The Digital Adoption Show | Upskilling the Future Digital Workforce - Global Learning Strategies: Balancing Consistency, Personalization, and ROI in L&D

Global Learning Strategies: Balancing Consistency, Personalization, and ROI in L&D

10/10/24 • 30 min

The Digital Adoption Show | Upskilling the Future Digital Workforce

In this engaging episode of The Digital Adoption Show, host Rachita Mehrishi, Product Marketing Manager at Whatfix, speaks with Andrew James Viglione, Director of Global Commercial Learning and Development at Gilead Sciences. Andrew, with over 13 years of experience across MedTech, pharmaceuticals, and sales, shares his insights on designing global learning strategies, managing regional customization, and using data to drive ROI in learning programs.

Key Discussion Points:

Global Learning Strategies: Andrew emphasizes the importance of balancing global consistency with regional flexibility in learning strategies. He shares how Gilead Sciences approaches global learning by focusing on core competencies that can be standardized globally, while allowing regional affiliates to tailor content based on local market needs.
Competence, Confidence, and Competitiveness Framework: A core takeaway from Andrew’s approach is how Gilead uses the three pillars—competence, confidence, and competitiveness—to shape its global learning programs. By operationalizing competence at the global level and giving regional teams ownership of confidence and competitiveness, Gilead ensures that learning initiatives meet both global and local objectives.
Challenges in L&D for Global Teams: Andrew discusses the challenges of managing learning across different regions, particularly in highly regulated industries like pharma and MedTech. He highlights the complexities of copy approval processes, regulatory requirements, and how L&D teams must navigate these while ensuring that learning materials are timely and relevant for local markets.
Data-Driven Learning Outcomes: Andrew outlines how data plays a crucial role in improving learning effectiveness and demonstrating ROI. Using the Kirkpatrick model, Gilead tracks various metrics, from completion rates to correlations between learning engagement and business outcomes. Andrew stresses the importance of not only collecting data but also using it to tell compelling stories to senior leadership about the impact of learning programs.
Regional Customization in Learning: One of the biggest challenges Andrew touches on is ensuring that learning content is relevant and adaptable for different regions while maintaining global consistency. He explains how Gilead navigates this by creating modular content that can be easily customized by regional affiliates without duplicating efforts, thus speeding up deployment and maintaining quality.
Importance of L&D in Business Strategy: Andrew underscores how integral learning and development is to broader business goals. He shares how Gilead’s L&D strategies directly contribute to enhancing employees’ capabilities and, ultimately, the company’s competitiveness in the marketplace. He emphasizes that L&D teams should focus on outcomes that align with business priorities and help demonstrate the value of training to organizational leadership.

Conclusion:
Andrew wraps up the discussion by advising L&D professionals to focus on what they can control and empower regional teams to drive local learning needs. He highlights the importance of creating a sustainable, data-driven L&D strategy that supports global business objectives while allowing for regional flexibility. By leveraging competence at the global level and letting regional teams drive confidence and competitiveness, organizations can deliver impactful learning experiences that benefit both the learners and the business.

Tune in to hear more insights from Andrew on navigating the complexities of global L&D in a dynamic industry, only on The Digital Adoption Show.

Subscribe to The Digital Adoption Show:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3W7uoul
Apple: https://apple.co/4cD0Ewo
Website: https://bit.ly/3XWXtew

Key Discussion Points:

Global Learning Strategies: Andrew emphasizes the importance of balancing global consistency with regional flexibility in learning strategies. He shares how Gilead Sciences approaches global learning by focusing on core competencies that can be standardized globally, while allowing regional affiliates to tailor content based on local market needs.
Competence, Confidence, and Competitiveness Framework: A core takeaway from Andrew’s approach is how Gilead uses the three pillars—competence, confidence, and competitiveness—to shape its global learning programs. By operationalizing competence at the global level and giving regional teams ownership of confidence and competitiveness, Gilead ensures that learning initiatives meet both global and local objectives.
Challenges in L&D for Global Teams: Andrew discusses the challenges of managing learning across different regions, particularly in highly regulated industries like pharma and MedTech. He highlights the complexities of copy approval processes, regulatory requirements, and how L&D teams must navigate these while ensuring that learning materials are timely and relevant for local markets.
Data-Driven Learning Outcomes: Andrew outlines how data plays a crucial role in improving learning effectiveness and demonstrating ROI. Using the Kirkpatrick model, Gilead tracks various metrics, from completion rates to correlations between learning engagement and business outcomes. Andrew stresses the importance of not only collecting data but also using it to tell compelling stories to senior leadership about the impact of learning programs.
Regional Customization in Learning: One of the biggest challenges Andrew touches on is ensuring that learning content is relevant and adaptable for different regions while maintaining global consistency. He explains how Gilead navigates this by creating modular content that can be easily customized by regional affiliates without duplicating efforts, thus speeding up deployment and maintaining quality.
Importance of L&D in Business Strategy: Andrew underscores how integral learning and development is to broader business goals. He shares how Gilead’s L&D strategies directly contribute to enhancing employees’ capabilities and, ultimately, the company’s competitiveness in the marketplace. He emphasizes that L&D teams should focus on outcomes that align with business priorities and help demonstrate the value of training to organizational leadership.

Tune in to hear more insights from Andrew on navigating the complexities of global L&D in a dynamic industry, only on The Digital Adoption Show.

Subscribe to The Digital Adoption Show:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3W7uoul
Apple: https://apple.co/4cD0Ewo
Website: https://bit.ly/3XWXtew

Previous Episode

Transforming Lives Through Learning: The Journey of a CLO with Andy Lancaster

Summary
In this insightful episode, host Neha Smriti, Growth Marketing Manager at Whatfix, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Andy Lancaster, Chief Learning Officer at Reimagine People Development, a seasoned leader in learning and development, and a former CLO at CIPD. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Andy shares his journey and perspectives on how empathy and human-centered design are fundamental in both learning and product development. The discussion delves into disrupting traditional learning models, navigating the challenges of digital transformation, and transitioning leadership roles—all while maintaining a focus on the learner’s experience and needs.

Key Discussion Points:

Human-Centered Learning:
Andy highlights how empathy plays a vital role in understanding diverse learner needs and behaviors. A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective; instead, personalized and adaptive learning designs are necessary to truly engage and support each learner.

Disrupting Traditional Learning:
Drawing from his experience at CIPD, Andy explains the shift from traditional, formal courses to agile, bite-sized learning modules. This transition allows employees to access learning resources in the flow of work, making education more relevant and immediately applicable to their roles.

Digital Transformation:
The conversation explores the increasing influence of AI and mobile technology in learning, as well as the importance of integrating these tools for on-the-go and self-directed learning experiences. Digital platforms enable learners to access resources anytime and anywhere, providing autonomy and empowering individuals to take control of their professional growth.

Leadership Transition:
Andy shares his personal story of recognizing when it was the right time to step down from a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and creating space for emerging leaders. He discusses the value of mentorship and shadowing in ensuring a smooth transition, while also allowing successors to make the role their own.

Conclusion
Andy concludes the episode by envisioning the future of learning as one that prioritizes the learner’s journey, offering flexibility and opportunities for self-direction. He emphasizes that the role of learning and development is evolving, with digital tools and human-centered design being at the forefront of creating transformational, life-changing learning experiences. The key is to stay adaptive, keep learners at the center, and continuously leverage emerging technologies to meet the changing needs of the workforce.
Follow Andy Lancaster:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-lancaster-ab995418/

Visit Andy’s Website: www.reimaginepeopledevelopment.com

Buy Andy’s Book from the links:
Driving Performance Through Learning: https://bit.ly/4ejS72g

Organizational Learning Communities: https://bit.ly/3zlSdYg

Subscribe to The Digital Adoption Show:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3W7uoul
Apple: https://apple.co/4cD0Ewo
Website: https://bit.ly/3XWXtew

Next Episode

Mastering Skill-Based Learning: Elevating L&D for the Future Workforce

In this episode of The Digital Adoption Show, Navya Agarwal, Digital Adoption Consultant at Whatfix, dives deep into the concept of skill-based learning with two prominent L&D experts: Emma Adderley, Recognition and Performance Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, and Giorgia Gamba ,Global Talent and Learning Partner, Christian Aid. Together, they explore how skill-based learning can transform an organization’s learning and development strategy and discuss actionable steps for its implementation.

Key Points Discussed:

Skill-Based Learning Overview:
- Skill-based learning focuses on identifying, nurturing, and developing key skills in employees to align with organizational goals.
- It is gaining traction as a core element for staying competitive in fast-evolving industries.
Organizational Readiness:
- Emma emphasized assessing whether a business values continuous learning, the maturity of leadership, and whether they have a clear understanding of current and future skills gaps.
- Giorgia stressed the importance of starting with the "why" and ensuring clarity and alignment within the organization on what skills are critical to success.
Practical Steps for Transition:
- Educating stakeholders about the long-term benefits of skill-based learning.
- Starting small with pilot programs to test concepts and prove effectiveness before scaling.
- Leveraging technology to assess skills gaps and offer continuous learning opportunities.
Effective Strategies for Implementation:
- Giorgia highlighted the importance of starting with small trials or pilots to gather feedback and refine processes.
- Emma shared an example from her experience, discussing how Lloyds Banking Group used data to identify gaps and used innovative methods like community learning to upskill employees.
Challenges in Scaling:
- Both experts emphasized the need to adjust approaches based on subcultures within large organizations.
- Overcoming technology barriers by ensuring different tools are connected and provide a unified source of truth about employee skills.
Measuring Success:
- Use behavior-based metrics and feedback to measure progress.
- Create a supportive work environment that encourages the application of skills learned.
- Use pulse surveys, performance data, and 360-degree feedback to evaluate long-term impact.

Conclusion:

Skill-based learning is a powerful tool for aligning workforce capabilities with business goals. Emma Adderley and Giorgia Gamba stress that success requires leadership buy-in, careful planning, and a focus on measurable outcomes. By starting with small, data-driven initiatives and gradually scaling, organizations can foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Subscribe to The Digital Adoption Show:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3W7uoul
Apple: https://apple.co/4cD0Ewo
Website: https://bit.ly/3XWXtew