In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Fabio Sacoman, Vice President of Learning and Development at Expedia Group. Fabio’s journey into the world of learning and talent development is anything but typical—starting as a chemical engineer in Brazil, working at General Electric, and then spending 18 years building a successful consultancy before making the leap to lead L&D at a global powerhouse like Expedia.

Together, Andy and Fabio dive deep into what it takes to build a thriving learning culture across a global organization, the importance of leadership development, and why authentic, people-first leadership is at the core of cultural transformation. Fabio also unpacks his approach to aligning L&D with business strategy, balancing formal and informal learning, and designing programs that resonate across diverse cultures and regions.

Whether you’re managing talent development for a multinational company or looking to uplevel your own approach to learning and leadership, this conversation is jam-packed with insights, stories, and practical advice. Tune in as we explore what it really means to grow people—and businesses—through passion, clarity, and a focus on real impact.

In this episode, Fabio uncovers:

• How a career that began as a chemical engineer in Brazil informed his systematic, process-minded approach to learning—and why passion has always been the through-line guiding his journey.
• The pivotal decision to leave his own thriving consultancy after 18 successful years to take on the global L&D leadership challenge at Expedia—with all the mindset shifts and opportunities that entailed.
• The real secrets to effective facilitation and learning design: why it’s not about the instructor’s expertise, but about driving audience impact, changing mindsets, and shifting behaviors that last beyond the session.
• Strategies for building a genuine learning culture—including the importance of involving everyone (from top leaders to every employee), and embedding learning into daily actions, rituals, and company processes beyond isolated programs.
• Fabio’s leadership philosophy, grounded in leader accountability, clarity, and authenticity—and why leaders teaching other leaders and sharing human conversations are at the heart of sustainable impact.
• Practical, creative approaches to talent mobility and career development, nurturing opportunities for growth, and ensuring that every person owns their career journey—regardless of titles or promotions.

Fabio also shares his point of view on today’s biggest challenges—like the rapid rise of AI and the evolving role of L&D as a vital part of the business (not just HR). He sheds light on how Expedia is experimenting with AI in learning and day-to-day work, plus how these innovations are transforming onboarding and ongoing development.

This conversation, recorded for the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, is jam-packed with actionable insights—from the nuts and bolts of global program design to leadership accountability, learning measurement, and the nuances of fostering true culture change. Fabio’s story is a masterclass in strategic L&D for high-impact, high-growth environments.

Tune in for practical takeaways, fresh frameworks, and inspiration on how learning and leadership can drive results, empower talent, and knit together organizations with purpose—no matter how complex or far-flung they may be.

Connect with Andy Storch here:

Website

LinkedIn

Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

Connect with Fabio Sacoman here:

LinkedIn