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The North American Learning Executive Summit

January 20-22, 2026 | San Diego, CA

Hosted by Executive Platforms and the Learning & Development Board

Meeting Agenda

January 20th

3:30 pm

Badge Pick Up

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm WELCOME DAY SPECIAL CONTENT

Panel: The Future of Talent Development, Advanced Technologies and Organizational Transformation

Emily Lin

Chief Learning Officer

Mastercard

Kimberly Troxell

Head of US Commercial Learning & Development

AbbVie

Katy Jones

Vice President, Global Learning & Leadership Development

Medtronic

Rapti Mitra-Khurana

VP Talent Engagement & Development

NFL

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • The future of talent development
    • How evolving workforce needs are shaping talent development strategies
    • The shift from traditional training to personalized learning experienced
    • The role of continuous learning in employee growth and business success
  • Advanced technologies
    • The impact of AI, machine learning and automation on training programs
    • Leveraging technology for scalable, data-driven talent development
    • How virtual reality, augmented reality and other immersive technologies are changing learning environment
  • Organizational transformation
    • Adapting talent development to align with the shifting needs of the organization
    • The role of leadership in fostering a culture of learning and growth
    • How talent development drives overall organizational agility and innovation
5:05 pm - 5:40 pm WELCOME DAY SPECIAL CONTENT

Communicate Better: Use the Timeless Language of Color Energies to Connect Teams Across Geography and Generations

Executive to be Announced

Insights Learning and Development

Session Details Arrow Icon

Understand how color energy can be used to create a common language that transcends generations, geographies, and technologies, fostering deeper connections and understanding across teams.

  • Insights into the power of color energy: Discover how the Insights language of color energy can be used to bridge generational gaps between employees and improve communication within teams.
  • Connect across cultures: Learn how to use color energy to foster understanding and collaboration between teams located in different countries and cultures.
  • Navigate technological transformation and AI: Explore how color energy can help organizations improve training to guide their employees through the challenges of digital transformation and enhance productivity with change environments.
  • To get the most from this talk and glean communications strategies relevant to your own situation and challenges, we recommend you download your own Insights Discovery personal profile before the event.
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Drinks Reception

Brought To You By

January 21st

Stream 1 Chair

Ramona Arora

Vice President- Enterprise Career Development

The Walt Disney Company

Stream 2 Co-Chair

Christopher McCormick

Chief Academic Officer

EF Corporate Learning

Stream 3 Co-Chair
7:30 am - 8:15 am

registration & breakfast

8:20 am - 8:30 am

Chair’s Welcome Address

Ramona Arora

Vice President- Enterprise Career Development

The Walt Disney Company

8:30 am - 9:05 am KEYNOTE

Reimagining Learning at McDonald’s: From Crew to C-Suite

Bethany Tate Cornell

Chief Learning Officer

McDonald's

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Modernizing learning and development (L&D) to meet the evolving needs of a global workforce
  • Implementing scalable, tech-enabled learning solutions from front-line crew to executive leadership
  • Aligning L&D initiatives with business goals to drive measurable performance impact
  • Showcasing a variety of innovative programs that support talent growth and operational excellence
9:05 am - 9:40 am KEYNOTE

Fireside Chat: Transformation in Motion - What It Means for You and L&D

Tulie White

Chief Learning Officer

The Estèe Lauder Companies Inc

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • In an environment where L&D is often first on the chopping block, how did you advocate for its value—and win?
  • Mindset—how has your own mindset evolved during this transformation? And what mindset shifts have been most critical for L&D to remain relevant and indispensable during restructuring?
  • How do you model adaptability and courage for your team in moments of uncertainty?
  • “Being human”—how do you balance business objectives with empathy when guiding people through uncertainty? And what does a “human-centered” transformation look like in practice within a company like Estée Lauder?
  • Given that L&D will remain part of the organization, how is its role expected to evolve in the new structure? Will there be new focus areas or capabilities prioritized in L&D going forward?
  • How is L&D evolving to support the skills and mindset needed for the next phase of Estée Lauder’s growth? And what does success look like for L&D one year from now, post-transformation?
  • Are there new capabilities or programs you’re prioritizing to support leaders and teams through change?
  • How is the company planning to ensure employees stay engaged and supported during this period of change? And what opportunities will there be for employees to grow and reskill in light of the company’s new direction?
  • How is Estee Lauder thinking about the future of work in terms of digital tools, hybrid work, or global collaboration?
  • What advice do you have for other L&D leaders trying to protect and position their teams during similar times of change?
  • What’s one lesson you’ve learned during this transformation that you wish you knew at the start?

9:45 am - 10:20 am Workshops
Stream One

The Science of Learning: Addressing Skill Gaps with Targeted Training

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Designing training initiatives to effectively address skill gaps across the workforce
  • Understanding how to assess and pinpoint skill shortages within your organization
  • Exploring different types of training approaches used to bridge skill gaps
  • The role of tailored, learner-centric training programs
  • How AI, online platforms, and microlearning are being utilized to provide scalable and flexible training options
Stream Two

Lead. Inspire. Transform: Advancing Excellence Through Coaching

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Integrate coaching into leadership development for measurable impact
  • Deploy onboarding coaching for leaders
  • Drive team collaboration and engagement
  • Utilize coaching as a retention and career development tool
  • Demonstrate ROI and long-term success through coaching
Stream Three

Succession Planning & Strategic Talent Management

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Systematically identify, develop and advance leaders at all levels
  • Explore strategies to design pipelines tailored to both general leadership and specialist roles
  • Developing succession frameworks tied to leadership transitions
  • Aligning talent management with strategic business objectives
10:25 am - 12:05 pm Pre-Arranged One-To-One Meetings Arrow Icon

These mutually agreed-upon conversations are arranged and facilitated by Executive Platforms staff to ensure attendees have valuable discussions about their top-of-mind questions, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 10:30 am – 10:50 am: Meeting Slot 1/Networking
  • 10:55 am – 11:15 am: Meeting Slot 2/Networking
  • 11:20 am – 11:40 am: Meeting Slot 3/Networking
  • 11:45 am – 12:05 pm: Meeting Slot 4/Networking
12:10 pm - 12:45 pm Case Studies
Stream One

Building a Skills-Based Organization: Unlocking Talent Mobility

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Designing a Skills Architecture – How to define a skills taxonomy and framework that aligns talent development with business strategy
  • Leveraging Degreed for Skills Visibility – understanding how to map, assess, and develop employee skills, creating a transparent view of organizational capabilities
  • Shifting to a Skills-Based Culture – Moving from role-based thinking to skills-driven talent practices that empower internal mobility, career growth, and retention
  • Driving Organizational Impact – Demonstrating how skills-based approaches fuel agility, reduce hiring costs, and prepare the workforce for the future of work
Stream Two

Putting Skills to Work, in Ways that Work

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • It is essential we attract, retain, re-train, and continually build the future critical skills we need, before we need them. That means being systematic, not programmatic, in how we build skills and put them to work, in ways that work for all
  • We’re using skills powered talent practices to help redesign work, giving people more fluidity and flexibility to deploy their critical skills and job role skills to strategic areas
  • We have digitalized our jobs and skills architecture and created a skills signature to provide our people with visible simplicity to see and be uniquely seen when it comes to matching their skills and interests– inclusively and intelligently– to opportunities
  • We’re learning that in this dynamic landscape, across is often the new ‘up’. Reskilling is the on-ramp for internal mobility, ensuring that the people we have become the people we need, again and again. We are on a continuing journey to harness generative AI and human intelligence to put skills to work, in ways that actually work
Stream Three

Centralizing L&D: Driving Efficiency, Consistency, and Business Impact

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Breaking Down Silos in L&D – How centralization improves alignment, standardizes content, and eliminates redundant learning initiatives across the organization
  • Driving Efficiency & Resource Optimization – Leveraging centralized operations to reduce costs, speed up delivery, and scale learning globally
  • Enhancing Learner Experience & Consistency – Ensuring cohesive, high-quality training that meets both compliance needs and career development goals
  • Measuring Impact and Aligning with Business Goals – How centralization enables robust data collection and reporting to demonstrate L&D’s contribution to performance and ROI
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm

Executive Lunch Seating

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm THEMED LUNCH DISCUSSIONS

Explore this year’s themed lunch discussions led by industry leaders, where executives engage in focused conversations over a meal, discussing topics they’re passionate about alongside their peers.

Content to be Announced

Executive to be Announced

Abilitie

Elevating Your eLearning Engagement Strategies

Amy Schell

Director, Talent Management

Boston Scientific

Content to be Announced

Andrew James Viglione

Director, Global Learning & Development

Gilead

How to Use AI Ethically and Efficiently in Your L&D Initiatives

Breanna King

Vice President, Head of Organizational Development & Transformation

Chevron Federal Credit Union

Ground Up: How to Start a Skills-Based Organization

Mili Banerjee-Pal

AVP, Learning & Development

Cincinnati Insurance

Taking the First Step: Practical Approaches to AI in Learning

Remberto Jimenez

Director, Learning & Development

Clear Channel Outdoor

Empowering the Frontline: Building and Retaining a Skilled Trades Workforce

Executive to be Announced

Interplay Learning

From Inclusion to Impact: Designing L&D for a Multigenerational, Multicultural Workforce

Justine Green

VP, Learning & Development

ISG - Infinity Sales Group

Content to be Announced

Cicily Newby

VP, Learning and Talent Development

Loews Hotels & Co

Content to be Announced

Robert Madden

Sr. Director of Learning and Professional Development

MAPMG

Navigating Change: Leading an L&D’s Team Through an Organizational Redesign

Rachael Morrissey

Sr Director Training Team East

Maximus

Content to be Announced

Britt Sinha

VP, Chief Learning & Wellbeing Officer

NewYork-Presbyterian

From Simulation to Skill: VR’s Role in L&D

Keisha McNeil

Head of Enterprise Learning

Southern California Edison

Content to be Announced

Amy Kickham

Chief Human Resources Officer

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, LLC

Talent Synced: Aligning Performance, Calibration & Succession

Sara Rogers

Director of Talent, Learning & Development

Tillamook

Reflecting on the Last Five Years and Charting the Next Five: The Transformative Journey of L&D

Executive to be Announced

TrainingPros

1:45 pm - 2:20 pm KEYNOTE

Fireside Chat: Leveraging Technology to Empower Learners at All Levels

Brian Glaser

Vice President, Chief Talent and Learning Officer

Google

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Enhancing the learning experience with technology
  • Creating personalized learning paths
  • Fostering collaboration and engagement
  • Measuring and tracking progress
  • Preparing for the future of learning
2:25 pm - 3:00 pm Workshops
Stream One

Breaking the Last Taboo in Talent Strategy: Succession Reimagined

Session Details Arrow Icon

For decades, leadership succession has been treated like a Game of Thrones episode. Zero-sum, top-down, and cloaked in silence. That story is outdated. Succession is no longer just a boardroom event. It’s a system-wide risk, and opportunity, playing out in real time.

  • The story is shifting: Succession isn’t a blood sport. It’s a mindset shaped by culture. The old power-play narrative is giving way to a more human, transparent model
  • The crisis is everywhere: Succession gaps don’t just exist at the top. Most organizations neglect non-C-suite roles, draining talent quietly and weakening institutional resilience
  • Wisdom transfer is the missing link: The best transitions happen when leaders don’t just leave, they lift. Endorsement and collaboration between generations is an undervalued asset
  • AI changes everything: This could be the last cohort to lead all-human teams. Succession plans must now address relational fluency and technological literacy
  • Future-fit succession is adaptive: The best strategies balance:
    • Immediacy – Act fast when the moment demands it.
    • Continuity – Preserve what makes your culture work.
    • Generativity – Grow leaders who leave a legacy, not a vacancy.
Stream Two

Measurement & Evaluation: Implementing Learning Analysis Process Models to Measure Talent Development, Program Effectiveness, and Organizational Outcome

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Determining the importance of learning analysis in talent development
  • Utilizing the key learning analysis models
  • Implementing learning systems for measurement and evaluation
  • Evaluating the organizational outcomes and impact
  • Best practices for measuring learning effectiveness
Stream Three

LearnOps: Transforming L&D into a High-Performing Business Function

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Operationalizing L&D for Business Impact – How adopting a LearnOps approach turns L&D teams from reactive “order-takers” into strategic business enablers
  • Optimizing Learning Workflows – Streamlining intake, planning, and resource allocation to deliver training faster, at scale, and with measurable efficiency gains
  • Data-Driven Decision Making – Leveraging operational and performance data to prioritize projects, allocate resources effectively, and demonstrate ROI to the business
  • Driving Alignment with Business Priorities – Ensuring every learning initiative connects to organizational goals and drives measurable outcomes for leadership visibility
  • Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement – Using LearnOps to identify bottlenecks, improve collaboration, and continuously enhance L&D impact
3:05 pm - 4:15 pm Pre-Arranged One-To-One Meetings Arrow Icon

These mutually agreed-upon conversations are arranged and facilitated by Executive Platforms staff to ensure attendees have valuable discussions about their top-of-mind questions, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 3:05 pm – 3:25 pm: Meeting Slot 5/Networking
  • 3:30 pm – 3:50 pm: Meeting Slot 6/Networking
  • 3:55 pm – 4:15 pm: Meeting Slot 7/Networking
4:20 pm - 4:55 pm KEYNOTE

Panel: L&D Team Development – What Does Your Department Look Like and How Are you Setting your Team Up For Success?

Katie Lackey

Vice President Human Resources, Digital IT

Honeywell

Sony Das

VP Learning & Development

Lionsgate

Victor Arguelles

VP Learning Design & Development

Marriott International

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • The structure of our L&D teams
  • How are we developing and empowering our team members?
    • Skill development
    • Collaboration & Knowledge sharing
    • Feedback and support
  • Our approach to setting our teams up for success
    • Clear vision and strategic alignment
    • Data-driven decisions
    • Agility and adaptability
    • Focus on employee experience
    • Leadership development
5:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Chair’s Closing Remarks

5:15 pm

Drinks Reception

6:00 pm

executive dinner

(By Invite Only)

January 22nd

7:30 am - 8:20 am

registration & breakfast

7:45 am - 8:20 am breakfast workshops
Stream Two

Learning Measurement That Matters: From Completion Rates to Business Results

Session Details Arrow Icon

Many L&D teams struggle to connect learning to performance. Join us as we share how to design content and systems that generate actionable analytics.

  • Designing assessments that go beyond quizzes
  • Embedding analytics in SCORM/xAPI modules
  • Using data to iterate and improve learning over time
8:20 am - 8:25 am

Chair’s Welcome Address

Ramona Arora

Vice President- Enterprise Career Development

The Walt Disney Company

8:25 am - 9:00 am KEYNOTE

Enhancing Leadership Development: The Power of Consistent Feedback and Bridging the Gaps

Becky Schmitt

Chief People Officer

PepsiCo

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Why consistent feedback is crucial in leadership development
  • How to create a feedback-rich environment that drives continuous growth
  • Bridging the gaps in leadership skills to ensure sustainable success
9:05 am - 9:40 am KEYNOTE

Learning Transformation: Scaling AI, Technology, and Global L&D Operations

Jeff Orlando

Chief Learning Officer

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Evolving the Learning Ecosystem – how BMS has integrated AI, automation, and next-gen learning technologies to modernize workforce development
  • Globalizing L&D Operations – lessons from shifting work to global hubs and creating a centralized yet agile L&D function.
  • From Vision to Impact – measuring business outcomes, learner engagement, and efficiency gains in Year 3 of transformation at BMS
  • Future-Proofing the Workforce – how AI-driven insights and global talent strategies prepare employees for continuous upskilling and role evolution
9:45 am - 10:20 am Case Studies
Stream One

Lead Within: Showing Up for Yourself First

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Reflect on what it truly means to “put your oxygen mask on first” — prioritizing your well-being as the foundation for effective leadership
  • Explore tools and coaching frameworks that not only support your growth but also create a developmental playground for others
  • Explore why sustainable leadership starts with self-awareness, reflection, and emotional regulation
  • Engage in interactive sessions designed to deepen self-awareness and unlock your capacity to lead others with clarity, presence, and intention
Stream Two

Think Differently – Powerful Strategies for Succession Planning & High Potentials

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Effective strategies to build a succession plan and high-potential program
  • Creating clear metrics and feedback loops to track and measure success throughout a high-potential program
  • Evaluating the value and impact of succession planning efforts on decision makers
Stream Three

Harnessing AI for Smarter L&D: Accelerating Workforce Upskilling

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • AI-Powered Learning Personalization – How AI can analyze skills gaps and deliver tailored learning paths to accelerate employee development
  • Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future of Work – Leveraging AI to identify emerging skill needs and prepare employees for evolving roles
  • Intelligent Automation in L&D – Streamlining content creation, curation, and learner support with AI-powered tools to free up L&D teams for strategic initiatives
  • Measuring Impact with Data and Insights – Using AI-driven analytics to track progress, predict performance, and demonstrate the ROI of upskilling initiatives
10:25 am - 11:15 am Pre-Arranged One-To-One Meetings Arrow Icon

These mutually agreed-upon conversations are arranged and facilitated by Executive Platforms staff to ensure attendees have valuable discussions about their top-of-mind questions, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 10:30 am – 10:50 am: Meeting Slot 8/Networking
  • 10:55 am – 11:15 am: Meeting Slot 9/Networking
11:20 am - 11:55 am Case Studies
Stream One

Drive Transformation in Learning to Create Impactful and Meaningful Change

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Explore how transformative learning strategies can drive impactful and meaningful change in organizations
  • Actionable insights on how learning and development professionals can lead the charge in creating lasting organizational growth and success
Stream Two

Performance Enablement: The Evolving Role of L&D in Driving Business and Employee Success

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • The ‘Why’ of L&D in 2026
    • How the role of L&D has shifted from content delivery to performance enablement
    • Aligning learning strategy with business outcomes, skill needs, and workforce expectations
    • Why 2026 is the inflection point for L&D to become a critical driver of organizational agility and growth
  • ‘Telling the Truth’ with Data
    • Using learning analytics and performance metrics to show what’s truly working—and what’s not
    • Leveraging data to influence executive decision-making, allocate resources, and demonstrate ROI
    • Moving beyond completion rates to real performance and capability metrics
  • Fueling Business and Employee Success
    • How performance enablement connects business KPIs to employee growth and career mobility
    • Creating a culture where employees thrive, skills are visible, and talent is deployable
    • Why being in L&D today is “the best job on the planet”—driving both human and organizational potential
Stream Three

Learning & Development – Bottom-Up Approach, Training Managers and Building a Culture of Growth in the Team

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Understanding the benefits of the bottom-up approach in L&D
  • How to train and empower managers to lead learning in their teams
  • Creating a culture of growth and continuous development within teams
12:00 pm - 12:35 pm Workshops
Stream One

Empowering Growth with Strategic Learning Analysis

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Designing the optimal future state of learning within your organization and unlock the full potential of your training initiatives
  • Creating a roadmap to bridge the performance gaps effectively
  • Determine areas for improvement and find creative approaches and strategies to enhance your training programs and maximize learner engagement
  • Deliver measurable results including ROI, establishing KPIs and evaluating progress and deliver tangible business outcomes
Stream Two

Turn Data into Decisions

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • How to gain influence and drive action with a data-driven mindset
  • Step back from the numbers and consider the business question you are trying to answer
  • Distill information and observations into valuable insights
  • Intentionally communicate your insights and recommendations to align with your audience’s priorities
Stream Three

The Power of Gamification in Learning

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • How game-based training drives engagement and retention far beyond traditional e-learning
  • Why experiential, hands-on simulations accelerate learning by letting employees “learn by doing”
  • Neuroscience insights: why gamification boosts knowledge retention and behavioral change
12:35 pm - 1:35 pm

Executive Lunch Seating

12:35 pm - 1:35 pm THEMED LUNCH DISCUSSIONS

Explore this year’s themed lunch discussions led by industry leaders, where executives engage in focused conversations over a meal, discussing topics they’re passionate about alongside their peers.

The Talent Blueprint: Mapping Critical Roles and Developing HiPos

Andy Schuster

Vice President, Organizational Development

Farm Credit Illinois

Content to be Announced

Lori Welch

Director, Leadership Development

Southeast Toyota Distributors

Content to be Announced

Megan Reiplinger

Director, Global Learning & Development

TAIT

Content to be Announced

Amy Hernandez

Executive Director, Talent Experience

Travere Therapeutics

Content to be Announced

Penelope Rose

Senior Director, Head of Global Talent Development & Engagement

Zoetis

Adaptive Leadership in Action: Driving Agility, Innovation, and Engagement in the Hybrid Era

Lauren DeAngelis

Chief Learning Officer

Carolinas Credit Union League

1:40 pm - 2:15 pm KEYNOTE

Reimagining L&D: How Elevance Health Transformed Executive and Enterprise Learning

Ryan Craig

Chief Talent Officer & Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Elevance Health

Session Details Arrow Icon

When Elevance Health made the strategic decision to disband its traditional L&D function, it created space for something new—something modern. Recognizing the need for executive development and scalable growth, the organization launched a transformative learning strategy rooted in skills. From a targeted initiative for the top 250 leaders to a company-wide Skills Academy, Elevance Health is redefining how learning happens—making it more agile, accessible, and aligned to the future of work. What you’ll learn:

  • Why Elevance Health replaced its traditional L&D structure with a skills-first strategy

  • How executive development was prioritized to align and empower senior leadership

  • The design and impact of the “Leading with Skills” Academy in democratizing learning

  • What a modern, skills-based learning environment looks like—and why it matters

2:20 pm - 2:55 pm KEYNOTE

The Future of Skill Development in the Age of AI: Seizing the Opportunity to Integrate Learning into the Flow of Work

Heather Stefanski

Chief Learning & Development Officer

McKinsey & Company

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • The importance of the apprenticeship (the expert/novice) relationships to learning in the flow of work
  • The impact of technology/AI on capability-building is growing exponentially
  • How technology/AI creates a challenge and an opportunity to bring learning and work together
  • The role L&D organizations as the experts in human development need to play in shaping the future design of technology and work itself
2:55 pm - 3:05 pm

Chair’s Closing Address

January 20th

3:30 pm

Badge Pick Up

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm WELCOME DAY SPECIAL CONTENT

Panel: The Future of Talent Development, Advanced Technologies and Organizational Transformation

Emily Lin

Chief Learning Officer

Mastercard

Kimberly Troxell

Head of US Commercial Learning & Development

AbbVie

Katy Jones

Vice President, Global Learning & Leadership Development

Medtronic

Rapti Mitra-Khurana

VP Talent Engagement & Development

NFL

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • The future of talent development
    • How evolving workforce needs are shaping talent development strategies
    • The shift from traditional training to personalized learning experienced
    • The role of continuous learning in employee growth and business success
  • Advanced technologies
    • The impact of AI, machine learning and automation on training programs
    • Leveraging technology for scalable, data-driven talent development
    • How virtual reality, augmented reality and other immersive technologies are changing learning environment
  • Organizational transformation
    • Adapting talent development to align with the shifting needs of the organization
    • The role of leadership in fostering a culture of learning and growth
    • How talent development drives overall organizational agility and innovation
5:05 pm - 5:40 pm WELCOME DAY SPECIAL CONTENT

Communicate Better: Use the Timeless Language of Color Energies to Connect Teams Across Geography and Generations

Executive to be Announced

Insights Learning and Development

Session Details Arrow Icon

Understand how color energy can be used to create a common language that transcends generations, geographies, and technologies, fostering deeper connections and understanding across teams.

  • Insights into the power of color energy: Discover how the Insights language of color energy can be used to bridge generational gaps between employees and improve communication within teams.
  • Connect across cultures: Learn how to use color energy to foster understanding and collaboration between teams located in different countries and cultures.
  • Navigate technological transformation and AI: Explore how color energy can help organizations improve training to guide their employees through the challenges of digital transformation and enhance productivity with change environments.
  • To get the most from this talk and glean communications strategies relevant to your own situation and challenges, we recommend you download your own Insights Discovery personal profile before the event.
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Drinks Reception

Brought To You By

January 21st

Stream 1 Chair

Ramona Arora

Vice President- Enterprise Career Development

The Walt Disney Company

Stream 2 Co-Chair

Christopher McCormick

Chief Academic Officer

EF Corporate Learning

Stream 3 Co-Chair
7:30 am - 8:15 am

registration & breakfast

8:20 am - 8:30 am

Chair’s Welcome Address

Ramona Arora

Vice President- Enterprise Career Development

The Walt Disney Company

8:30 am - 9:05 am KEYNOTE

Reimagining Learning at McDonald’s: From Crew to C-Suite

Bethany Tate Cornell

Chief Learning Officer

McDonald's

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Modernizing learning and development (L&D) to meet the evolving needs of a global workforce
  • Implementing scalable, tech-enabled learning solutions from front-line crew to executive leadership
  • Aligning L&D initiatives with business goals to drive measurable performance impact
  • Showcasing a variety of innovative programs that support talent growth and operational excellence
9:05 am - 9:40 am KEYNOTE

Fireside Chat: Transformation in Motion - What It Means for You and L&D

Tulie White

Chief Learning Officer

The Estèe Lauder Companies Inc

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • In an environment where L&D is often first on the chopping block, how did you advocate for its value—and win?
  • Mindset—how has your own mindset evolved during this transformation? And what mindset shifts have been most critical for L&D to remain relevant and indispensable during restructuring?
  • How do you model adaptability and courage for your team in moments of uncertainty?
  • “Being human”—how do you balance business objectives with empathy when guiding people through uncertainty? And what does a “human-centered” transformation look like in practice within a company like Estée Lauder?
  • Given that L&D will remain part of the organization, how is its role expected to evolve in the new structure? Will there be new focus areas or capabilities prioritized in L&D going forward?
  • How is L&D evolving to support the skills and mindset needed for the next phase of Estée Lauder’s growth? And what does success look like for L&D one year from now, post-transformation?
  • Are there new capabilities or programs you’re prioritizing to support leaders and teams through change?
  • How is the company planning to ensure employees stay engaged and supported during this period of change? And what opportunities will there be for employees to grow and reskill in light of the company’s new direction?
  • How is Estee Lauder thinking about the future of work in terms of digital tools, hybrid work, or global collaboration?
  • What advice do you have for other L&D leaders trying to protect and position their teams during similar times of change?
  • What’s one lesson you’ve learned during this transformation that you wish you knew at the start?

9:45 am - 10:20 am Workshops
Stream One

The Science of Learning: Addressing Skill Gaps with Targeted Training

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Designing training initiatives to effectively address skill gaps across the workforce
  • Understanding how to assess and pinpoint skill shortages within your organization
  • Exploring different types of training approaches used to bridge skill gaps
  • The role of tailored, learner-centric training programs
  • How AI, online platforms, and microlearning are being utilized to provide scalable and flexible training options
Stream Two

Lead. Inspire. Transform: Advancing Excellence Through Coaching

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Integrate coaching into leadership development for measurable impact
  • Deploy onboarding coaching for leaders
  • Drive team collaboration and engagement
  • Utilize coaching as a retention and career development tool
  • Demonstrate ROI and long-term success through coaching
Stream Three

Succession Planning & Strategic Talent Management

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Systematically identify, develop and advance leaders at all levels
  • Explore strategies to design pipelines tailored to both general leadership and specialist roles
  • Developing succession frameworks tied to leadership transitions
  • Aligning talent management with strategic business objectives
10:25 am - 12:05 pm Pre-Arranged One-To-One Meetings Arrow Icon

These mutually agreed-upon conversations are arranged and facilitated by Executive Platforms staff to ensure attendees have valuable discussions about their top-of-mind questions, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 10:30 am – 10:50 am: Meeting Slot 1/Networking
  • 10:55 am – 11:15 am: Meeting Slot 2/Networking
  • 11:20 am – 11:40 am: Meeting Slot 3/Networking
  • 11:45 am – 12:05 pm: Meeting Slot 4/Networking
12:10 pm - 12:45 pm Case Studies
Stream One

Building a Skills-Based Organization: Unlocking Talent Mobility

Session Details Arrow Icon
  • Designing a Skills Architecture – How to define a skills taxonomy and framework that aligns talent development with business strategy
  • Leveraging Degreed for Skills Visibility – understanding how to map, assess, and develop employee skills, creating a transparent view of organizational capabilities
  • Shifting to a Skills-Based Culture – Moving from role-based thinking to skills-driven talent practices that empower internal mobility, career growth, and retention
  • Driving Organizational Impact – Demonstrating how skills-based approaches fuel agility, reduce hiring costs, and prepare the workforce for the future of work
Stream Two

Putting Skills to Work, in Ways that Work

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  • It is essential we attract, retain, re-train, and continually build the future critical skills we need, before we need them. That means being systematic, not programmatic, in how we build skills and put them to work, in ways that work for all
  • We’re using skills powered talent practices to help redesign work, giving people more fluidity and flexibility to deploy their critical skills and job role skills to strategic areas
  • We have digitalized our jobs and skills architecture and created a skills signature to provide our people with visible simplicity to see and be uniquely seen when it comes to matching their skills and interests– inclusively and intelligently– to opportunities
  • We’re learning that in this dynamic landscape, across is often the new ‘up’. Reskilling is the on-ramp for internal mobility, ensuring that the people we have become the people we need, again and again. We are on a continuing journey to harness generative AI and human intelligence to put skills to work, in ways that actually work
Stream Three

Centralizing L&D: Driving Efficiency, Consistency, and Business Impact

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  • Breaking Down Silos in L&D – How centralization improves alignment, standardizes content, and eliminates redundant learning initiatives across the organization
  • Driving Efficiency & Resource Optimization – Leveraging centralized operations to reduce costs, speed up delivery, and scale learning globally
  • Enhancing Learner Experience & Consistency – Ensuring cohesive, high-quality training that meets both compliance needs and career development goals
  • Measuring Impact and Aligning with Business Goals – How centralization enables robust data collection and reporting to demonstrate L&D’s contribution to performance and ROI
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm

Executive Lunch Seating

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm THEMED LUNCH DISCUSSIONS

Explore this year’s themed lunch discussions led by industry leaders, where executives engage in focused conversations over a meal, discussing topics they’re passionate about alongside their peers.

Content to be Announced

Executive to be Announced

Abilitie

Elevating Your eLearning Engagement Strategies

Amy Schell

Director, Talent Management

Boston Scientific

Content to be Announced

Andrew James Viglione

Director, Global Learning & Development

Gilead

How to Use AI Ethically and Efficiently in Your L&D Initiatives

Breanna King

Vice President, Head of Organizational Development & Transformation

Chevron Federal Credit Union

Ground Up: How to Start a Skills-Based Organization

Mili Banerjee-Pal

AVP, Learning & Development

Cincinnati Insurance

Taking the First Step: Practical Approaches to AI in Learning

Remberto Jimenez

Director, Learning & Development

Clear Channel Outdoor

Empowering the Frontline: Building and Retaining a Skilled Trades Workforce

Executive to be Announced

Interplay Learning

From Inclusion to Impact: Designing L&D for a Multigenerational, Multicultural Workforce

Justine Green

VP, Learning & Development

ISG - Infinity Sales Group

Content to be Announced

Cicily Newby

VP, Learning and Talent Development

Loews Hotels & Co

Content to be Announced

Robert Madden

Sr. Director of Learning and Professional Development

MAPMG

Navigating Change: Leading an L&D’s Team Through an Organizational Redesign

Rachael Morrissey

Sr Director Training Team East

Maximus

Content to be Announced

Britt Sinha

VP, Chief Learning & Wellbeing Officer

NewYork-Presbyterian

From Simulation to Skill: VR’s Role in L&D

Keisha McNeil

Head of Enterprise Learning

Southern California Edison

Content to be Announced

Amy Kickham

Chief Human Resources Officer

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, LLC

Talent Synced: Aligning Performance, Calibration & Succession

Sara Rogers

Director of Talent, Learning & Development

Tillamook

Reflecting on the Last Five Years and Charting the Next Five: The Transformative Journey of L&D

Executive to be Announced

TrainingPros

1:45 pm - 2:20 pm KEYNOTE

Fireside Chat: Leveraging Technology to Empower Learners at All Levels

Brian Glaser

Vice President, Chief Talent and Learning Officer

Google

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  • Enhancing the learning experience with technology
  • Creating personalized learning paths
  • Fostering collaboration and engagement
  • Measuring and tracking progress
  • Preparing for the future of learning
2:25 pm - 3:00 pm Workshops
Stream One

Breaking the Last Taboo in Talent Strategy: Succession Reimagined

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For decades, leadership succession has been treated like a Game of Thrones episode. Zero-sum, top-down, and cloaked in silence. That story is outdated. Succession is no longer just a boardroom event. It’s a system-wide risk, and opportunity, playing out in real time.

  • The story is shifting: Succession isn’t a blood sport. It’s a mindset shaped by culture. The old power-play narrative is giving way to a more human, transparent model
  • The crisis is everywhere: Succession gaps don’t just exist at the top. Most organizations neglect non-C-suite roles, draining talent quietly and weakening institutional resilience
  • Wisdom transfer is the missing link: The best transitions happen when leaders don’t just leave, they lift. Endorsement and collaboration between generations is an undervalued asset
  • AI changes everything: This could be the last cohort to lead all-human teams. Succession plans must now address relational fluency and technological literacy
  • Future-fit succession is adaptive: The best strategies balance:
    • Immediacy – Act fast when the moment demands it.
    • Continuity – Preserve what makes your culture work.
    • Generativity – Grow leaders who leave a legacy, not a vacancy.
Stream Two

Measurement & Evaluation: Implementing Learning Analysis Process Models to Measure Talent Development, Program Effectiveness, and Organizational Outcome

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  • Determining the importance of learning analysis in talent development
  • Utilizing the key learning analysis models
  • Implementing learning systems for measurement and evaluation
  • Evaluating the organizational outcomes and impact
  • Best practices for measuring learning effectiveness
Stream Three

LearnOps: Transforming L&D into a High-Performing Business Function

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  • Operationalizing L&D for Business Impact – How adopting a LearnOps approach turns L&D teams from reactive “order-takers” into strategic business enablers
  • Optimizing Learning Workflows – Streamlining intake, planning, and resource allocation to deliver training faster, at scale, and with measurable efficiency gains
  • Data-Driven Decision Making – Leveraging operational and performance data to prioritize projects, allocate resources effectively, and demonstrate ROI to the business
  • Driving Alignment with Business Priorities – Ensuring every learning initiative connects to organizational goals and drives measurable outcomes for leadership visibility
  • Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement – Using LearnOps to identify bottlenecks, improve collaboration, and continuously enhance L&D impact
3:05 pm - 4:15 pm Pre-Arranged One-To-One Meetings Arrow Icon

These mutually agreed-upon conversations are arranged and facilitated by Executive Platforms staff to ensure attendees have valuable discussions about their top-of-mind questions, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 3:05 pm – 3:25 pm: Meeting Slot 5/Networking
  • 3:30 pm – 3:50 pm: Meeting Slot 6/Networking
  • 3:55 pm – 4:15 pm: Meeting Slot 7/Networking
4:20 pm - 4:55 pm KEYNOTE

Panel: L&D Team Development – What Does Your Department Look Like and How Are you Setting your Team Up For Success?

Katie Lackey

Vice President Human Resources, Digital IT

Honeywell

Sony Das

VP Learning & Development

Lionsgate

Victor Arguelles

VP Learning Design & Development

Marriott International

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  • The structure of our L&D teams
  • How are we developing and empowering our team members?
    • Skill development
    • Collaboration & Knowledge sharing
    • Feedback and support
  • Our approach to setting our teams up for success
    • Clear vision and strategic alignment
    • Data-driven decisions
    • Agility and adaptability
    • Focus on employee experience
    • Leadership development
5:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Chair’s Closing Remarks

5:15 pm

Drinks Reception

6:00 pm

executive dinner

(By Invite Only)

January 22nd

7:30 am - 8:20 am

registration & breakfast

7:45 am - 8:20 am breakfast workshops
Stream Two

Learning Measurement That Matters: From Completion Rates to Business Results

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Many L&D teams struggle to connect learning to performance. Join us as we share how to design content and systems that generate actionable analytics.

  • Designing assessments that go beyond quizzes
  • Embedding analytics in SCORM/xAPI modules
  • Using data to iterate and improve learning over time
8:20 am - 8:25 am

Chair’s Welcome Address

Ramona Arora

Vice President- Enterprise Career Development

The Walt Disney Company

8:25 am - 9:00 am KEYNOTE

Enhancing Leadership Development: The Power of Consistent Feedback and Bridging the Gaps

Becky Schmitt

Chief People Officer

PepsiCo

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  • Why consistent feedback is crucial in leadership development
  • How to create a feedback-rich environment that drives continuous growth
  • Bridging the gaps in leadership skills to ensure sustainable success
9:05 am - 9:40 am KEYNOTE

Learning Transformation: Scaling AI, Technology, and Global L&D Operations

Jeff Orlando

Chief Learning Officer

Bristol-Myers Squibb

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  • Evolving the Learning Ecosystem – how BMS has integrated AI, automation, and next-gen learning technologies to modernize workforce development
  • Globalizing L&D Operations – lessons from shifting work to global hubs and creating a centralized yet agile L&D function.
  • From Vision to Impact – measuring business outcomes, learner engagement, and efficiency gains in Year 3 of transformation at BMS
  • Future-Proofing the Workforce – how AI-driven insights and global talent strategies prepare employees for continuous upskilling and role evolution
9:45 am - 10:20 am Case Studies
Stream One

Lead Within: Showing Up for Yourself First

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  • Reflect on what it truly means to “put your oxygen mask on first” — prioritizing your well-being as the foundation for effective leadership
  • Explore tools and coaching frameworks that not only support your growth but also create a developmental playground for others
  • Explore why sustainable leadership starts with self-awareness, reflection, and emotional regulation
  • Engage in interactive sessions designed to deepen self-awareness and unlock your capacity to lead others with clarity, presence, and intention
Stream Two

Think Differently – Powerful Strategies for Succession Planning & High Potentials

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  • Effective strategies to build a succession plan and high-potential program
  • Creating clear metrics and feedback loops to track and measure success throughout a high-potential program
  • Evaluating the value and impact of succession planning efforts on decision makers
Stream Three

Harnessing AI for Smarter L&D: Accelerating Workforce Upskilling

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  • AI-Powered Learning Personalization – How AI can analyze skills gaps and deliver tailored learning paths to accelerate employee development
  • Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future of Work – Leveraging AI to identify emerging skill needs and prepare employees for evolving roles
  • Intelligent Automation in L&D – Streamlining content creation, curation, and learner support with AI-powered tools to free up L&D teams for strategic initiatives
  • Measuring Impact with Data and Insights – Using AI-driven analytics to track progress, predict performance, and demonstrate the ROI of upskilling initiatives
10:25 am - 11:15 am Pre-Arranged One-To-One Meetings Arrow Icon

These mutually agreed-upon conversations are arranged and facilitated by Executive Platforms staff to ensure attendees have valuable discussions about their top-of-mind questions, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 10:30 am – 10:50 am: Meeting Slot 8/Networking
  • 10:55 am – 11:15 am: Meeting Slot 9/Networking
11:20 am - 11:55 am Case Studies
Stream One

Drive Transformation in Learning to Create Impactful and Meaningful Change

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  • Explore how transformative learning strategies can drive impactful and meaningful change in organizations
  • Actionable insights on how learning and development professionals can lead the charge in creating lasting organizational growth and success
Stream Two

Performance Enablement: The Evolving Role of L&D in Driving Business and Employee Success

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  • The ‘Why’ of L&D in 2026
    • How the role of L&D has shifted from content delivery to performance enablement
    • Aligning learning strategy with business outcomes, skill needs, and workforce expectations
    • Why 2026 is the inflection point for L&D to become a critical driver of organizational agility and growth
  • ‘Telling the Truth’ with Data
    • Using learning analytics and performance metrics to show what’s truly working—and what’s not
    • Leveraging data to influence executive decision-making, allocate resources, and demonstrate ROI
    • Moving beyond completion rates to real performance and capability metrics
  • Fueling Business and Employee Success
    • How performance enablement connects business KPIs to employee growth and career mobility
    • Creating a culture where employees thrive, skills are visible, and talent is deployable
    • Why being in L&D today is “the best job on the planet”—driving both human and organizational potential
Stream Three

Learning & Development – Bottom-Up Approach, Training Managers and Building a Culture of Growth in the Team

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  • Understanding the benefits of the bottom-up approach in L&D
  • How to train and empower managers to lead learning in their teams
  • Creating a culture of growth and continuous development within teams
12:00 pm - 12:35 pm Workshops
Stream One

Empowering Growth with Strategic Learning Analysis

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  • Designing the optimal future state of learning within your organization and unlock the full potential of your training initiatives
  • Creating a roadmap to bridge the performance gaps effectively
  • Determine areas for improvement and find creative approaches and strategies to enhance your training programs and maximize learner engagement
  • Deliver measurable results including ROI, establishing KPIs and evaluating progress and deliver tangible business outcomes
Stream Two

Turn Data into Decisions

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  • How to gain influence and drive action with a data-driven mindset
  • Step back from the numbers and consider the business question you are trying to answer
  • Distill information and observations into valuable insights
  • Intentionally communicate your insights and recommendations to align with your audience’s priorities
Stream Three

The Power of Gamification in Learning

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  • How game-based training drives engagement and retention far beyond traditional e-learning
  • Why experiential, hands-on simulations accelerate learning by letting employees “learn by doing”
  • Neuroscience insights: why gamification boosts knowledge retention and behavioral change
12:35 pm - 1:35 pm

Executive Lunch Seating

12:35 pm - 1:35 pm THEMED LUNCH DISCUSSIONS

Explore this year’s themed lunch discussions led by industry leaders, where executives engage in focused conversations over a meal, discussing topics they’re passionate about alongside their peers.

The Talent Blueprint: Mapping Critical Roles and Developing HiPos

Andy Schuster

Vice President, Organizational Development

Farm Credit Illinois

Content to be Announced

Lori Welch

Director, Leadership Development

Southeast Toyota Distributors

Content to be Announced

Megan Reiplinger

Director, Global Learning & Development

TAIT

Content to be Announced

Amy Hernandez

Executive Director, Talent Experience

Travere Therapeutics

Content to be Announced

Penelope Rose

Senior Director, Head of Global Talent Development & Engagement

Zoetis

Adaptive Leadership in Action: Driving Agility, Innovation, and Engagement in the Hybrid Era

Lauren DeAngelis

Chief Learning Officer

Carolinas Credit Union League

1:40 pm - 2:15 pm KEYNOTE

Reimagining L&D: How Elevance Health Transformed Executive and Enterprise Learning

Ryan Craig

Chief Talent Officer & Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Elevance Health

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When Elevance Health made the strategic decision to disband its traditional L&D function, it created space for something new—something modern. Recognizing the need for executive development and scalable growth, the organization launched a transformative learning strategy rooted in skills. From a targeted initiative for the top 250 leaders to a company-wide Skills Academy, Elevance Health is redefining how learning happens—making it more agile, accessible, and aligned to the future of work. What you’ll learn:

  • Why Elevance Health replaced its traditional L&D structure with a skills-first strategy

  • How executive development was prioritized to align and empower senior leadership

  • The design and impact of the “Leading with Skills” Academy in democratizing learning

  • What a modern, skills-based learning environment looks like—and why it matters

2:20 pm - 2:55 pm KEYNOTE

The Future of Skill Development in the Age of AI: Seizing the Opportunity to Integrate Learning into the Flow of Work

Heather Stefanski

Chief Learning & Development Officer

McKinsey & Company

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  • The importance of the apprenticeship (the expert/novice) relationships to learning in the flow of work
  • The impact of technology/AI on capability-building is growing exponentially
  • How technology/AI creates a challenge and an opportunity to bring learning and work together
  • The role L&D organizations as the experts in human development need to play in shaping the future design of technology and work itself
2:55 pm - 3:05 pm

Chair’s Closing Address

Please note: This agenda is subject to change based on speaker availability and scheduling.