ABOUT US

About Davinia Thompson – Founder and Lead L&D Specialist at Onyx Learning & Development

Early Inspirations

For the most part, my education and career path have been fuelled by my interests. Growing up, I was captivated by how the human body and mind functioned and was eager to learn more. I also enjoyed analysing and creating characters, combining this with directing and performing impactful experiences. Therefore, A Levels in Psychology, Biology, and Theatre Studies, though an unlikely combination, made perfect sense to me. The modular approach to my A Levels allowed me a clear view of my educational journey, helping me to understand not just the 'what' but the 'why' behind my learning. Having often felt a bit lost at secondary school, this change in teaching style and approach put me in control. This newfound control didn’t just guide my studies; it shaped my entire approach to learning and development.

Discovery and Early Career

My career began as a personal development coach, a role that I cherished as it allowed me to support individuals in achieving their personal goals. This passion for helping others grow soon evolved into delivering training on a larger scale, marking the start of my journey into education and corporate training roles across diverse fields—from SENCO to maths and music teacher, and from offender learning to digital transformation projects in both the public and private sectors.

A Journey Through Learning

After completing my Level 7 Human Resource Development CIPD qualification, an experience that challenged my assumptions about learning, my focus returned to the theories of learning, particularly the neuroscience and psychology behind how we learn. Despite advancements in understanding the human brain, I observed a gap in how these insights were integrated into training programmes. It became clear that while there was an abundance of new research, the application of this knowledge in L&D was not keeping pace with scientific discoveries. This disconnect prompted a realisation that something crucial was missing in the field—how we interpret and apply theory, and how we stay current with the latest research to find truly applicable solutions for our environments.

Founding Onyx L&D

Driven by the need to bridge these gaps, I founded Onyx Learning & Development. At Onyx, we are committed to transforming how learning is approached by integrating cutting-edge scientific insights into practical, effective training solutions. Our goal is not just to educate but to innovate—ensuring that every learning journey is as enlightening as it is empowering.

Looking Forward

As we look to the future, our mission at Onyx Learning & Development is to continue exploring, adapting, and applying the best of what science teaches us about learning. How can we better cater to and leverage neurodiversity? How can we maintain our edge as we age? I invite you to join us on this journey to discover how targeted, scientifically-informed learning solutions can make a definitive impact in your personal and professional life.

Our flagship programme, Neurons to Knowledge is designed to revolutionise the way trainers and L&D professionals approach their work. 

Drawing from the latest research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, this comprehensive series of courses explores the intricate connections between brain function, learning processes, and instructional design. 

By understanding how the brain learns, our participants gain valuable insights into optimising their training methods and creating impactful learning experiences. 

Join us on a journey where learning transcends traditional boundaries, where development isn't just personal but instrumental to organisational success. At Onyx Learning & Development, we empower L&D professionals to be the linchpins of growth, innovation, and long-term success. Your development is the blueprint for organisational transformation. Let's co-create the future, one learning experience at a time.