L&D at the AI Table: Shaping Strategy, Not Just Providing the Training with Simon Brown

L&D at the AI Table: Shaping Strategy, Not Just Providing the Training with Simon Brown

From The Learning & Development Podcast by David James

April 14, 2026 · 41 min · Season 2 · Episode 82

About this episode

Simon Brown discusses the evolving role of L&D in shaping AI strategy at EY.

In this episode, Simon Brown takes us inside his role as Global Learning & Development Leader at EY, sharing how he sits at the table shaping the organisation’s AI agenda rather than just delivering training. We explore how L&D can move from a support function to a strategic driver in the AI era, the practical ways his team is role-modelling AI, and the benefits of taking an integrated approach across departments to unlock real impact. Simon also gives his perspective on the speed at which AI is transforming L&D, what this means for day-to-day operations, and how teams can stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. He shares actionable advice for L&D leaders who feel they might be behind the curve, offering insights into how to forge influence, make AI work for learning, and prepare their organisations for the next wave of skills development. Take your L&D to the next level Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership. It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here…

People in this episode

Host: David James

Guest: Simon Brown

Topics covered

  • Learning and Development
  • AI in L&D
  • Strategic L&D
  • Skills Development
  • Organizational Impact

Keywords

  • Learning and Development
  • AI
  • Skills Development
  • Training
  • Organizational Strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EY

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