Bite-Sized Learning is ATD Rhode Island's facilitated lunch and learn series. It is free to all ATD members. Join us, let's share and learn!

This month's topic: Habits of Lifelong Learning. Ready to talk about the future of learning?

Join fellow Talent Development pros for a casual, bite-sized conversation about keeping our teams skilled-up for the long haul. Inspired by this article from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), we'll discuss the shift away from traditional, one-time degree programs towards a more flexible, skills-based approach to learning. We will exchange ideas and best practices on how to effectively integrate short-form, online, and hybrid learning opportunities to meet the demands of today's rapidly changing workplace. 

Come ready to share your experiences and learn from your peers as we collectively tackle the challenge of closing the skills gap in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and change management. Leave with actionable takeaways to empower your workforce and position your organization as a true "learning destination."

M-Shaped learning professional - someone who brings not just one area of deep expertise, but multiple. You'll learn how to move beyond content creation and evolve into a well-rounded learning pro who's equipped to drive strategy, lead change, and solve real business problems. And one of the most important shifts? Learning how to embed yourself in the business. That means building relationships with revenue-driving teams, partnering with stakeholders, and aligning your learning efforts with what actually moves the business forward. Whether you're just getting started in L&D or you're an experienced professional looking to grow, this is your blueprint for staying relevant, in-demand, and future-ready.

Topics covered in this session include:

• Why T-shaped isn't enough anymore
• How to build your M Shape
• Why aligning with business goals, and embedding in revenue-generated areas, makes you indispensable
• Practical tips to expand your capabilities and your influence

About our Speaker

Cara North has spent her career helping organizations design and deliver learning that truly connects with people. Cara is currently Vice President of Product Management at JPMorgan Chase, where she previously led Digital Learning initiatives. Cara is also the founder of The Learning Camel, an independent consulting practice, and an Adjunct Professor in Boise State University's Organizational Performance & Workplace Learning master's program.

An active voice in the talent development field, Cara serves as a facilitator for ATD certificate programs covering topics such as instructional design, project management, learning technologies, and Articulate Storyline. She is the author of Learning Experience Design Essentials and is widely recognized for her ability to bridge strategy, technology, and human-centered design.

Whether you've been in the talent development field for 10 months or 10 years, planning your next career move can feel daunting. Some people feel stuck, unsure of options. Others have a career goal in mind but are not clear how to achieve it.

Introducing Talent Development Career Pathways, your tool for career inspiration and planning. Developed with L&D career coaches and ATD research, this tool can help you explore the diverse types of work that make up talent development and then take a deeper dive into specific roles. Learn what skills are required and how your current skill profile matches up.

In this session, you will:

• Identify the different job families in talent development
• Compare the skill requirements for various roles in talent development
• Use TD Career Pathways to compare how your current skill profile matches that necessary for specific roles

About our Speaker

As Director of Credentialing for the Association for Talent Development, Morgean Hirt is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the Certification Institute and facilitated the development of the Talent Development Capability Model, TD Career Pathways, and a variety of related interactive tools. She has over 30 years of nonprofit experience in professional certification, standard setting and career development across a variety of professionals. As an Institute for Credentialing Excellence Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP), Morgean has devoted her career to advancing professionals through the establishment of competency frameworks and industry standards, including clinical research, charitable fundraisers, K-12 ed tech leaders, and healthcare information systems. Morgean provides strategic leadership and technical expertise in developing and implementing competency models and credentialing programs, focusing on policy, research and test development.