Is a lack of strategic thinking holding us back? Today's guest, Mary Rapaport, believes that when we channel a more strategic mindset, the business culture thrives, teams become more creative, and employees lean in and engage more. The challenge is that we are up against a work culture that rewards execution over thinking, reflection, and strategy. Let's change that!

In this episode you'll hear:

• Upping the impact of L&D by thinking of ourselves as businesspeople first and L&D functional experts second.
• Strategic thinking as a mindset and a skillset.
• Turning data into insights.
• Maturing the L&D function to be more strategic.
• The importance of understanding your company's growth strategy.
• Understanding what executives really care about.
• Integrating strategic thinking into our day, instead of checking it off our list.
• The challenge of operating in a culture that rewards us for getting stuff done instead of thinking and reflection.
• One thing L&D can do today to start working more strategically.

Mary Rapaport is on a mission to democratize strategic thinking. She believes it's not just for the elite few, but for everyone in an organization. When everyone channels a strategic mindset, the business culture thrives, teams become more creative, and employees lean in and engage more. Cultivating this mindset helps leaders create a better (and more fun) place to work, fostering a stronger culture of creativity and innovation.

As a strategic thinking architect, Mary empowers leaders and teams across all functions and levels to think, act, and lead more strategically. As the founder of Xcelerate, she builds learning strategies, designing and delivering immersive learning experiences that ignite "aha moments" and drive tangible business results.

Mary also champions inclusive growth through the Minority Business Growth Alliance, a non-profit providing invaluable coaching and support to BIPOC entrepreneurs. She holds an MBA, a BA in International Business and French, and is a certified leadership and sales trainer. Mary has extensive experience in marketing, transformation, and strategic initiatives. She also serves as the current president of the Twin Cities chapter of the Association of Talent Development.

Find and connect with Mary Rapaport here:

• LinkedIn
• Website: Xcelerate
• Learning Experience: The Strategic Playground
• Strategic Thinking Resources

Find and connect with Jess Almlie here:

• LinkedIn
• L&D Must Change Newsletter
• Website: Learning Business Advisor Consulting