The worldwide talent development community is diverse. Our members bring a wealth of experience and insight to their work. We're spotlighting their stories.

Vivian Bringslimark has been a member of ATD since 1990. Here's her story in her own words.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a compliance training and performance independent consultant. I've been in the L&D space for almost 30 years and have seen technology really change how training is managed.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?

I'd like to become semi-retired while providing L&D coaching to trainers who are interested in developing themselves professionally.

What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?

Early on, I worked in a very male-dominated environment and hit the glass ceiling. I took a risk and started my own consulting practice in the middle of the financial meltdown. And I've never looked back.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve gained or experienced during your membership with ATD?

I originally joined in 1990 so I could read the monthly journal and stay on top of current trends. I still enjoy the journal very much, and now I love the online courses, the library of courses, and being a mentor for my local ATD chapter.

Could you share any professional tips, specific to talent development, that you have picked up along the way?

I've evolved my career over the years by staying abreast of industry trends and reinventing myself multiple times. ATD has always been my first go-to for credible qualifications.

What’s a common misconception you see when it comes to talent development?

What I call, "I've spoken, therefore you've learned." I often come across leaders who believe that telling employees how to do their jobs is training and, therefore, it is enough.

Do you have any advice for people looking to further their careers?

Never stop learning or reading. Find a mentor. Join a community, whether in person or online. Connections are the key to introductions and opportunities.

What is your personal definition of talent development?

It's about proactively mentoring one’s self using all available means to learn and close identified gaps.

How do you find meaning in your work?

When I can help a company fix their broken training system, that in turn allows qualified trainers to be more effective in their performance.