Workplace Stories by RedThread Research

L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea


Listen Later

Many L&D teams still see themselves as a support function—creating learning programs, responding to training requests, and advocating for development. But in a rapidly changing business landscape, is that enough? 

In this episode, Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, challenges the traditional identity of L&D and makes the case for a more strategic role—one that positions learning as a core driver of business transformation, not just an enabler of it.

We dive into the recurring struggle for L&D to "get a seat at the table" and why that framing might be holding teams back. Instead of waiting for an invitation, L&D leaders must shift their focus from delivering learning to solving real business problems.

Al shares insights on how forward-thinking organizations are embedding learning into business strategy, leveraging skills data, and embracing new ways of working—such as agile methodologies and systems thinking—to drive real impact. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
  • (00:00) L&D’s Identity Crisis
  • (05:10) Why L&D struggles for influence and how to fix it
  • (12:40) The shift from support function to strategic problem-solver
  • (20:50) The role of skills data in transforming L&D
  • (32:00) Challenges and mindset shifts needed for L&D leaders
  • (42:41) Final thoughts and why Al Dea does this work

Resources & People Mentioned
  • The Edge of Work
  • Josh Bersin
Connect with Al Dea
  • Connected with Al Dea on LinkedIn
Connect With Red Thread Research
  • Website: Red Thread Research
  • On LinkedIn
  • On Facebook
  • On Twitter

Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Workplace Stories by RedThread ResearchBy Stacia Garr & Dani Johnson

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

29 ratings


More shows like Workplace Stories by RedThread Research

View all
HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

HBR IdeaCast

177 Listeners

Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

Coaching for Leaders

1,459 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,140 Listeners

Gartner ThinkCast by Gartner

Gartner ThinkCast

112 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,562 Listeners

Masters of Scale by WaitWhat

Masters of Scale

3,995 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,187 Listeners

HBS Managing the Future of Work by Harvard Business School

HBS Managing the Future of Work

108 Listeners

Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

Inside the Strategy Room

171 Listeners

McKinsey Talks Talent by McKinsey People & Organizational Performance

McKinsey Talks Talent

36 Listeners

The Josh Bersin Company by Josh Bersin

The Josh Bersin Company

51 Listeners

Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

Coaching Real Leaders

650 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,493 Listeners

Fixable by TED

Fixable

215 Listeners

HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

HBR On Leadership

151 Listeners