Every Day's a School Day

Hosted by St. James's Place

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Looking to explore new technology? Trigger new thinking? Inspire engagement and growth within Learning and Development (L&D)? Well, if so, then this podcast channel is for you. In this new series from St. James’s Place, we'll educate, enlighten, and prepare you for the exciting digital world of tomorrow. Packed with lively conversations and fascinating insights, expert guests and great minds join St. James’s Place monthly to discuss new technology and immersive experiences, showcasing how they can be applied within corporate and educational settings to enhance learning.

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42 recent

May 27, 202634 min

The Power of Storytelling in Workplace Learning with Cheryl Clemons

In this episode, Nicki, Hannah, and Kashish sit down with Cheryl Clemons, founder of StoryTagger and an expert in workplace learning, storytelling, and engagement.Together, they explore why storytelling is such a powerful tool for peer learning and culture-building. They discuss what stops employees from sharing their experiences, how organisations can create safer spaces for reflective learning, and why stories often drive more meaningful learning than dashboards and KPIs alone. The conversation also covers the challenges of embedding social learning into organisational culture and practical ways L&D leaders can start building it into everyday work.If you’re interested in learning culture, peer learning, and the power of storytelling at work, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.School’s in session!

April 27, 202631 min

The Reality of AI Adoption in Organisations with Erica Farmer

In this episode, Nicki, Hannah, and Kashish sit down with Erica Farmer, a professional speaker, trainer, TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and podcast host with over 25 years of experience in learning and development across major global brands.Together, Nicki, Hannah, and Kashish explore Erica’s perspective on AI and what adoption really looks like inside organisations today. They discuss the critical role L&D teams play in making AI initiatives successful and what learning leaders need to start doing differently to stay ahead. Erica also shares what excites her most about AI’s potential to transform learning, capability-building, and the future of work, alongside practical insights drawn from her extensive experience in the field.If you're curious about how AI is shaping the future of learning and organisations, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. School’s in session!

December 18, 202545 min

Beyond the headset: A conversation with Tonia Mamai - VR, ROI and What's Next

In this episode, Hannah and Nicki sit down with Tonia Mamai, Commercial Director at Make Real, an immersive learning studio at the forefront of VR, AR and emerging tech. Witha career spanning innovative content partnerships across publishing and global media brands, Tonia has spent years helping organisations harness new technology to accelerate business outcomes and transform how people learn. She’s also collaborated with leading tech platforms such as Meta, Google and Microsoft, and has delivered award-winning learning solutions across sectors from finance and healthcare to energy, utilities and education. Together, Hannah and Nicki explore what Tonia enjoys most about bringing VR into organisations and why immersive, experiential learning continues to reshape workplace training. They dive into real use cases that showcase the power of VR for L&D and how organisations are measuring ROI. Tonia also discusses evolving learner behaviours, accessibility expectations, and how Make Real’s tech-agnostic approach ensures the right solutions are deployed to solve real business problems. Looking ahead, Tonia shares her predictions on where VR will make the biggest impact and the emerging trends she expects to accelerate in the next 1–2 years. If you're curious about the impact and future of immersive learning, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Schools in session!

October 30, 202534 min

First demos, first lessons: VR and AI for Learning Leaders

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Harris, an inspiring new L&D leader who’s just embarked on an exciting journey as Head of Finance People Capability at BAE Systems, shaping learning, development, and early careers across the Finance function.After exploring our immersive learning experiences, including virtual reality and AI-powered roleplays, Dan shares his fresh perspective on what it’s like to experience these tools for the first time. We dive into:The "wow" moments that reshaped how he thinks about learning and capabilityThe opportunities (and realities) of introducing innovation in a highly regulated industryHow emerging tech like VR and AI could transform how BAE develops its peopleAnd what the future might hold for new L&D leaders stepping into the world of learning technologyTune in for an honest, curious, and forward-looking conversation about what it means to learn as a leader in today’s fast-changing world. Schools in session!

August 28, 202544 min

The Future of L&D in the age of AI with Dr. Ashwin Mehta

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Ashwin Mehta, the founder of Mehtadology, a leading consultancy in AI-powered Human Capital Management and Learning. With a unique blend of academic depth and real-world experience, Ashwin joins us to explore the future of Learning & Development in the age of AI. With over a decade of leading large-scale technology transformations, and holding both a PhD and MBA, Ash brings rich insights into how organizations can harness AI, not justto automate, but to elevate learning experiences. He shares how L&D professionals can navigate the complexities of AI implementation, avoid common misconceptions, and start small without being overwhelmed. We also dig into thebalance between AI-driven personalization and the human touch in learning, discuss the future of roles and tackle the ethical concerns L&D leaders need to stay mindful of.Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or leading the charge, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights to help you and your learnersthrive. School's in session!

July 1, 202533 min

From page to progress: Unlocking growth with Read to Lead®

On this episode of Every Day’s A School Day, we sit down with leadership coach and business consultant Sarah Clayton-Jones, the visionary behind READ TO LEAD®—a game changing approach to learning that goes far beyond the traditional book club.With a rich background as an accredited coach, NLP and Neuroscience Practitioner, and DiSC trainer, Sarah shares how she’s helped global businesses transform their teams and leaders through curated reading, intentional discussion, and actionable insights. We explore how books become catalysts for meaningful change, why reading is still one of the most powerful tools for growth, and how READ TO LEAD® is reshaping the future of peer learning and corporate development.In this episode:The evolution of the Read to Lead® programmeWhy reading still matters - and how to overcome resistance to itHow social learning and coaching fuel long-term growthQuick-fire insights from Sarah on books, leadership and staying sharpSchool's in session!

May 28, 202542 min

Learning Tech Reflections with Sam Marney and Joshua Ellick

In this post-Learning Technologies Conference edition of EDASD, hosts Nicki Finnigan (Director of Learning Development) and Hannah Frame (Social Learning Tech & Innovation Manager) are joined by two brilliant guests to unpack their biggest takeaways, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections from the event. Returning to the pod is Josh Ellick, Immersive Technology Manager at SJP, sharing insights on scaling VR in workplace learning and what it really takes to make immersive tech land with impact. He’s joined by Sam Marney, People Development Lead at People’s Partnership and a passionate advocate for peer learning, coaching, and keeping things human in a digital world. Together, they explore:The mic-drop moments and game-changing insights from LT 2025What’s next for VR, AI, and immersive learningThe power (and myths!) of peer learningTips for speaking at L&D conferences when it's your first timeAnd a round of “Would You Rather: L&D Edition”School's in session!

April 29, 202536 min

The Power of Audio Learning with Adam Lacey from Assemble You

Welcome back to Every Day's A School Day! In this episode, your hosts Hannah Frame, Social Learning Tech & Innovation Manager at SJP, and Nicki Finnigan, Director of Learning Development, are joined by Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of the home for podcast-style lessons; Assemble You Adam shares how audio is changing the game in workplace learning - making it more accessible, inclusive, and fit for the pace of modern work. We dive into how Assemble You is tackling screen fatigue, supporting neurodiverse learners, and reshaping L&D with on-demand, human-centred content. With over a decade in digital learning and two hit podcasts of his own (The Power Skills Project and L&D Challenges), Adam brings a fresh perspective on the future of professional development. In this episode, we explore:Why audio learning is gaining momentumHow to introduce podcast-style content into your organisationSupporting neurodiverse learners and learning in the flow of workLessons from the frontline of building a learning tech startup Key Takeaways:Audio learning is not just convenient - it’s a powerful tool for deeper, screen-free learning experiences.Organisations are increasingly turning to audio to support inclusivity and learning in the flow of work.Starting small and being intentional is the best way to successfully embed audio learning in your culture. School's in session!

March 28, 202544 min

Great Minds on Learning, Great Insights for 2025 with John Helmer

Today, we’re joined by a true pioneer in learning and development -John Helmer! Host of The Learning Hack and Great Minds on Learning, John dives deep into the latest innovations, challenges, and history of learning. With decades of experience in L&D communications and strategy, he’s an expert at making complex ideas accessible and actionable. In this episode, we explore:What first drew John to learning and podcastingThe biggest influences on his career and insights from top learning expertsThe technologies & methodologies shaping workplace learning in 2025The shift from skills to capabilities- and how L&D can stay aheadOverhyped trends vs. real opportunities for learning innovation And of course, we wrap up with our regular feature: What’s something that’s blown John’s mind recently? School's in session!

March 24, 202544 min

How Technology is Transforming Learning & Employee Engagement with Nicky Hoyland & Rob Ashcroft

Welcome back to Every Day’s A School Day! In this episode, hosts Hannah and Nicki explore how technology can create truly engaging, learner- and employee-centric experiences. Joining them are Nicky Hoyland, Global Chief Innovation Officer at DBLX, and Rob Ashcroft, Global Chief Learning Officer at DBLX -both part of the Auspicious Group. With years of expertise in digital learning and employee engagement, they bring valuable insights into the evolving role of technology in workplace learning. Together, they discuss:The biggest challenges and misconceptions around tech-driven learning solutionsHow data and analytics shape learner experiencesReal-world examples of organisations getting digital engagement rightEnsuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, human connection If you're curious about the future of learning, how to create meaningful engagement, and the dos and don’ts of integrating new tech, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! School's in session!Nicky Hoyland - LinkedIn Profile Rob Ashcroft - LinkedIn Profile Learning Technologies