L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea

Many L&D teams still see themselves as a support function—creating learning programs, responding to training requests, and advocating for development. But in a rapidly changing business landscape, is that enough? 

In this episode, Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, challenges the traditional identity of L&D and makes the case for a more strategic role—one that positions learning as a core driver of business transformation, not just an enabler of it.

We dive into the recurring struggle for L&D to "get a seat at the table" and why that framing might be holding teams back. Instead of waiting for an invitation, L&D leaders must shift their focus from delivering learning to solving real business problems.

Al shares insights on how forward-thinking organizations are embedding learning into business strategy, leveraging skills data, and embracing new ways of working—such as agile methodologies and systems thinking—to drive real impact. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (00:00) L&D’s Identity Crisis
• (05:10) Why L&D struggles for influence and how to fix it
• (12:40) The shift from support function to strategic problem-solver
• (20:50) The role of skills data in transforming L&D
• (32:00) Challenges and mindset shifts needed for L&D leaders
• (42:41) Final thoughts and why Al Dea does this work

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Edge of Work
• Josh Bersin

Connect with Al Dea

• Connected with Al Dea on LinkedIn

Connect With Red Thread Research

• Website: Red Thread Research
• On LinkedIn
• On Facebook
• On Twitter

Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES