Personnel Today, in association with Cornerstone OnDemand, is set to host a pivotal webinar on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at 11:00 AM BST, addressing the profound transformation sweeping through the landscape of learning and development (L&D) as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the global workforce. This forthcoming 60-minute session, titled "Stop Building Courses, Start Building the Future," will equip professionals with the crucial insights needed to navigate the AI era, emphasizing a fundamental shift from traditional "content creator" roles to that of a "workforce architect." The event promises to be an essential guide for individuals aiming to future-proof their careers and for organizations striving to evolve their talent strategies in an increasingly AI-driven world.
The core premise of the webinar revolves around the imperative for a significant mindset shift within L&D. As AI capabilities expand, the efficacy of conventional, discrete learning programs is diminishing. The traditional model, characterized by employees stepping away from their work for scheduled courses, catalogues, assignments, and fixed training hours, is increasingly being challenged by the need for continuous, embedded, and highly personalized development. The webinar will delve into the concept of "invisible learning," a paradigm where development is seamlessly integrated into daily work processes through innovative AI-powered tools. This includes real-time AI chat guidance, adaptive learning pathways, and agentic workflows, all designed to make learning an intrinsic, rather than an extrinsic, part of an employee’s professional life.
The Evolution from Content Creator to Workforce Architect
The transition from "content creator" to "workforce architect" is not merely a semantic shift but represents a strategic reorientation of the L&D function. A content creator traditionally focuses on developing and delivering specific courses or modules, often in response to identified skill gaps or compliance requirements. While this role remains valuable, the rapid pace of technological change, particularly the advent of generative AI, necessitates a more holistic and forward-looking approach.
A workforce architect, by contrast, adopts a broader, strategic perspective. This role involves understanding the organization’s long-term business objectives, anticipating future skill demands, and designing comprehensive ecosystems that enable continuous learning and adaptability across the entire workforce. This architectural approach goes beyond individual courses to consider how technology, culture, and processes can converge to foster a learning-agile organization. It demands a proactive stance, where L&D professionals don’t just react to current skill deficits but actively build the capabilities required for future success, often leveraging data analytics and predictive modeling to inform their strategies. The webinar will explore how L&D leaders can reframe their roles to encompass this strategic foresight, moving from a reactive training provider to a proactive enabler of organizational agility and competitive advantage.
AI as the Catalyst for Invisible Learning
Artificial intelligence is not just "part and parcel" of this future; it is the fundamental engine driving the invisible learning revolution. Industry reports from entities like the World Economic Forum consistently highlight AI as one of the most disruptive technologies, simultaneously creating new job roles and rendering others obsolete, thereby generating immense pressure on organizations to reskill and upskill their workforces at an unprecedented pace. Traditional learning methods struggle to keep up with this velocity of change.
Invisible learning, powered by AI, offers a viable solution. Instead of formal training sessions, employees can receive real-time, context-sensitive guidance directly within their workflow. Imagine an employee encountering a complex task in a new software application; an AI-powered assistant could provide immediate, personalized instructions or relevant micro-learning modules without the employee ever leaving their work environment. Adaptive learning algorithms can analyze an individual’s performance, learning style, and existing knowledge to deliver tailored content, ensuring efficiency and engagement. Agentic workflows, where AI proactively suggests next steps or provides necessary information, further embed learning into the fabric of daily operations, making skill acquisition a continuous, almost subconscious process. This approach not only reduces the time and cost associated with traditional training but also enhances knowledge retention and immediate application, leading to measurable improvements in productivity and performance.
Expert Panellists to Guide the Discussion
The webinar will feature a distinguished panel led by Personnel Today editor Rob Moss, who will facilitate a deep dive into these critical topics. Joining him will be two leading voices from Cornerstone OnDemand, a global leader in cloud-based learning and human capital management software:
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Kate Graham, Global Insights Director, Cornerstone OnDemand: With over two decades of experience in learning, talent, and people technology, Kate Graham is uniquely positioned to offer profound insights into the future of work. Her extensive career has seen her contribute to major industry events like Learning Technologies and Unleash, and work with prominent analysts such as Fosway Group. Graham’s role at Cornerstone OnDemand synthesizes her deep understanding of HR technology, a robust network of industry experts, and a keen eye for applying technology to solve complex business challenges. Her contributions to numerous publications underscore her commitment to sharing cutting-edge insights and best practices. During the webinar, she is expected to articulate the macro trends necessitating the shift to invisible learning and the strategic implications for L&D professionals aspiring to become workforce architects. Her analysis will likely focus on how organizations can leverage technological advancements to build resilient and future-ready workforces.
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Wendy Kilgannon, Senior Regional Sales Manager, Cornerstone OnDemand: Wendy Kilgannon brings nearly two decades of practical experience in HR tech and talent solutions, having held roles at companies like iCIMS, nudge, MyPeople, Saba, and SAS. Her background provides a practitioner’s perspective on designing effective learning ecosystems that seamlessly integrate into the flow of work and deliver tangible business impact. Kilgannon’s expertise extends beyond mere compliance, focusing on strategies that unlock real performance. Her insights will be invaluable in demonstrating how theoretical concepts of invisible learning can be translated into actionable strategies, offering practical examples and use cases. She is anticipated to discuss the operational challenges and successes in implementing AI-driven learning solutions across various organizational contexts, emphasizing measurable outcomes and ROI. Her passion for people development, also evident in her community work as a host at Making Moves and her role as a child welfare officer and coach in grassroots football, reflects a holistic understanding of human potential.
Rob Moss, with over 25 years of experience in business journalism and as editor of Personnel Today since 2010, will leverage his expertise in labour market economics, gender diversity, and family-friendly working to steer the discussion. His extensive experience hosting hundreds of webinars and podcasts ensures a dynamic and insightful conversation, drawing out the most pertinent information from the panellists and facilitating a robust audience Q&A session.
Broader Impact and Implications for Organizations
The implications of this shift extend far beyond the L&D department, impacting organizational strategy, employee engagement, and competitive positioning. Research from sources like Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends consistently highlights the need for continuous reskilling and upskilling as a top priority for C-suite executives. A report by PwC, for instance, indicated that 77% of CEOs believe the availability of key skills is a major threat to their business growth. The webinar’s focus on "rewriting your job description" for the AI era speaks directly to this urgent need.
For organizations, embracing invisible learning and the workforce architect mindset means:
- Enhanced Agility: The ability to rapidly adapt to market changes, technological advancements, and evolving customer demands by continuously developing employee skills.
- Improved Employee Experience: Learning becomes less of a chore and more of an integrated, supportive element of daily work, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.
- Reduced Time to Proficiency: AI-driven personalized learning accelerates skill acquisition, enabling employees to become proficient in new areas much faster.
- Data-Driven Decisions: The insights gleaned from AI-powered learning platforms provide valuable data on skill gaps, learning effectiveness, and talent potential, informing strategic HR and business decisions.
- Competitive Advantage: Organizations that effectively leverage AI in L&D can build a more skilled, adaptable, and innovative workforce, outpacing competitors.
For L&D professionals, this transformation presents both challenges and unparalleled opportunities. It necessitates developing new competencies in data analytics, instructional design for AI-driven platforms, change management, and strategic workforce planning. The webinar aims to provide a roadmap for this professional evolution, ensuring that L&D leaders are not merely observers but active shapers of their organizations’ future.
Registration and Anticipated Takeaways
Attendees of the "Stop Building Courses, Start Building the Future" webinar are encouraged to register promptly to secure their place. The session is structured to provide actionable insights, including a comprehensive presentation followed by a crucial audience Q&A, allowing participants to directly engage with the experts.
Key learning outcomes from the webinar are expected to include:
- Understanding the Workforce Architect Mindset: A clear definition of this strategic role and the competencies required to excel in it.
- Leveraging AI for Invisible Learning: Practical strategies and examples of how AI can embed learning directly into the flow of work.
- Redefining L&D’s Strategic Value: Insights into how L&D can move beyond transactional training to become a critical driver of business success.
- Future-Proofing Careers: Guidance for L&D professionals on adapting their skills and roles for the AI era.
- Building Resilient Organizations: Strategies for creating a continuous learning culture that fosters adaptability and innovation.
Personnel Today, a leading publication providing HR news and guidance, regularly hosts such events to keep its readership abreast of the latest developments and best practices in human resources. Its collaboration with Cornerstone OnDemand, a company at the forefront of learning and talent experience solutions, underscores the timeliness and relevance of this topic. Cornerstone OnDemand’s commitment to empowering organizations to develop, grow, and engage their people aligns perfectly with the webinar’s objectives of fostering future-ready workforces.
In an era where the shelf-life of skills is shrinking rapidly, and the demand for continuous learning is escalating, the insights shared in this webinar will be instrumental. It offers a unique opportunity for L&D practitioners, HR leaders, and business executives to gain a deeper understanding of how to harness AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a transformative force for human potential and organizational growth. The future of work is here, and the ability to design and architect a continuously learning workforce will be the ultimate differentiator for success.
Reserve your place on the webinar now to join this essential discussion and empower yourself and your organization for the AI era of L&D.
