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How do learning professionals earn a true voice in the boardroom? In this special episode, recorded live at the Learning Guild's Learning Leadership Conference 2025 in Orlando, Jess Almlie sits down with Dr. Alaina Szlachta and David "DJ3" Jackson to unpack what it really takes to secure influence and credibility in the C-suite. Together, they explore how aligning with organizational metrics, speaking the language of business, and leveraging data-driven storytelling can transform L&D from a service provider into a strategic powerhouse.
Jess, DJ3, and Dr. Alaina discuss
- Why L&D often gets overlooked by executives, and how to change that.
- How to "speak the language" of business leaders to gain trust and influence.
- The importance of identifying your organization's core metric and aligning initiatives around it.
- Using listening tours to understand executive priorities and build credibility.
- The "big three" focus areas for small or solo L&D teams: strategy, governance, and infrastructure.
- How data storytelling can open doors and secure a real voice in the C-suite.
- Practical examples of turning small wins and pilot programs into strategic momentum.
About David Jackson III (DJ3)
David L. Jackson III (DJ3) is currently the Director of Talent Pathways and Learning for HealthPoint CHC. He is also a recognized thought leader in scaling impact for solo and small L&D teams. Some of his areas of specialty include aligning learning with business strategy, optimizing corporate learning ecosystems, and developing strategic learning frameworks. He's is a frequent speaker at industry-leading conferences, where he shares practical, action-oriented strategies to help L&D professionals move from survival to strategic impact. DJ3 is passionate about empowering learning leaders with actionable insights, focusing on helping organizations maximize resources, enhance learning maturity, and drive measurable business outcomes.
About Dr. Alaina Szlachta
Dr. Alaina Szlachta is the founder of By Design Development Solutions, an expert consulting firm specializing in assessment development and data strategy for learning leaders. Drawing on her background as a researcher and public health educator, she partners with learning business owners to integrate data and measurement systems into their daily operations. She is also the author of the ATD Press book, "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," a resource written to make M&E easier and more accessible for anyone - regardless of their expertise.
Find and Connect with David Jackson III (DJ3)
- Website: dj3books.com
Find and Connect with Dr. Alaina Szlachta
Find and Connect with Jess Almlie
- Website: www.jessalmlie.com
- Book: Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner
- Subscribe to Jess's Weekly Newsletter: L&D Must Change
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