The way we learn at work is finally catching up to the way we actually work. Shane O’Neill sits down with Udemy APAC VP and MD Peter Kokkinos to unpack how AI is transforming learning from a one-size-fits-all catalog into personalized, in-the-flow support that meets people at the exact moment of need. From the early days of laser discs to today’s AI-powered role plays, Peter shares what’s changed, what still doesn’t work, and why soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and leadership now matter more than ever.

We dive into AI fluency as a new baseline capability—less about mastering a specific tool, more about using the tools you have to improve real workflows. Peter explains how demand for AI skills has surged across functions like HR, finance, operations, and marketing, and why organizations that frame learning around outcomes (productivity, mobility, retention) see stronger engagement. We also get practical about culture: how leadership intent shows up in budgets and time, how to personalize learning paths based on current skills and role transitions, and how to deliver learning inside the tools employees already use, reducing friction and increasing adoption.

Measurement gets a much-needed reset. Instead of counting hours, we focus on skills confidence proven in simulations, visible behavior change, and usage of approved AI tools that ties to performance. You’ll hear candid takes on common pitfalls—copy-paste AI undermining learning—and concrete ideas to future proof your HR function with contextual practice, embedded guidance, and smarter metrics. If you’re ready to move past generic courses and build a learning culture that actually moves the needle, this conversation will give you the language, the levers, and the next steps.

Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more HR leaders find these conversations. Got a question or a story about AI in your learning strategy? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear it.

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Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

Rebecca Donaldson, Chief People Officer at Ramsey Healthcare, brings her unique blend of legal expertise and HR leadership to a fascinating discussion about the transformation of the HR profession. With experience spanning major organizations like Qantas and ABC, Rebecca offers invaluable insights from her journey through highly regulated industries to her current role overseeing 36,000 employees across Australia's largest private healthcare provider.

The conversation explores how HR has evolved from being mere "policy police" to strategic business partners influencing organizational culture and even public policy. Rebecca articulates why today's HR leaders need strong commercial acumen: "CPOs at the top table now don't just pipe up about people issues or talent or performance, but we're expected to understand the business in its entirety." She shares practical examples of how HR professionals can demonstrate ROI and use data effectively while leveraging their natural storytelling abilities to create meaningful narratives.

Rebecca's perspective on artificial intelligence reveals both excitement and pragmatism about its applications in healthcare. From ambient listening technology that improves clinical documentation to AI-powered tools that streamline HR processes, she envisions technology freeing HR professionals from administrative burdens while enhancing both patient and employee experiences. Yet she acknowledges the inherent risks, emphasizing the importance of establishing appropriate guardrails without stifling innovation.

Whether you're an HR professional looking to elevate your strategic impact, a healthcare leader navigating workforce challenges, or simply interested in how technology is reshaping organizations, this episode offers valuable takeaways about the changing landscape of HR. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about strategic HR leadership in complex, regulated environments.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

Discount code for CultureCon 2025: https://thegrowthfaculty.co/CivitasCultureCon25

Barbara Harvey takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of workplace learning, drawing from her unique career path that began teaching drama to at-risk youth in South Africa. Now as Head of Learning at Growth Faculty, she brings a refreshing perspective to how organizations can foster meaningful learning experiences in today's rapidly changing environment.

The conversation explores a critical shift happening across industries – 50% of organizations are abandoning traditional classroom-style workshops in favor of more agile, multi-modal approaches. Barbara makes a compelling distinction between changing delivery methods and the timeless principles of how humans learn, reminding us that while technology transforms how we access information, certain elements like storytelling remain essential to effective learning.

What stands out is Barbara's passionate advocacy for social learning. She brilliantly compares self-directed online courses to "the home exercise bike of learning" – purchased with good intentions but often abandoned in favor of more pressing priorities. By contrast, synchronous, time-bound social learning creates accountability and community that drives engagement and retention. This insight alone could transform how organizations approach their learning strategy.

The discussion tackles one of L&D's greatest challenges – measurement. Barbara acknowledges the industry must improve its ability to demonstrate ROI while offering practical suggestions for tracking learning impact through broader business metrics. Her balanced perspective on AI's role in learning is equally valuable – embracing its potential for personalization while cautioning against "microwaving our learning" by making everything too quick and easy.

Ready to transform your organization's learning culture? Start small with quarterly team sessions that make learning joyful, creative and collaborative. And don't miss CultureCon 2025, Australia's premier workplace culture conference featuring thought leaders like Heidi Gardner exploring the intersection of organizational health and performance. Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about creating learning experiences that truly change lives.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

As Civitas partners, we’ve secured an exclusive discount — just go to thegrowthfaculty.co/CivitasCultureCon25