“It was just paper on a screen”—Jean-Marie on the dark days of e-learning.​What if training didn’t feel like training—but instead felt like a game, a story, or even a personal journey? In this episode, we explore how AI and immersive design are turning old-school e-learning into brain-igniting experiences. You’ll hear about what actually lights up the learner’s mind and how to rethink engagement from the ground up.

Jean-Marie, CEO of Cognant AI and a veteran of marketing, gaming, and behavioral design, shares a radically human vision for development. From Burning Man insights to launching fragrances at L’Oréal, he connects tech, purpose, and creativity in a way that will challenge how you think about learning—forever.

Key Takeaways

• AI is finally capable of making learning experiences feel deeply personal, interactive, and unforgettable.
• Traditional e-learning methods fail because they ignore joy, play, and the human need for engagement.
• Tools like Ikigai help connect meaningful work to purposeful living—especially in leadership and development.

Timestamps

[00:00] The core philosophy behind fun, choice, and change

[00:39] Jean-Marie’s background and mission with Cognant AI

[01:02] Why most training fails—and how immersion changes everything

[01:59] Gaming as the “MetaMedia” and its power in L&D

[02:51] The AI revolution that’s finally making learning “stick”

[03:58] What Corsican hand gestures taught about perspective

[04:30] Learning music without learning theory—and what that means for L&D

[05:14] The worst thing about early e-learning—and how AI is the antidote

[07:40] Burning Man, Cory Doctorow, and digital ethics

[10:47] Why Ikigai isn’t just philosophy—it’s a design blueprint for happiness

Links

• Jean-Marie Guitera on Linkedin
• CognentAI Website
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website

You will never succeed in L&D if you don’t understand the business.What happens when a seasoned L&D leader is fired by HR but instantly rehired by the business? In this high-impact episode, we dive into the strategic, gritty, and sometimes controversial truths behind learning and development in the corporate world. This isn’t about theory—this is about what really works when you're trying to drive results, earn respect, and survive the shifting sands of internal politics.

Dirk Rossi—former CHRO, private equity director, and ex-head of L&D for JP Morgan across Asia Pacific—shares stories that redefine what success looks like in the people development world. From firing 5,000 employees to sending ignored “Cassandra” warnings that proved true, his experience proves one thing: real influence comes from understanding the business better than HR does.

Key Takeaways

1. True business credibility for L&D professionals comes only from stepping outside HR and diving into operational roles.
2. Dirk’s proudest and most painful moments show how being too aligned with HR can cost you—and how the business often sees your value more clearly.
3. The "Cassandra Emails" metaphor reminds us of the danger of foresight without influence in corporate environments.

Timestamps

[00:00] Why You Need to Leave L&D to Truly Succeed

[00:00:42] Dirk Rossi’s International Career and Background

[00:01:52] His Obsession With Business Results in L&D

[00:02:28] Project Panter: The Most Successful L&D Campaign

[00:03:23] The Hand Gesture That Changed His Divorce and Life

[00:04:18] The One Skill Dirk Still Struggles With After 30 Years

[00:04:50] Winning a Change Management Award for a Merger

[00:05:12] Getting Fired by HR—Then Rehired by Business Heads

[00:06:03] Cassandra Emails: Foresight With No Influence

[00:07:00] Final Advice: Step Out of HR to Earn Real Respect

Links

• Dirk Rossey on Linkedin
• Tom Bailey on LinkedIn
• Tom Bailey Website

Humility—not knowledge—is the most underrated skill in learning and development.

This episode gets real about the ups and downs of learning and development, breaking down what it takes to create strategies that actually work. We’re talking about the power of sharp analytical and consulting skills, why old-school training often misses the mark, and how trailblazing leaders are shaking things up. Whether you want to wow your stakeholders, align L&D with business goals, or dodge some common (and costly) mistakes, this chat is packed with practical tips you can start using right away.

Key Takeaways:

1. The value of consulting skills in L&D: Identifying problems first ensures meaningful and aligned solutions.
2. Agile approaches in L&D: How Sky redefined management training by ditching traditional methods.
3. Personal and professional growth in L&D: The importance of humility, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Best advice: Investing in analytical and consulting skills
• [00:36] Introduction to Rogue L&D Hot Shots podcast
• [01:04] David James shares his background and passion for impactful L&D
• [02:27] The most inspiring L&D campaign David witnessed at Sky
• [08:30] Worst L&D experience: Missteps at Lehman Brothers
• [09:31] Best celebrity moment: Sharing a flight with Paul Stanley of Kiss
• [10:53] A belief David holds: Performance-oriented L&D is timeless
• [12:45] Tools and frameworks for effective L&D consulting
• [14:50] How analysis drives stakeholder credibility and lasting impact
• [16:09] Closing thoughts and call to connect on L&D development practices

Links & Future Learnings

• ⁠David James on LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠David James 360 Company⁠
• ⁠Tom Bailey on LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠Tom Bailey Website⁠
• ⁠360 Learning Masterclass Video Courses by David James⁠