The world of Learning and Development (L&D) is undergoing a seismic shift and at the heart of it is AI. As technology continues to evolve at pace, L&D leaders are being called to rethink traditional strategies and embrace innovation that drives real business impact.
In Episode 82 of L&D Disrupt, we sit down with Henry Litchfield, Head of Talent at Lucid Group, to explore how AI is reshaping L&D and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. With experience spanning Dyson, Graphcore, and now Lucid, Henry offers practical insights for anyone navigating the intersection of learning, talent, and technology.
Henry’s unconventional path into corporate L&D began in outdoor education, where he championed experiential learning long before stepping into boardrooms. His early skepticism of the corporate world eventually gave way to a deeper appreciation for how organisations can be transformed through people-first strategies and how L&D can be a key driver of that change.
In fast-paced, high-growth environments, disruption is the norm. Henry shares how adaptability and strategic thinking are critical when working in AI-driven companies. Rather than resist the chaos, L&D teams must evolve with it; building structures that support continuous learning, talent development, and business agility.
A central theme in the episode is how AI is changing the role of L&D from content creators to strategic business partners. The expectation is no longer just to deliver training but to deliver measurable impact.
Henry discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT have helped him communicate more effectively, but he also warns against over-automation. Striking the right balance between efficiency and empathy is key to maintaining trust and human connection in the learning experience.
Looking ahead, Henry sees AI as a way to personalize learning at scale. From automating workflows to delivering contextual, role-specific content, AI can elevate learning from static modules to dynamic, on-demand experiences.
But with this transformation comes a responsibility: L&D professionals must stay ahead of AI trends, collaborate closely with tech teams, and ensure their work continues to reflect a human-centred approach.
AI is powerful but it can also be overwhelming. Henry encourages L&D leaders to start small: use AI to enhance communications, streamline manual tasks, or prototype new learning formats. Surround yourself with a community of peers, share experiences, and explore new tools together.
By taking incremental steps and staying open to experimentation, L&D professionals can build confidence and drive meaningful change.
Want to hear more of Henry’s insights on how AI is transforming L&D?
▶️ Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
New episodes drop every Monday, bringing you bold conversations and real-world strategies from the people reshaping learning and development. Subscribe to stay ahead.