My Reflections After 30 Years in L&D

I’ve spent over three decades in this industry, working inside global organisations, leading L&D teams, and consulting with learning leaders across the UK, US, Europe, India, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

And here’s what I’ve learned: L&D is at its best when it’s bold.

The teams that make a real difference are not necessarily the biggest, or the best funded, they’re the ones who understand their role in shaping culture, building capability and aligning learning with real business outcomes.

I’ve seen L&D departments transform from overlooked support functions to respected strategic partners. I’ve also seen talented people struggle to evolve because they simply didn’t have the right support.

That’s why I created the TwentyOne Leadership L&D Academy, to give L&D leaders and their teams the structure, tools and space they need to grow.

L&D Can’t Afford to Stay the Same

Let’s be honest, Learning & Development has had a rough ride.

Between navigating hybrid work, accelerating digital change, and responding to evolving business demands, many L&D teams are stretched thin, stuck in a reactive cycle and under increasing pressure to prove their worth.

And yet, some teams are thriving. What’s the difference? The ones thriving are evolving.

The Rules Have Changed

Organisations don’t need more courses, they need capability.

They don’t need more workshops, they need strategy.

And they don’t want a service provider, they want a business partner.

Staying in 'delivery mode' might have worked in the past. But now, it’s a recipe for being overlooked, underfunded or replaced.

To remain relevant and drive value, L&D must become:

• Strategic in approach

• Consultative in mindset

• Focused on performance, not just participation

That shift doesn’t just happen. It needs intentional investment in your people and your function.

Enter the L&D Academy

Whether you’re an L&D Manager ready to lead or a Head of Learning preparing your team for the future, the Academy offers the coaching, community and frameworks to shift your impact from good to great.

We help you:

• Align strategy with business priorities

• Build consulting and influencing capability

• Develop high-performing, brain-friendly teams

• Measure learning in meaningful, business-driven ways

It’s time to stop maintaining and start evolving.

Let’s Lead the Change

If you're ready to take your L&D team to the next level, I’d love to talk.

Email me at matt@twentyoneleadership.com or book a call to explore how the L&D Academy can support your next chapter.

Because after 30 years in this profession, I know one thing for certain:

In a world that won’t stop changing, L&D can’t afford to stay the same.