8Levers Book a time with us

EdTech strategy consultancy

Ecosystem thought. Data-driven by design. Purposeful transformation. Boldness for everything next.

8Levers is an EdTech strategy consultancy helping enterprise organisations transform learning with data-driven design, AI integration, and bold, purpose-led change.

Led by Lori Niles-Hofmann and Josh Squires.

Build, buy, borrow, or bot?

Our services

  1. Services · 01 of 05

    EdTech Strategy

    We specialise in large-scale digital learning and skills-based transformations. As trusted advisers to Fortune 500 CLOs and Enablement leaders around the world, we help companies navigate the ambiguity of change. Through extensive EdTech implementations, we have developed the proven data-driven methodologies and frameworks that empower L&D and Enablement teams to shift from a business support function to a strategic growth engine. Let us help steer your L&D function into the agentic era.

    More on EdTech Strategy

  2. Services · 02 of 05

    Vendor Advisory Services

    We are both deep product dreamers firmly grounded in deep practitioner expertise. Together we leverage our knowledge of the industry and emerging technology to work with EdTech and PeopleTech vendors, from start-ups to scale-ups, advising on product vision, roadmap development, go-to-market strategy and how to decode the L&D and Enablement functions.

    More on Vendor Advisory

  3. Services · 03 of 05

    Investor Advisory Services

    Considering a portfolio build in EdTech? As experienced NED Board Members, and product developers, we advise Family Offices, PE and VC firms on high-stakes EdTech investments. Our joy is playing matchmaker, connecting vendors with potential acquisition or funding partners and helping investors assess true market viability.

    More on Investor Advisory

  4. Services · 04 of 05

    Intensives & Workshops

    For leaders looking to deconstruct and reframe their learning or enablement strategy, from the “if” to the “how to”, 8Levers offers a number of options from half-day intensives to robust workshops. Depending on geography, these are facilitated by Lori or Josh, ensuring your facilitator has walked in a leader’s shoes.

    The 8Levers workshop

  5. Services · 05 of 05

    Analyst Research

    8Levers is recognised for delivering in-depth, forward-looking research and analysis for both vendors and in-house leaders. Our work informs investment choices, shapes product roadmaps, and guides buyers as they evaluate emerging technologies. Every engagement is confidential, tailored, and focused on generating insights that translate directly into strategic decisions.

    More on Analyst Research

02 · About us

Lori Niles-Hofmann and Josh Squires.

  1. One of the most listened-to strategists in L&D.
  2. Wrote the book.
  3. The Eight Levers of EdTech Transformation
  4. Helped rocketship four tech companies.
  5. International banking.|Management consulting.|Marketing.
  6. Knows how the EdTech sizzle and sausage gets made.
  7. A recovering academic.

Lori Niles-Hofmann

Cofounder, 8Levers

I am a senior EdTech & AI strategist with 25 years of experience spanning international banking, management consulting, and marketing.

With this history, I know the underbelly of EdTech. I have an unfiltered perspective on what’s possible…and what’s pragmatic.

I know how systems, silos, and shortcuts derail transformation, especially when people are treated as endpoints rather than widgets. My work builds value by aligning technology, processes, and human capability. I am currently in a budding relationship with Agentic AI.

Based in Toronto, Canada, with one foot in Europe. Lori on LinkedIn

Josh Squires

Cofounder, 8Levers

25 years in the learning industry, with tours of duty including: SVP at Bongo, Director Enterprise at 360Learning, SVP Growth at Looop, COO at Docebo. I have helped build and sell some companies along the way.

Based on this experience, I know how the EdTech sizzle and sausage gets made because I’ve made it. The work I do now is helping organisations do it right.

In addition to my strategic experience, I consider myself a recovering academic with nine years under my belt. So, I have spent enough time in the research to spot when L&D repackages evidence that contradicts bold claims.

Based in Spain, with one foot in North America. Josh on LinkedIn

03 · On the road

Where we’ll be.

  1. London and Windsor

    Josh, 21 to 24 September. Lori, 22 to 25 September.

  2. Unleash World, Paris

    Lori and Josh, 20 to 23 October.

  3. DevLearn, Las Vegas

    Josh, 3 to 6 November.

04 · Testimonials

Lori is a force in the EdTech and AI transformation space. Bold. Strategic. Brilliant. She has been a go-to thought partner for years, especially when I’m facing thorny, high-stakes challenges, not because she tells me what I want to hear, but because she doesn’t. Lori brings sharp data instincts, fearless clarity, and a deep commitment to helping others achieve exceptional outcomes.
Gina JenerouxChief Skills & Innovation Officer and Co-Founder, AETHEON
After spending a day at the 8Levers workshop, I found myself thinking back to when I first took on the Community and Academy project. I had very few resources and was learning and rebuilding things as I went. Looking back, if I had known Josh and Lori then, I would have brought them in from day one. I had the vision and was pushing the work forward, but having people with their experience beside me would have saved me weeks, helped me feel more confident in the journey, and probably helped my executives trust the direction much sooner.
Andrea ColucciHead of Education Services, Trellix
Lori and I have known and worked with each other multiple times over the years, she’s been a go to person for some of the more off the wall ideas, helping shape, refine and make them marketable, or help me see that they simply aren’t worth the effort. Her reputation in the market is second to none. She’s practical and approachable and holds true to the impartial advisory services.
Josh NovelleGlobal Head People Solutions Experience, Convatec
The book’s cover on an olive figure-eight tile. The Eight Levers of EdTech Transformation: a field guide to the new future-focused L&D. Lori Niles-Hofmann, foreword by Julie Dirksen, LDA Press.

A field guide.
Fits in a bag.

05 · Book

The Eight Levers of EdTech Transformation

A comprehensive guide for senior L&D leaders orchestrating enterprise skills development, one individual at a time.

By Lori Niles-Hofmann.

Now available on Amazon Order here

06 · LinkedIn courses

LinkedIn courses.

  • 30minutes

    Data-Driven Learning Design

    This 30-minute course shows L&D professionals how to use data to design smarter. Discover how to analyse learner behaviour, apply marketing techniques to boost engagement, and build a data strategy that drives measurable results.

    LinkedIn course

  • 40minutes

    Upskilling and Reskilling your Organisation

    This 40-minute course helps you navigate the shift to skills-based organisations with practical tools to future-proof your workforce. Learn how to launch and scale skilling strategies that drive real business impact.

    LinkedIn course

Contact us.

Book a time with us