If AI is so transformative, how come it's so hard to adopt? In this week's episode of The Mindtools L&D Podcast, Ross G is joined by Mindtools Kineo AI Strategy Director Rodrigo Bolaños to explore:

• the hype surrounding AI's potential
• the reality experienced by many organizations
• how to drive AI adoption at scale.

During the discussion, Ross G referenced:

• 'The state of AI in 2025' (via McKinsey)
• 'The AI Adoption Reality Check' (via Thomson Reuters)
• 'Many workers are using unapproved AI tools at work' (via TechRadar)
• '38% of AI-suing employees admit to sending sensitive work data' (via National Cybersecurity Alliance)
• 'AI-generated "workslop" is destroying producitivty' (via HBR)
• 'AI workslop is muddying the American workplace' (via The Week)
• 'AI in L&D: The Race for Impact' (via Don Taylor and Eglė Vinauskaitė)

In 'What I Learned This Week', Ross discussed 'death-cleaning', following the passing of Margareta Magnusson (via The Economist).

For more from Mindtools Kineo, visit  our new website mindtools-kineo.com. There, you'll find out how we can help your organization build AI skills, and how our Skills Practice scenarios help build human skills.

Connect with our speakers   

If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Ross Garner
• Rodrigo Bolaños

Last week, the Mindtools Kineo gang attended the Learning Technologies exhibition and conference, Europe's largest L&D event.

And so, this week on The Mindtools L&D Podcast, Ross D, Ross G, Gemma and Matt are regrouping to discuss:

• our personal highlights from Learning Tech
• what the conference tells us about the shape of the industry
• the key themes that emerged over the course of the two days
• who and what industry conferences are for in 2026.

In 'What I Learned This Week', Ross G mentioned the Stat Significant newsletter.

Ross D recommended A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre.

For more from Mindtools Kineo, visit  our new website mindtools-kineo.com. There, you'll also find details of our Learning Management Systems, Content Hub for leaders and managers, and custom learning design service - including AI skills development!

Like the show? You'll LOVE our newsletter! Subscribe to The L&D Dispatch at lddispatch.com

Connect with our speakers   

If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Ross Dickie
• Ross Garner
• Gemma Towersey
• Matt Mella

Throughout human history, technology has disrupted the way we communicate with one another. But according to Andrea Pacini, the fundamental principles behind effective communication haven't changed, and are as relevant today as they were in the past.

In this week's episode of The Mindtools L&D Podcast, Andrea joins Ross D and Anna to discuss his forthcoming book, Timeless Presenter. We cover:

• what the book is about, and how it differs from Andrea's previous book, Confident Presenter
• why the principles of communication don't change, even as tools and technology do
• why nobody cares about your presentation skills, but they do care about the things those skills deliver
• why practice is the key to becoming a better presenter.

To find out more about Andrea's work, head to the Ideas on Stage website. You can also check out the Presentation Toolkit, where you'll find details on Timeless Presenter.

For more from Mindtools Kineo, visit mindtools.com or kineo.com. There, you'll also find details of our Learning Management Systems, Content Hub for leaders and managers, and custom learning design service - including AI skills development!

You can also email us at custom@mindtools.com.

Like the show? You'll LOVE our newsletter! Subscribe to The L&D Dispatch at lddispatch.com

Connect with our speakers   

If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Ross Dickie
• Dr Anna Barnett
• Andrea Pacini