140 – From Redundancy to Reinvention to the Rise of AI with Valerie Merrill

Navigating 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 design is more essential than ever.

With over 35 years in training across industries, Valerie has a wealth of experience and knowledge identifying the right learning interventions to achieve team and organisational goals in learning and development, while focusing on return on investment.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How to reframe redundancy as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Practical strategies for staying resilient and taking action in uncertain times.
How to assess whether running your own business is the right move.
Where AI is making the biggest impact in learning and workplace communication.
Why inclusive, adaptive learning design matters more than ever.

Reflection Questions: