From Bartending to L&D Leadership | Rory Coote | Podcast

Episode Description

Humanly Speaking Ep. 6: From Bartending to L&D Leadership with Rory Coote

What can film school, bartending in London, and rebranding one of the world’s most iconic hotels teach us about learning?

In this episode of Humanly Speaking, we sit down with Rory Coote (Associate CIPD, Corporate Director of L&D, Rotana Hotels), a hospitality leader whose career has taken him across Europe, New Zealand, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

Rory’s journey is packed with unexpected stories and powerful insights about leadership, emotional intelligence, and how to make learning stick.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• From film school to bartending: how working behind the bar taught Rory more about people than the classroom ever did.
  
• Global lessons from hospitality: why teaching in Vietnam changed the way he thinks about theory vs. practice.
  
• How being part of Dorchester Hotel’s rebranding became a masterclass in experiential training
  
• Emotional intelligence as the real edge: why it’s the #1 skill HR and L&D leaders need today.
  
• AI in learning: how AI roleplays can enhance training without replacing human connection.

A Quote to Remember
“If you can connect better with people, you can drive better outcomes in HR and L&D.” – Rory Coote

Why You Should ListenThis episode isn’t just about corporate training. It’s about people, culture, and the stories that shape leadership. From burritos vs. fish & chips to the myth of “as per policy,” Rory shares lessons that are as entertaining as they are practical.

If you’re an HR or L&D leader looking to build learning that lasts, this conversation is a must-listen.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bx3a4S8HYE