Learning & Talent Development Leader
Learning That Sticks | Strategy That Scales
Learning & Talent Development Leader
Learning That Sticks | Strategy That Scales
Background & Experience
Executive Summary
Bold. Engaging. Corporate Learning Solutions.
I don’t just build learning cultures—I architect performance ecosystems that make mediocrity sweat. As a corporate learning renegade with a flair for turning complexity into clarity, I specialize in designing strategic talent development strategies that actually move the needle (and occasionally blow the roof off it).
I’ve made it my mission to transform training from “mandatory” to magnetic. My learning and development programs don’t just align with business goals—they chase them down, tackle them, and leave them better than they were.
Known for being delightfully disruptive (with just enough charm to get away with it), I empower teams to exceed expectations and leaders to stop managing and start inspiring. Whether it’s coaching execs, launching AI-powered workforce enablement platforms, or designing scalable leadership development that doesn’t feel like corporate oatmeal—I bring the fire, the finesse, and the follow-through.
Industry Experience That’s Anything but Vanilla
I’ve led transformative initiatives across a kaleidoscope of industries, including:
🚚 Transportation, Logistics & Supply Chain
🏠 Residential & Commercial Moving
📞 Call & Contact Centers
🏭 Manufacturing
💻 Technology
🏥 Healthcare & Medical Devices
🏢 Outsourced Commercial Real Estate
🖨️ Commercial Printing & Digital Marketing
🏪 Franchising & Retail
🛍️ Point-of-Purchase (POP) & Merchandising
Education & Professional Credentials
My Learning Obsession, Professionally Justified
I’m a lifelong learning junkie with a Master of Science in Management, Strategy, and Leadership from Michigan State’s Eli Broad College of Business—yes, the top-tier one. Add a BS in Psychology from Madonna University, and you’ve got a potent mix of brain science and boardroom savvy.
As a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and ATD Master Trainer, I don’t just teach—I transform. I’m currently pursuing SHRM’s Senior Certified Professional (SCP) credential to enhance my expertise in strategic talent development and keep unlocking human potential like it’s my job (because it is).
I’ve also stacked up associate degrees in Accounting and Business Management, plus certifications as a Change Management Specialist and Six Sigma Lean Professional—because why settle for one toolkit when you can have five?
My approach? Design learning and development that delivers ROI, ROE, and "OMG-that-actually-worked!" results. I build feedback loops, analyze performance data, and apply human-centered design like a strategist with a heart and a spreadsheet, all while focusing on workforce enablement.
And yes, I’m proudly nerdy. When I’m not geeking out over evaluation metrics or leadership theory, I’m busy turning everyday employees into performance superstars. Who wouldn’t want more of those?
expertise
P&L/Budget Management
P&L/Budget Management
P&L/Budget Management
Strategy Meets Spreadsheet
From scrappy start-ups to global giants, I’ve wrangled budgets and owned P&L with the kind of accounting fluency that makes finance teams weep with joy. Revenue growth? Check. Expense control? Double check. Vendor wrangling and contract finesse? Let’s just say I negotiate like it’s an Olympic sport because sometimes, it is.
I treat strategic talent development like an investment in learning and development—because when the average spend hits $1,220 per employee, ROI and ROE aren’t just buzzwords, they’re boardroom currency. I design initiatives that enhance workforce enablement, paying off in performance, retention, and bottom-line impact.
Learning Design
P&L/Budget Management
P&L/Budget Management
The Intersection of Psychology & Performance
I’m a lifelong student of how people learn—and why they sometimes don’t. Armed with cognitive psychology and a flair for strategy, I design strategic talent development programs that don’t just check boxes—they create competitive advantage.
Stronger learning and development = stronger performance. It’s not just research-backed; it’s ROI-backed. I lead innovative solutions that engage every level of the org chart and spark the kind of learning culture that actually sticks, enabling workforce enablement.
Because when learning feels like growth—not punishment—magic happens.
Team Leadership
P&L/Budget Management
Leadership Development
The Kind That Inspires Loyalty (and Repeat Employment)
Building high-performing teams from scratch? Been there. Reviving existing ones into powerhouse units? Done that. Whether launching start-ups or reshaping legacy departments, I lead with clarity, empathy, and just enough irreverence to keep things interesting.
I’m lucky to have a core crew of brilliant professionals who’ve followed me across multiple companies—because when you lead with purpose and deliver results, people tend to pack their bags and come along for the ride. From learning and development to sales, ops, coaching, and quality control, I’ve cultivated a talent pool that’s as capable as it is loyal, focusing on strategic talent development to enhance our workforce enablement.
My leadership style? Equal parts strategic vision, psychological insight, and “let’s actually enjoy doing great work together.” Because when teams feel seen, challenged, and celebrated, they don’t just perform—they thrive.
Leadership Development
Organizational Design & Strategy
Leadership Development
A Continuous Process, Never a One-and-Done
Why do so many leadership development programs flop harder than a bad team-building retreat? Three reasons:
1️⃣ Not enough executive sponsorship
2️⃣ No tie-in to actual business goals
3️⃣ Treated like a one-time workshop with free cookies
Real leadership development is a long game. It should align with corporate values, spotlight high-potential talent, and challenge current leaders to evolve—not just manage. I design programs focused on strategic talent development that do all that and more, incorporating effective learning and development strategies to keep things fresh.
If your current workforce enablement efforts feel more “check-the-box” than “change-the-game,” let's talk. I specialize in turning leadership potential into performance powerhouses—and yes, cookies are still optional.
Organizational Design & Strategy
Organizational Design & Strategy
Organizational Design & Strategy
Because Your Org Chart Shouldn’t Look Like a Jenga Tower
Not all org designs are created equal—and some should come with a warning label. I specialize in transforming outdated structures into sleek, purpose-driven engines of productivity focused on strategic talent development.
Whether it’s streamlining roles, reimagining departments, or giving job descriptions a much-needed glow-up, I help organizations align talent with strategy to enhance workforce enablement and ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction.
From job analysis to enrichment and enlargement (yes, those are real things), I make sure every role creates value—or supports someone who does. When your org chart reflects your business goals, value creation becomes the default setting, driving effective learning and development.
Performance Management
Organizational Design & Strategy
Organizational Design & Strategy
Less Dread, More Drive
Let’s face it: most performance management systems are about as beloved as a surprise root canal. They’re clunky, outdated, and somehow manage to deliver feedback that’s both vague and irrelevant. Sound familiar?
I flip the script. Performance management should be a strategic powerhouse for talent development, not just an isolated annual conversation. When learning and development teams and performance teams are in sync, feedback becomes timely, actionable, and actually useful (imagine that). A great performance management system not only sparks growth but also enhances workforce enablement, avoiding groans—and yes, it will still come with metrics, dashboards, and all the good stuff execs love.
Coaching
Workforce & Employee Engagement
Change Management
"Figure It Out" Isn’t a Strategy
Despite its buzzword status, coaching remains one of the most underdeveloped superpowers in corporate leadership. Many managers find themselves thrust into the deep end with a title and a to-do list—but without the necessary skills for effective coaching. The outcome? Missed opportunities, unclear feedback, and teams running on fumes.
By leveraging a mix of proven coaching models and insights from learning and development, I assist new managers in building coaching capabilities that truly stick. I also guide seasoned executives in enhancing their impact, all while avoiding the pitfalls of sounding like a bad TED Talk.
Whether it's unlocking potential, navigating tough conversations, or transforming feedback into fuel, I strive to make coaching feel less like a chore and more like a strategic talent development advantage. Because when leaders excel in coaching, teams don’t just improve; they evolve, driving workforce enablement to new heights.
Change Management
Workforce & Employee Engagement
Change Management
The Secret Sauce of Successful Transitions
Change is inevitable—but managing it well? That’s where most organizations drop the ball. When change is managed with intention, people don’t just adapt—they accelerate. Too often, learning and development initiatives roll out without a whisper of change strategy, leaving teams confused, disengaged, and wondering what just hit them.
As a certified Change Management Specialist (CMS), I bake strategic talent development into all projects from the start. My solutions don’t just teach—they transition. I develop workforce enablement interventions that anticipate resistance, optimize impact, and make job transfer feel less like a leap and more like a glide.
Workforce & Employee Engagement
Workforce & Employee Engagement
Sales Methodology, Process, Technique, and Training
Where Learning and Loyalty Collide
Engaging employees is one thing. Engaging them as learners in a robust learning and development environment? That’s next level. I specialize in designing learning experiences that don’t just inform—they ignite. Because when employees feel invested in, they invest right back.
Creating a learning culture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive advantage in strategic talent development. I strive to meet learners where they are (even the eye-rollers), across every modality: ILT, virtual, microlearning, LMS, AI—you name it. Whether it’s onboarding or upskilling, I make sure the experience feels less like a lecture and more like a launchpad for workforce enablement.
My approach? Blended, bold, and built to drive outcomes. When learning is engaging (and dare I say it, a little fun?), performance isn’t far behind—and neither is retention.
Sales Methodology, Process, Technique, and Training
Sales Methodology, Process, Technique, and Training
Sales Methodology, Process, Technique, and Training
Beyond the Gift of Gab
The “gift of gab” era is over. Sales success today demands a structured approach, strategic talent development, and skill—and yet most sellers are hired, handed a quota, and left to wing it. That’s not just risky; it’s expensive.
I’ve led the charge at multiple organizations to define sales processes, codify language, and build training ecosystems centered on learning and development that stick. From onboarding to ongoing workforce enablement, I design programs that turn managers into coaching superstars, sellers into consultative pros, and support teams into strategic allies.
The formula?
📌 Map the process.
📌 Train the team.
📌 Coach the application.
📌 Align the org.
📌 Repeat until results roar.
Sales is complex. Training shouldn’t be. I make it scalable, sticky, and shockingly effective—even in the most competitive landscapes.
Capabilities
Sales Methodology, Process, Technique, and Training
Capabilities
Equal Parts Strategy + Swagger
While I firmly believe there’s nothing I can’t do (and my track record agrees), here are a few areas where I shine extra bright:
Communication That Connects: Whether it’s writing, presenting, or public speaking, I make complex ideas sound like common sense—and occasionally, like poetry.
Creative Problem Solving: I tackle challenges with a mix of logic, collaboration, and just enough audacity to find the solution no one saw coming.
Leadership, Coaching & Mentoring: I grow leaders, not just managers. From HiPos to seasoned execs, I help people level up with purpose through strategic talent development.
Learning & Motivational Theory Expertise: I don’t just know the science; I apply it to spark engagement, drive performance, and fuel transformation in learning and development.
Cross-Functional Team Building: I unite departments like a corporate diplomat with a mission: shared goals, seamless execution, and zero drama.
Performance Management That Works: Actionable feedback, strategic alignment, goal-setting, and systems that improve performance? Yes, please—especially in workforce enablement.
Consulting That Cuts Through the Noise: Internal or external, I help leaders identify root causes and build solutions that scale.
Learning & Talent Development Solutions: From design to delivery, I build programs that don’t just educate; they elevate.
Technology
Sales Methodology, Process, Technique, and Training
Capabilities
Fluent in Platforms, Fearless with Innovation
I don’t just use technology; I tame it. Whether it’s a legacy system or the latest AI-powered tool, I dive in, decode it, and deploy it to drive performance in learning and development. Call me tech-savvy, tech-adaptive, or just plain unstoppable—I’ve yet to meet a platform I couldn’t master.
As a self-proclaimed “AI adventurer,” I explore emerging tools to elevate workforce enablement, engagement, and productivity. From LMS to CRM, ATS to AI, I build ecosystems that help us all work smarter, not harder while focusing on strategic talent development.
Here’s a peek at my digital playground:
AI & Enablement Tools: ChatGPT, OpenAI, Yoodli, DALL·E, Udio, OpenArt
Performance Coaching Platforms: Brainshark, and other AI-driven feedback tools
Sales Enablement Systems: Gong, HighSpot, and more
Learning Management Systems (LMS): Cornerstone, Axonify, 7Taps, to name a few
HR, HRIS, ERP & Talent Platforms: SuccessFactors, Workday, and many, many more
Applicant Tracking Systems: Modern Hire, WorkDay, and others
CRM Systems: Salesforce and its many cousins
Virtual Training Tools: Zoom, Teams, GoToMeeting, Google Meet
Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office (all versions, all quirks)
Whether I’m optimizing workflows, designing scalable learning solutions, or coaching teams through tech transitions, I bring the strategy, the savvy, and a fearless approach to master the latest and greatest tech tools.
Professional Experience
Summary
Learning that sticks. Strategy that scales.
I architect learning ecosystems that make mediocrity sweat. As a delightfully disruptive strategist in the field of learning and development, I blend adult learning theory, cutting-edge tech, and cross-functional finesse to drive performance, engagement, and transformation. From building teams to fostering culture, I turn complexity into clarity—and training into traction.
Whether coaching execs, devising better, faster ways to onboard new hires, launching workforce enablement platforms, or solving root-cause chaos with world-class training interventions, I bring insight, energy, and execution to enhance strategic talent development and move the needle—and keep it moving.
Senior Director, Learning & Talent Development Solutions, Fortivra Group
As a strategic consultant with a flair for transforming corporate chaos into clarity, I specialize in learning and development, strategic talent development, and workforce enablement through effective sales strategies and impactful learning solutions. Whether I’m collaborating with the C-suite or coordinating cross-functional teams, I assist organizations in uncovering root-cause issues and building scalable, high-impact programs that align with their business goals. From tailored training initiatives to comprehensive cultural transformations, I enhance capabilities, turn managers into leaders, ignite engagement, and drive bottom-line results—whether your workforce consists of 500 or 50,000 employees.
With a global reach and local impact, I bring just the right amount of zest to keep things interesting.
XPO Logistics, Inc. - Director, Learning & Talent Development
At XPO Logistics, I built the Learning and Development (L&D) function for the international LTL sales force from the ground up; no playbook, no fluff, just results. I led onboarding and strategic talent development for 400+ sales pros and leaders across a $774M business unit, architecting a blended learning ecosystem that included ILT, virtual training, podcasts, LMS modules, and AI-powered coaching. From psychometric assessments to proprietary certification programs, I designed tools that accelerated performance, reduced time-to-productivity by 26 days, and stopped 30% of sellers from quoting incorrect prices. I didn’t just train; I transformed. My work aligned sales, ops, and delivery teams to create a seamless customer experience and drove measurable gains in CX, retention, and leadership effectiveness.
I introduced a standardized sales methodology, launched a New Leader Assimilation Program, and coached leaders to manage HiPos and underperformers with precision. My programs achieved 95% certification within four months and improved CX ratings by 8 points in just 90 days. Recognized as an “A Player” three years running, I partnered across the organization to build succession plans, career mobility paths, and KSAO profiles that turned top performers into case studies. The result? A salesforce that didn’t just meet expectations; it redefined them.
Endorsements:
“I needed someone who could empathize with the Account Executives and the challenges they faced in the field but also drive accountability and performance through the C-level leadership and everyone level in between. I got that and more when we brought Lana onto the team. Lana showed up from the first day in the role with a level of professional grace and enthusiasm that I have rarely encountered in my career.” – Julia N., Former Vice President, Learning and Development, XPO Logistics
“Dedicated, brilliant problem-solver, generous co-worker, accomplished and respected leader. These are just a few of the ways that I (and others) have described Lana. Our industry is fast-moving and often unpredictable, but Lana was completely at ease with the pace and nature of the work. She strives to deliver detailed and accessible training for workforce enablement no matter the circumstances and knows exactly what’s called for in any situation.” – BJ C., Former Colleague, XPO Logistics
"Lana's ability to identify and address training and development needs within the organization was exceptional. She worked closely with department leaders and employees to understand their unique challenges and provided tailored solutions that elevated the skills and knowledge of our workforce." - Holly H., Former Direct Report, XPO Logistics
Infinity - Director, Salesforce Development (Learning & Talent Development)
At Infinity, I led onboarding, training, and development for 200+ account executives and leaders across nine Google AdWords and Waze promotional programs—yes, Google. I managed a powerhouse team of master-level trainers and QA coaches, revamping our approach to sales enablement from the ground up. By focusing on strategic talent development, I designed learning experiences that included microlearning and SMART goals, which boosted performance, improved coaching effectiveness, and made onboarding feel less like a firehose and more like a launchpad.
I certified managers through Emblaze’s AISM program, built performance dashboards to enable earlier interventions, and rewrote the playbook on feedback loops and curriculum design. My learning and development programs didn’t just improve retention and customer satisfaction—they became culture-shifting assets. DEI&B principles? Baked in. Ambiguity? Handled. Results? Delivered.
Endorsements:
"As a leader, Lana was one of the biggest influences in my career. Her knowledge in Learning and Development provided structure and strength to programs we had worked on. Lana's career has allowed her to network and accumulate vast resources that make her not only an outstanding leader but an inspirer to those around her." - Alex K., Former Direct Report, Infinity
"In my time working with Lana, I witnessed her strategically re-structure a team that had been under-resourced and poorly utilized and transform it into a team that became highly regarded and heavily relied upon at every level from New Hire to CEO. The standards of professional excellence she held herself to and expected of her team created immediate impact and allowed the SD team to be a real force for positive culture change and workforce enablement at Infinity." - Sloane M., Former Direct Report, Infinity
MDI Worldwide - Director, POP Sales
At MDI Worldwide, I led all sales for a $20M+ division of a marketing display manufacturer, showcasing how my expertise in workforce enablement translates seamlessly across industries. I built CX-focused strategies, optimized lead generation, and introduced tech-forward solutions that helped clients track consumer behavior and enhance competitiveness. From retail to QSRs, petroleum to convenience, I analyzed market trends and helped tailor product offerings to meet the moment—and the margin. The result? A 37.9% margin achievement that exceeded our 35.5% goal.
I hired, trained, and developed a high-performing B2B sales team, emphasizing strategic talent development through the implementation of Sandler, Challenger, MEDDICC, and SPIN methodologies. I also created educational marketing materials that elevated product knowledge across reps and partners. I didn’t just manage the P&L; I redefined it. By integrating performance metrics and forecasting tools, I set a bold new vision for an ROI-driven sales strategy.
Manufacturing was the setting, but transformation was the theme.
Franchise Sales Consultants - Independent Organizational & Talent Development Consultant
At FSC, I collaborated with executives, franchise owners, and business leaders to create tailored training experiences that spanned learning and development areas such as sales strategy, business acumen, time management, and leadership development. Whether leading virtual workshops or energizing rooms of over 300 participants, I transformed learning into a performance accelerator. My sessions not only informed but also inspired action, driven by learners’ feedback.
Rooted in cognitive psychology and adult learning principles, I fast-tracked onboarding processes, reduced turnover, and enhanced engagement across various industries. I developed branded content, deployed assessments, and implemented strategic talent development tools that enabled clients to hire more effectively and lead stronger teams, ultimately contributing to workforce enablement.
Two Men and a Truck, International - Director, Salesforce Learning & Development (Corporate)
At Two Men and a Truck International, I didn’t just join the team—I built one. I launched the franchise system’s first corporate salesforce development function, supporting 250+ locations and 750+ sales pros across B2B and frontline roles. From zero to nationwide impact, I designed and delivered learning and development programs that boosted conversion rates, elevated customer experience, and reinforced brand integrity across the board. My consultative, value-driven curriculum both taught and transformed through strategic talent development.
I helped the organization drive 18–20% annual growth over three consecutive years and developed the five-year vision for the national sales department. I defined KPIs, KSAOs, and OKRs, implemented a wildly successful peer-to-peer coaching program, and established performance metrics that turned forecasting into a strategic advantage. I cultivated enterprise-level partnerships that fueled workforce enablement, driving revenue growth and positioning the brand for long-term success.
Critical Signal Technologies - Vice President, Business Development, Partner Programs
At Critical Signal Technologies (now part of Best Buy Health), I climbed from Director of Sales & Marketing to Vice President of Business Development for Partner Programs—proving that when it comes to healthcare, eldercare, and med tech, I don’t just adapt—I lead. I built and trained the inside sales team from scratch, focusing on learning and development to achieve a 69% closing ratio and transforming consultative selling into a competitive advantage. From PR to crisis comms, trade shows to social strategy, I led marketing with precision and flair, positioning CST as a trusted name in remote medical monitoring and telehealth devices that improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions.
As VP, I spearheaded strategic partnerships with hospitals, PCPs, home health agencies, insurers, and Area Agencies on Aging—convincing them not just to distribute CST’s devices, but to champion them. I designed training programs for partners and caregivers, emphasizing strategic talent development and covering everything from equipment set up to emergency protocols. Working cross-functionally with R&D and call center ops, I launched programs that improved care transitions and reduced readmission rates for patients with chronic conditions, contributing to workforce enablement. In this role, lives really did depend on our ability to execute with precision – and we did.
professional affiliations & memberships