In this episode, Simon Brown takes us inside his role as Global Learning & Development Leader at EY, sharing how he sits at the table shaping the organisation’s AI agenda rather than just delivering training. We explore how L&D can move from a support function to a strategic driver in the AI era, the practical ways his team is role-modelling AI, and the benefits of taking an integrated approach across departments to unlock real impact.
Simon also gives his perspective on the speed at which AI is transforming L&D, what this means for day-to-day operations, and how teams can stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. He shares actionable advice for L&D leaders who feel they might be behind the curve, offering insights into how to forge influence, make AI work for learning, and prepare their organisations for the next wave of skills development.
Take your L&D to the next level
Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.
It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A skills-based learning ecosystem where skills act as the “connective tissue” and people build visible skills profiles, earn badges by applying new capabilities, and are then scheduled onto projects based on those skills turns learning into a direct driver of real work opportunities and career growth.
A clear vision, strategy and operating model, agreed with the C‑suite, gives L&D a mandate and protects it from shiny object tech decisions.
L&D only stays relevant if it matches consumer-grade, AI-powered experiences and uses AI itself to accelerate and personalise learning. Be part of early AI conversations.
BEST MOMENTS
“The learning is actually done by interaction with an AI agent, and that agent will guide you through step by step what might be a good agent for you to build.”
“We've tried to role model how to use the (AI) technology ourselves in how we build the learning solutions.”
Simon Brown Bio
Simon Brown is Global Learning & Development Leader at EY and international best-selling author of The Curious Advantage. A commercially minded learning leader, he was previously Chief Learning Officer at Novartis and has led major learning transformations across sectors, including at Lloyds Banking Group.
Earlier in his career he co-founded Brightwave, one of the UK’s leading e-learning companies, and consulted at Accenture for global brands such as BT, BP, Microsoft, and Canon. His work has earned multiple Chief Learning Officer Strategy Awards, and under his leadership Novartis was named #3 globally for Talent Development in the ATD BEST Awards.
Simon co-hosts The Curious Advantage podcast, is a regular international keynote speaker, and is active in global learning communities and EdTech as an angel investor.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncbrown1/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft/dp/1648713513
https://www.curiousadvantage.com/curious-advantage-podcast
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523
L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home
ABOUT THE HOST
David James
David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.
As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.
CONTACT METHOD
https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
