As 2025 draws to a close, it's a natural time to reflect on the dynamic shifts and successes that have defined the L&D landscape this year.
To map the highlights and hotspots that define 2025, we sat down with five consultants who have helped our client-partners organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve transformative growth over the past 12 months.
They shared their most valuable insights, hopes for the industry, and personal areas of focus as we look ahead to 2026. Read on for their compelling, diverse, and powerful takes on the state of L&D in 2026.
STACY: I’m excited to get even better at blending different AI tools like content creators, research assistants, voice engines, and video generators to support every stage of course development. Running ideas through multiple AI perspectives sharpens the focus and leads to stronger, more engaging learning.
EDNA: I’m excited to deepen my expertise in advanced AI tools to design smarter, more personalized learning and development experiences.
MARIO: I’m most excited to deepen my skills in AI agents and orchestration frameworks. They’re quickly becoming the backbone of how we design adaptive, personalized learning experiences at scale.
ANTHONY: Looking ahead, I am excited to take a deeper dive into the practical applications of generative AI and its impact on how we work. AI is a broad topic that means different things to different people, and I want to deepen my understanding of how generative AI continues to evolve and where it creates real, sustainable value.
JUAN: Excited to keep growing in multi-agent AI and orchestration systems, they’re redefining how we blend tech and human creativity.
SweetRush: Are we seeing a trend? AI seems to get the brass ring.
STACY: I hope we keep leaning into creativity and experimentation. AI is powerful, but it can’t replace the instincts, storytelling, and design thinking that experienced learning professionals bring to the table.
EDNA: I hope the L&D industry continues to champion human-centered learning—keeping empathy, connection, and people-first development at the heart of every innovation. Quote: “May L&D always lead with empathy and human-centered learning.”
MARIO: I hope L&D keeps championing evidence-based design—using data, research, and real learner feedback instead of trends or buzzwords. It’s the best guardrail we have against creating pretty experiences that don’t actually change performance.
ANTHONY: One practice I hope the L&D industry continues to champion is meeting people where they are in the learning process. As new technologies, processes, and cultural shifts emerge and reshape how we work and learn, our impact depends on understanding learners' starting points, including their readiness, willingness, and capacity to learn and embrace new things.
JUAN: Keep learning hands-on and real. Practical application is where real growth happens.
SweetRush: It seems that AI doesn’t stand alone. It augments brilliant human experience.
STACY: Prompt engineering turned into a secret weapon this year. It’s not just about asking AI for help anymore. It’s about knowing how to shape the prompts so collaborative teams stay aligned and get consistently great results.
EDNA: Seeing AI streamline technical assessment design and accelerate delivery was the most impactful trend. Great learning begins with empathy—technology should enhance it, not replace it.
MARIO: The most impactful trend I saw was the shift from “one-size-fits-all” courses to adaptive, flow-of-work learning. It made a difference because learners finally got support when and where they needed it, instead of being pulled away for generic training.
ANTHONY: The most surprising and impactful trend I saw this year was how quickly generative AI shifted from a niche tool that few understood to a necessary tool for daily operations and communications. I've witnessed clients move from merely automating tasks with AI to using the tool as an effective thought-partner. Seeing the potential of AI being optimized in real-time has been a rewarding experience.
JUAN: AI truly became a creative partner this year, helping teams move faster and collaborate better.
SweetRush: Once again, it would seem the AI train has fully left the station. Time to get on board!
STACY: Without a doubt, the book INGRAIN AI changed how I think about using AI in my work. It pushed me to stop treating tools as one-offs and start building systems with shared language and reusable prompts that scale across teams.
EDNA The biggest catalyst for me this year was:
MARIO: The tools that influenced me most this year were general generative AI tools. They changed how I brainstorm, prototype, and iterate—reducing busywork so I can focus more on strategy, creativity, and higher-value thinking.
ANTHONY: The Authentic Edge: Leading Without Losing Yourself by Dominic George was the book that influenced me most this past year. His message encouraging leaders to embrace authenticity as one's greatest asset has reshaped how I show up with clients, teams, and fellow leaders. The book reaffirmed the value of staying true to who I am and reminded me that authenticity is essential for creating meaningful impact.
JUAN: Generative AI tools changed how I brainstorm and build. They’ve made experimentation effortless.
SweetRush: Looking to level up your L&D game? Now you have some tools to do so!
STACY: Hiking the Rocky Mountains is my reset button. Something about the stillness and scale strips away the noise and brings my creativity back to life.
MARIO: Watching sports—especially football and baseball—and going hiking are what really recharge me. They give me both mental downtime and physical reset, which helps me come back to work with more energy and fresh ideas.
ANTHONY: My biggest source of inspiration outside of L&D comes from being active on the tennis court. The sport pushes me to stay present, think strategically, and adapt quickly to whatever comes at me from the other side of the net. Those moments of focus and agility naturally recharge my creativity and sharpen my problem-solving skills.
JUAN: Watching football or baseball and getting out to hike always helps me reset and think clearly.
SweetRush: So much of our work is mind-centric, but it seems top performers remember the importance of mind-body balance.
We hope you enjoyed these insights from these five top-tier consultants. If you’re looking for a perfect-fit, high-performing to help you fuel innovation and advance your learning strategy in 2026, we’d love to make the match! Contact our Talent Solutions team to discuss your unique needs and discover how we can help you build a world-class L&D team…and a remarkable year of learning and growth.
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