mindboost moments
Nik Brown on human connection
& engagement in a digital age

In our latest episode of Mindboost Moments, Caleb sat down with Nik Brown, head of sales and partnerships at iAM Learning, to discuss the ever-evolving world of engagement and genuine human connection in a digital world. The conversation was filled with deep insights, shedding light on what we can do to ensure learning is engaging, the role of emotions in education, and the importance of human connection.

therapy and coaching in a transformative world

The episode started with reflections on past guests, like Sean Marks from BaxterStory, who found therapy beneficial during COVID. Both Caleb and Nik acknowledged the value of coaching. Nik shared his personal experiences with coaching at work, revealing how it provides a crucial platform to articulate and process thoughts, even if he finds it challenging to open up fully.

Caleb adeptly compared the process of opening up in coaching to developing personal relationships, likening it to a dating journey. This metaphor beautifully illustrated how trust and comfort levels build over time.

engaging learning: it’s more than just bullet points

A significant portion of the conversation focused on creating memorable and engaging learning experiences. Nik criticised typical corporate presentations for their reliance on bullet points, which often fail to foster engagement.

Instead, he emphasised the power of storytelling and relatability, citing how effective orators and comedians capture their audiences’ attention.

Caleb echoed this sentiment by introducing the concept of “learning with feeling,” likening it to the immersive narratives of soap dramas. The discussion highlighted that learning should be enjoyable and relevant, sparking curiosity and deeper exploration.

the power of human connection

One of the most compelling insights from the episode was the importance of human connection. Both hosts agreed that the emotional element is vital in education. Nik’s passion for problem-solving and Caleb’s humorous anecdotes, like his “dad joke” and being left-handed, brought a personal touch to the conversation, underscoring how emotions and personal stories enrich learning experiences.

downtime and creativity: the unsung heroes

Caleb and Nik explored the often-overlooked need for downtime. Caleb mentioned how creative ideas frequently emerge when trying to sleep, as the brain is relaxed. They agreed that a balanced approach, allowing for periods of rest, can lead to innovative problem-solving. Caleb humorously noted that while a relaxed state similar to having a glass of red wine can help creativity, the ideas might not always be well-connected!

rethinking L&D budgets: investing in impact

Caleb and Nik also discussed the alarming trend of reduced L&D budgets across companies. Nik observed cuts in the sector and questioned the typical response of cost savings over meaningful enhancement.

They proposed a shift in mindset, where organisations focus on improving impact rather than merely reducing expenses.

Caleb used a restaurant analogy to highlight how budget cuts can lead to dissatisfaction with service quality, stressing the need for investment in L&D as a means of genuine productivity enhancement.

embracing remote work and flexibility

The conversation touched on cultural shifts towards remote work, noting the increased autonomy and the balance between work and personal life. Caleb and Nik challenged outdated notions of productivity focused on time spent at a desk, advocating for outcome-based evaluations instead.

the human element in a digital age

Amidst all the talk about technology and AI, Caleb and Nik asserted that human interaction and creativity are irreplaceable. They highlighted the essence of spontaneous, random conversations that AI lacks, reinforcing the unique value of human connection.

Nik Brown’s insights have reinforced the importance of making learning engaging and relevant. From storytelling to the emotional components of education, this episode of “Mindboost Moments” underscores the need for a human touch in an increasingly digital world. As we embrace technology and remote work, let’s not forget the power of relatability, creativity, and genuine human connection in creating impactful learning experiences. To catch more enlightening discussions, be sure to subscribe to our podcast and visit mindboostlearning.com.