Learning Technologies keynote puts people back into the future of work
Opening day two of Learning Technologies 2026, Niluka Kavanagh challenges tech-led narratives with a focus on leadership and behaviour.
As conversations about the future of work become increasingly dominated by technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, a critical question risks being overlooked: what does meaningful, engaging work look like for the people doing it? This session explores the human dimensions of the future of work, examining how leadership, communication, and behavioural science shape motivation, learning, and performance in rapidly changing organisations.
Much of today’s future-of-work narrative focuses on tools, systems, and efficiency. Organisations invest heavily in technology, yet often struggle to engage people, sustain learning, and build cultures where change is genuinely embraced rather than resisted.
In this enlightening discussion, Niluka Kavanagh brings a leadership and behavioural science lens to the future of work, drawing on her experience across large enterprises, start-ups, and executive advisory roles. She explores how leaders influence engagement, learning, and adaptability through the way they communicate, create meaning, and shape everyday working environments.
Rather than framing leadership as a function of role or title, the session challenges traditional assumptions and focuses on leadership as a set of behaviours that encourage trust, curiosity, and continual development. Niluka examines how shifts in the workforce are changing expectations around work, learning, and growth, and why organisations that fail to address these human dynamics risk undermining even the most advanced learning and technology strategies.
Learning Technologies Conference Chair, Donald H Taylor, said: “This session is not a prescription for learning strategy, but a provocation for those who design and support it. Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives on how behavioural insight, communication, and purpose influence engagement at work, and why these factors are becoming even more critical as technology reshapes how work gets done.”
Niluka Kavanagh's opening keynote The Human Side of the Future of Work: Leadership, Behaviour, and Why People Still Matter takes place on day two, 30 April at 09:30.
The full programme is available on the event website: Learning Technologies 2026 Conference. Conference passes are on sale: Learning Technologies 2026 Conference Conference Passes.
Your Conference Pass includes all conference tracks and theatres, networking lunch and drinks and full access to both days of the exhibition. There are two ticket types, including our premium option for those looking to get the most out of your experience at Learning Technologies.
Speakers include: David Kelly, Dani Johnson, Lori Niles-Hofmann, Laura Overton, Michelle Ockers, Egle Vinauskaite, Nigel Paine, Kelsey Kates, Serena Gonsalves-Fersch and Simon Gibson; just a few of the 80+ speakers on the programme.
More information
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Learning Technologies 2026
29-30 April 2026, London Excel
#LT26UK
learningtechnologies.co.uk
Niluka Kavanagh
Founder of ImagineThat, Creator of The Modern CEO
Niluka Kavanagh is the Founder of ImagineThat, the creator of The Modern CEO and an ex-Big 4 Consultant, having forged a career in innovation, strategy, and building a reputable brand. Dedicated to offering other start-ups and entrepreneurs the support she wishes she had, Niluka is helping to foster a confident community of like-minded professionals navigating the business landscape.