In a recent episode of the L&D Transformation podcast, host Jack Gottlieb engages in a dynamic conversation with Eric Brand, a seasoned commercial leader in Learning and Development (L&D) with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. The podcast aims to extract valuable insights from business leaders like Brand who understand the evolving landscape of talent development.
Eric Brand introduces himself as a commercial leader in L&D, emphasizing his diverse background in the healthcare industry. Trained as an engineer, Brand has traversed roles in research and development, project management, marketing, and sales operations within pharmaceuticals. This varied experience, he notes, provides him with a unique perspective when leading L&D teams, enabling him to comprehend the challenges faced by his peers and fostering effective collaboration.
Brand delves into the changing nature of L&D, particularly highlighting the impact of the post-COVID era. He notes that L&D is no longer perceived merely as a service window for training requests; rather, it has evolved into a crucial player in organizational strategy. Grand contends that the disruption caused by COVID has left many traditional teams without all the answers, making them more receptive to guidance. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging data, becoming evidence-based, and identifying trends to position L&D leaders as contributors to strategic decision-making.
Gottlieb and Brand discuss the significance of L&D professionals transitioning from being order-takers to becoming strategic partners within the organization. Brand stresses the need for L&D leaders to embrace a consultative role by understanding business acumen, aligning with organizational goals, and utilizing data to inform training needs. He suggests that this shift allows L&D to move beyond being a cost center and instead become a business-driving force.
The conversation extends to the impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the L&D landscape. Brand acknowledges the changing dynamics of customer interactions, especially within the pharmaceutical industry. He advises a balanced approach to technology adoption, cautioning against both excessive reliance and outright dismissal. Drawing parallels to the introduction of the iPad, Brand emphasizes the need to understand technology's capabilities and limitations to avoid unrealistic expectations.
Brand concludes by offering strategic guidance to L&D leaders, emphasizing the importance of being leaders, not order-takers. He encourages the use of data-driven approaches to identify organizational needs and create proactive training programs. Furthermore, he highlights the critical importance of developing business acumen and leadership courage to navigate the evolving demands of the L&D landscape.
In wrapping up the insightful conversation, Gottlieb and Brand explore the mindset and skills required for success in the new world of L&D. They emphasize the need for a deep understanding of business operations and the courage to provide alternate perspectives based on data. The discussion underscores the transformative potential of L&D when positioned as a strategic partner, driven by a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.
The podcast conversation with Eric Brand provides valuable insights into the evolving role of Learning and Development in the contemporary business landscape. It serves as a guide for L&D leaders navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world, urging them to embrace strategic partnerships, leverage data, and cultivate essential skills for success.
