Podcast Summary: Skills, Change and the Future of Learning with Mary Beth Thornton of AdventHealth
The Path into L&D
Mary Beth Thornton didn’t set out to land in organizational learning and development. Her journey began in higher education, where she supported students at both a local university and a community college in Central Florida. She especially loved working with first-generation college students, helping them discover possibilities bigger than they had imagined for themselves.
But as much as she valued that work, she realized the professional growth opportunities in higher ed were limited. That’s when she made a bold shift into HR and organizational development, bringing her background in leadership and adult learning with her. That leap set her on a career path that has included roles in organizational development, leadership development, and now her current position as Director of Organizational Learning and Development for a large national healthcare system.
The common thread across every step? Helping people grow. Whether it’s a college student earning their first degree, a team member strengthening everyday communication, or a leader developing new skills, Mary Beth has found her purpose in giving people the resources and confidence to dream bigger.
What’s Changed in L&D
Mary Beth sees the biggest shift in recent years as the move toward a skills-based mindset. While competencies once dominated the conversation, organizations now talk about skills as the building blocks of a workforce. And L&D sits right at the center of this evolution.
Another massive change has been the impact of artificial intelligence. From content design to curated learning pathways, AI is shaping how organizations create personalized learning journeys. Combined with the disruptions from COVID-19, Mary Beth sees today’s environment as one of nonstop change. Her takeaway is simple: “If you don’t learn at the rate you change, you’ll fall behind.”
She also notes that learning is no longer on the periphery. It’s increasingly part of business strategy. Leaders understand that growth, transformation, and adaptability depend on learning, making L&D a critical partner in driving organizational success.
Looking Ahead
When asked about the future of L&D, Mary Beth paints a picture of skills and AI continuing to converge. She imagines a world where job descriptions and employee profiles are mapped to specific skills, creating a clear picture of workforce strengths, gaps, and opportunities. AI can then recommend learning pathways to fill those gaps, fueling career mobility and organizational agility.
Right now, she sees most organizations experimenting with pilots, small rollouts, limited exposure. But in five years, she believes these practices will be the norm, just like ChatGPT has become part of daily work for so many professionals.
She also foresees continued demand for specialists across L&D people who focus on skills strategy, AI, and change management. As she puts it, “All of those elements are at the forefront as we see L&D evolve.”
Mentors and the Power of Guidance
Mary Beth’s career has been shaped by a diverse set of mentors rather than a single guiding figure. Early on, she learned the principles of servant leadership from a boss who modeled it daily. Later, other mentors helped her think like a true business partner, identify her talents, and build the courage to make career leaps.
She’s quick to point out that she wouldn’t be who she is today without those leaders and colleagues who poured into her growth. And now, she’s passionate about paying it forward especially for those just discovering L&D. She wants newcomers to know this field exists, that it’s full of opportunity, and that they don’t have to stumble into it by accident the way she did.
The Most Critical Skills Today
If she had to choose one universal skill for today’s workforce, Mary Beth would say agility. The ability to adapt quickly, recover from change, and stay resilient is invaluable in today’s fast-moving environment.
For L&D professionals specifically, she emphasizes becoming a true business partner. Creating great learning experiences isn’t enough; it’s critical to connect them directly to business needs and outcomes. And no matter your role, she believes the timeless skills, communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence always deserve attention.
Resources She Trusts
When it comes to staying up to date, Mary Beth turns to a wide mix of sources. ATD publications and resources are a mainstay, along with Harvard Spark for diving into deeper research. She also values the practical, peer-to-peer learning that comes from conferences and networking, especially since many are hosted right in her backyard of Orlando.
A Surprising Book Recommendation
When asked which book she’d recommend to aspiring L&D leaders, Mary Beth didn’t cite a traditional leadership manual. Instead, she recommended Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, the former FBI hostage negotiator.
Why? Because at its core, negotiation is really about communication and emotional intelligence, two skills at the heart of L&D leadership. For Mary Beth, learning how to influence others, build empathy, and create win-win outcomes is just as essential for a training leader as it is for a negotiator in high-stakes situations.
And she’s put the lessons into practice herself, once even negotiating her way onto an earlier flight after cancellations stranded her for days. It’s a reminder that influence, empathy, and communication can be applied anywhere, from airports to boardrooms.
Final Thoughts
Mary Beth Thornton embodies the best of L&D: a career built on passion for helping others reach their potential, a sharp eye on industry shifts like AI and skills, and a deep appreciation for mentorship and lifelong learning. Her advice for those entering the field? Be agile, understand business, never stop sharpening your communication, and know that the future of L&D is bright and full of possibilities.
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