Why I Created The L&D Academy – And Why You’ll Love Working With Me
Hi, I’m Matt Williams, and I’ve spent the last 30 years working in Learning & Development – first as an L&D manager and facilitator in multinational corporations for 20 years, and then as a senior leadership consultant for the last 10 years with TwentyOne Leadership.
I’ve been where you are. I know the pressure of trying to prove L&D’s value, struggling to secure budget and feeling frustrated when leadership sees learning as a 'nice-to-have' rather than a business driver. I also know that, with the right strategies, skills and influence, L&D teams can become one of the most powerful forces in an organisation – shaping talent, driving performance and proving measurable impact.
That’s why I created The L&D Academy – because L&D leaders deserve more than just to deliver training. They deserve a seat at the table, bigger budgets and the ability to lead with real impact.
Why I’m the right person to help you
I’ve spent my career helping L&D teams transform – from underfunded, reactive functions to high-performing, strategic business units. I’ve worked with organisations like Merlin Entertainments, Benenden Hospital, PA Housing, Camelot and Edinburgh Napier University, supporting them to build stronger, more influential learning teams.
Here’s what I bring to the table:
Making the complex simple, and the Intangible tangible – I break down complex learning strategies into clear, practical steps that get results.
Brain-friendly learning expertise – I’m a master practitioner of brain-friendly learning principles, so I know how to make learning stick, engage and drive real change.
From order-taker to business leader – I’ll help you shift from 'running training' to being a strategic business partner.
Creative, fun and outcomes-focused – Learning should be engaging and practical, but it should also be measurable and tied to real business outcomes.
I’ve spent decades helping L&D teams prove their value, secure bigger budgets, and lead with confidence. If that’s what you want, I can help you get there.
Why The L&D Academy is different
This isn’t just another L&D training programme—this is a leadership transformation experience designed specifically for L&D managers and their teams.
Prove your ROI and secure more budget – Learn exactly how to show leadership the real impact of learning on business performance.
Develop influence and leadership skills – Move from L&D Manager to L&D Business Partner with strategic skills that command attention at the top.
Build a High-Performance L&D team – Equip your team with the skills to consult, coach and lead learning at the highest level.
Apply brain-friendly learning strategies – Create learning experiences that engage, retain, and deliver long-term results.
I don’t teach theory. Everything inside The L&D Academy is based on real-world experience, proven frameworks, and strategies that actually work.
What it’s like to work with me
High-energy and engaging – I don’t do dull. I believe learning should be fun, interactive, and designed for maximum impact.
Obsessed with real results – I care about outcomes. If it doesn’t move the needle in your business, it doesn’t belong in L&D Power UP!
Brain-friendly learning expert – I design every session around how people actually learn, ensuring everything is engaging and immediately applicable.
Practical and strategic – Whether it’s helping L&D managers gain leadership buy-in or teams build better learning strategies, I focus on real-world solutions.
Authentic, relatable and fun – I’ve spent years in the trenches of L&D, so I know what works (and what doesn’t). Expect straight-talking, no fluff, and plenty of humour along the way.
Don't Just Take My Word For It
He stands out for me; partly because he is one of the most naturally talented deliverers I have come across; and partly because he puts his heart and soul in to his work; and this is clearly evident in what he produces. OD Consultant
All learners come away empowered and energised to put into practice the learning they have had. One learner even said they would pay personally for the course. Would highly recommend. L&D Business Partner
He fitted in perfectly with our team and his relaxed, approachable style complimented the rest of us well. He's adaptable, knowledgeable, great fun to work with, and comes highly recommended. Senior L&D Manager
His engaging and fun approach to delivery ensured the various training interventions resonated with a hugely diverse audience across different brands, countries and levels of the organization. Always available to offer valuable advice and steer. VP People and Culture
Matt was very collaborative and always gave me feedback on the development needs of my groups as well as supporting my own personal development. Matt has a very engaging style and really comes into his element in the design and delivery of training. VP Human Resources
Matt has always received a huge amount of respect from those he worked with, especially for his ability to deliver pragmatic and effective solutions to all manner of projects, initiatives and training requirements. Also, he is highly creative and this is evident in his design, delivery and approach to any requirement. L&D Specialist
Are You Ready?
If you’re an L&D leader who’s tired of struggling for budget, influence and real impact, then The L&D Academy is for you.
Let’s work together to transform your L&D career and your team.
I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.