Tori Pauling, Sr. Manager, Program Development and Management of Marmon Holdings, Inc., leads strategic initiatives for the Business Acumen Center, supporting a diverse portfolio of manufacturing businesses. With a background in communications and executive learning, she focuses on turning complex ideas into scalable programs that drive measurable business outcomes. In this conversation, she outlines how L&D can evolve from a support function to a strategic partner by aligning learning with profitability, designing for real-world application and using frameworks like the Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning.
Key Takeaways:
(02:40) Combining creativity, strategy and impact in learning leads to personal fulfillment and helping others.
(03:42) Continuous, embedded learning is replacing one-off training events across L&D.
(05:08) Designing programs around defined business problems increases relevance and effectiveness.
(06:39) Viewing L&D as a strategic function starts with diagnosing root challenges, not just fulfilling requests.
(08:32) Experiential methods like simulations create lasting mental anchors and support real-world application.
(11:03) Leadership engagement and program prestige are essential to fostering a strong learning culture.
(13:58) Pre-work, in-session application and post-program follow-up create lasting behavior change.
(16:58) Applying the 80/20 principle helps focus time and resources on what drives the most value.
(23:31) Decision tools, scorecards and storytelling techniques enhance learning design and transfer.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/toripauling/
Marmon Holdings, Inc. | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marmon-group/
Marmon Holdings, Inc. | Website
http://www.marmon.com
“The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning” by Roy V. H. Pollock
https://www.amazon.com/Six-Disciplines-Breakthrough-Learning-Development/dp/1118647998
“Leading Change” by John P. Kotter
https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Change-New-Preface-Author/dp/1422186431
https://www.amazon.com/Resonate-Present-Stories-Transform-Audiences/dp/0470632011
Learning Transfer Climate Scorecard
https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/the-field-guide/9781118648131/034_part02-chap17.html
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