Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Linda Cohen

Tampa,FL

Summary

Strategic L&D leader with a track record of driving business growth through innovative learning solutions, leadership development, and workforce transformation. Skilled in aligning learning strategies with organizational goals, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering a culture of continuous growth.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Learning and Development

Ashley Global Retail
07.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to assess organizational training needs and design targeted learning solutions aligned with business objectives
  • Built and led a comprehensive training department from inception, establishing foundational processes and organizational structure
  • Redesigned existing digital learning platforms by integrating interactive multimedia components, significantly improving user engagement and learning outcomes
  • Created streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, measurably reducing time-to-productivity and improving early employee retention
  • Designed and executed comprehensive new hire onboarding systems, including both digital platforms and in-person training programs across all locations
  • Led nationwide training initiatives for major organizational changes, including successful ERP system implementation across 120+ retail locations
  • Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities in team motivation, talent development, and building high-performing, competent training teams
  • Established organization-wide culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving innovation and sustainable growth initiative

Regional Director

Ashley
09.2020 - 07.2024
  • Monitored staff performance by actively engaging in and observing day-to-day activities (P2I, coaching KATA, GEMBA walks, goal setting).
  • Managed sales team of 120+ employees.
  • Brought in $115M in regional revenue in 2021.
  • Evaluated store and individual performances.
  • Boosted bedding/protection sales across region resulting in profit margin increase.
  • Researched customer needs, market trends and competitor activities.
  • Attended weekly leadership meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
  • Reviewed financial reports to identify potential issues, cost saving opportunities and significant departures from budget.
  • Led a team of managers to achieve consistent revenue growth through effective leadership and strategic planning.
  • Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.
  • Streamlined operations for improved efficiency by evaluating existing processes and introducing innovative solutions.

Retail General Manager

Ashley
12.2017 - 09.2020
  • Hit written/delivered budgets, employee reviews, training, schedules, and employee relationships.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop solutions for better customer experience.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring sales team on product knowledge and selling processes
  • Drove year-over-year business growth reaching a record of $20M in sales in 2019.

General Sales Manager

Ashley
07.2015 - 12.2017
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
  • Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
  • Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring and sharing profound knowledge with sales team.

Retail Sales Associate

Ashley
04.2007 - 07.2015
  • Provided the best customer service generating $1M in sales 5 years in a row, joining a "Million Dollar Club".
  • Top performer at the store and regional level for many years in a row maintaining highest % bedding and protection sales, winning multiple sales contests year after year.

Education

Master of Science - Education

Tver State University
Tver, Russia
06.2006

Bachelor of Science - Linguistics, Foreign Languages

Tver State University
Tver, Russia
06.2004

Skills

  • Strategic Vision: Ability to align learning initiatives with business goals and drive organizational growth
  • Change Leadership: Leading cultural and organizational transformation through learning programs
  • Executive Presence: Influencing and advising senior leaders on workforce development
  • Team Leadership: Building, mentoring, and leading high-performing L&D teams
  • Curriculum and Program Development: designing scalable learning pathway for leadership
  • Talent development: building pipelines for leadership succession and employee growth
  • Coaching and Mentorship: developing leaders through personalized guidance
  • Business acumen: Understanding the business, organizational structure, and key business drivers
  • Change Adoption: Driving engagement with new tools and ensuring seamless learning experiences
  • Influence and Negotiation: Partnering with cross-functional teams
  • Strong communication skills: Inspiring and motivating through storytelling and leadership

Languages

Russian
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Director of Learning and Development

Ashley Global Retail
07.2024 - Current

Regional Director

Ashley
09.2020 - 07.2024

Retail General Manager

Ashley
12.2017 - 09.2020

General Sales Manager

Ashley
07.2015 - 12.2017

Retail Sales Associate

Ashley
04.2007 - 07.2015

Master of Science - Education

Tver State University

Bachelor of Science - Linguistics, Foreign Languages

Tver State University

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