We’ve all been there—leaving a conference feeling inspired, only to realise a week later that nothing has actually changed. That initial spark of motivation fades, and people slip back into old habits.
So, what if there was a way to make learning stick?
This is exactly what my keynote, How to Make Learning Stick, is designed to do. Whether opening a leadership conference, extending into a corporate training session, or delivering a high-impact lunch-and-learn, I help teams take insights beyond the room—so they actually turn into action.
Beyond the Room: Making Learning Stick in Real Life
You can see this in action in some of my recent LinkedIn posts. I don’t love posting ‘Where I am today’ pictures—who really cares where I am?! They feel like ego posts to me.
What I prefer to do is post a couple of weeks later, when delegates are back in real life. My social media posts aren’t about me—they’re about serving my clients, helping the learning stick. They remind people to translate the ideas from weeks ago into action today.
I got the idea for these ‘Ebbinghaus Nudge’ posts from science. Hermann Ebbinghaus’ research on the forgetting curve shows that without reinforcement, people forget up to 75% of what they learn within just a few days. But if they revisit and apply the learning—especially when prompted—the retention curve dramatically improves.
This is the power of nudges, and it’s exactly why I do what I do.
The Science of Lasting Learning
Neuroscience tells us that the brain is wired to forget most of what it encounters unless learning is structured in a way that makes it meaningful and easy to recall. The key is simple: salience, repetition, and emotional connection.
Harvard Business Review research backs this up—showing that the most effective learning isn’t about how much content is covered but about how it’s applied in real-world situations. That’s why my keynote focuses on practical techniques that leaders and teams can implement immediately.
Depending on how long we have together, I might introduce The 4 Ds, Ebbinghaus, or RACI.
But here’s one of my simplest and most effective models—perfect for launching a conference, embedding learning within a programme, or testing out this week with your team.
The GR and OW Model: A Simple Framework for Retention
One of the most powerful tools I introduce in this keynote is GR and OW, a brilliantly simple framework originally developed by Sir John Whitmore, best known for pioneering the GROW coaching model. This approach ensures learning doesn’t just happen in the room—it actually sticks.
- GR – Get Ready: Before any learning experience, take just two minutes to ask:
- What’s my goal? What do I want to get from this session?
- How does this goal fit within the reality of my work? What’s really stopping me from achieving it already?
- This primes the brain for learning and helps filter information that’s most relevant.
- OW – Ongoing Work: Immediately after the session, reflect with:
- What options do I have to apply this? What obstacles might I face?
- What will I do next? When will I put this into action?
- This step ensures knowledge is turned into action and woven into daily work habits.
This framework is something I explore in It’s Not Bloody Rocket Science – The Journal #2, where I guide readers through an interactive activity designed to reinforce learning and drive real change.
More Than Just a Keynote—A Lasting Impact
Many conferences offer great speakers, but how many provide tools that help the learning last? When I deliver this keynote, delegates don’t just leave with insights—they leave with a practical framework they can use straight away.
And for some events, delegates can also receive a signed copy of my books.
- For readers, DOSE or It’s Not Bloody Rocket Science are ideal.
- For audiences who aren’t as bookish, I have two guided Journals, with a bit of science, interactive activities, and plenty of space to scribble.
The Journal #2 includes the GR and OW activity and is packed with other exercises to reinforce what they’ve learned. Because let’s be honest—who doesn’t love walking away from a keynote with something valuable they can actually use? (And merch!).
Why I’m Different
Initially, I wasn’t sure about this comment from a senior leader who booked me, was delighted, and then recommended me on…
…but actually, I now quote it proudly, because even if it takes you aback, it’s very me—direct, down-to-earth, and truthful!
“She’s like a Yorkshire Simon Sinek… only shorter and a woman, which was handy in our room to make sure we added a bit of diversity. Oh, and she was really, really good.”
✔ Science-backed and practical – Neuroscience and psychology meet real-world business application.
✔ Engaging and memorable – No jargon, no fluff—just compelling stories and actionable takeaways.
✔ Immediate impact – Attendees walk away with clear strategies to implement straight away.
✔ A lasting resource – Some events include signed copies of The Journal, helping teams turn ideas into action.
Want to Make Learning Stick in Your Organisation?
Get in touch to book this talk for your next event. Whether it’s a conference opener, an executive retreat, or a team development session, this keynote will ensure the learning lasts long after the event ends.
