How Dan Hill Sold 50,000+ Textbooks Without a Marketing Team
This is what a broken L&D system sounds like — and Dan Hill has lived through it all.Vocational training is broken in subtle but powerful ways — and Dan Hill has spent the last two decades trying to fix it. In this episode, he reveals the messy reality of what happens when training goes wrong, the traits that define a world-class trainer, and the difference between learning outcomes that stick versus those that evaporate.From teaching in the military to co-authoring a bestselling textbook used by over 50,000 students, Dan brings a unique blend of rigor and real-world relevance. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how to design impactful L&D programs, the role of personal accountability in growth, and the future of individualized learning in a digital-first world.Key TakeawaysCoding left me behind, and I learned it’s okay to drop what no longer aligns with my path.Great training starts with the trainer — not tech, not curriculum, but presence and preparation.You can’t teach resilience with handouts; learners need grit, not entitlement.Timestamps[00:00] The harsh truth about entitlement in the workplace[00:38] Dan’s career journey from Air Force to L&D[01:50] Why quality trainers matter more than tech[02:50] The future of training: personalization and AI[04:00] The skill Dan regrets not mastering — and why[05:00] The proudest moment: publishing a training bestseller[06:11] The nightmare training session Dan can’t forget[08:00] A shocking story about a student walking out forever[09:50] Sitting next to Bryce Courtenay on a pirate ship[11:09] The advice Dan wants every future hire to hearLinksDan Hill on LinkedinInstitute for Learning & Performance Asia PacificSpecTrainingTom Bailey on LinkedInTom Bailey Website
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12:29
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12:29
What Happens When L&D Goes Rogue? with Tom Bailey
I had no idea what I was doing when I started podcasting.This episode breaks open the often-overlooked truth in learning and development: formal training rarely creates real impact. Instead, we hear how genuine curiosity, performance-focused design, and unexpected life experiences shape transformative L&D practices. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this conversation will push you to rethink what works—and what’s just wasting time and budget.Tom Bailey, Dr. Alistair Ritt L&D Professional of the Year 2025 and creator of the Rogue L&D Podcast, shares his journey from category manager to award-winning learning leader. With stories ranging from childhood kite contests to professional breakthroughs at Blackmores, Tom unveils the mindset shifts and tactical changes that power high-impact development in modern organizations. If you're ready to ditch the old models and learn from someone who’s actually done it, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways;Great L&D isn’t about training—it’s about enabling behavior change that impacts business outcomes.Most professionals in L&D never studied it formally; real growth comes from experience and community.Building genuine, trust-based relationships in L&D opens doors to innovation, collaboration, and transformation.Timestamps[00:00] — The energy cost of networking (and why it’s worth it)[00:51] — Who is Tom Bailey, and why he’s on the mic this time[01:40] — What drives real behavior change in L&D[02:40] — Why Nick Shackleton-Jones’ book changed his life[03:48] — Microlearning, space repetition, and why Yanu works[05:18] — How most of us learned L&D through the side door[07:01] — Building the award-winning Blackmores Commercial Academy[08:45] — The L&D fail that cost a company big (and why it still hurts)[10:50] — Renting vans to childhood heroes: the Keith Harris story[13:25] — The Lurpak kite, Dutch radio, and other strange origin storiesLinksTom Bailey on LinkedInTom Bailey Website
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16:13
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16:13
What Happens When You Actually Centre L&D Around Humans? With Tia Chau
Turns out, balloon phobia and coaching have more in common than you'd think.This episode digs into one of the most overlooked truths in workplace learning: human-centred L&D isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the only way forward. With real stories, practical insights, and a sharp lens on coaching and leadership, this conversation explores how to design learning experiences that actually change behaviour and build long-term culture. It also takes a brutally honest look at what happens when organizations skip personalization in favour of generic, one-size-fits-none training.Tia Chau, a seasoned leadership and culture strategist with 15+ years in people development, dives deep into why traditional content dumping fails, how AI is misunderstood in HR, and what it actually takes to influence resistant stakeholders. From coaching missteps to rethinking ROI, this episode is a call to rewire the way we see performance, development, and leadership from the inside out.Key TakeawaysMost leadership programs fail because they ignore the human behind the role—Tia lays out how to change that through identity and coaching-first approaches.Coaching isn’t just for execs anymore—when used early and often, it becomes a culture-building engine rather than a corrective tactic.L&D must stop chasing shiny content and start collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, IT, and HR to create true behavioural change.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to Human-Centred L&D[00:06] Vulnerability, Burnout, and Personal Growth in Leadership Development[00:07:35] Exploring AI’s Role in HR and Coaching[00:10:00] Automation vs AI: Misconceptions and Strategic Use[00:13:00] The Problem with Content Dumping in L&D[00:16:00] Applying Agile Methods in Learning Development[00:20:00] Handling Difficult Stakeholders in Learning Projects[00:42:54] Coaching vs Mentoring: What’s the Real Difference?[00:55:00] Personalizing Leadership: Identity and Early Coaching[01:00:00] Personalized Learning Journeys & Humanized LeadershipLinksTia Chau on LinkedinTia in InstagramTom Bailey on LinkedInTom Bailey Website
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1:21:10
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1:21:10
Why Learning & Development Programs Fail Despite Great Design With Michelle Parry Slater - Extended Version
What’s the real reason great leadership programs fail to make an impact?What does it take to create truly impactful learning programs? In this episode, we explore why even perfectly designed leadership programs fail when culture and relationships aren’t prioritized.You’ll learn how starting L&D initiatives early, building strong workplace relationships, and asking the right questions can transform your organization's approach to development. We’ll also uncover the role of evidence-based practice in solving real business challenges.Key TakeawaysLeadership programs fail when culture and environment aren’t addressed, no matter how well-designed the curriculum is.Starting L&D early in product or solution development creates more impactful learning outcomes.Building strong relationships and asking “how do you know?” ensures solutions solve the right problems.Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction and Michelle's career journey from teaching English in Japan to founding Kairo Modern Learning.[02:54] – What Michelle is truly passionate about in L&D and why early involvement is crucial.[05:13] – The role of L&D in the age of AI and why curating and consulting skills are non-negotiable.[07:00] – How organizations risk being left behind by asking for “faster horses” instead of real innovation.[09:11] – Michelle shares a powerful story of a leadership program that failed due to poor learning culture.[11:57] – On embracing the power of a “thumbs up” and the accidental hilarity of her first big stage moment.[16:24] – A vulnerable reflection on trusting too easily and learning to say no in business.[19:02] – Michelle’s proudest professional moment: facilitating a critical DEI conversation post-George Floyd.[23:18] – Her biggest L&D fail and the lesson in leaning into discomfort during live speaking.[32:02] – Michelle's final and most important advice for anyone in the field of L&D.Links Michelle Parry-Slater on LinkedinMichelle Parry-Slater’s latest book - The Learning and Development HandbookTom Bailey on LinkedInTom Bailey Website
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36:22
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36:22
Guy Wallace Built Training for Spies & Sailors—Why It Matters to You - Extended Version
This episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about effective learning and developmentMost training programs fail not because of poor content—but because they miss the one thing that matters: performance. In this episode, you’ll discover how to build training that delivers measurable business impact, the secrets behind immersive simulations, and how to filter out L&D noise that does more harm than good.With over four decades in the field and clients like NASA, General Motors, and AT&T, Guy Wallace shares real stories, controversial truths, and actionable frameworks to help you escape buzzwords and build training that actually works. Whether you're leading L&D or just trying to make your workshops matter, this episode brings clarity and conviction to how real learning happens.Key TakeawaysBuilding truly impactful learning means focusing on performance, not just content—hands-on practice with feedback is non-negotiable.Not all expertise is equal; knowing how to validate credible sources in your network can prevent major missteps.Great training doesn't just deliver knowledge—it aligns with job realities and provokes behavioral change through simulations and context-specific experiences.Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction and Guy Wallace's career origin story in L&D.[04:36] – Transition from journalism and radio/TV/film to performance development.[10:00] – The pivotal concept of job aids and performance support.[15:20] – Discussion on "what’s old is new again" in learning trends.[21:23] – Learning from past methods and the loss of historical insights in L&D.[27:27] – Guy’s most impactful L&D program at the Defense Information School.[35:09] – Facilitated group processes and the importance of disagreement in learning environments.[43:11] – Guy’s proudest moment: 8-day AT&T course with measurable impact.[58:22] – Worst experience in L&D and lessons learned from a failed training rollout.[01:06:04] – Surprising personal detail: Guy Wallace’s brief stint as a child model.Links & LearningsGuy Wallace on LinkedinGuy Wallace ArchivesTom Bailey on LinkedInTom Bailey Website
A short podcast allowing you to meet some of the brilliant folk driving people performance and development forward.
We do this in an informal and human way.
Our host Tom Bailey, award winning L&D leader and passionate maverick for all things development.
Join us as we ask just ten questions of some of the industries most innovative and interesting people.
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