Is learning and development mostly about science or is it more of a strategic business discipline? Three experts with differing perspectives discuss:  Dr Itiel Dror, Principal Consultant, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Bill Parsons, VP for HR at ARM Holdings UK, and Vice President L & D at the CIPD and Martyn Sloman , L&TD academic, consultant and practitioner 

Podcast 66: Learning and development: Science or strategic business disciline

Dontae Rayford actively engages in philanthropic endeavors and community service and is committed to giving back to the community. He currently serves as a board member of Soup, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the housing crisis and promoting affordable rental housing and home ownership in the Bay Area. Soup's innovative approach, which includes the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units, starter homes, and community land trusts, reflects Rayford's commitment to finding sustainable solutions to pressing societal challenges.

Rayford's philanthropic contributions extend beyond housing issues. He has also dedicated three years as a mentor at Youth Business USA, an economic empowerment organization based in Oakland. Through interest-free loans, advice, and mentoring from seasoned entrepreneurs, Youth Business USA equips youth from underserved communities with the tools and resources necessary to launch and operate their businesses.

Dow Jones offers an exhaustive suite tailored to every phase of a woman’s fiscal journey, from foundational financial literacy modules to sophisticated investment playbooks. This dedication to excellence and innovation has won plaudits from leading media channels, widening our influence.

But Dow Janes is not just about numbers. We advocate "Prosperity with Purpose," emphasizing that wealth should augment and not overshadow life's joys. Recognizing the profound emotional nexus to finance, our approach is grounded in empathy, promoting a reflective and balanced fiscal journey. We fervently believe that monetary empowerment for women+ translates to a world brimming with enhanced choices and robust, resonant voices.

To encapsulate, Dow Janes amalgamates deep financial insights with an empowerment-centric ethos. Our clarion call? To fortify women+ across the globe, arming them to craft a legacy defined by affluence and influence.

Sherrie Suski is a VP of human resources who specializes in smartly and quickly growing and developing startups. 

The CIPD Podcast and episodes of the HR People Pod are now hosted on Acast.

Be sure to subscribe to The CIPD Podcast on your preferred platform so you never miss an episode. Alternatively, you can listen via the CIPD website: https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/podcasts/

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We’re the CIPD — the professional body for HR and people development. We are the voice of a worldwide community of more than 150,000 members committed to championing better work and working lives.

Anthony Grullon is a Wharton MBA graduate, entrepreneur, and leader, currently based in New York City. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated passion and dedication across industries, from launching startups to advising Fortune 500 companies, all while staying committed to his mission of providing better opportunities for underserved communities.

Anthony’s journey began at The College of New Jersey, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Engineering and a Minor in Computer Engineering in 2013. A top student, he earned the prestigious Edward J. Bloustein and Alfred Harcourt Merit Scholarships. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from the Wharton School of Business in 2020, majoring in Entrepreneurial Management.

Driven by a mission-oriented mindset, Anthony co-founded The E.C. while in college, raising over $50,000 for disadvantaged primary students. He later worked as a Senior Analyst at Hudson’s Bay Company, leading efficiency-improvement projects. His expertise grew during his tenure at Alix Partners, where he designed business strategies for major retail brands.

In 2019, Anthony co-founded Forage Technology Corporation, a mobile grocery app aimed at helping low-income families, and later joined Kapor Capital to invest in early-stage tech startups supporting underrepresented communities. Since 2021, Anthony has been Chief of Staff at EarnUp, Inc., a fintech startup, where he co-led a Series C raise, securing over $30 million.

Anthony’s skillset spans public speaking, project management, data analysis, business strategy, and programming languages such as C++, SQL, and Java. He remains active in his community, volunteering with organizations like Jersey City Summer Works, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, and America Needs You.

Outside of work, Anthony enjoys cooking, hip-hop, menswear, indigenous Caribbean history, and charcuterie. A former sneakerhead, he now channels his interests into personal growth and community impact.

Kevin Mauermann is a businessman from Puyallup, WA.