The Assembly

In this interview, Adam chats with Stephen Holderness, Content and Digital Learning Lead at AO. 

Stephen leads the transformation of their digital learning offer and has driven engagement in digital learning to record numbers by aligning it to the values of the business as well as the people in it.

In this episode, Adam and Stephen discuss:
  1. The power of using different modalities to increase engagement with learning in L&D
  2. The importance of speaking with employees doing the learning helps you to provide what's needed. 
  3. The L&D journey AO has gone on over the last five years.
  4. What has worked well, what hasn't, and what the team has learned.
  5. How to support a multi-faceted business that's also growing rapidly!
  6. How to move towards a more learner-led culture.
  7. Stephen's top tips for anyone starting in L&D right now including being bullish and market, market, market. 

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.