How does an L&D team become a strategic partner instead of a support function?

Sonya Overstreet, Learning and Development Director at Leadec, shares the story of transforming her L&D function into a trusted business partner within a global organization. Faced with competing priorities, organizational change, and limited visibility, Sonya and her team learned that influence isn't earned through better training alone—it's built through stronger relationships, business acumen, and a clear connection to organizational goals.

Drawing on real decisions, setbacks, and turning points from the transformation, Sonya will explore the leadership behaviors and strategic choices that helped elevate L&D's credibility and impact. She'll share practical insights into navigating ambiguity, building executive trust, and positioning learning as an essential driver of business performance. Throughout this Ignite session, you'll reflect on how your own learning function is perceived, identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships with business leaders, and leave with ideas for increasing L&D's influence where it matters most.