Imagine the strategic advantage an organization could gain by implementing a comprehensive and tailored training program for key positions across their employees’ career trajectories. This podcast episode thoroughly explored and discussed the intricacies and benefits of such a program. The Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD) is responsible for delivering a comprehensive range of virtual and in-person training, products, services, and cohort-based experiential development opportunities to employees at all career stages, including entry-level, mid-career, aspiring and new supervisors and managers, as well as senior leaders at the executive level.
Listen to the insightful discussion between Dr. Jessica Salyers, the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Nolan Hout, Senior Vice President at Infopro Learning. In this conversation, Dr. Salyers shares her experience launching the highly successful ILEAD program and transitioning from a role focused on facilitating courses or developing leadership programs to a business leader for the function. She delves into her motivations for pursuing a career in service and the sacrifices required to dedicate oneself to this type of work. She also highlights her passion for the Learning and Development (L&D) field, particularly when driven by a purposeful mission, and discusses her future-oriented mindset.
Listen to the podcast to learn more:
Question:
Could you please share a brief overview of your professional journey?
Expert profile:
Dr. Jessica Salyers
Dr. Jessica Salyers is the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) at the Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). With a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in psychology, Jessica is a seasoned healthcare professional specializing in mental health services for veterans. She leads innovative learning programs to enhance professional development, leadership skills, and patient care within the VA. Jessica is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to advancing the mission of the VA. She is a respected speaker and advocates for mental health awareness and veteran well-being.
Nolan Hout
Nolan Hout is the Senior Vice President at Infopro Learning. He has over a decade of experience in the L&D industry, helping global organizations unlock the potential of their workforce. Nolan is results-driven, investing most of his time in finding ways to identify and improve the performance of learning programs through the lens of return on investment. He is passionate about networking with people in the learning and training community. He is also an avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman, spending most of his free time on rivers across the Pacific Northwest.
An excerpt of the discussion follows:
Nolan:
Hello everyone. Welcome to the Learning and Development podcast sponsored by Infopro Learning.
I am your host, Nolan Hout, and it gives me immense pleasure to introduce our distinguished guest, Dr. Jessica Salyers.
Dr. Salyers holds the esteemed position of Chief Learning Officer for the Veterans Health Administration at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Our upcoming discussion with Jessica will delve into her career trajectory leading up to her appointment as CLO and her successful implementation of the ‘ILEAD’ program. This program effectively consolidated talent development initiatives across the Veterans Health Administration into a centralized platform, benefiting a substantial population of over 350,000 individuals. Let’s learn more about the ILEAD program and Jessica.
Hello, Dr. Salyers. Welcome to the podcast.
Dr. Slayers:
Hi. Thanks for having me.
Nolan:
Today’s primary focus is on the ILEAD program, to which you have made significant contributions. However, getting to know you better would be valuable before we delve further into this topic. As the Chief Learning Officer of the Veterans Health Administration, you hold a prestigious position that many aspire to achieve. Gaining insight into your journey and the path you took to reach this esteemed role would be enlightening.
Could you please share a brief overview of your professional journey?
Dr. Slayers:
Regarding my educational background, I possess a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology, a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and a Doctorate in Psychology. My career journey is similar to many others who began their careers around 19 years ago, as I initially joined the federal service in an administrative capacity to enter this sector. I was drawn to this field due to the positive feedback I received regarding the training opportunities and potential financial assistance for pursuing further education.
I began my career at a GS-3 (General Schedule) level, which many people find funny and outdated. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on various teams and projects in the communication field. After completing my undergraduate degree, I transitioned into pursuing a Master’s degree. I seized opportunities to apply my academic learnings during this period, incorporating change management concepts and leadership development facilitation. Despite it not being a part of my job description, I introduced tools from my program into the workplace, such as team building off-site.
I introduced a valuable tool to the organization, which garnered positive feedback, leading to the Air Force generously sponsoring my master’s degree. Upon completion, I transitioned into a full-time role with the Air Force Research Lab, where they established an Organizational Development (OD) function. After several years of contributing to the organization through internal consulting, team building, strategic planning, and coaching discussions, a financial downturn forced the organization to eliminate the function. I received a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice, similar to a layoff in the private sector.
Although infrequent, a pivotal moment occurred in my career trajectory. This realization prompted me to explore alternative options, despite being one year into my doctoral program, which my employer generously sponsored. While I remained committed to honing my expertise in my field of study, I recognized the opportunity to broaden my career horizons and pursue leadership roles. This led me to work closely with senior executives in advisory or support capacities, which proved to be a valuable experience in expanding my skill set.
That experience gave me valuable insights into the practicalities of leadership and the challenges individuals face in such roles. It allowed me to witness the tough decisions leaders must make, which I had previously only advised on from a distance. This exposure ultimately led to my completing my degree, and coincidentally, the organization recognized the need for an Organizational Development learning function.
Therefore, the organization established its inaugural Chief Learning Officer position within the Air Force Research Lab. As a result of my prior experience and notable credentials, I was identified as a suitable candidate for the role. As the Chief Learning Officer, I effectively established and managed the function, which led to additional leadership opportunities. These opportunities included serving as the Chief of Staff for a program office, where I gained valuable experience in budgeting, organizational structure, and change management, despite being outside my expertise. Due to my demonstrated capabilities, I was promoted to oversee the entire lab, allowing me to leverage my skills on a larger scale.
Subsequently, they acknowledged my extensive tenure and proposed a new challenge for me – to lead in a different capacity. Consequently, I was assigned to the Life Cycle Management Center, where I established the inaugural position of Chief Talent Management Officer. After serving in this role for some time, I learned about an exciting opportunity at VHA to become the Executive Director of their Leadership Institute – an area of leadership development that aligns perfectly with my expertise. Having gained valuable experience in this role, I transitioned to VA, where I assumed the position of Chief Learning Officer after less than a year. Although my career path has been marked by lateral moves and unexpected twists and turns, I have always remained agile and adaptable, ready to seize new opportunities and tackle new challenges.
Nolan:
I want to address a couple of important points that are timely and relevant to our current situation. Firstly, I want to remind everyone that many individuals currently face direct or indirect impacts from the reduction in force. This is not to diminish the significant emotional toll this can take on individuals, as I am sure it was difficult for you, Jessica.
However, opportunities are available, and there is hope for those experiencing this. While not everyone may be in the same position as a Chief Learning Officer, other paths can provide clarity and new opportunities. Staying on the course and remaining resilient during this challenging time is important.
Jessica:
The experience I encountered during my initial employment proved to be a significant turning point in my career trajectory. It catalyzed change, leading me to pursue a path I would not have considered otherwise. This transformative experience arose from the exposure I gained to senior executives in a support role, providing me with valuable insight into their workings. Had I remained in my previous role, I would not have had the opportunity to explore this path that has since shaped my career.
Dr. Jessica and Nolan explore various facets of Dr. Jessica’s professional trajectory and the resounding accomplishments of the ILEAD program. Additionally, the other questions asked during the episode are:
- How did you find the transition of switching roles from facilitating courses or developing leadership programs to being a business leader for your function?
- What led you to pursue a career in the field of serving and helping people, and what inspired you to make the sacrifices required to dedicate your life to this career, especially given the challenges and sacrifices it entails for both employees and their families?
- What makes the person referred to in the content good at spinning new programs and initiatives, and how have leaders recognized this skill early on? How does the person explain their ability to launch new programs, such as the ILEAD program?
- What are some examples of how you apply your willingness to try new things outside of your job and personal life? Have you ever had any funny experiences with this?
- Could you kindly provide some context and introduce us to the program you helped spearhead called ILEAD?
- Would you be willing to discuss any personal anecdotes or stories you’ve heard that relate to initial successes you’ve experienced?