It’s important to keep up with the leading innovators and thought leaders in the field of learning and development (L&D) if you want to stay ahead. These people are not only spearheading change, but they are also changing how businesses handle workplace learning.

25 Talent Development Leaders Shaping Workplace Learning in 2026

This is a carefully selected list of 25 talent development leaders who will be driving change in 2026.

1. Josh Bersin

Globally recognized for his thought leadership in HR and L&D, Josh Bersin is a key figure shaping the future of workplace learning. As the founder of Bersin & Associates, his insights on HR technology, leadership, and organizational learning offer a deep understanding of how to drive effective talent strategies.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bersin/

2. Abhijit Bhaduri

Abhijit Bhaduri is a renowned talent management advisor, coach, and former Chief Learning Officer at Microsoft and Wipro. Ranked among the top 10 global learning experts, he is a bestselling author and LinkedIn Top Voice with over a million followers. His books, including Dreamers & Unicorns and Career 3.0, have shaped modern talent management. Abhijit advises Fortune 100 companies, startups, and large organizations, and teaches at the University of Pennsylvania. His insights are featured in Forbes, HBR, and The Wall Street Journal.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhijitbhaduri/

3. Amber Cabral

A leader in diversity and inclusion, Amber Cabral is the founder of Cabral Co. She focuses on cultural change and fostering inclusive learning environments. Her deep understanding of how diversity enhances L&D makes her a critical voice in the space.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambercabral/

4. Tiffany Stevenson

Tiffany Stevenson, Chief People Officer at Patreon, is known for championing diversity and inclusion. Her work at both Box and Patreon has focused on creating people-first cultures, with an emphasis on belonging and engagement—key factors for driving productivity and innovation through L&D.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-stevenson-3298b813/

5. Naphtali Bryant

As L&D Manager at Netflix, Naphtali Bryant is behind some of the company’s most innovative learning programs. His focus on leadership development and motivation has made him a must-follow for HR and L&D leaders interested in building dynamic employee development initiatives.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/naphtalibryant/

6. Anamaria Dorgo

Founder of the L&D Shakers community, Anamaria Dorgo has pioneered peer-driven learning. She is a champion for social learning and community engagement, making her a leader in fostering collaborative, inclusive learning environments.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamariadorgo/

7. Hadiya Nuriddin

An award-winning author and founder of Focus Learning Solutions, Hadiya Nuriddin is a force in instructional design. With over 20 years of experience, her workshops and practical strategies provide valuable insights for overcoming real-world L&D challenges.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadiyanuriddin/

8. Lavinia Mehedințu

Lavinia Mehedințu, co-founder of Offbeat, is at the forefront of L&D innovation. She offers a forward-thinking perspective on behavioral change and social learning, helping organizations adapt their learning strategies to meet modern demands.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laviniamehedintu/

9. Christopher Lind

Christopher Lind is the Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed and host of Learning Tech Talks. He expertly combines learning strategies with technology, offering insights into the future of tech-driven learning ecosystems.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlind/

10. Ajay Jacob

Ajay Jacob is a learning strategist with a unique ability to align learning initiatives with business goals. His storytelling approach simplifies complex L&D concepts, making his expertise crucial for those aiming to create impactful learning environments.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaytj/

11. Nathan SV

Nathan is the co-founder and chairman of Visara Human Capital Consulting, with over 30 years of experience in HR across industries like Manufacturing, IT, Telecom, and Professional Services. Previously, he served as the Chief Talent Officer at Deloitte India and was a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership and Deloitte’s Global Talent Council. Nathan is a respected leader, mentor, and advocate of ethical leadership, known for building high-performance teams and developing future leaders. He is also a trained coach with extensive expertise in talent management.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathansv/

12. Michelle Ockers

Michelle Ockers, host of the Learning Uncut podcast, offers strategies that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Her work focuses on aligning L&D with business outcomes, ensuring that learning initiatives drive tangible results.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleockers/

13. Holly MacDonald

Holly MacDonald, learning strategist at Spark + Co, is known for her practical approach to solving business challenges through learning design. Her insights are a go-to for anyone looking to create high-impact, results-driven learning strategies.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymacdonald/

14. Dr. Ajit Kumar Kar

Dr. Ajit Kumar Kar specializes in digital learning and corporate training, with a focus on integrating technology into L&D environments. His expertise in e-learning and digital transformation is critical for organizations navigating the shift to digital-first learning ecosystems.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drajitkar/

15. Harlina Sodhi

Harlina Sodhi is a top HR influencer and expert on social media, known for her thought leadership in the HR field. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Believe in Yourself, helping companies build high-performance cultures. With extensive experience in shaping company culture, developing leadership programs, and setting up D&I practices, Harlina is a sought-after speaker at HR events. Active on LinkedIn and Twitter, she shares valuable insights on human resources, making her a must-follow for those in the industry.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlinasodhi/

16. Yashwant Mahadik

Yashwant Mahadik (Yash) is a global HR leader with over 30 years of experience in multinational corporations across Technology, Consumer, and Healthcare sectors, with a presence in India, the UK, Japan, the USA, ASEAN, and Europe. His expertise includes HR strategy, leadership development, organizational transformation, and executive coaching, having led major initiatives at companies like J&J, Philips, Sun Pharma, and Lupin. Recognized as one of India’s top 50 HR professionals, Yash is an active thought leader on social media. He is passionate about social causes, particularly education for the underprivileged, and is also an avid golfer, traveler, and photographer, focusing on his venture, “Yash Mahadik Photography,” dedicated to wildlife conservation.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/yashmahadik/

17. Charles Jennings

Charles Jennings co-founded the 70/20/10 Institute and is a leading figure in experiential learning. His model, which emphasizes on-the-job learning (70%), social learning (20%), and formal training (10%), continues to reshape workplace learning strategies globally.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesjennings/

18. Dr. Britt Andreatta

Dr. Britt Andreatta combines psychology and neuroscience to revolutionize how people learn. Her brain-based approach to training helps organizations design more effective learning programs that align with how the brain learns best.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittandreatta/

19. David Kelly

David Kelly, Executive Director of The Learning Guild, is known for his work in integrating technology into L&D strategies. He has been a long-standing advocate for innovative learning ecosystems and digital tools.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidkelly/

20. Rob Lauber

As the Chief Learning Officer at McDonald’s, Rob Lauber has used his expertise in analytics and learning apps to transform the company’s learning strategies. His work in tech-driven L&D is reshaping how corporate learning is delivered.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lauber/

21. John Leh

John Leh is Founder and CEO of Talented Learning, an industry analysis and consulting firm that provides fiercely independent guidance through research, podcasts and other resources for learning systems buyers and sellers. His work in tech-driven L&D is reshaping how corporate learning is delivered.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnleh/

22. Jane Hart

Jane Hart, founder of C4LPT, is a digital transformation expert who advises organizations on how to improve their L&D strategies. Her work is at the forefront of helping businesses adopt modern learning technologies.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/c4lpt/

23. Elliot Maisie

Elliot Maisie, founder of The Maisie Center, is a seasoned educator and L&D researcher. His work focuses on knowledge utilization and corporate learning, advising top companies like Amazon and Walmart.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliottmasie/

24. Korbyn Behl

As Global Manager of Learning Delivery at Expedia, Korbyn Behl is recognized for his innovative approach to L&D. His experience in performance consulting and people leadership has made a profound impact on learning strategies at Expedia.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/korbyn-behl/

25. Helen Marshall

Helen Marshall is an award-winning Learning and Development professional, honored as the Leader of the Year 2024 at The British Training Awards for her contributions to the L&D community. She frequently shares her insights on workplace trends as a guest on BBC Radio 4’s The Bottom Line, where she contributes to discussions about the evolving landscape of work. With a passion for fostering meaningful conversations, Helen continues to inspire others in the field of Learning and Development.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/helearning/

How Following These Leaders Can Transform Your L&D Strategy

These 25 Talent Development Leaders are shaping the future of workplace learning by championing innovation, inclusivity, and technology, and by following them you gain access to the latest insights, trends, and proven strategies to strengthen your L&D approach in 2026 and beyond — and if you want to go deeper into applying these ideas within your organization, you can also read our detailed Talent Development Strategy blog for a step-by-step blueprint to put them into action.

FAQs on L&D Leaders

1. What is a talent development leader?

A talent development leader is a professional who drives learning, upskilling, and workforce capability inside organizations. They influence how people learn, lead cultural change, and align employee growth with business outcomes.

2. What is the purpose of this “Top 25 Talent Development Leaders” list?

The list highlights influential voices shaping the future of workplace learning. It helps L&D professionals discover thought leaders who provide inspiration, guidance, and practical strategies for modern talent development.

3. How were the leaders selected for this list?

Leaders were selected based on their impact in the L&D space, including contributions to learning innovation, thought leadership, inclusivity, digital transformation, and measurable influence on organizational or industry-wide talent development.