Episode description

Learning & Development roles can vary greatly depending on the individual’s specialism, ambition, and the opportunities within any given team. But the opportunity to run an L&D department solo is a unique experience and one that brings as much freedom and excitement as it does challenge and resourcefulness. In this episode, Aimee compares and contrasts her experience in L&D teams and her solo role now and provides insights into how to make this successful and a career move of choice.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The term standalone R&D roles different things to different people. In this case, it means working alone in an organisation, as a generalist, doing whatever is required. 
• Working alone forces you to grow your skillset quickly.
• With standalone L&D you have to lean on others in the organisation.
• You have to be careful not to burn out when working in a standalone role.
• Working in a standalone role forces you to properly identify what is effective. 
• You cannot afford to reinvent the wheel. Tapping into what is there and building on it is essential.
• You end up being very close to all of your internal clients.

BEST MOMENTS

'What is rarely explored is how one person does this (L&D) on their own. '

'In a standalone role, you really have to be passionate.'

'Reserve your energy. Please look after yourself. You can´t do it all. '

ABOUT AIMEE YOUNG

Aimee is L&D Manager at Snowplow, a behavioural data company, and is the only person in L&D. Before this role, Aimee worked in L&D for OLIVER Agency, Sumitomo and Taylor Wessing. Aimee began her L&D career at Towards Maturity benchmarking L&D teams and providing insights for the profession.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523 

L&D Masterclass Series: https://360learning.com/blog/

ABOUT THE HOST

David James 

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. 

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. 

CONTACT METHOD 

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/ 
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective/
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog/
• L&D Masterclass Series: https://360learning.com/blog/