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Andrew Jacobs: from Supermarket shifts to shaping learning cultures
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This is a story of listening deeply, leading differently, and standing for what matters.
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Andrew Jacobs — independent learning strategist, podcaster, and longtime L&D disruptor — for one of the most honest, wide-ranging conversations we've had yet. From pricing soda cans in the '80s to reshaping L&D in the fire service and public sector, Andrew's story is full of unexpected turns, hard-won lessons, and a level of self-awareness that's rare in any field.
We talk about what it means to put work in its place, the real cost of bad management (and why Andrew walked away from it), how L&D can evolve without losing its soul, and why amplifying underrepresented voices in our industry isn’t optional — it’s necessary.
You'll walk away with fresh insights on learning design, digital transformation, navigating austerity in the public sector, and what makes a great learning experience stick — plus a brand new way to think about how you’re spending your time (hint: it involves 52 minutes).
Whether you're a seasoned L&D professional or just starting out, this episode is for anyone who's ever questioned their path, doubted their place, or wondered if they’re doing enough. Spoiler: You are.
Listen in to hear:
– What the London Fire Brigade taught Andrew about inclusion, identity, and team culture
– How personal hardship reshaped his entire approach to work
– The birth of Women Talking About Learning and why it’s changing the game
– How to rethink your learning budget (even when it’s zero)
– Why Andrew refuses to manage people — and what that taught him about leadership
🔗 Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjacobslnd/
Website: https://llarn.com/
🎧 Listen to Women Talking About Learning: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Proving-Impact-doing-before-relied/dp/B0D8VKV3J6
If you're in Learning & Development and want to build a career that actually energizes you — this one’s not just worth your time, it’s a masterclass in doing L&D differently.
More about Andrew:
Andrew Jacobs is Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Llarn Learning. Known for innovative thinking about learning, training and technology, Andrew has significant experience in a range of roles across learning, training, talent and people development. This experience has been learnt in a range of industries in both the public and private sector, most recently in central government with HMRC and DHSC.
He has a been described as a learning strategist: he has experience in all areas of L&D, with particular expertise in leadership, management, online and digital learning, and measurement and evaluation.
He takes a consultative approach to learning design and development, helping organisations develop their principles, strategy, and channels with a focus on improving business performance.
He regularly chairs events and speaks globally about learning and people development at conferences and events. He also writes for People Management, Training Journal and other industry publications. He has also featured on numerous podcasts.
He is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.
He received the Internet Time Alliance award for his work on informal learning in July 2020 and was highly commended as part of the DHSC team at the CIPD People Management Awards in 2021. He was part of the team that won the Gold award at the 2022 Learning Awards for the work with Capita and the DHSC and individually won the Bronze award for Learning Professional of the year at the same event.
He blogs daily at www.lostanddesperate.com and produces the podcast Women Talking About Learning. In 2024 he published a book titled Proving Impact about how L&D needs to shift its learning evaluation.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:
Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd
Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
47 episodes
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