What main factors inspired you to work in the Learning Consultant role?

My main motivation for entering the field of Learning Consultancy was the importance of accurately deciding when, how, and to what extent training, coaching, mentorship, and other L&D practices can effectively address performance gaps, as well as recognizing when they may not be the appropriate solution.

Although I initially began my journey as a trainer, I soon came to realize that the training delivery, while essential, is just one piece of the puzzle contributing to successful learning outcomes.

I understood that various systemic factors play a significant role as well. With this insight, I took on the responsibility of bridging the gap between L&D functions and organizational needs.

In doing so, I combined powerful business consultancy practices to aid companies in introducing the role of Learning Consultant and developing their internal L&D capabilities.

This involved fostering an understanding of learners' working processes and designing data-driven learning experiences that challenge conventional L&D practice or traditions.

What challenges do you foresee in L&D including the Learning Consultancy in the near future (2-3years)?

Ensuring the ongoing relevance of their role and proactively addressing disruptive technological changes will be crucial for L&D teams in the years to come.

Among the challenges they will face, increased complexity and scaling will demand a shift away from the "one size fits all" approach towards more adaptive methodologies. Befriending employees and technology will also be essential, as well as harnessing the potential of AI to enhance the impact of learning initiatives.

In our recent Instructional System Design projects, we have observed a consistent trend of integrating data science into the learning consultancy processes.

This entails gathering more precise data on learning needs and progress, enabling us to analyze, react, andadapt swiftly.

By leveraging this data-driven approach, we can make informed decisions that optimize the effectiveness of learning interventions.

The future success of L&D teams hinges on their ability to navigate these challenges and embrace technology as an enabler.

Specify 2-3 things that every Learning Consultant must be aware of to succeed in their career.

Focusing on the consulting aspect of the role can significantly enhance the career prospects of Learning Consultants, particularly for those transitioning from training backgrounds. This means moving away from solely focusing on individual training programs or activities and instead considering the entire L&D function as a whole.

It involves developing a deep understanding of business processes and effectively working with human performance drivers. Adopting a more systemic approach enables them to facilitate a better alignment between L&D and organizational needs, achieved through improved metrics, shorter feedback loops, and adaptive learning experience architectures.

Actually, we don't have to reinvent the wheel, we can take inspiration and guidance from the business consultancy services industry.

For instance, we have successfully employed powerful Lean Six Sigma principles and techniques, tailored specifically for L&D purposes, to train Learning Consultants. Over the years, more than 500 individuals have benefited from these training programs, which have empowered them to audit and redesign L&D processes effectively.

Furthermore, I firmly believe that in the near future, Learning Consultants have a pivotal role to play in preventing the pitfall of "using technology for the sake of technology." They can facilitate a balanced approach by considering at the same time the operational need (the why), the methodology (the how), and the tools (the means).

What resources (podcasts, online articles, books, etc.) do you frequently access to ensure you're up to date with the latest trainings / L&D trends / changes? Share your best examples!

There is an abundance of valuable resources available in our dynamic L&D field, making it challenging to stay updated and avoid the fear of missing out (FOMO).

To address this, I leverage the power of professional communities such as:

For the same reason of constant learning:

To stay well-informed, I regularly delve into: