Shows
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentValerie Merrill - Learning in the flow of work If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What happens when learning is no longer an event, but a natural part of everyday work?In this bonus episode, Julia sits down with Valerie to explore the concept of learning in the flow of work what it means, why it’s gaining momentum, and how organisations can make it more than just a buzzword.Valerie draws on years of experience in L&D to share:Why traditional training models are struggling to keep upHow to support learning without taking people ou...
2026-02-1909 min
The Women Talking About Learning PodcastThe Hybrid 2026 OneContact Women Talking About Learning Website: https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com Email: hello@llarn.com Support us: https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning Twitter/X: @WTAL_Podcast Podcast Learning Festival: https://www.podcastlearningfest.live (London, 26th February 2026)This episode explores hybrid working and its impact on learning, collaboration and organizational culture. How do we manage change when teams are distributed? What happens to relationships when work becomes flexible? How can we be intentional about connection in hybrid environments? You will hear from three women researching, designing and implementing approaches to make hybrid work actually work.Full episode resources All...
2026-02-0339 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBonus Episode: Valerie Merrill on The Smart Way to Set Learning Goals That Actually Matter If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode, Julia and Valerie explore why learning goals matter more than ever in today’s fast-paced professional world. It’s not about rigid plans or endless courses, but about staying relevant, focused and intentional with how you grow.Valerie shares how she helps professionals cut through the overwhelm by identifying learning goals that actually support their next steps not just their current role. From daily habits to quick wins, she offers practical ways to embed learning into the everyday. Julia adds her...
2026-01-0808 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentThe Emotional Intelligence Renaissance: EQ over IQ in the Age of Automation If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if the real leadership advantage in the AI era is not about IQ at all, but EQ?In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Training Consultant Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend explore why emotional intelligence is emerging as the defining trait for leaders in a world shaped by automation.They share real examples of leaders who used empathy and openness to ease anxiety around AI, highlight the five traits that make EQ practical...
2025-09-2507 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBonus Episode: Reinvention Isn’t Just a New Job It’s an Emotional Shift If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if career change isn’t just about your next role, but who you’re becoming?In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend uncover the hidden emotional load behind career change the identity shifts, quiet questions and inner work that rarely make it onto LinkedIn.They share real experiences and insights on what it feels like to lose your footing, why emotions like grief, doubt and guilt surf...
2025-08-1410 min
Cultural Communication Confidence140 - From Redundancy to Reinvention to the Rise of AI with Valerie MerrillNavigating redundancy with resilience, the evolving role of AI in the workplace, and what impactful learning and development looks like in today's hybrid, fast-moving world. In this podcast episode I am joined by Learning & Development specialist, Valerie Merrill, who shares her personal journey of being made redundant multiple times, how it led her to becoming her own boss, and why she believes redundancy can be a pivotal moment for reflection, reinvention, and growth. We explore the realities of transition, if you're considering starting a business, adapting to AI-led change, and why inclusive, human-focused Learning & Development...
2025-08-0435 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBonus: It’s Not What You Say: Why Feelings Shape What People Remember If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if people don’t remember your words or actions, but how you made them feel?In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill and Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend explore why emotional presence shapes every interaction from coaching sessions to training rooms to everyday conversations.They share personal stories and insights about the subtle ways energy, connection and psychological safety influence how people learn, engage and remember you.Expect relatable examples, practical reflections an...
2025-07-3109 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBonus: From Repetitive to Remarkable: What Superworkers Are Doing Differently If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode, Julia Bend and Valerie Merrill dive into a trend that’s gathering pace across organisations the rise of the Superworker.Far from being a tech buzzword, this is about real people using AI tools to work smarter, not harder. Valerie shares what’s driving the shift, what traits define a Superworker, and why it’s less about being tech-savvy and more about being curious, thoughtful and human.We look at the opportunities and the cautions from better decisi...
2025-07-1709 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBonus Episode Beyond Confidence: What’s Really Holding You Back? If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if confidence isn’t the real issue? In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill interviews Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend to unpack a common career assumption: “I just need more confidence.” But is that really what’s holding people back?Julia shares practical insights from coaching professionals in transition revealing how what looks like a confidence issue is often something deeper: lack of clarity, misalignment with values or simply being in the wrong en...
2025-07-0309 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentSeason 3 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! This season hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend, bring you fresh, thought-provoking conversations with the people shaping how we learn, lead and grow at work.From bold career moves to innovative approaches to leadership and development, each episode offers honest reflections, practical takeaways and new ways of thinking about success in a changing world.Expect curious questions, unexpected insights and conversations that go beyond the usual soundbites.Subscribe now and discover the ideas, challenges...
2025-06-0808 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentJulia Bend: Why Boundaries Aren’t Harsh – They’re Essential If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, the spotlight turns to our co-host Julia Bend as she unpacks the power of boundaries in leadership, coaching and life. Together with Valerie Merrill, she explores why boundaries are so often misunderstood, and how setting them with intention can boost resilience, prevent burnout and create healthier relationships — both at work and at home.Expect honest reflections, light touches of humour and practical insights for anyone who’s ever struggled to say no. W...
2025-05-0807 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentIs Your Story Landing? Why Perception Shapes Opportunity If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this reflective bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill is joined by co-host and executive career transition coach Julia Bend to unpack the real impact of perception during times of change.It’s not just about your experience, it’s about how others interpret it. Julia shares practical insights on spotting blind spots, reframing your narrative and making sure your CV, LinkedIn profile and interview presence reflect where you're going, not just where you’ve been.If you’re...
2025-04-1007 min
LawNextWhen the Unthinkable Becomes Real: Three Legal Tech Leaders On Losing Their Homes To The Los Angeles WildfiresIn January, a merciless firestorm swept through the Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas of Los Angeles, becoming the most destructive wildfire in the city's history. Driven by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds and fueled by record-dry conditions, the Palisades Fire destroyed over 6,800 structures, burned nearly 24,000 acres, and dramatically altered the lives of thousands of residents. Among them were three individuals with deep ties to the legal tech community, each of whom lost their home to the fire. This week on LawNext, we speak with those three individuals: Valerie Chan, founder of the legal PR firm Platform P...
2025-04-0955 min
Be Truly HeardCollaboration or Competition? with guests Julia Bend and Valerie MerrillIs it really every woman for herself in business, or are we finally moving towards something more supportive? In this episode, I chat with Julia Bend and Valerie Merrill about how their podcast partnership started with one conversation, and turned into a brilliant collaboration.We talk about women backing women, showing up for each other, and the power of sharing ideas without fear. You’ll also hear their thoughts on visibility, learning, opportunity, and why change doesn’t have to mean losing your voice. This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t need to be sol...
2025-04-0327 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBonus Episode: Bespoke Training – Why It’s More Than Just ‘How-To’ If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special fireside edition of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia hands the mic to co-host Valerie Merrill for an expert deep dive into the world of bespoke training.If you’ve ever been involved in rolling out a customised system, you’ll know it’s far from straightforward. Valerie unpacks what really goes into training for bespoke software – from understanding unique business processes to designing tailored learning experiences while the system is still being developed.You’ll hear why effective...
2025-03-2906 min
Book Chat LiveBCL S12 E6: Valerie MerrillYou can find Valerie's book choices here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/stonehampress/list/2JMZZK8MJ73OI?ref_=aipsflist
2025-03-1355 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentCyber Security Essentials with Valerie Merrill: How to Stay Safe Online If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and co-host Valerie Merrill dive into the crucial topic of cyber security awareness for end users. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, understanding the risks and how to safeguard yourself is more important than ever.Valerie, an expert in workplace technology training, breaks down key cyber security threats including phishing, malware, ransomware, and insider threats while sharing practical, actionable steps to protect your data and stay secure online.From password...
2025-03-1312 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentFrom Experience to Opportunity: Julia Bend on Making Your Skills Work for You If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend explore one of the most critical yet overlooked elements of career success, leveraging transferable skills. Whether you're considering a career shift or looking to elevate your leadership potential, recognising the skills that transcend job titles is key to unlocking new opportunities.Julia shares her transition from Process Analyst to Executive Career Coach, breaking down how her EXECUTE Framework became the bridge between industries. This structured approach...
2025-02-2809 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentBeyond the Basics, Transform Your Workflow with Excel 365 If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, I’m joined by my co-host Valerie, founder and MD of Merrill Consultants, as she reveals the untapped potential of Excel 365. Drawing on over 30 years of training experience, Valerie explains transformative features like XLOOKUP, dynamic arrays, and advanced functions. She shares how tailored Excel training can boost efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration. Whether you’re new to Excel or an experienced user, this episode reveals why exploring beyond the basics is essential to fully...
2025-01-1706 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentSeason 2 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend as they dive even deeper into the inspiring, the innovative, and the transformative. This season brings you more real stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking moments from leaders shaping the future of learning and growth.From mastering career transitions to embracing fresh approaches in leadership and development, each episode is designed to inform, challenge, and empower your journey.Subscribe now to uncover the secrets that will elevate your personal and professional growth!
2024-12-3107 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentHow SharePoint Transforms Collaboration and Productivity If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Valerie, my co-host and founder of Merrill Consultants, who shares her expertise in transforming team collaboration and productivity through SharePoint. She explores the common challenges faced by organisations, from document chaos to disjointed communication, and explains how SharePoint’s features like document libraries, team sites, and workflows can streamline operations and improve efficiency. Valerie emphasises the importance of tailored training to unlock SharePoint’s full potential, ensuring teams feel con...
2024-11-2208 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentUnlocking the Secrets: Season 1 Highlights of The Secrets of Learning and Development If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Season 1 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend on a journey through the unexpected, the inspiring, and the game-changing. With real stories, actionable insights, and jaw-dropping moments from industry leaders, this season uncovers what it takes to shape the future of learning and growth. Subscribe now to discover conversations that will inform, challenge, and empower your next steps. We are thrilled to share 'The Secrets of Learning and Development' Podcast has...
2024-11-2211 min
The Secrets of Learning & DevelopmentJulia & Valerie Introduction: Who We Are and What We Do: Introducing the Secrets of Learning and Development If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E1 - Welcome to the first episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, where we, your hosts Julia and Valerie, take you on a journey through our personal and professional experiences that have shaped our passion for learning and development. This episode is all about getting to know us—our stories, our motivations, and what drives our commitment to helping others grow and succeed. Our paths first crossed at the Fab Collab networking event in 2023, where we quickly discovered our shared enth...
2024-08-2722 min
Family Business AudiocastEpisode 28: The Dimmer Switch Approach to Family Businesses with Valerie GalinskayaIn this episode, R. Adam Smith welcomes Valerie Galinskaya, Managing Director and Head of the Merrill Center for Family Wealth. With 18 years of experience helping ultra-high-net-worth families, Valerie shares insights on effective family financial planning strategies and the importance of intentional communication about wealth. She discusses her framework of Five Core Competencies for family wealth management and explains why defining purpose should precede structure and dollar amounts when discussing wealth transfer. The conversation explores how family enterprise governance benefits from clear decision-making processes and how legacy planning extends beyond financial considerations.
2024-08-2132 min
PIWORLD Investor Podcastspiworld interview: The Signs Were There - Tim Steer & Andy BroughThis viedo can be seen at: https://www.piworld.co.uk/2021/01/29/piworld-interview-the-signs-were-there-tim-steer-andy-brough/
Tim Steer, Author of The Signs were There, and Andy Brough, Head of the UK & European, Small & Mid Cap team, at Schroders, talk through different elements of Tim’s book. They help us identify some of the red flags in company accounts, including where profits are flattered by either balance sheet assets which should appear as debits on the P&L, or with credits taken out of the balance sheet benefiting the P&L. Artfully, they take a dry subject, add some personality and hum...
2021-01-2936 min
How We Read PodcastS1 Ep1 - The Bedtime StoryWe’ve heard many times the need for the bedtime story, and the importance of reading to children from a young age. But why is it important? How do we choose the right books? And is there a better way to read? In this episode, we learn just how important the bedtime story is, and invite guest storytellers to share with us their secrets to making a story come alive. Episode Guests Dr Jo Ann Shek, Lecturer, National Institute of Education Ms Lianne Ong, Children’s Author Mr Dwayne Lau, Actor, Performer and Storyteller Mr Hossan Leon...
2021-01-0324 min
Valley HeatEp. 7 - A Very Personal ThanksgivingDoug confronts Dean and Gary about the city counsel's decision to shut Janthony's Car Wash down.Also, the Ambien situation grows disastrous for Pete, Pete's Cousin, Doug and anyone else remotely peripheral to Doug's life.Featuring: Julian McCullough, Frankie Quinones, Chris Garcia, Valerie Ames, Billy Wayne Davis, Kevin Camia, Merrill Davis, Demorge Brown, Mike O'Connell, Emily Maya Mills, and Kathy Duguay. www.valleyheatpodcast.comTo support Valley Heat, become a member of Maximum Fun! https://www.maximumfun.org/joinOr check out Valley Heat merchandise!: valleyheat.threadless.c...
2020-12-061h 01
Home Care Marketing & Sales Mastery by Approved Senior Network®EP 75 Senior Care Industry Netcast with DeAnne Clune with Seniors Better TogetherSend a textEP 75 Senior Care Industry Netcast with DeAnne Clune with Seniors Better TogetherHi, Valerie. My name is DeAnne Clune, and I'm a senior living marketer. I've been in the business for 21 years now, and got my start at Leisure Care. And I've always worked in a multi-site capacity for companies like Leisure Care Merrill Gardens Transforming Age. And then most recently I've been a consultant in the industry, and now have the dual role of being Managing Director of Seniors Better Together, which is a newly formed marketing co-op...
2020-12-0226 min
USModernist Radio - Architecture You Love#138/Skidmore Owings + Merrill, with Nick Adams + Kate Reggev plus Musical Guest Valerie WoodSkidmore Owings and Merrill, which sounds like a law firm your uncle Mitch might work at, created international airports, stunningly tall skyscrapers, universities, flagship museums, and landmark corporate headquarters since the 1930's. In its heyday it was the Amazon of design firms, one of the largest in the world, with projects such as the 1973 Sears/Willis Tower in Chicago, the 2010 Burj Khalifa in Dubai, international airport terminals in Chicago and Kansas City, Lever House, the 2013 World Trade Center, the new Penn Station, the Waldorf Astoria restoration, the first net-zero-energy school in New York City, and even the design of...
2020-04-0653 min
The Chong and Chong ShowWeb Hosting: What to Know & What to Avoid!Episode 69 (click Play above)
Valerie Paik, Amy Gideon and Chris Curran
An awesome free-for-all conversation where our guests gave us incredible advice as well as many laughs. Seriously, give it a listen! We welcomed Amy Gideon (President and Co-Owner of TAG Online) and Valerie Paik (VP of Business Development with TAG Online)!
A few points we discussed:
The ownership of your companies website domain name
Not having a dedicated customer service person to call
The unfortunate perceived difficulty of website revamping projects
Cheap is expensive
And our guests also shared a few scary examples of companies that had lots of trou...
2015-02-2318 min