At LX Design Agency, we spend a lot of time exploring new ideas in learning and development, and we’re often recommending the work of others when we network and facilitate. Along the way, we’ve found some incredible voices who challenge our thinking and share practical ways to make learning work better. Some focus on learning science, while others explore facilitation or the future of work. For example, Nick Shackleton-Jones highlights the emotional side of learning through his affective context model. In the same way, Harold Jarche emphasises how meaning-making happens in networks rather than courses.
In addition, many of them share insights through podcasts that make their ideas easy to access. For example, Bob Mosher co-hosts the Performance Matters Podcast, where he explores workflow learning and the 5 Moments of Need. In the same way, Myriam Hadnes hosts the Unprofessionalism podcast, which brings together global voices on facilitation and group dynamics. (We link to these on our L&D Podcast Playlist on Spotify.)
Finally, we’re happy to share with you some of our favourite L&D thought leaders to learn from on LinkedIn. By following their work, you can stay up to date with current thinking, expand your network, and discover fresh ideas to bring back to your projects, your teams, and your organisation.
We’ll keep updating this list as we discover new voices worth following, so check back when you’re looking for fresh ideas, and enjoy the bounty of amazing minds.
🌐 Learning & Development Expert Map
Learning Science / Evidence-Based Practice ( LinkedIn links in the names)
- Clark Quinn — Learning science, debunking myths, evidence-based instructional design.
- Julie Dirksen — Behaviour change and learning design (Design for How People Learn).
- Jane Bozarth — Workplace learning research, social learning, evidence-based practice.
- Connie Malamed — Instructional design, visual design for learning, cognitive science, accessibility.
- Luke Hobson — Instructional design, adult learning, integrating AI, career pathways for IDs.
Workflow Learning / Ecosystems
- Bob Mosher — Workflow learning, performance support, 5 Moments of Need.
- Conrad Gottfredson — Workflow learning, performance improvement, knowledge management.
- Nick Shackleton-Jones — Learning experience design, affective context model.
- Harold Jarche — Personal Knowledge Mastery (PKM), networked/informal learning, sensemaking.
- Ross Stevenson — Modern L&D strategy, performance consulting, measurement, AI for L&D.
- Fergal Connolly – Maximising Learning Transfer & Proving ROI
Human Connection / Facilitation & Experience Design
- Chad Littlefield — Engagement, facilitation tools, psychological safety, conversations.
- Priya Parker — Purposeful gatherings, human connection, experience design.
- Said Saddouk — Virtual facilitation, interactive online learning (The Facilitainer).
- Myriam Hadnes — Workshop design, group dynamics, psychological safety (Workshops Work, NeverDoneBefore).
- Tim Leake — Executive facilitation, creative innovation workshops (Let’s Lightbulb).
- Tolu Noah — Workshop design, faculty/educator development, inclusivity, active learning.
- Moe Ash — Gamification, storytelling, comics in learning, experiential learning design.
Future of Work / Strategy & AI
- Josh Bersin — Corporate learning, HR strategy, future of work.
- Donald H. Taylor — L&D trends, learning technologies, global survey insights.
- Abhijit Bhaduri — Talent strategy, leadership, organisational development.
- Laura Overton — Research-based learning impact, learning innovation.
- Brandon Carson — Learning strategy, leadership capability, digital transformation, L&D Cares.
- Nigel Paine — Learning culture, leadership in L&D, organisational growth.
- Ethan Mollick — Human–AI collaboration, innovation, education, co-intelligence.
- David James — Digital L&D strategy, organisational performance, host of The Learning & Development Podcast.
- Edmund Monk — CEO of LPI, L&D standards, strategy, and business alignment.
- John Helmer — Thought leadership in L&D, learning theory translation, host of The Learning Hack.
- Michelle Parry-Slater — Modern workplace learning strategy, blended/social learning, author of The L&D Handbook and host of the podcast Learning from the Edges.
- Nicholas Behbahani — Talent strategy, HR analytics, skills-based hiring, workforce insights.
- Rick Jacobs — Training in high-stakes contexts, performance consulting, law enforcement to corporate L&D.
Complexity, Risk and Organisational Adaptability
- Antony Malmo — Organisational ecology, complexity science, system psychodynamics; adaptive capacity in radical uncertainty.
- Hilton Barbour — Culture, change, transformation.
Designing for Performance & Learning Transfer
- Melanie Martinelli — Institute for Transfer Effectiveness – learning transfer, performance impact, applying the 12 Levers of Transfer Effectiveness®, aligning learning to real-world outcomes
- Tim Slade — eLearning development, Storyline, portfolios, practical build skills
- Will Thalheimer — Learning evaluation, measurement, and evidence-based practice. Will is known for challenging weak evaluation habits in L&D and for advancing practical approaches like LTEM (Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model), which focus on whether learning actually improves performance, not just whether it was completed or enjoyed.
Experience Design & Storytelling
- Theron Skees — Storytelling, narrative experience design, and creating memorable audience experiences. He also hosts The League of Extraordinary Storytellers on YouTube, where he talks with creative leaders about how extraordinary experiences are brought to life. One of our favourites!