• L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea

  • Apr 2 2025
  • Length: 44 mins
  • Podcast

L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea

Listen for free

View show details

  • Summary

  • Many L&D teams still see themselves as a support function—creating learning programs, responding to training requests, and advocating for development. But in a rapidly changing business landscape, is that enough?

    In this episode, Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, challenges the traditional identity of L&D and makes the case for a more strategic role—one that positions learning as a core driver of business transformation, not just an enabler of it.

    We dive into the recurring struggle for L&D to "get a seat at the table" and why that framing might be holding teams back. Instead of waiting for an invitation, L&D leaders must shift their focus from delivering learning to solving real business problems.

    Al shares insights on how forward-thinking organizations are embedding learning into business strategy, leveraging skills data, and embracing new ways of working—such as agile methodologies and systems thinking—to drive real impact.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (00:00) L&D’s Identity Crisis
    • (05:10) Why L&D struggles for influence and how to fix it
    • (12:40) The shift from support function to strategic problem-solver
    • (20:50) The role of skills data in transforming L&D
    • (32:00) Challenges and mindset shifts needed for L&D leaders
    • (42:41) Final thoughts and why Al Dea does this work

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • The Edge of Work
    • Josh Bersin
    Connect with Al Dea
    • Connected with Al Dea on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
    Show more Show less
Show more Show less
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available