Julia & Valerie Introduction: Who We Are and What We Do: Introducing the Secrets of Learning and Development

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 our commitment to helping others grow and succeed. 

 Our paths first crossed at the Fab Collab networking event in 2023, where we quickly discovered our shared enthusiasm for executive coaching and leadership training. From that moment, a partnership was born, built on countless conversations about our experiences, insights, and the ever-evolving world of L&D. We are thrilled to bring that same energy and expertise to you through this podcast. 

 In this episode, Valerie shares her remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention. Having been made redundant multiple times throughout her career, she transformed each setback into an opportunity, eventually leading her to establish Merrill Consultants over 30 years ago. With a rich background in both the public and private sectors, Valerie’s expertise in learning and development is rooted in her ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of challenges. She discusses the evolution of L&D, from the days of computer-based training to today’s sophisticated, adaptive learning environments, and highlights the critical need for reskilling and upskilling in a rapidly changing world. 

Julia, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience from her 27-year corporate career, which she left behind in search of something more fulfilling. After a period of reflection and exploration, she found her calling in coaching, specifically through earning an ILM 7 accreditation. Julia’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and following one’s passion. She discusses the importance of a holistic approach to coaching, focusing not just on professional development, but also on personal growth, emotional intelligence, and achieving a balanced life. 

Together, we explore the differences between the structured environment of corporate life and the autonomy of being a solopreneur. We share insights into the unique challenges and rewards of each path and offer advice to our younger selves—lessons learned from decades of experience in the field. 

As we continue with this podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into the world of learning and development, bringing you expert interviews, practical tips, and the latest trends to help you on your own journey. We hope you enjoy this introduction to who we are and what we stand for. Stay tuned for more engaging and insightful conversations in future episodes. 

Thank you for joining us on this exciting new adventure. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, don’t hesitate to reach out. Until next time, stay inspired and keep exploring the endless possibilities of learning and growth.

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/

Chapters

• 1:34 Introduction
• 2:18 The Why: Expert Interviews, Tips and Trends
• 2:57 Valerie, why Merrill Consultants
• 5:38 What do we need more of in Learning & Development
• 6:49 How has L&D evolved over the years
• 7:57 Valerie's view on the differences in Corporate and Solopreneur spaces
• 9:40 What do you enjoy most about L&D
• 10:29 What would you tell your younger self
• 11:41 Julia Retraining as an ILM7 Coach
• 11:59 Julia's Journey
• 15:16 Coaching and Coachee
• 16:42 What do you enjoy most about your new career
• 18:06 Julia's view on Corporate versus Solopreneur life
• 19:59 What advice would you give to your younger self