117 - From Order Taker to Partner Featuring Jess Almlie

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Ever feel like your L&D team is stuck in the cycle of saying “yes” to every request, churning out training that doesn’t truly move the needle? It’s time to break free! In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re joined by Jess Almlie, a seasoned learning and performance strategist, who shares how L&D professionals can shift from order takers to strategic business partners.

Jess unpacks how learning teams can drive real business impact, push back against ineffective training requests, and build credibility by aligning with organizational goals. Whether you're a learning leader, instructional designer, or HR pro, this conversation will challenge the way you think about L&D’s role in your company.

 

 💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Stop Taking Orders – Start Driving Strategy: L&D teams must position themselves as performance consultants, not passive training providers.
2. Shift from Activity to Impact: It’s not about the number of courses created—it’s about measurable business results.
3. Know the Business Inside and Out: Learning leaders must understand organizational goals, KPIs, and pain points to be effective.

 

Spotlight on Jess Almlie

With over two decades of experience in learning and talent development, Jess Almlie is on a mission to transform L&D teams from order takers into strategic business partners. As the Founder of Almlie Consulting, she helps organizations rethink their approach to learning, moving beyond traditional training to measurable performance impact.

Previously, Jess served as VP of Learning Experience at WEX Benefits, where she spearheaded initiatives to align L&D strategy with business outcomes, centralize learning functions, and transition teams to blended and virtual learning models. Her expertise lies in coaching L&D leaders, designing strategic learning blueprints, and facilitating workshops that challenge the status quo.

Through her work, Jess empowers learning professionals to stop doing “nice” things and start doing what works—with clear business alignment and ROI.

💡 Ready to shift from training provider to business partner? Connect with Jess on LinkedIn and start the conversation!

  

Connect with Jess:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/
• Website: https://www.jessalmlie.com/
• Podcast: L&D Must Change https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast
• Newsletter: https://almlie-consulting.kit.com/87e0251322
• Book: coming out September 2, to be published by ATD Press called, “L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner.” To find out more and/or follow along with progress visit my website and sign up for my newsletter: https://www.jessalmlie.com
  
  

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: [e-mail]
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

 

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