From Trainer to Trusted Consultant: Strategic Partnering for Learning Success
How can learning professionals move from the role of “order-taker” to “order-getter?” By cultivating a relationship-based strategic approach to consulting. Relationship-based consulting looks for ways to solve the learning needs of an organization through building trust and recommending learning solutions to fit their needs.
Note: This session was presented at the 2023 ATD International Conference.
In this session, you will:
- Identify critical organizational leaders with whom to develop business partnerships.
- Create a communication plan to establish and increase the organization’s utilization of learning opportunities.
- Develop a consultation process of ongoing conversations and collaboration to meet learning needs as they arise.
This session ties to the ATD Capability Model in the following areas:
- Professional: Career and Leadership Development
- Organizational: Consulting and Business Partnering
Program Details
Presenters: Jennifer Kennedy and Sandra Marsh-McClain
Jennifer is a Credentialed ATD Master Trainer, certified professional coach through Duquesne University, and holds an ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation. She leverages adult learning principles to provide meaningful and impactful learning solutions grounded in hands-on practice and learning theory. Her work involves partnering with organizations to improve team and interpersonal dynamics, consulting with organizations, delivering customized learning programs, and providing coaching engagements.
Jennifer’s passion in communication began as a volunteer in Ohio teaching English to Mexican migrant farm workers. She saw firsthand the power and change that education had on the lives of people. Through her work, the farm workers not only learned English, but were able to become a part of the local community. She has been an educator and trainer for over 20 years supporting the K-12, education technology, nonprofit, and health care industries. Jennifer’s mission is to support individuals in tapping into self-leadership through using their authentic and unique voice. In acknowledgement of her work, she was awarded the HR One award in 2022 from UPMC for exemplifying the UPMC values and Teacher of the Year award in 2010 for excellence in teaching.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from California State University, Long Beach and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from Miami University of Ohio. She is also an outdoor educator and leader with Outdoor Afro.
Sandra is a certified strategic human resources business partner (sHRBP) through the Human Capital Institute as well as a certified and experienced Development Dimensions International (DDI) facilitator. With a robust portfolio of in-person and virtual workshops and learning sessions, Sandra crafts diverse experiences aimed at empowering leaders and staff with the tools and motivation essential for their continual success.
Her passion and expertise spans across a spectrum of critical areas, including workforce development, onboarding strategies, strategic planning, workshop design, mentoring and leader/staff development. With a foundation in adult learning theory, she specializes in course design and team development initiatives that drive sustainable growth and success.
Sandra’s more than 20-year career includes roles within organizations focusing on positive change. She has held roles as a senior program manager in the workforce development non-profit sector as well as a staff development specialist in higher education. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management with a concentration in Organizational Learning, Development and Change Management from La Roche University, Pittsburgh, PA as well as a Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX.
Please contact programs@atdgreatercleveland.org with event/registration questions.
