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The iVentiv Pulse: What Are The Top Priorities for Heads of Learning and Talent in 2025?

Submitted by Richard.Parfitt on

As we step into 2025, the landscape of Learning and Talent Development is evolving at an unprecedented pace. 

The 2025 iVentiv Pulse report sheds light on the key priorities and challenges that Heads of Learning, Talent, and Executive Development are grappling with. This comprehensive report, based on iVentiv pre-event questionnaire responses from 563 leaders across 448 companies, offers a unique glimpse into the future of work and the strategies that will shape it.

You can download the full report here, or read on for a summary of the top five topics:

 

A graph showing Leadership Development (60%), Reskilling and Upskilling (53%), Artificial Intelligence (41%), Learning Culture (40%), and Change Management (32%) under the heading 'What are the Biggest Priorities for Your Function at the Moment? (with % change since last year)'

1. Leadership and Executive Development 

Selected by: 60% of Respondents (+4% compared to 2024)

Leadership and Executive Development continues to be the most selected topic overall, reflecting the onus that L&D leaders are placing on leaders when it comes to navigating the complexities of today's business environment. Leaders are not only expected to steer their organisations through economic uncertainties and technological disruptions, but also to foster a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. 

2. Reskilling and Upskilling: Building the Skills-Based Organisation

Selected by: 53% (+8%)

The rise of Reskilling and Upskilling as a top priority underscores the urgency organisations and Learning teams feel to equip their employees with the skills required to adapt to new technologies and ways of working. The shift towards skills-based organisations is another key factor, with leaders emphasising the importance of flexible and inclusive talent practices that can meet the demands of a dynamic workforce.

3. Artificial Intelligence: Can L&D Lead?

Selected by: 41% (+41%)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking a lot of the headlines and Learning & Development is clearly no different. The report reveals a growing interest in leveraging AI to augment learning experiences, provide personalised learning, and support workforce transformation. 

4. Learning Culture: Curiosity, Continuous Improvement, and Change

Selected by: 40% (+1%)

Learning Culture was the fourth most popular topic among respondents this year, with Learning Executives concerned about remaining competitive and innovative. The report highlights the perceived importance of leaders in setting the tone for a learning culture that encourages self-led, on-the-job learning. For Heads of Learning and Talent, this approach is particularly vital in times of upheaval and change, where the ability to adapt and learn quickly can make the difference between success and failure.

5. Change Management: Underpinning Everything?

Selected by: 32% (+9%)

The rapid changes impacting businesses and Learning teams are everywhere, with some level of change underlining the focus on each of the other top topics detailed in this report. Whether it’s technology, a restructured learning team, or political disruption, L&D leaders clearly feel that navigating and driving change will be a big priority for them in 2025. 

The iVentiv Pulse 2025 report provides a rare insight into the priorities and challenges facing Learning and Talent leaders today. As organisations navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, the focus from L&D executives on leadership, skills development, AI integration, learning culture, performance management, and employee engagement. By embracing these priorities, organizations can build a resilient and adaptable workforce ready to meet the demands of the future.

Read the full report for a detailed analysis of the data, with expert reflections from Nigel Paine, Stefaan van Hooydonk, Vidya Krishnan, Jay Moore, Brian Murphy, and Gary Kildare.

Download here.
 

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The iVentiv Pulse: What Are The Top Priorities for Heads of Learning and Talent in 2025?

As we step into 2025, the landscape of Learning and Talent Development is evolving at an unprecedented pace. 

The 2025 iVentiv Pulse report sheds light on the key priorities and challenges that Heads of Learning, Talent, and Executive Development are grappling with. This comprehensive report, based on iVentiv pre-event questionnaire responses from 563 leaders across 448 companies, offers a unique glimpse into the future of work and the strategies that will shape it.

You can download the full report here, or read on for a summary of the top five topics:

 

Solving Big Challenges in Learning and Development, with Charles Jennings, Medbase, Lindt & Sprüngli, and the L&D Challenges Podcast

This L&D Challenges Podcast from iVentiv’s Learning Futures Basel event in 2024 is a must-listen for C-suite executives aiming to transform Learning and Development into a strategic organisational advantage.

Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You and Host of the L&D Challenges Podcast joined iVentiv's Learning Futures Basel at the Bovartis Campus for conversations that got to the heart of L&D's biggest challenges.

Featuring insights from industry leaders Charles Jennings, Co-Founder of the 70:20:10 Institute, Sina Melder, Head of Global Organisational Development at Lindt & Sprüngli, and Leon Jacob, Director of People Experience at Medbase, this episode delves into demonstrating L&D’s organisational value, fostering a unified learning culture, and leveraging AI beyond content creation.

Join us to discover how these strategies drive innovation, enhance employee engagement, and align global initiatives with local needs, equipping organisations to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving business landscape.

The Power of Data and AI in Learning and Development with Roche, STMicroelectronics, HEC Paris and the L&D Challenges Podcast

Data-driven decision-making, personalisation, and measuring impact to enhance learner engagement were hot topics at iVentiv’s Learning Futures Basel event in October of this year.

Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You and Host of the L&D Challenges Podcast took the time to join us for those discussions, and got into the thick it with key thought-leaders in his most recent podcast episode: How Roche and STMicroelectronics are Harnessing the Power of Data and AI in L&D.

Sam Zalcman, Global Head of Learning & Development at STMicroelectronics, Priyakumar Nair, Global Head of Learning Services at Roche, and Professor Peter Fisher, Associate Professor of Marketing & Academic Director of Creative Destruction Labs’ AI stream at HEC Paris made up this episode’s panel of distinguished leaders, and the discussions illuminated cutting-edge strategies in L&D and their implications for organisational transformation.

Join us as we listen in on a podcast that provides a wealth of insights for C-suite executives in multinational organisations, focusing on how L&D leaders are leveraging data, AI, and cultural shifts to address modern challenges.

The Future of Learning, Leadership, and AI: with HEC Paris, Akkodis, Reckitt and The Learning Hack Podcast

In a dynamic and transformative era, the Learning & Development sector is grappling with profound questions about innovation, technology, and leadership. The Learning Hack Podcast, hosted by John Helmer, offers rich insights into these themes through candid conversations with global leaders. 

In a recent episode inspired by conversations at iVentiv’s Learning Futures Basel Executive Knowledge Exchange, three thought leaders — Anne-Valérie Corboz (Dean, HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Global Head of Learning, Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (SVP, Global Head of Akkodis Academy) — came together to share their perspectives on navigating the future of L&D, with discussions covering the evolving nature of leadership, the role of generative AI in L&D, and the enduring challenges of aligning learning strategies with business goals. 

Read more

AI, Performance, and the Problem of L&D Complacency with The Learning Hack Podcast and Charles Jennings

The advent of generative AI has sparked widespread discussions across industries, but for Learning and Development, its potential remains a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, for many leaders, AI promises to revolutionise the way learning is designed and delivered. On the other, it risks reinforcing old habits and hindering meaningful change.

In a recent episode of The Learning Hack Podcast, hosted by John Helmer, guest Charles Jennings— iVentiv Advisory Board member, regular iVentiv Event Chair, pioneer in L&D transformation, and Co-Founder of the 70:20:10 framework—offered deep insights into these challenges.

This blog unpacks the key themes from their conversation and asks how can L&D leaders avoid complacency? How can they leverage AI responsibly? How can they refocus on performance improvement over outdated methodologies?

Read more

Building a Skills-Based Organisation: Insights from Zurich Insurance

In an age of constant change, Zurich Insurance has embraced a skills-based approach as a core strategy to future-proof its workforce and drive business success. 

In an interview with iVentiv, Adrian Stäubli, Group Head of Skills Development Solutions at Zurich Insurance, highlighted Zurich’s commitment to identifying, developing, and deploying skills across its global workforce. 

This model isn’t just a tool— to Adrian it’s a "secret ingredient" that touches every aspect of employee development, from career progression to job design, setting Zurich apart as a truly agile and resilient organisation.

Watch our interview now to see how Adrian has embraced skills, and how it’s transforming Zurich’s employee experience.

 

The power of partnership: how iVentiv and HEC Paris drive Executive Development together

In the ever-evolving world of executive education and corporate learning, partnerships are key to success. iVentiv has nurtured a long-standing relationship with HEC Paris, a prestigious European business school that was founded in 1888, since 2010 and has become a leading institution in Executive Development. Through this collaboration, HEC Paris has not only elevated its presence within the corporate learning community but has also provided valuable insights and support to iVentiv’s events worldwide.

Join us as we dive into the partnership between iVentiv and HEC Paris, how it's bloomed over the years, and where it will go next.

What Makes an Effective Learning and Development Team Event?

In today’s complex global landscape, even the most experienced L&D executives face a persistent challenge: ensuring alignment and collaboration within large Learning & Development teams spread across geographies, business units, and time zones.

Too often, L&D functions in multinational companies operate in silos. Teams set objectives independently, repeat each other’s work unknowingly, or miss opportunities to scale successful initiatives. Despite good intentions, the lack of structured knowledge-sharing and alignment can hinder progress, dilute impact, and ultimately affect how well organisations respond to change. 

So, how do you create an event designed to build a strong, connected L&D team that learns from each other and works towards a shared vision? Read on to find out.

10 Questions to Ask Before Planning an Internal Event

Whether you’re launching a new initiative, or planning a team-building day, internal corporate events need more than just good food and a decent venue. Without the right strategic groundwork, even the most beautifully executed event can fall flat. 

Instead, before diving into logistics, you should pause and ask the foundational questions that shape a purposeful, effective experience.

This guide explores the key questions to ask before you start planning an internal event to help you clarify objectives, understand your audience, and align the event with your broader organisational goals. Read more.

Why Customer Education Matters

In today’s competitive, hyper-informed market, you can’t win customer loyalty with a strong product or slick branding alone. Instead, you need trust, relevance, and a consistent demonstration that you understand your customers' needs. 

That’s where customer education events come in. 

These aren’t just glorified sales pitches. They’re strategic opportunities to deliver value, deepen relationships, and build communities around your offering.
When done well, these events don’t just teach; they transform customers into advocates. They help your business stay front-of-mind while giving your clients the tools and insights to succeed with your product or service at the centre of their strategy.

Curious to learn more? Read now.

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