Meet the AI Learning Collective

Jon Fletcher is the Chief AI Strategist at the Learning & Performance Institute (LPI). With a deep-rooted enthusiasm for technology, Jon has dedicated the past three years to extensively researching artificial intelligence's practical and strategic implications within the industry. His journey in the L&D sector spans over two decades, during which he has accumulated aa wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills. These insights are now channelled into guiding professionals in learning, performance, and talent to navigate and leverage the benefits and opportunities presented by AI. Jon's career includes significant roles at prominent organisations such as BP, Capita, Technicolor, and Currys. 

Dr Mhairi Aitken is an Ethics Fellow in the Public Policy Programme at The Alan Turing Institute (the UK’s national institute for AI and data science), a Visiting Senior Lecturer at the Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London and an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Wollongong, Australia. She was included in the 2023 international list of “100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics”. Mhairi’s research examines social and ethical dimensions of data science and AI. At the Alan Turing Institute Mhairi leads research on AI and children’s rights, as well as working across a range of topics including data justice, ethics of Generative AI and emerging AI policy and regulation. Mhairi has a particular interest in the role of public engagement in informing ethical data practices and is a frequent contributor to media discussions on AI and data. 

Ashwin has led strategy in learning technology for 12 years, including award-winning global learning technology programmes, digital transformation, and innovation strategy across the entire spectrum of learning, from digital twins and simulations through ecosystem and architecture to data science and artificial intelligence. Ashwin has led learning technology strategy across the medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, transport, and consulting sectors. Ashwin holds an MBA and a PhD in learning technology adoption, and has researched data modelling of learner behaviour in technology interactions. Ashwin has researcher and practitioner interest in learning technology, with specialisms in Data & Analytics, AI strategy and AI governance in learning.

Donald H Taylor has worked in learning and technology since the mid-1980s. 

He has chaired the Learning Technologies Conference in London since 2000 and writes and speaks world-wide about Learning and Development (L&D). His annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey, started in 2014, provides a unique perspective on L&D trends from over 100 countries. From 2010 to 2021, he chaired the Learning and Performance Institute.

He chairs the Workforce Development board for VC firm Emerge Education, and advises several EdTech start-ups.

The author of Learning Technologies in the Workplace, Donald is a graduate of Oxford University and the recipient of an honorary doctorate from London’s Middlesex University.

As an award-winning director of the learning innovation consultancy Nodes, Egle Vinauskaite’s deep expertise in learning, behavioural science and technology has made her a sought-after advisor by top edtech startups and blue-chip companies. With her work spanning AI, XR, mobile, platforms, upskilling programmes and so much more, she understands the ground zero of how AI is ushering in entirely new ways of doing things in the world of learning and edtech.

Markus Bernhardt, leading Endeavor Intelligence, specializes in AI strategy consulting and workshop facilitation across various organizational levels. His expertise is globally recognized, marking him as a trusted authority, author, panelist, and speaker in the AI and learning domains. At The Thinking Effect, Markus is at the forefront of advocating for effective and ethical AI applications in learning development.  His ability to facilitate, contribute to, and lead these discussions underscores his commitment to advancing AI understanding in executive circles. Markus’s broad experience in AI strategy, combined with his recognized role as a global authority, positions him as a key influencer in blending AI with business acumen and learning advancements.

Chris Pedder has had a diverse career spanning research and technology. With a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Cambridge University and multiple postdoctoral roles in condensed matter physics, he has extensive academic experience, which mean he has experienced good and bad teaching practices first-hand. Chris transitioned to NLP, most recently as Chief Data Scientist at Obrizum. He's passionate about the social impact of machine learning and upholding ethical standards in the AI field. Outside of work, Chris enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the Swiss mountains.