Podcast Summary “Tammy Vetter – Enhancing Employee Growth and Leadership”
Tammy Vetter, Assistant Vice President in leadership development, plays a pivotal role in fostering growth and stability within her organization, which employs 32,000 people. She spearheaded the launch of a training platform for 3,800 leaders, organizing courses into “required” and “recommended” categories tailored to leadership tiers. This initiative ensures leaders are well-equipped to excel while enhancing overall leadership capacity. Beyond leadership development, Tammy oversees a professional development platform serving all associates, reflecting her dedication to fostering organization-wide learning.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tammy expanded her role, supporting HR in adopting modern performance management technologies. These efforts maintained operational efficiency and reinforced the organization’s commitment to employee growth amidst unprecedented challenges.
Journey into Learning and Development (L&D)
Tammy’s passion for learning and development was inspired by her mother’s encouragement to “go read a book,” fostering her love for learning. While pursuing a graduate degree in industrial-organizational psychology, she joined an Association for Talent Development (ATD) chapter, solidifying her commitment to L&D. Witnessing the transformative impact of education on individuals fueled her desire to contribute to organizational success through effective learning initiatives.
Recent Changes in L&D
Tammy highlights three transformative trends in L&D:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is reshaping training by automating routine tasks, enabling L&D professionals to focus on strategic functions like content curation and problem-solving.
- Mobile Learning: Smartphones have revolutionized learning, necessitating content tailored for smaller screens and shorter attention spans. Multimedia and interactive elements are now crucial for engagement.
- Social Learning: Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram facilitate informal learning and instant feedback, enhancing the accessibility and interactivity of educational content.
Future of L&D
Tammy predicts AI will automate routine learning tasks, freeing professionals to address complex challenges. Mobile learning will continue evolving, emphasizing flexible, microlearning experiences. The focus on soft skills like emotional intelligence and leadership will grow, especially as Gen Z enters the workforce, requiring L&D to bridge gaps in human connection within digital workplaces. Training programs must also adapt to employees prioritizing personal growth and work-life balance over long-term tenure, ensuring relevance and engagement.
Challenges in L&D Hiring
Finding project managers with expertise in adult learning theories, stakeholder management, and change management remains a challenge. These roles require blending educational and project management skills to oversee long-term, complex training initiatives effectively.
Maximizing a Larger Budget
Tammy would invest in scalable platforms with social connections, cross-functional partnerships, and team skill development. She emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation through relationship-building and serendipitous collaboration.
Favorite Resources and Recommended Books
Tammy relies on ATD and TrainingIndustry.com for industry insights and recommends three books for aspiring L&D leaders:
- The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins
- Managing Projects by Lou Russell
- Smart Brevity by Jim Vandehei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz.
These resources focus on strategic relationship-building, project management, and concise communication—essential skills for L&D success.
Listen to Tammy’s podcast here.
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