Proving the impact of learning initiatives often fails not because of a lack of will, but because L&D lacks direct access to the relevant business metrics. This session focuses on the “strategic conversation”—the ability to navigate organizational silos, speak the language of business leaders, and secure the data required for credible ROI analysis. We move beyond theoretical frameworks to provide practical strategies for identifying, negotiating for, and sourcing objective business data.
The Indisputable Link: Why Business Data is Non-Negotiable
Traditional L&D metrics, focused on satisfaction and completion rates, offer little insight into genuine performance improvement or financial contribution. True ROI hinges on demonstrating how learning interventions directly influence operational efficiency, sales growth, employee retention, or other quantifiable organisational objectives.
Navigating the Data Labyrinth: Overcoming Access Barriers
L&D professionals frequently encounter significant hurdles, from a lack of established data governance pathways to an organisational perception that learning data is separate from core business intelligence. This often results in a frustrating cycle where crucial performance metrics remain out of reach.
The Strategic Conversation: Mastering the Art of Data Sourcing
Securing access to critical business data demands more than just asking; it requires developing strong stakeholder relationships and articulating the clear business case for collaboration. L&D must cultivate skills in business acumen and influence to effectively partner with data custodians
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Vanessa Blewitt
Enterprise Capability, NAB
Vanessa’s professional passion is supporting and enabling people to learn and grow to perform at their best.
Stanton Wightwick
Data & Analytics – Capability and Culture, NAB
Stan has a passion for using Learning Analytics to improve business outcomes. He is part of the Data & Analytics – Capability and Culture team at NAB.
Rob Wilkins
Director, Sensemaker
Rob has transitioned from L&D leadership into core technology roles—culminating in positions as Director and Deputy CIO—where he managed data analytics, AI systems, and cyber security.
Jeevan Joshi
Enterprise Learning Architect, LearningCafe
Jeevan has designed and delivered Learning, Knowledge & HR ecosystems that are business-responsive, user-centric, technology enabled and based on Agile principles.
