About last week…

Last week was rich. It was rich with new connections and reconnections. Hellos, hugs and handshakes a plenty!

I was fortunate to have a week in London, busy with meetups, informal chats, and two events.?

I attended The LPI (Learning and Performance Institute) 's two day Learning Live event, with thanks to Michael Strawbridge. FLPI. FILP. BA (Hons) for the kind invitation.?

Plus, I was in the audience for a (newer) event hosted by Helen Marshall , ‘Generation Next’ sparked by the brilliant WomenIn network, on Wednesday evening.?

All week, conversations and events provided thoughtful experiences worth reflecting on. From discussions on technology trends (why AI, of course!), to conversations on leadership and culture, there was, as you’d expect - a broad array of content.?

I noticed an overarching theme running through the entire week, whether it was in one-to-one conversations or sitting in larger group sessions, which was ‘humanness’ and 'connection'.?

These themes are important to me throughout the work I do. Whether I’m facilitating groups, coaching, offering L&D consultancy support, there is a draw / desire / need to help keep people connected, keep anchored to the human elements in our work.?

Humanness

Dr. Julie Smith (keynote speaker day one of Learning Live) talked about mental health and wellbeing, and supporting these in the workplace. Dr Julie Smith, during her talk, used the phrase “Judgement is a dead end, go with curiosity”.

I love this as a mindset, and it is one which has served me well over the years. The point I love about the phrase is that surely more often than not, we can get to a better place if we start by being curious. Asking questions, listening well to what is and isn’t said, and remembering the ‘humanness’.?

There is something in this too, about seeking this mindset for ourselves, not just with others. What if next time we were being hard on ourselves, we tried to be curious, instead of (perhaps) judgemental or negative? It’s something I’m reflecting more on anyway…?

Connection

The connection with others over the week was impactful for me. I really appreciated the time people gave me for catching up, long chats, and even the quick hellos. Whether it was new connections and existing ones, the energy, insight and fun was there and it was buzzing.?

I appreciated being able to hear Lauren Waldman speak at both events. Lauren is an expert in the brain, she is a learning scientist and so of course talks about the humanness AND connections we make ourselves and with others. I’d highly recommend checking out her work.?

There are so many people I want to mention here, and there will be some I miss I’m sure, but for me the opportunity to learn, build ideas and connect over shared interests is hugely valuable, and I appreciated every conversation, however fleeting.

So where am I at with all this… I guess, whilst we all talk about AI, learning culture, leadership, learning strategy... ultimately humans and connection are at the centre of it all?

Let’s keep coming back to that.

Allow it to anchor us.?

Thank you’s… Ross Garner Nahdia Khan Simon Gibson Liam Moore Michael Strawbridge. FLPI. FILP. BA (Hons) Donald H Taylor Georgina Kelly Helen Marshall Kay Collier FLPI Assoc CIPD Russell Woods (Assoc. CIPD) Zahra Clarke-Johnney Karen Lloyd ACIPD MLPI Sinéad L. Kirsty Lewis Fiona Barron Kate Graham Ashley Hinchcliffe Michelle Murphy Cheryl Clemons @ben Jonathan Marshall Claire Angliss FLPI Lee-Anne Hewitson Adam Harwood