Learning often feels like it happens in a straight line. You pick up skills, apply them to a job, and keep moving. But the truth is, learning — especially in today’s world — is messy. It’s iterative, unpredictable, and most importantly, it’s about what we do with what we learn.
For those of us working in strategy, innovation, and organisational change, this mindset shift is vital. It’s not just about delivering today’s outcomes but building a future that’s adaptive, inclusive, and resilient. The question is, how do we take what we’re learning now and use it to shape what’s next?
1. From insights to action: turning learning into change
The best learning isn’t just absorbed — it’s applied. Think of it as turning theory into practice, insights into action.
TPXimpact’s work on participatory design (https://www.tpximpact.com/) shows how learning from communities can shape digital and service design, creating systems that reflect real-world needs.
How to apply this:
- Start with small tests: take what you’re learning and prototype solutions at a local level.
- Make it participative: involve the people impacted by the problem in shaping the answer.
- Share what works — and what doesn’t: learning thrives in open, collaborative environments.
2. Learning across boundaries: breaking down silos
We learn better when we learn together. But in many organisations, learning happens in silos — one team reflects on their work, while others stay in the dark. Breaking down those barriers is key to shaping better futures.
Adur & Worthing’s green and nature work (https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/sustainability/climate-and-nature/) brings this to life. By connecting teams working on everything from planning to climate action, they’ve created a shared approach to reducing carbon emissions while supporting local communities.
Nesta’s work on anticipatory innovation (https://www.nesta.org.uk/project/anticipatory-innovation-governance/) echoes this. By encouraging organisations to look ahead collectively, they’re helping teams work together to prepare for future challenges.
How to apply this:
- Create spaces for cross-team reflection: from mission boards to learning sprints, find ways to bring teams together.
- Share stories of success and failure across your organisation.
- Build partnerships: learn from other sectors and organisations facing similar challenges.
3. Building for the long term: shaping a sustainable future
Learning isn’t just about solving immediate problems — it’s about preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. That means creating systems, skills, and cultures that are future-proof.
The Design Council’s Design for Planet initiative (https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/design-for-planet/) highlights this brilliantly. By embedding sustainability into design thinking, they’re equipping organisations to tackle climate change head-on.
How to apply this:
- Align learning with long-term goals: how does what you’re learning today contribute to your organisation’s future?
- Equip teams with future-ready skills: from digital literacy to systems thinking, focus on capabilities that matter for tomorrow.
- Measure impact over time: track how today’s learning shapes future outcomes.
4. A call to action: learning as a tool for transformation
If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: learning isn’t just something we do. It’s something we use. It’s about turning insights into action, working together to shape the future, and building systems that can adapt to what’s next.
So here’s a challenge: think about something you’ve learned recently — whether it’s a new skill, an insight from a project, or a lesson from failure. How can you use that learning to make an impact, not just now, but in the months and years to come?
