Recent research shows that manager and peer involvement in training can dramatically improve effectiveness, in some cases by more than 75 percent! However, there is a problem. Manager coaching is at an all-time low, and the shift to more remote training methods has limited peer engagement. 

We have a solution! In this interactive session, learning leaders will share three keys that drive alignment among learners, peers, and managers, ensuring you get the most from your training investment. Join to learn from James Johnson, Learning and Development Director at ScanSource, and Brad Thurman, Director of Sales Enablement at Beacon Building Products, about their approach to integrating manager and peer engagement into their training programs. 

As a result of attending this session, you will:

• Grasp the profound impact manager coaching and peer engagement have on learning impact and resulting performance
• Understand how to make engagement between managers, learners, and learners' peers part of your learning strategy and programs
• Learn how to build a learning journey that seamlessly blends manager and peer involvement
• Hear from James and Brad how they socialized their programs engaging with non-training audiences within their organizations 

Michael Leimbach, PhD, is a globally recognized expert in instructional design and leadership development. As Vice President of Global Research and Development for Wilson Learning Worldwide, he has worked with numerous Global 1000 organizations in Australia, England, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and throughout the United States. Over more than 30 years, Dr. Leimbach has developed Wilson Learning’s diagnostic, learning, and performance improvement capabilities, published over 100 professional articles, co-authored four books, been Editor-in-Chief for the highly acclaimed ADHR research journal, and is a frequent speaker at national and global conferences. He also serves on the ISO Technical Committee (TC232) on Quality Standards for Learning Service Providers and on the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Advisory Board.

Brad Thurman is a seasoned professional in sales enablement, currently serving as Director of Sales Enablement at Beacon Building Products. In his role, he directs efforts to elevate sales processes and performance. With a decade of experience at Grainger Industrial Supply and leadership roles in global sales training at Salesforce and Sales Performance International, Brad's influence in sales enablement has been characterized by his ability to deliver impactful learning experiences and to build strong, sustainable sales operations. A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder's Leeds School of Business, his foundation in business administration and marketing underpins his strategic mindset.

James Johnson is the Learning and Development Director at ScanSource, where he leads a team of professionals who design, deliver, and evaluate global learning programs. His background in process improvement and leadership training includes over 20 years of experience at Synnex, SmileMakers, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina as well as a suite of certifications, including SHRM-SCP and Korn Ferry's 360 Feedback. James earned his BS in Workforce Education Development from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Clemson University, reflecting his strategic and analytical approach to corporate learning.

Jacob Nikolau is the Head of Product Marketing at NovoEd, a social and collaborative learning technology company. He has spent nearly 10 years dedicated to driving research, market insight, business intelligence, and go-to-market strategy for businesses focused on providing transformative technology solutions to the Fortune 1000. His writing and research reports with industry analysts have been published and cited by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and others.