In Learning and Development groups, as in most corporate business units, leaders work hard, sometimes for many years, to reach the leadership ranks. Then suddenly, the mentors and support networks responsible for helping leaders to reach the top of their game may no longer provide the types of advice and counsel so necessary to further success.
Recognizing the need, corporate business leaders from eParamus and Timely-Text realized that peer support and mentorship could provide some relief along the lonely road of leadership. So, supported by ATD-RTA, they worked to establish two Learning Leader Roundtable groups in an effort to assist those leaders, and hopefully, serve some of their common needs.
Now open nationally, the learning roundtables meet virtually once a month. There is no agenda for the meetings as the participants discuss topics of their choice, share their experience, and learn from one another.
The Learning Leader Roundtable is comprised of individuals who manage a training function. Managers of corporate learning functions are recognized as skilled professionals who run segments of the training function within their corporate entities. These individuals usually hold responsibility for learning outcomes at the organizational level, and depending on the size of their organization, may or may not supervise any direct reports.
The Learning Executive Roundtable is comprised of solid thought leaders with the ability to reach and influence others at the highest corporate levels. Learning Executives are often at the apex of their corporate careers. Accordingly, they hold titles such as Director or VP and are usually responsible for the growth, accountability, and P&L for one or more of their company’s learning organizations. They are often integral to talent (employee) development and customer engagement. Their attentions are more diverted to planning strategy and broader business concerns as they typically “steer the L&D ship”.
