Day 2 Recap | Anchoring Learning Through Change
As organizations continue to navigate disruption and complexity, Day 2 of the 21st annual Chief Learning Officer Symposium focused on the stabilizing forces that help leaders and learners thrive: culture, accessibility and resiliency.
🎥 Watch the Day 2 Highlight Video:
(Featuring Elise James-DeCruise, Ben Sieke, and Kristi Conlon on culture and coaching for a resilient future)
When Agility Turns to Chaos
The morning began with “AHHHgility! When Does Agility Become Chaos?”, featuring Dr. Ashley Dugger (Bucknell University) in conversation with Ashley St. John (Chief Learning Officer).
The session explored the double-edged nature of agility: while adaptability is essential to modern leadership, too much constant pivoting can create confusion, burnout and blurred priorities.
“Resiliency doesn’t mean relentless motion,” Dr. Dugger said. “It means knowing when to pause, reflect and realign purpose.”
Being Mindful with Metrics
In “Throwback: Being Mindful with Metrics,” Ashley St. John challenged attendees to rethink how performance data is used in hybrid and remote work environments.
While digital tools offer an abundance of metrics, she reminded leaders that numbers should serve people — not replace them. Metrics done right enhance trust and engagement instead of undermining them.
FastTALK: Culture, AI and Connection
The Day 2 FastTALK sessions featured Elise James-DeCruise (The Ad Council) and Ben Sieke (formerly Delta Dental) in a series of rapid-fire talks examining how AI intersects with culture and connection.
James-DeCruise emphasized the need for equitable digital learning ecosystems that prioritize access and belonging. Sieke followed with practical tips on sustaining human connection across distributed workforces and virtual teams.
A Democratized Approach to Coaching
In the afternoon panel “A Democratized Approach: Embedding Coaching in Company Culture at Every Level,” Kristi Conlon (Kristi Conlon Consulting), Melissa Lewis, Ed.D. (Facing History & Ourselves), Joe Malta (City of Largo, FL) and Ashley St. John (Chief Learning Officer) discussed how coaching can move from an executive benefit to a cultural cornerstone.
Panelists shared strategies for embedding coaching into everyday learning flows and manager development programs to build inclusive growth at scale.
“Coaching isn’t a perk,” Conlon stressed. “It’s culture in action — the heartbeat of a learning organization.”
Resilience Through Connection
Across all of Day 2’s sessions, one idea stood out: resilient cultures don’t emerge by accident. They are intentionally built through access, equity and trust that spans every level of the organization.
“When people feel seen, supported and developed,” said Lewis, “they don’t just adapt to change — they lead it.”
Watch Day 2 On Demand
Couldn’t attend live?
All Day 2 sessions from the 2025 Chief Learning Officer Symposium are now available on demand.
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About the Chief Learning Officer Symposium
Now in its 21st year, the Chief Learning Officer Symposium is the premier event for senior L&D executives, bringing together global leaders to explore how learning drives organizational performance, innovation, and culture.
