Gregg Summers, Field Director in Learning and Development of Sysco, shares how frontline-focused L&D can support complex supply chain operations while keeping people development at the center of the business. He reflects on two decades with the company, the shift from sales leadership into learning and how his team builds capability among warehouse teams, delivery drivers and frontline leaders. Gregg also discusses how virtual delivery has expanded reach, why mentoring matters for emerging leaders and why thoughtful questioning is one of the most critical skills in today’s workplace.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:57 Lifelong curiosity naturally leads some professionals into L&D leadership.
04:53 Virtual L&D delivery expands reach and reduces cost but still needs thoughtful design.
07:53 Future L&D success depends on flexible formats that meet people where they are.
11:33 Strong mentors help L&D leaders see beyond their own perspective.
12:29 Many emerging L&D professionals lack mentors, so proactively asking for guidance is powerful.
14:22 Asking good questions and listening deeply strengthens L&D impact across the workplace.
17:03 Following industry trends strengthens L&D credibility with stakeholders and informs relevant training.
19:31 Practical coaching frameworks support L&D leaders in building a questioning habit.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-summers-67830134/
Sysco | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sysco/
Sysco | Website
https://www.sysco.com
International Foodservice Distributors Association
https://ifdaonline.org/
https://www.mckinsey.com/
https://www.nrn.com/
“The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier
https://www.amazon.com/Coaching-Habit-Less-Change-Forever/dp/0978440749/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=143152019936&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dPcjG86ulfkU_PNcTVL4dXi-x8ZbK0-S9sZ7BO0HPsniNBl1bQbi6BhiO5qiGZtjklGah_tZij9N5LoXTjI_hs4ZCnOeuYyrIZ0Xx-muqBIxI7Vo3-bodI5HarnZcVuieFkPdo_9RqJ9oAM2EJdn-laxDequkfdaWg0bUjT2D13WKf7KsBtqiEcL90-wS0K6bj3CLSTBJQf8v_ZwmN7j45G0Cv8TDW3YIhsx3oJDPj8.qiazw-HEF5b7dB3hYEgfgTg2c2ku9LDJUynsE3SoVqU&dib_tag=se&hvadid=673571726807&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9061346&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11244354205537039533&hvtargid=kwd-171407862763&hydadcr=27730_14726195&keywords=the+coaching+habit&mcid=eacfb6bba4b332b2a0e509652623110e&qid=1763457326&sr=8-1
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