Gwendolyn D'Elia

I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Throughout my career, I have never been satisfied with simply maintaining the status quo. I enjoy learning new skills, seeking feedback, and finding ways to improve processes, programs, and experiences for the people I support. Whether strengthening training partnerships with subject matter experts or serving in leadership roles across organization(s), I have consistently looked for opportunities to grow.

I also believe much of my success is the result of the relationships I have built with colleagues and mentors. I value collaboration and recognize that meaningful accomplishments rarely happen alone. Finally, I am motivated by a genuine desire to help others succeed. That focus on service, combined with a willingness to learn and adapt, has shaped both my professional growth and the impact I have been able to make throughout my career.

The best career advice I've received is that it's okay to pause before responding, and it's okay to say, "I don't know."

Early in my career, I felt pressure to have an immediate answer for everything. Over time, I've learned that thoughtful responses are often more valuable than quick ones. Taking a moment to process a question, gather information, or consider the impact of a response typically leads to better decisions and better communication.

I've also become very comfortable saying, "I don't know, but I'll find out." In training roles, there's sometimes an expectation that you're the expert on everything, but that's rarely realistic. I've found that being honest about what I don't know actually builds credibility and trust. It shows humility, curiosity, and a commitment to finding the right answer rather than simply providing an answer.

Those lessons have helped me become a better communicator, a stronger collaborator, and a more effective leader. Sometimes the most professional thing you can do is pause, think, and be honest about what you know and what you still need to learn.

My advice to young women entering the training and learning profession would be to stay curious, build relationships, and don't be afraid to admit what you don't know. Some of the most successful people I've worked with aren't the ones who have all the answers; they're the ones who ask thoughtful questions and openly seek honest feedback.

I would also encourage them to raise their hand for opportunities that may feel outside their comfort zone. Many of the experiences that shaped my career, from leadership roles in shared governance to learning new technologies and facilitating difficult conversations, were opportunities I wasn't completely sure I was ready for. Growth often happens when we're willing to try something new.

Finally, remember that your network matters. Invest in relationships, find mentors, support your peers, and look for ways to help others succeed. Skills and knowledge are important, but strong relationships and a reputation for collaboration will often open doors you never expected.

One of the biggest opportunities in the learning and development field right now is the ability to create more engaging, accessible, and personalized learning experiences that balance the technology available and the human element. Artifical Intelligence is becoming embedded in everything, which is a powerful asset but also lends itself to potentially losing the connection pieces which are so important in successful training and learning courses.

Related is the challenge of navigating constant change. Building technical trainings means that the work is never truly done. Employees are often asked to learn new systems, processes, and expectations at a rapid pace, and then continue to adapt and learn new enhancements and features. Effective training is no longer just about teaching someone how to complete a task; it's about helping people understand why change is happening, how it impacts them, and how to feel confident adopting something new.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity and continuous learning, and meaningful relationships. I believe trust is built through honesty, accountability, and treating people with respect, even during difficult conversations. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that it's okay not to have all the answers, as long as you're willing to listen, learn, and follow through.

I am also deeply committed to continuous growth. I enjoy learning and finding ways to improve myself and the work I do. Curiosity has been a driving force throughout my career and in life outside of work (as I'm always eager to try a new recipe!).

Finally, I value relationships and community. Strong teams and organizations are built on collaboration, recognition, and mutual support. Whether at work or at home, I believe investing in people and fostering meaningful connections creates the greatest opportunity for long-term success and fulfillment.