Sixteen years ago, the Association for Talent Development launched its BEST Awards program to recognize companies that use talent development as a strategic business tool to get results. During that span, more than 300 companies representing 17 countries have earned a BEST Award, including four companies—IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, TELUS, and Wipro Limited—that have won the award 10 or more times, earning them a Best of the BEST recognition.

Although the rankings may shift from one year to the next, what's consistent about BEST Award winners is their well-defined talent strategies, evidence of effective measurement and evaluation, clear link between talent development and performance, and confirmation that developing talent is valued in the company culture.

In the TD at Work titled "Create an Exceptional Learning Culture," Jacqueline Burandt writes, "For companies that want to develop a sought-after culture of excellence, one place to begin is by looking at award-winning companies." So, as you read through the profiles, make note of the practices and initiatives that you could apply to your organization. Whether it's starting a new leadership development program, modifying your onboarding program, or experimenting with emerging technologies, there's a wide range of successful talent development practices to glean from this month's issue.