Podcast Summary “Building a People-Centered Learning Culture with Theda Riggins-Crawford
of Manhattan Associates”
If you’ve ever wondered how someone goes from tax reporting to leading global learning and development initiatives, you’ll want to hear Theda Riggins-Crawford’s story. As the Director of Global Learning and Development at Manhattan Associates, Theda brings a unique blend of people-centered leadership, strategic thinking, and deep empathy to the field of L&D—and her journey into this world is as inspiring as it is relatable.
From the Back Office to the Classroom
Theda didn’t set out to become an L&D leader. In fact, she started her career in a back-office role in tax reporting at a financial services firm in New Jersey. One day, a VP saw something in her—something that wasn’t being fully used behind a desk. “You’re not using your gifts,” he told her. That encouragement, combined with her curiosity, led her to apply for a position in the company’s global learning department. She nailed the interview, stepped into a training role, and the rest is history.
That first role had her teaching seasoned brokers how to trade using financial systems, and often, she was the only woman in the room. It was intimidating at first, but Theda found power in her presence and confidence in her message. “By the time I left the room,” she says, “they were thanking me and ready to go.”
The Pace of Change in L&D
Fast-forward to today, and Theda is leading professional development efforts at a global scale. Her perspective on the industry is shaped by decades of experience, and she’s seen more change in the last five years than in the previous fifteen combined.
“Everything’s just faster now,” she said. Learners expect content to be accessible instantly—whether it’s on Headway, Blinkist, or YouTube. The traditional models of blended learning and long-form training are being replaced by snackable, just-in-time content.
Even more game-changing? AI. From content development to learning curation, it’s changing how teams approach everything. Theda recounted a moment when her own daughter helped her breakthrough writer’s block on a speech using ChatGPT. She loves AI as a tool—but cautions that it doesn’t replace the human side of learning. “You still have to research, read, and think critically.”
Looking Ahead: Tailored Learning and Smarter Platforms
When asked about what she sees coming next, Theda pointed to personalization as the next big shift. She predicts a transformation in learning platforms, away from massive content libraries and toward curated, learner-specific journeys. “Right now, it’s a firehose of content,” she explained. “But learners need to be able to find the right communication or negotiation course for them, not just scroll through hundreds of options.”
She hopes vendors are listening because narrowing the gap between content abundance and learner relevance would make a huge difference for L&D professionals trying to support development in a scalable way.
The Most Critical Skill? Being Human-Centered
Theda’s philosophy on L&D success comes down to one thing: a genuine love for people.
“You can teach skills,” she said, “but you can’t teach someone to care.” She looks for team members who are people-centered and empathetic, who are driven by a desire to connect, uplift, and make learning accessible. For Theda, L&D is about service, and she believes anyone entering the field should be prepared to lead with their heart.
And don’t overlook the power of presence. “If you can’t command a room,” she warned, “it’s going to be tough.” For Theda, strong communication is the bridge between learning design and learner impact.
Her Mentors—and How She Gives Back
Throughout her journey, Theda’s been shaped by powerful mentors. She credits two in particular: James Whitley, who challenged her to think more strategically and relocated her to Georgia for a high-impact leadership role, and Cheryl Nash, a longtime inspiration who continues to offer guidance no matter how high she’s climbed in the corporate world.
Now, Theda pays it forward by mentoring others, currently four and counting. “Once you get seasoned,” she said, “it’s time to be a mentor to someone else.”
Staying Current in a Fast-Moving Field
So how does Theda stay informed in a field that’s constantly evolving? “Everywhere,” she laughed. Whether it’s Harvard Business Review, Gartner, LinkedIn, or conversations with Gen Z learners, Theda draws insights from a wide variety of sources. Emotional intelligence is one topic she’s especially interested in right now, and she’s always on the lookout for the next book or article that can help her support her team and her learners better.
Her Must-Read Book for Aspiring L&D Leaders
Without hesitation, Theda recommends Servant Leadership by Ken Blanchard. A self-proclaimed Blanchard and Maxwell fan, she remembers speaking with Ken years ago at an ATD conference and being deeply moved by the philosophy behind the book. For her, servant leadership isn’t just a concept, it’s a way of being. “If you can be a servant leader,” she said, “you can lead in any space.”
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