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ATD Blog

Meet ATD 2015 Featured Speakers Bob Baker, Kim Robbins, and Jamie Rondeau

Wednesday, May 6, 2015
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Bob Baker, Kim Robbins, and Jamie Rondeau, all ATD 2015 speakers, answer questions relating to the content of their ATD 2015 session, “Driving Marketing Excellence Through a Global Learning Curriculum.” This is part of the Global HRD Featured Speakers blog series.

What is the topic of your presentation?

Driving Marketing Excellence Through a Global Learning Curriculum (TU210)

In this highly interactive case study session, we will describe how Pfizer created a global performance initiative to build and expand the marketing capabilities of Pfizer colleagues in more than 85 countries, using key strategies that include: 

  • bringing together the top subject matter experts in the industry and finding ways for them to collaborate to create a cohesive and focused curriculum
  • using global learning archetypes to design for multiple global audiences from the very beginning

  • aligning the effort to Pfizer’s business goals, and tying the curriculum to Pfizer’s performance management strategy.

We’ll discuss what went well—and what didn’t—and share lessons learned.
Why is this topic important for learning and talent development professionals?

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The world is getting smaller and most large organizations have a global presence, some in dozens of different countries. Those organizations need to find a way to build common capabilities with different audiences, while taking into account the sometimes-nuanced cultural differences and preferences of the people within those audiences. Some organizations address this challenge by investing an enormous amount of money into creating localized learning for every geographic location in which they operate. Others send the same learning to everyone, and cross their fingers that the message will transcend cultural differences. The approach Pfizer took was the best of both worlds. By focusing as much on the commonalities between learning styles as on the differences, this method allows for diversified learning that is also rapid and cost-effective.

What will be the top three takeaways from your presentation?

Our session focuses on how Pfizer turned learning theory into practice with a real-life case study. Participants will learn how to:

  • Embed performance in the learning architecture with management pull-through, performance support, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Bring together multiple external subject matter experts, learning experts, business line stakeholders, and internal subject matter experts to craft a winning capability development initiative.
  • Reach the highest number of global learners with the least amount of customization while influencing performance.

What is your experience with the ATD International Conference & Exposition?

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Having attended ATD conferences over the years, we consider this conference to be the most significant event in the learning and talent development arena, bringing together some of the best minds from around the world. 

What do you expect to get out of this year’s International Conference & Exposition?

We love attending this conference because we get to meet and learn from the people who are tackling learning and performance challenges each day. As much as we enjoy meeting the thought leaders in our field, we really enjoy meeting the people who create great learning experiences every day. The EXPO is always one of our favorite parts of the conference, where we get to see how great ideas get turned into practical applications.

What are some suggestions you have for attendees to get the most out of their experience at ATD 2015?

  1. Come with an open mind. You'll hear ideas you've never heard before. Some of them may sound a little crazy at first, but most innovation starts with a crazy idea! Back in 1994, one of the crazy ideas discussed was that we'd soon be able to learn on small, powerful computers that we carried with us wherever we went. Nobody called it "mobile learning" back then, but that's exactly what it was.
  2. Don't be shy. A conference is a place to share ideas, explore possibilities, and create the next generation of capability. Your ideas are as good as everybody else's. Take the time to chat with the speakers, the people in the EXPO, the folks sitting at your table at lunch. You may make contacts that will last you a lifetime.
About the Author

Bob Baker is senior director of enterprise training strategy at Pfizer, and is responsible for improving the overall colleague learning experience. His more than 20 years at Pfizer includes sales, marketing research, and national and global brand management, as well as new product development. Bob is currently the president of the ATD New York Chapter.

About the Author

Kim Robbins is director of change management and communications for the Pfizer marketing excellence team. She works with leaders to design change strategies and learning and development resources to develop and retain talent and support Pfizer marketing in meeting the needs of customers.

About the Author

Jamie Rondeau is principal consultant at Performance Development Group. She is a visionary learning strategist with a demonstrated ability to affect business performance through the development of human capability.

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