The next generation of learning professionals has already made a huge contribution to our industry – below are a handful of names to discover.Key takeaways
- In the world of L&D, Dr Hannah Gore is known for technology-based learning.
- Benjamin Ridgway offers children immersive and memorable reading experiences.
- Sophie Costin is Director of Learning Design at immersive specialists Make Real, developing impactful strategies for major clients.
- While at Filtered, Chris Littlewood used AI algorithms to make learning recommendations.
- Glynn Willett is the CEO of award-winning MobyMax, a business helping struggling learners quickly catch up.
- Pawel Bendor worked for Polish bank Alior Bank, where he delivered leadership and personal competencies training.
Future of L&D
Learning and development (L&D) is evolving faster than ever before. Since the advent of mass digital learning, technological innovations have been shaping the way people learn and how we help them achieve learning outcomes from big data and virtual reality to artificial intelligence.Many changes are driven by pioneers who often don't get the same attention as stalwarts of the past. They take a different perspective and seek to disrupt conventional wisdom.
Let's look at trailblazers who have quietly revolutionised the world of learning. They are not in any order, and the list is by no means exhaustive. The article aims to inspire and perhaps give you a new perspective on the future of learning.
1. Massive Open Online Courses – Dr. Hannah Gore, Head of People (EMEA, US, & Global Contractors), QS Quacquarelli Saymonds
Hannah has made waves in the field of technology-based learning. She describes herself as a naturally strategic thinker who enjoys the challenges her roles have brought.
After gaining a bronze in ‘Learning Professional of the Year’, she was a Learning Awards 2020 finalist. Her doctoral thesis ‘Engagement of Learners Undertaking Massive Open Online Courses is available via the Open University website. One for your book club perhaps…
After being Head of Learning and Talent at Solera, she moved to Tessellate as People Experience Director, and now works at QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
2. Mobile Learning – Benjamin Ridgway, Founder and Director, Yap Books
Benjamin may have flown under your radar, but his Staffordshire-based company is blazing a trail in mobile learning. Even if you don’t know him, the accolade committees do, having bestowed no less than five mobile learning awards on him in 2019.
His innovative approach brings kids stories to life through sights, sounds and speech, providing an immersive and memorable reading experience. For those who wanted learning success to be child’s play, Yap has made that a reality.
Since August 2025, Benjamin has also been a ‘Venture Builder’ at Beyond.
3. Virtual Reality – Sophie Costin, Director of Learning, Make Real
Heard of Sophie Costin? Perhaps, if you’ve seen (or interacted with) Make Real’s award-winning ‘Working at Height’ VR campaign for Vodafone. After stints at Kineo and Brightwave, she moved to Make Real as Head of Learning Designs, spearheading L&D based on immersive technologies that make you feel what you learn. After three years, she moved to the role of Director where she defines impactful learning strategies for major clients.
Find Sophie on LinkedIn, or for the full visual experience, check out Make Real's YouTube videos.
4. AI – Chris Littlewood, Director of Data Products
Following stints at Oxford and Cambridge universities, Chris became a Higgs-Boson researcher at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. In 2012, he went on to lead the charge at London-based Filtered, using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to make learning recommendations. As the world moves to the adoption of learning experience platforms and learning record stores, these algorithms are becoming as central to L&D as Google is to search.
After 16 years at Filtered, Chris moved to Hult International Business School as a part-time Member of the Corporate Advisory Board, and is still there, as well as being Director of Data Products at Multiverse.
5. Adaptive learning – Glynn Willet, Co-Founder, MobyMax
One from across the pond. Glynn Willett is a co-founder of MobyMax, the deserved winner of a 2019 EdTech Award for Best Adaptive Technology Solution. His goal was “enabling all children to learn twice as fast". He achieved that by automatically assigning lessons based on students’ diagnostic results, ensuring they practice skills they need to work on, not those they’ve mastered.
6. Gamification – Pawel Bendor, Head of the Human Resources Management Department, National Health Fund
In a previous role, Pawel worked for Alior Bank, a provincial Polish bank. While there, and with the help of Westhill Consulting, he introduced a new 'Digital Rebel' strategy. His Project Leader Academy 3.0 delivered leadership and personal competencies training. How did he keep people engaged? Clever, effective and award-winning gamified learning.
After Alior, Pawel moved to Mercator Medical S.A. as Learning & Development Manager before taking on the role of Training Department Manager at BNI Polska. These days, he’s Head of the Human Resources Management Department at the National Health Fund.
Find out more (in English) about Pawel’s role at Alior Bank on the website.
Learning and development: FAQs
Why is L&D important?
It helps employees grow, improves job satisfaction and retention, and ensures your business is adaptable, innovative and competitive.
What are current L&D trends?
Artificial intelligence-assisted learning experiences, data-driven analytics, personalised learning, upskilling and reskilling.
How can employees make the most of L&D initiatives?
By setting clear personal development goals, seeking feedback and mentorship, applying learning on the job and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
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Written by: Emmeline de Chazal
Emmeline is an experienced digital editor and content marketing executive. She has a demonstrated history of working in both the education management and software industries. Emmeline has a degree in business science and her skillset includes Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing analytics. She is passionate about education and utilising her skills to encourage greater access to e-learning.
