Think Like a Marketer, Lead Like an L&D Pro: Bianca Baumann on Learner-Centric Strategy and Visibility

In this episode of Catalysts, I sit down with Bianca Baumann, award-winning strategist, international speaker, and author of Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro. With over 15 years in the field, Bianca brings a rare blend of creativity, empathy, and business alignment to the way organizations approach learning.

We talk about the mindset shifts that L&D teams need to make—starting with listening more and building for behavior change, not just content delivery.

Inside the conversation:

• Why listening is the most underrated skill in L&D
• How to balance long-term workforce strategy with short-term execution
• The marketing principles every L&D leader should steal—today
• Why compelling writing is a non-negotiable for learning that sticks
• How course titles, taglines, and narrative structure can dramatically increase engagement
• The role of learner personas in driving motivation and performance
• What executives still don’t understand about learning—and how to educate them
• Why visibility and working out loud matter more than ever in L&D leadership

Bianca also shares her own evolution as a leader, what she’s learned from mentoring teams, and the small actions that can make a big impact—especially for L&D professionals doing it all on their own.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Catalysts—where we spotlight the leaders shaping the future of learning and growth.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn »

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