Chief Learning Officer’s “Learning Insights” series is a platform dedicated to showcasing the thoughts and career journeys of chief learning officers and learning executives who are at the forefront of transforming the landscape of corporate learning and workforce development. Through insightful Q&A sessions, this series aims to provide strategic insights, innovative approaches, and challenges overcome by visionary leaders worldwide.
One such leader who has made significant contributions to the field of learning and development is a seasoned professional with a diverse background. Initially drawn to a career in law enforcement, their passion for helping people eventually led them to a career in education. With a master’s degree in law specializing in information technology, they began their professional journey at the National Judicial Institute, where they helped build online education capacity for Canadian judges. This experience laid the foundation for their transition into the healthcare sector at the Medical Council of Canada, where they developed crucial preparatory tools for international medical graduates.
Their career then took them to Smart and Biggar, Canada’s largest intellectual property law firm, where they built a comprehensive learning and development program from scratch. This experience provided them with expertise in talent development, compliance, and all aspects of learning and development internally. Their journey continued as they joined the Canadian Border Services Agency, where they worked on computer-based and simulation assessments for candidates aspiring to protect Canada’s borders. They were part of a working group that pioneered a virtual reality project for evaluating candidates in high-risk scenarios.
Their most recent role at the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada has seen them lead high-visibility design and development programs, including the globally recognized In-Depth Tax Program. Their journey in diverse industries has equipped them with a wealth of experience and insights into the field of learning and development.
As a learning leader, they have implemented key initiatives to drive employee development and foster a learning culture within their organization. One of their most significant accomplishments has been the development of a comprehensive leadership development program tailored for managers. This program has not only facilitated the growth and development of participants but has also resulted in promotions for individuals committed to learning and development.
In terms of impactful learning programs, they have worked on several initiatives ranging from international judicial education programs to the In-Depth Tax Program at CPA Canada. Witnessing the growth of participants and providing their team with the tools to excel in their roles brings them great satisfaction. They emphasize the importance of understanding the ROI of learning initiatives, whether conducted internally or through outsourcing.
Looking towards the future of workplace learning, they highlight the importance of continuous learning and upskilling. They stress the need for individuals to adapt and continue learning in a rapidly changing world. As a leader, they believe in leading by example and fostering an environment where open dialogue and diverse perspectives are encouraged.
In addressing the challenges facing L&D professionals, they emphasize the need for organizations to integrate learning ROI within their decision-making processes. They believe that a lack of accountability on decision-makers is hindering the integration of learning ROI within organizations. They have written articles discussing strategies for integrating learning ROI within organizations and initiating crucial conversations on the topic.
In terms of innovative tools and technologies, they have equipped their team with cutting-edge tools such as AxesWord, AxesPDF, and MadeToTag, which have significantly improved their work processes. These technologies have reduced the time required to make documents accessible, easing the workload on their team while ensuring resources are usable by everyone.
Overall, this leader’s journey in learning and development showcases their commitment to continuous learning, leadership, and innovation in the field. Their insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring L&D professionals and highlight the importance of adaptability, accountability, and continuous improvement in the ever-evolving landscape of workplace learning.