Podcast Summary “Leadership and Mentorship in Modern L&D with John Torres of Bank of America”
John Torres, Senior Vice President of Academy Excellence at Bank of America, brings over three decades of passion-fueled experience to the world of Learning and Development. Whether he’s mentoring his four daughters or leading training for 30,000 employees across contact centers nationwide, John’s mission is crystal clear: help others succeed. That personal mission has guided him through an impressive career across multiple industries, manufacturing, pest control, and now, financial services, where he’s continuously chosen L&D over more traditional HR or business roles. “It’s where my passion lies,” he says simply.
A Lightbulb Moment
Like many in L&D, John didn’t start out planning to build learning programs. His lightbulb moment came while attending a leadership development program early in his career. The facilitator, Phil Bromley, inspired John so deeply that he still remembers the session decades later. That experience not only shifted his career focus but eventually led to him proposing and building a brand-new training function at his company. It’s no surprise that Phil remains one of John’s most influential mentors to this day.
Changes Shaping L&D
When asked about the most significant changes in the field, John didn’t hesitate to answer: the shift to virtual and self-paced learning is here to stay. The pandemic may have sparked it, but cost-efficiency and scalability have made it a long-term strategy. What’s more, AI is beginning to reshape the way training is designed, delivered, and measured.
But John is clear, artificial intelligence must be integrated thoughtfully. “It can’t stand alone,” he says. “There needs to be a human element. Technology brings the efficiency, but people bring the impact.”
Looking Ahead: L&D as a Business Driver
John credits two mentors for shaping his career. Phil Bromley, the facilitator who inspired his pivot into L&D, and Kathy Engel, a VP of HR who gave him opportunities to build his skills and expand his network. Kathy sent him to conferences, gave him exposure to top talent, and connected him with thought leaders in the field. “She didn’t just give me a job,” John reflects. “She gave me a foundation.”
His takeaway? Every professional should seek a mentor and become one for others. That’s part of how you leave a legacy.
The Most Critical Skills Today
John believes there are three pillars every L&D professional should master:
- Business Acumen – Understand how your company makes money and how learning supports that.
- Leadership Acumen – Especially for those without a leadership title, being able to influence, build relationships, and manage stakeholders is key.
- Functional Acumen – Be excellent at your craft, whether that’s instructional design, facilitation, or change management.
These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They are credibility builders, and credibility is essential if you want to have influence in your organization.
Recommendations for Staying Sharp
John takes a multifaceted approach to staying current. He reads content from trusted research partners like Gartner and Brandon Hall Group, belongs to several L&D LinkedIn communities, and, importantly, keeps lines open with vendors. “I tell vendors upfront, I may not buy from you, but I want to hear what you’re seeing. I want to know what’s happening in the field.” That open-minded curiosity keeps him on the cutting edge.
John’s top pick for aspiring learning leaders is The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni. The book dives into what it takes to build and lead a cohesive team, create organizational clarity, and effectively execute strategy, all essential elements for learning professionals who want to elevate their role in the business. He also recommends The Five Dysfunctions of a Team as a complementary read.
From his first spark of inspiration in a leadership workshop to guiding learning strategy for one of the largest financial institutions in the country, John Torres has never lost sight of his purpose: helping others succeed. His advice is grounded in both experience and humility, and his career is a testament to what happens when passion meets perseverance.
Creating a Future State Description
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