1. Curiosity-Driven Learning: Tara emphasizes maintaining curiosity in the L&D process. She shares how staying open to new ideas and continuously seeking to understand the unique needs of the academic environment have been crucial in adapting successful strategies from other industries to higher education. This approach aligns with the concept that “curiosity is the engine of achievement, ” which drives continuous improvement and innovation in L&D practices (Marr, 2023).
2. Tailored Project Management: Effective project management is central to implementing L&D programs. Tara outlines her methodical approach to managing L&D projects, from conducting a needs analysis to using tools like the RACI matrix to ensure stakeholder alignment (Miranda, 2024). This process ensures that all projects are well-coordinated and meet the university’s specific needs, mirroring the idea that clear project management practices lead to better outcomes and increased stakeholder satisfaction.
3. Integrating Well-being into L&D: Tara strongly advocates incorporating wellness practices into the L&D framework. She discusses how bringing mindfulness and intentional practices into corporate and educational settings can enhance creativity and collaboration. This reflects a growing trend in the industry where integrating wellness into professional development programs leads to more engaged and productive employees (Africa, 2024).
4. The Role of Technology in Learning: The use of technology in L&D is evolving rapidly. Tara shares her experiences with various tools, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and creative solutions like Loom for interactive learning. She highlights the importance of adapting these technologies to meet the needs of adult learners, echoing the sentiment that technology, when used effectively, can significantly enhance the learning experience. (Newton, 2022).
5. Adapting to Change: One of the challenges Tara discusses is managing change within an academic institution. She stresses the need for effective change management strategies that involve clear communication and stakeholder engagement. This is crucial in ensuring that new L&D initiatives are successfully adopted, as change management is critical in implementing any new initiative. (Sampaio & Sampaio, 2024).