Joe Ellison, Founder & Director
Throughout his career, Joe has witnessed the transformative power of giving leaders the space to step back from their daily demands—to pause, reflect, and think. Recognising how rare and valuable this opportunity is, Joe founded The Learning Space to create meaningful experiences that make this time count.
With over 15 years of experience in learning and development, Joe is a seasoned L&D leader and has designed and delivered learning programmes for organisations across the corporate, public, and third sectors. Joe specialises in creating impactful, tailored solutions that drive real-world results and lasting behavioural change.
Joe’s career journey has taken him around the globe, delivering programmes across Europe as well as in Kenya, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico, the US and Panama. This international experience has given him a deep understanding of cultural nuances and the ability to adapt learning approaches to resonate with global audiences.
His expertise is further enriched by earlier experiences as a teacher and actor, which have sharpened his skills in engaging diverse audiences and bringing creativity to the learning space.
Jonathan Besser, Lead Associate
Jonathan is a highly experienced leadership development practitioner, designer, facilitator, coach and mentor, with over 20 years’ experience supporting clients across multiple industries and geographies.
Jonathan has worked with leading business schools and consultancies around the world, designing and delivering high-impact leadership development interventions. He has significant experience across South Africa, Europe, Asia and the USA, and across sectors including consulting, finance, FMCG, media, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications.
In 2025, Jonathan’s first book, co-authored with Jeremy Kourdi, 50 Ideas that Changed the World of Work, was published by the Economist Group.
Kristina Bill, Lead Associate
Kristina is a talent strategist, learning consultant and coach with a background spanning the arts, behavioural science and strategic consulting. Her work focuses on purpose clarification, personal impact and high performance, supporting clients from early-career professionals through to board-level executives.
She collaborates with a range of consultancies across learning and development and transformation. Her earlier career included roles in Deloitte Digital Operations UK and Deloitte Film Studio, as well as running a training consultancy and private coaching practice.
Kristina is also a published author, recording artist and former actor, with experience across film, television, stage and voiceover. Her multidisciplinary background gives her a distinctive ability to read people and situations, creating thoughtful, practical and impactful learning experiences.
"Best programme of my professional career, sad to see it end, but excited to see how it shapes me throughout the remainder of my career." (Director, Grant Thornton)
"It was truly one of the best experiences I've had during my 17 years with Grant Thornton." (Partner, Grant Thornton)
"If you’re looking for someone exceptional to design and deliver leadership development or team training with real skill, intelligence, and warmth, I can highly recommend Joe and The Learning Space." (Raymond Simonson, CEO - JW3)
"Joe brought priceless value... He thinks, speaks and acts out-of-the-box, super creatively and in a very engaging way. I enjoyed and learned every time he spoke." (Senior Manager, Deloitte)
"I am always in awe of how you lead a group, allowing others the space they need to process, think and react. It is not an easy task." (Programme coach and co-presenter, Grant Thornton)
"I have always found Joe to be a pleasure to deal with; he is a clear thinker and an excellent communicator, and it is evident that he is held in very high regard by both students and faculty, from junior to partner level. He is impressively knowledgeable of, and on top of, his subject matter, and this instils confidence all round." (Partner, Deloitte)
"The techniques which were taught… were very useful and I even put them to use when I was back at my desk that day!" (Associate, onefinestay)
"He understands what we are trying to achieve at different levels and brings insight from other industries… Joe is not afraid to challenge when he feels something could be done better." (Partner, Deloitte)
"Huge thanks to Joe Ellison, who facilitated a brilliant workshop for us on facilitation skills." (Ian Fannon, CEO - Claremont Communications)
"Best programme of my professional career, sad to see it end, but excited to see how it shapes me throughout the remainder of my career." (Director, Grant Thornton) "It was truly one of the best experiences I've had during my 17 years with Grant Thornton." (Partner, Grant Thornton) "If you’re looking for someone exceptional to design and deliver leadership development or team training with real skill, intelligence, and warmth, I can highly recommend Joe and The Learning Space." (Raymond Simonson, CEO - JW3) "Joe brought priceless value... He thinks, speaks and acts out-of-the-box, super creatively and in a very engaging way. I enjoyed and learned every time he spoke." (Senior Manager, Deloitte) "I am always in awe of how you lead a group, allowing others the space they need to process, think and react. It is not an easy task." (Programme coach and co-presenter, Grant Thornton) "I have always found Joe to be a pleasure to deal with; he is a clear thinker and an excellent communicator, and it is evident that he is held in very high regard by both students and faculty, from junior to partner level. He is impressively knowledgeable of, and on top of, his subject matter, and this instils confidence all round." (Partner, Deloitte) "The techniques which were taught… were very useful and I even put them to use when I was back at my desk that day!" (Associate, onefinestay) "He understands what we are trying to achieve at different levels and brings insight from other industries… Joe is not afraid to challenge when he feels something could be done better." (Partner, Deloitte) "Huge thanks to Joe Ellison, who facilitated a brilliant workshop for us on facilitation skills." (Ian Fannon, CEO - Claremont Communications)
