Laura Whitaker
Vancouver,United States
Summary
Dynamic and forward-thinking Learning & Development leader with a proven track record of designing and implementing innovative learning strategies and programs. Expert in driving digital transformation in learning, enhancing organizational capabilities, and fostering inclusive and collaborative learning environments. Eager to leverage extensive experience in executive education and development to drive continuous growth and innovation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Learning Experience Design
Visa Inc
Foster City, CA
01.2020 - Current
- Virtual Learning Transformation: Spearheaded the transition of tech new hire and new college grad programs to virtual, project-based learning journeys, significantly improving engagement and retention.
- Innovative Training Redesign: Overhauled skill-based training for over 15,000 tech employees with a "flip the classroom" model, integrating hands-on labs and multimedia for enhanced effectiveness.
- Community of Practice Leadership: Established and cultivated online communities of practice for Generative AI, promoting continuous learning and collaboration among tech professionals.
- Efficiency & Reusability Initiatives: Led the Center of Excellence to create tools and processes for enhanced L&D efficiency, including reusable content and templates, achieving notable cost savings.
- INSEAD Executive Development Program: Designed and administered a 12-week executive development program in partnership with INSEAD, delivering a blended learning journey that fostered leadership skills and strategic thinking among senior executives.
- Team Leadership: Directed a dynamic team of Learning Experience Designers, creating impactful content across all business units to drive learning innovation and operational excellence.
Learning Experience Design Consultant
SAP
02.2018 - 12.2019
- Strategic Content Alignment: Unified the global Learning organization's content strategy, optimizing delivery to meet audience needs and enhance learning efficiency.
- Vendor Management: Orchestrated strategic partnerships with preferred vendors, bolstering SAP's L&D capabilities and efficiency.
Global Learning and Development Director
SAP
04.2016 - 02.2018
- Global Team Leadership: Managed a remote team of instructional designers, developing world-class learning experiences grounded in human-centered design and adult learning theories.
- Innovative Learning Solutions: Employed information/action mapping and "chunking" strategies to improve learning absorption and retention across global programs.
Senior Instructional Designer
SAP SuccessFactors
01.2012 - 04.2016
- Leadership Program Excellence: Created and scaled the Global Leadership Excellence Acceleration Program (LEAP), aiding SAP in exceeding its leadership diversity goals and earning the Brandon Hall Gold award.
- Performance-Based Certification: Initiated a performance-based product demo certification for sales and presales executives, boosting product understanding and sales efficiency.
Senior Instructional Designer
T-Mobile
06.2004 - 01.2012
- Enterprise-Wide Training Design: Led the design and delivery of training for new HR systems, enhancing operational efficiency and the employee experience.
Skills
- Strategic L&D Leadership
- Change Management
- DEI Integration in Learning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Learning Technology Acumen
- Content Development and Curation
- Performance Consulting
- Team Leadership and Development
- Project Management
- Communication and Facilitation
- Consulting, Coaching, and Mentoring
- Innovation in Learning Solutions
- Empathy in Leadership and Design
Timeline
Director, Learning Experience Design
Visa Inc
01.2020 - Current
Learning Experience Design Consultant
SAP
02.2018 - 12.2019
Global Learning and Development Director
SAP
04.2016 - 02.2018
Senior Instructional Designer
SAP SuccessFactors
01.2012 - 04.2016
Senior Instructional Designer
T-Mobile
06.2004 - 01.2012