In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Becky Willis to break down the essential components of her new book, 7 Steps to Better Learning Engagement: A Blueprint for Creating Impactful L&D. Together, they explore what it truly takes for an organization to shift its attention toward L&D and, more importantly, how to convert that attention into tangible business impact.
Becky reflects on the transition from traditional L&D hurdles to a streamlined, step-by-step guide for modern professionals. The conversation covers the entire lifecycle of a successful initiative—from securing executive buy-in and refining strategy to optimizing learning technology. They also delve into the "marketing" side of the industry, discussing how to leverage internal champions and communication tactics to ensure L&D moves from the periphery to the heart of organizational performance.
Take your L&D to the next level
Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership.
It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Reposition L&D as a business function, not a course factory - move from “we create training” to “we solve business problems,” and prove it using time to proficiency, product quality, and profit KPIs.
● Start with one senior sponsor, co‑solve a pressing business issue, prove impact with data and stories, then scale support via a Learning Advisory Board or similar council.
● Modern, collaborative, AI‑enabled platforms with strong UX can transform engagement and visibility. But don´t bolt AI onto legacy LMSs and risk turning L&D into a “dinosaur on wheels.”
● Market L&D internally like a product - use champions and visible executives and continually showcase success stories.
● Go way beyond courses, design for moments of need. Build experience sharing, in‑the‑flow support and AI‑enabled coaching - employees need to get exactly what they need, when they need it.
BEST MOMENTS
“If you have bolted on AI that's just added into there, onto your dinosaur, LMS, then what you have is a dinosaur on wheels.”
“I think the mindset of going from I create courses to I solve business problems is a big step.”
“The sweet spot of learning and development is to be there at the moment of need - to influence the moment of apply.”
Becky Willis Bio
Becky Willis is a founder and the chief learning officer at Tractus Learning. She helps guide Tractus customers to implement successful digital learning. She is also the founder of WillLearn Consulting, where she helps companies plan, design, and develop high-performance digital learning ecosystems. Previously, she was the vice president of engagement at EdCast and led learning innovation at Hewlett Packard.
You can follow and contact Becky via:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckywillis/
Website: https://tractuslearning.com/
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523
L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home
ABOUT THE HOST
David James
David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.
As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.
CONTACT METHOD
● Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidinlearning
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin
● L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective
● Blog: https://360learning.com/blog
● L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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