:10
Redefining Learning: Donald Taylor on Networks, Technology, and the Future of L&D
S2:E4In 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 spannin...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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34:13
Feeling Stuck in Your Career? It Might Be Time to Move On
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 ha...
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Season 2
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12:25
Unlocking Client Attraction: Henriette Danel on Energy Alignment and Strategic Growth
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 Podc...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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29:33
Beyond the Basics, Transform Your Workflow with Excel 365
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 experienc...
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Season 2
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6:44
Leading with Laughter: Em Stroud on Creativity, Impact, and Authentic Leadership
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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27:23
Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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37:03
Season 2 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived!
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 fut...
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Season 2
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7:07
Julia Unlocks Career Satisfaction Through Core Values
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 explor...
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Season 1
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13:38
Unlocking Growth: Paul Mills on Mastering Strategic Marketing, Fractional Leadership, and Building a Personal Brand
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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40:39
Unlocking the Secrets: Season 1 Highlights of The Secrets of Learning and Development
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, ...
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Season 1
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11:12
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How SharePoint Transforms Collaboration and Productivity
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. Sh...
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Season 1
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8:05
Unlocking Media Visibility: Marina Gask on Elevating Your Profile and Crafting Compelling Stories
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 e...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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27:44
Championing Diversity: Mo Kanjilal’s Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces
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 sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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30:42
Unlocking the Power of Voice: Anne Leatherland’s Expertise in Building Confidence and Personal Growth
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 fas...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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46:53
Let's Get Visible! : Sapna Pieroux’s Secrets to Building Your Personal and Business Brand
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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49:06
Transforming Leadership: Charles McLachlan on Experiential Learning and CEO Growth
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 deve...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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42:20
Transforming Professional Relationships: Andy Lopata
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 professi...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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49:40
Unlocking the Subconscious: Tanya Mann Rennick's Secrets to Mindset Recalibration
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 nothin...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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54:49
Breaking Barriers: Tracey Barr’s Journey from Engineering to Healthcare Leadership
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:00:42
Beyond Buzzwords: Understanding True Resilience in the Workplace
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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35:33
The Four Pillars of Business Growth: Sales, Margins, Profitability, and Value Creation
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 expe...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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32:58
