Discussion Guides

MJ leads the ATD Forum content arena and serves as the learning subject matter expert for the ATD communities of practice. As the leader of a consortium known as a “skunk works” for connecting, collaborating, and sharing learning, she worked with members to evolve the consortium into a lab environment for advancing the learning practice within the context of work, thus evolving the Forum’s work-learn lab concept. MJ is a skilled and experienced design and performance coach for work teams, as well as a seasoned designer of work-learn experiences with a focus on strategy and program management. She previously held leadership positions at the Defense Acquisition University, including senior instructor, special assistant to the commandant, and director of professional development.

Laleh began her ATD career in August 2009 as a research associate responsible for the quarterly release of the Learning Executive Confidence Index and was involved in all phases of conducting, analyzing, and publishing research reports. She wrote the 2010 State of the Industry report. In February 2011, Laleh became the manager of the ATD Forum. Laleh previously worked at the Society for Human Resources Management in the survey research department, conducting surveys and analyzing and reporting data on current human resources issues. Prior to that, she worked for two years as a global account executive for Lowe Worldwide in London, managing four personal-care accounts for Unilever. Laleh holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from University College London and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from George Mason University.

Laura Solomon is an instructional designer for leadership and management development for IBM’s Center for Advanced Learning. In this role, she designs and develops global leadership learning solutions for IBM’s managers. Laura’s most recent design projects include IBM’s required courses for all newly appointed managers, IBM’s Moments of Impact, and modules on Agile leadership, performance management, engaging Millennials, and innovation. Laura is also certified to consult on the Hogan leadership assessments, Kenexa Leadership Preferences and Scentio, HBDI (Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument), and IBM’s Leadership Competency and Climate surveys. She received Brandon Hall’s gold award for Excellence in Technology—Best Use of Virtual Worlds for Learning for a 3-D learning module she co-designed for IBM’s emerging leaders. Prior to joining IBM, Laura worked in leadership development in the retail and financial services industries. She earned a BA in psychology and art at Montclair State University, a master’s degree in professional studies at Pratt Institute, and a master’s degree in instructional design at the University of Massachusetts.