Who We Are

Built by practitioners, for employers

The Development Pod exists because we've seen first-hand how inconsistent, checkbox-driven onboarding holds great people back. We built something better.

Our Story

Learning that actually moves the needle

The Development Pod was founded by two L&D professionals who spent years designing and delivering training for global organisations — and grew frustrated with the gap between what employers needed and what the market offered.

Most onboarding programmes are too generic to be useful, too long to engage, or too disconnected from the realities of the job. We built The Development Pod to close that gap — with programmes that are practical, employer-focused, and designed around real-world outcomes.

We work with employers across Ireland, the UK, and the UAE who want their people to show up skilled, confident, and ready from the moment they start.

Meet the Founders

Two experts. One shared mission.

Eileen, Co-Founder of The Development Pod
Eileen
Co-Founder & Head of Learning Design

With over 15 years of L&D experience, Eileen has designed and delivered training programmes across some of the world's most recognisable organisations — including Samsung, Emirates, and Innovo Group. She brings a rare combination of coaching expertise and instructional design rigour to every programme The Development Pod builds.

An ICF-accredited coach, Eileen is passionate about helping people build the confidence and capability to perform at their best from day one. She is based in Ireland and leads our programme design and facilitation team.

ICF-Accredited Coach 15+ Years L&D Samsung · Emirates · Innovo Based in Ireland
Lois Cole, Co-Founder of The Development Pod
Lois Cole
Co-Founder & People Director

Lois is a senior HR and People leadership professional with extensive experience across the UAE and UK. As former People Director at Innovo Group, she built a sharp understanding of what organisations actually need from a learning partner — not just what looks good on paper.

With deep expertise in organisational development, talent strategy, and building people-first workplace cultures, Lois leads The Development Pod's client partnerships and ensures every programme we design is grounded in real business outcomes. She is based between Dubai and the UK.

People Director Organisational Development UAE & UK Innovo Group
Our Approach

Practical. Employer-focused. Outcome-driven.

We design every programme around the question: what do you need your people to actually do differently? Then we build backwards from there.

1

Start with the outcome

Before we design anything, we ask: what does success look like for you? Every decision in the programme flows from the answer to that question.

2

Build for the real world

Our content is practical and scenario-based — not theoretical frameworks your team will forget by Monday. We build for application, not just comprehension.

3

Measure and iterate

Employer dashboards, completion data, and post-programme check-ins give us — and you — the evidence needed to see what's working and refine what isn't.

Why Employers Trust Us

Credibility built over careers

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CPD Certified Programmes

All Workplace Ready and standalone course bundles carry CPD certification — giving learners portable, recognised credentials.

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Expert Facilitators

Our live workshops are delivered by experienced L&D professionals — not generalist trainers. Every facilitator has real-world industry experience.

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Global Reach

With active networks and programme delivery in Ireland, the UK, and the UAE — we understand the regulatory and cultural requirements of each market.

Want to work with us?

Tell us about your organisation and what you're trying to achieve. We'll get back to you within one business day.

Get in Touch View Our Programmes