In this episode, we sit down for a masterclass in language and human connection with the legends who coined the term "Communities of Practice."

Our guests are Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner. They are globally recognized thought leaders who have spent decades helping organizations—from the World Bank to global tech giants—understand that learning isn't about transferring data, but about people making sense of the world together.

In this conversation, we explore:

• 🔄 Social Learning vs. Transmission: Why we must move from simply moving certainty from one brain to another to the "mutual engagement of uncertainty."
• 🦠 Reframing Groupthink: Why groupthink isn't just an error, but like cancer—a natural process of growth gone wrong—and how to disrupt it.
• 🤖 AI as a New Literacy: Why we must learn to use AI to springboard our humanity, rather than imprisoning ourselves in easy answers.
• 🚫 Managing "Intruders": How to identify and handle people who shut down learning spaces by rushing to provide answers.

This conversation is deep, precise, and warm. Etienne and Bev bring a settled presence that cuts through the noise of our fast-paced world. We think you'll love their insights.

🖥️ Shapeshifters Website:
https://www.makeshapes.com/shapeshifters

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In this episode, we share a high-energy intervention for L&D teams tired of seeing their content pile up unused.

Our guest is Barbara Harvey, the Head of Learning at Growth Faculty. With a background that spans drama teaching and film production, Barbara brings a refreshing, human-centric lens to the corporate world. She is "painfully enthusiastic" about unlocking potential and isn't afraid to call out where modern learning strategies are failing.

In this conversation, we explore:

• 🗑️ The "Learning Landfill": Why self-directed learning often piles up unused and why we need a sustainable approach to content.
• 🥦 "Hide the vegetables": How to make learning joyful and engaging so it doesn't feel like a chore or "school."
• 🎨 Creativity is Research: Debunking the myth of the "magic idea" and why the unsexy work of research is where innovation happens.
• 🤖 AI, Simulation, and Microwaving: Why we must use AI to deepen the struggle of learning, not just make it easy.

This conversation is infectious. Barbara pulls no punches about the state of the industry, but she offers a hopeful, practical playbook for bringing heart and joy back into the process.

🖥️ Shapeshifters Website:
https://www.makeshapes.com/shapeshifters

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In this episode, we share a pragmatic, evidence-based guide to navigating the future of L&D without getting lost in content libraries.

Our guest is Michelle Ockers, the founder of Learning Uncut and co-author of The L&D Leader. Michelle is a practitioner first, with a unique talent for cutting through industry buzzwords to find what actually works.

In this conversation, we explore:

• 📉 Why "throwing courses at people" is a failing strategy when the time horizon for skills is shrinking.
• 🛶 The Wayfinding Metaphor: How the Polynesian Voyaging Society offers the perfect blueprint for modern L&D.
• 🔄 Why you should stop asking "How do you learn?" and start asking "How do you get better at stuff?"
• 🦁 How to be "Smart Bold" and move beyond "proving" your value to "improving" your work.

This conversation brings such a clear, evidence-based voice to the table. Michelle has a wonderful way of cutting through the noise. We think you’ll love her advice on how to adopt the mindset of a navigator to handle uncertainty with confidence.

📖 Book Details:

More information on Michelle's book "The L&D Leader" - https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/the-l-d-leader-9781398620278

🖥️ Shapeshifters Website:
https://www.makeshapes.com/shapeshifters

🔗 Connect with us:

Makeshapes on LinkedIn

Makeshapes on X

Makeshapes on Instagram

Makeshapes on Facebook

Makeshapes on TikTok