Last updated: July 2025 | Reading time: 8 minutes
In a recent podcast hosted by Brandon Hall Group’s Chief Strategy Officer Michael Rochelle, three industry leaders – Ryan Austin (CEO, Cognota), Josh Cavalier (Founder, joshcavalier.ai), and Matt Mason (Head of Talent Operations, Truist) – came together to unpack one of the most pressing topics in Learning & Development today: Learning Operations (LearnOps).
Why Learning Operations is Critical for Modern Organizations
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, Learning Operations (LearnOps) has emerged as a game-changing strategy for organizations seeking to maximize their training ROI while reducing operational costs. Recent industry insights from Brandon Hall Group reveal that companies implementing structured LearnOps frameworks see up to 18% improvements in employee performance metrics.
This comprehensive guide explores expert insights from industry leaders Ryan Austin (Cognota), Josh Cavaliere (joshcavalier.ai), and Matt Mason (Truist Financial), sharing actionable strategies for implementing effective Learning Operations in your organization.
What is Learning Operations? A Complete Definition
Learning Operations (LearnOps) is the systematic approach to managing, optimizing, and measuring learning and talent development initiatives within an organization. Ryan Austin, a leading expert in the field, defines it as “the foundational work that supports how organizations manage and optimize their learning and talent development efforts.”
Key Components of LearnOps:
- Process optimization and workflow automation
- Data integration and analytics
- Vendor management and budget optimization
- Performance measurement and ROI tracking
- Technology stack management and integration
The Business Case for Learning Operations: Measurable ROI
Organizations investing in LearnOps are seeing significant returns on their investment. Here are key benefits supported by real-world data:
Quantifiable Business Impact:
- Cost reduction: Streamlined processes reduce administrative overhead by 25-40%
- Time savings: Automated workflows cut program development time by 30-50%
- Performance improvement: Optimized learning programs increase employee performance by 15-20%
- Revenue growth: Improved sales training can increase revenue by 18% (Truist Financial case study)
Case Study: Truist Financial’s LearnOps Success
Matt Mason’s team at Truist Financial achieved remarkable results by centralizing their learning operations:
- Reduced sales onboarding from 13 weeks to 10 weeks
- Generated 18% increase in sales performance
- Improved stakeholder buy-in through business-focused metrics
- Enhanced measurement capabilities across all learning initiatives
How to Implement Learning Operations: A Step-by-Step Framework
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (Months 1-2)
- Audit current learning infrastructure
- Identify process inefficiencies and data silos
- Assess technology stack and integration needs
- Define success metrics aligned with business objectives
Phase 2: Data Centralization (Months 3-4)
- Implement unified data management systems
- Establish data governance protocols
- Create automated reporting dashboards
- Integrate learning management systems (LMS) with HR platforms
Phase 3: Process Optimization (Months 5-6)
- Standardize workflows across departments
- Implement automation tools for routine tasks
- Establish vendor management protocols
- Create change management processes
Phase 4: Measurement and Continuous Improvement (Ongoing)
- Track performance metrics regularly
- Conduct ROI analysis quarterly
- Gather stakeholder feedback continuously
- Optimize processes based on data insights
AI Integration in Learning Operations: The Future is Now
Artificial Intelligence is transforming LearnOps by enabling hyper-personalized learning experiences and real-time performance optimization. According to Josh Cavaliere, organizations with accessible data and automation are already leveraging AI for:
Current AI Applications in LearnOps:
- Personalized learning paths based on individual performance data
- Automated content creation and curation
- Predictive analytics for learning effectiveness
- Real-time performance tracking and intervention
- Intelligent resource allocation and budget optimization
Preparing for AI-Driven LearnOps:
- Ensure data quality and accessibility
- Implement robust automation frameworks
- Develop AI governance policies
- Train teams on AI tools and methodologies
- Create ethical AI guidelines for learning applications
Best Practices for Learning Operations Success
- Speak Business Language, Not Learning Jargon
Transform learning metrics into business outcomes:
- Replace “training completion rates” with “performance improvement percentages”
- Focus on “cost per performance improvement” rather than “cost per learner”
- Emphasize “revenue impact” over “learning satisfaction scores”
- Centralize Data for Maximum Impact
Unified data management enables:
- Comprehensive ROI analysis across all learning initiatives
- Vendor performance comparison and optimization
- Resource allocation based on actual impact
- Predictive modeling for future learning needs
- Align with Enterprise Strategy
Successful LearnOps programs prioritize initiatives that:
- Support strategic business objectives
- Address critical skill gaps
- Improve operational efficiency
- Drive measurable business outcomes
- Master the Art of Strategic Communication
Effective LearnOps leaders:
- Communicate regularly with leadership using business metrics
- Tell compelling stories with data-driven narratives
- Demonstrate value through quantifiable results
- Build stakeholder relationships across departments
Common LearnOps Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Data Silos and Integration Issues
Solution: Implement API-first learning platforms and establish data governance protocols
Challenge 2: Resistance to Change
Solution: Focus on quick wins and demonstrate ROI early in the implementation process
Challenge 3: Limited Budget and Resources
Solution: Start with process optimization before investing in new technology
Challenge 4: Measuring ROI Effectively
Solution: Establish baseline metrics and implement continuous measurement frameworks
The Future of Learning Operations: Trends to Watch
Emerging Trends in LearnOps:
- Autonomous learning systems powered by AI
- Micro-learning optimization through data analytics
- Skills-based performance tracking and development
- Integrated talent mobility platforms
- Real-time learning intervention systems
Industry Growth Indicators:
- 300% increase in LearnOps job titles over the past two years
- Growing recognition of LearnOps as a strategic business function
- Increased investment in learning technology and automation
- Rising demand for data-driven learning professionals
Conclusion: Your LearnOps Action Plan
Learning Operations represents a fundamental shift from traditional training approaches to strategic, data-driven talent development. Organizations that embrace LearnOps now will gain competitive advantages through improved efficiency, better ROI, and enhanced employee performance.
Immediate Next Steps:
- Assess your current learning operations maturity level
- Identify quick wins for process optimization
- Invest in data integration capabilities
- Develop business-focused metrics and reporting
- Create a long-term LearnOps strategy aligned with business objectives
Listen to the full podcast episode
Listen to the podcast below or on the Brandon Hall Group website.
Expert Contributors:
Josh Cavalier, Founder, joshcavalier.ai
Matt Mason, SVP – Director of Talent Operations Office, Truist Financial
Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer and Principal Analyst, Brandon Hall Group
