Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Guest

Katy

Summary

Dynamic Learning Experience Design Manager with a proven track record at Cartus and McKinsey & Co, adept at leveraging agile methodologies and stakeholder engagement to enhance customer satisfaction. Expert in instructional design and process improvement, successfully implemented a digital learning management system that streamlined operations and elevated training effectiveness. Passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager, Learning Experience Design

Cartus
Houston
03.2022 - Current
  • Analyzed customer feedback to formulate action plans for service enhancements.
  • Developed and executed strategies to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of services.
  • Monitored budgets and expenditures, maintaining cost-effectiveness and quality standards.
  • Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency.
  • Led procurement, design, and implementation of a new digital learning management system using agile methodologies.
  • Identified areas for improvement in efficiency and productivity for the learning management system.
  • Coordinated with global teams to provide learning and technical support to customers and coaches.

Senior HR Learning Specialist

Kinder Morgan
Houston
06.2021 - 12.2021
  • Responsible for instructional designing, developing, and executing HR training programs for employees across the organization on topics such as diversity and inclusion, compliance topics and leadership topics.
  • Tracked the effectiveness of the training programs and suggested new approaches to improve, update or enhance training initiatives.
  • Fulfilled administrative needs of the training function, including scheduling, training calendar, ordering materials, tracking attendance, and evaluation.
  • Conducted instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts.
  • Created supporting materials/media (Audio, video, simulation, etc)
  • Orchestrated special projects as required.
  • Maintained focused, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

Learning Specialist, Global Energy & Materials (GEM) and Operations Practices

McKinsey & Company
London & Houston
08.2014 - 12.2019
  • Developed and implemented digital and instructor-led learning materials using adult learning methodologies.
  • Collaborated with Subject Matter Experts and stakeholders to define training objectives and design documents.
  • Aligned curriculums and training plans with strategic priorities alongside functional leaders and L&D team.
  • Evaluated learning program effectiveness, recommending improvements based on management feedback.
  • Maintained current content by applying advanced adult learning strategies for knowledge retention.
  • Led instructional design for technical topics and soft skills, enhancing employee capabilities.
  • Managed portfolio of over 50 in-person trainings and 75 virtual sessions, maintaining a library of 100+ digital offerings.
  • Formulated strategic learning plans for Organizational, Sales and Marketing, Oil & Gas, Mining, Chemicals, Agriculture, and Electrical Powers industries.

Practice Specialist, Oil & Gas Practice

McKinsey & Company
London & Houston
10.2011 - 08.2014
  • Directed capability building and professional development initiatives across practice operations.
  • Managed external and internal events to enhance organizational visibility and engagement.
  • Facilitated design and development of learning programs for external energy clients.
  • Co-created and launched Oil & Gas Navigator program to onboard consultants into Oil & Gas Practice.
  • Strengthened mentoring opportunities and community building among junior to mid-tenured consultants.
  • Promoted knowledge sharing to increase client connections within the learning population.
  • Expanded Oil & Gas Navigator as a key human capital initiative across all industries in Firm.
  • Oversaw projects in marketing, internal reporting, and special initiatives to support practice goals.

Practice Administrator & Marketing Communications Specialist

McKinsey & Company
London & Houston
07.2006 - 10.2011
  • Streamlined onboarding process for new clients at Health Systems Institute.
  • Facilitated knowledge management strategy through collection, classification, and archiving of training materials.
  • Orchestrated logistics for annual Health Systems Institute conference, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Managed venue selection, invitation distribution, and development of marketing materials for events.

Executive Assistant

McKinsey & Company
London
03.2003 - 07.2007

Office and Sales Administration Manager

PEP International
London
10.2000 - 02.2003

International Commercial Coordinator

Nordstrom Valves
Sulphur Springs
06.1998 - 06.2000

Education

Master of Arts - Political Science

Universidad Rafael Urdaneta
Maracaibo, Venezuela
05-1998

Skills

  • Learning management systems
  • Project management and scheduling
  • Instructional design and development
  • Agile methodologies
  • E-learning solutions
  • Virtual classroom facilitation
  • Content creation and gamification
  • Process improvement strategies
  • Training needs assessment
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Performance improvement initiatives
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Leadership and team management
  • Interpersonal communication
  • User experience design
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Cross-functional coordination
  • Subject matter research
  • Digital learning platforms
  • Diversity training initiatives
  • Adult learning principles
  • Leadership development programs
  • Instructional strategies design
  • Innovation management practices
  • Organizational development strategies
  • Learning analytics techniques
  • Software development methodologies

Certification

  • Becoming an Instruction Designer Learning Path (LinkedIn Learning)
  • Train the Trainer (LinkedIn Learning)
  • McKinsey Operations Transformation Workshop
  • McKinsey Operation Induction Training
  • Project Leadership, Management, and Communication
  • McKinsey Basic Knowledge Readiness

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Manager, Learning Experience Design

Cartus
03.2022 - Current

Senior HR Learning Specialist

Kinder Morgan
06.2021 - 12.2021

Learning Specialist, Global Energy & Materials (GEM) and Operations Practices

McKinsey & Company
08.2014 - 12.2019

Practice Specialist, Oil & Gas Practice

McKinsey & Company
10.2011 - 08.2014

Practice Administrator & Marketing Communications Specialist

McKinsey & Company
07.2006 - 10.2011

Executive Assistant

McKinsey & Company
03.2003 - 07.2007

Office and Sales Administration Manager

PEP International
10.2000 - 02.2003

International Commercial Coordinator

Nordstrom Valves
06.1998 - 06.2000

Master of Arts - Political Science

Universidad Rafael Urdaneta
Vanessa Guest