The Assembly

You can buy great content, roll it out properly, and still watch most of your people never touch it. Michelle Hazelton explains why, and the reason is simpler than motivation.

Adam sits down with Michelle Hazelton, former MD of Anders Pink (acquired by Go1) and now content lead at Access Learning, part of the Access Group, to unpack the shift reshaping learning technology: from learning as a place you go to, to support that finds you in the flow of work.

With more than a decade at the sharp end of learning technology, from startups to a 1.2 billion pound software group, Michelle brings a rare both-sides-of-the-table view, having been acquired herself and now helping assess acquisitions.

She breaks down why most L&D tech gets bought the wrong way round, what genuine learning in the flow of work actually looks like, and why even the smartest AI still needs a human in the loop.

What you'll learn:
  1. Why you should choose a vendor on your biggest challenges, not their feature list, and the one roadmap question that reveals who is really ahead
  2. What "learning in the flow of work" finally looks like in practice, using Access's navigator screen as a live example
  3. Why human in the loop stays non-negotiable when AI can confidently produce biased or wrong content
  4. How AI agents are taking manual curation off L&D's plate, shown through a real performance-management workflow
  5. The career advice Michelle gives anyone entering L&D, starting with a history lesson

🔗 Connect with Michelle
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehazelton/

📮 The Assembly Debrief
A short, practical email unpacking the best ideas from each episode, designed for modern learning leaders who want insight without the noise. https://www.assembleyou.com/the-assembly/newsletter

👋 Come and connect with us
We're always keen to hear what's resonating or what you're seeing in your world.
Adam Lacey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlacey/
Richard Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpward/

More from The Assembly & Assemble You
Learning that feels more like great content than training. Explore podcast-style lessons, video shorts, and series designed for real work. https://www.assembleyou.com

Privacy & Data
This podcast is hosted by Transistor. For more information on how your data is handled, please visit: https://www.transistor.fm/privacy/

What is The Assembly?

The Assembly: Where L&D Minds Assemble

The future of workplace learning doesn’t live in theory — it lives in lived experience, fresh research, and honest conversations.
That’s what The Assembly delivers.

Hosted by Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You and digital learning veteran, and Brigid McCormack, a newcomer to the world of L&D, this is your go-to space for rich, real talk on what’s driving L&D forward.

In each episode, you’ll find:
Richer insights that go beyond surface-level tips to unpack what really works in learning today
Expert perspectives from leaders shaping the L&D landscape
Access to new research on tech, methods, and innovations defining tomorrow’s learning culture
Practical strategies you can use right now to build essential skills like leadership, communication, and adaptability

Whether you’re designing programs, shaping strategy, or driving culture change — if learning is your thing, this is your podcast.

Formally known as L&D Challenges.