In his role as Senior Director of Learning Innovation and Assessment for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Michael Grant is responsible for leading L&D initiatives for nearly 700,000 members.
Not only does Michael’s team face the challenge of serving a diverse, global audience with differing regulations, but it also faces the responsibility of educating accountants on the growing number of dangers they face online and beyond.
Because L&D is a profit-center for the Durham-based AICPA, Michael brings a unique perspective on the Buy, Build or Partner decision process, as he seeks to create the best, up-to-date training content while keeping an eye on the bottom line.
In this episode, he also touches on:
- Creating engaging content on subject matter that might not hold a learner’s attention.
- His approach to managing and building a culture with a remote team of instructional designers.
- Which Hollywood star he believes best exemplifies adaptability.
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Summary
Leading L&D welcomes Michael Grant from AICPA (Association of International Certified Public Accountants) to discuss his 20-year professional journey and his current role as senior director of learning and development at AICPA. The main focus is on the ‘make, buy, or partner’ strategy for training assets. As AICPA’s L&D function operates as a profit center serving over 700,000 members globally, Michael explains how they manage financial aspects, including cost of goods sold (COGS) and creative approaches to content development. He shares specific examples of cost savings, such as reducing a $50,000 voice-over quote to $5,000 through networking. The discussion covers the importance of cloud-based tools for hybrid workforces, the value of internal talent, and the creation of Learning Champions focus groups for feedback. Michael emphasizes the significance of professional networking, particularly through organizations like ATD, and discusses how the pandemic has transformed learning delivery methods.
Highlights
Introduction and Professional Background
Adrian West introduces Michael Grant, highlighting his career progression from team leader to senior director at AICPA. Michael’s 20-year journey includes leadership roles in ATD and his current position overseeing training and development at AICPA, serving an international membership of over 700,000 professionals.
L&D as a Profit Center and Decision-Making Strategy
Michael explains how AICPA’s L&D function operates as a revenue-generating business unit. Members must complete 40 hours of CPE annually, though they aren’t required to purchase from AICPA. This competitive environment influences decisions about making, buying, or partnering for training assets, with careful consideration of COGS and margins.
Creative Approaches to Content Development and Partnerships
Michael details various approaches to content creation, including using cloud-based tools for hybrid workforces, leveraging internal talent (such as contact center staff for voice-overs), and partnering with external vendors. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility in choosing between full-time employees, independent contractors, and strategic partnerships.
Global Learning Solutions and Cultural Considerations
The discussion covers how AICPA addresses global learning needs, including mobile learning capabilities, offline access, and localized content. Michael explains their work with regional vice presidents across continents and their approach to creating culturally appropriate learning solutions.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Michael shares the success of their Learning Champions focus group initiative, where member volunteers provide regular feedback on learning courses. He emphasizes the importance of empathizing with customers through design thinking and maintaining value-focused development.
Professional Networking and Future Outlook
The interview concludes with Michael’s emphasis on building professional networks through organizations like ATD. He shares how networking led to significant cost savings and discusses his choice of Denzel Washington as an ideal mentor, citing the actor’s ability to transform and adapt as crucial skills in today’s rapidly changing learning environment.
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I’m a storyteller!
Exactly how I’ve told stories has changed through the years, going from writing college basketball analysis in the pages of a newspaper to now, telling the stories of the people of TimelyText. Nowadays, that means helping a talented technical writer land a new gig by laying out their skills, or even a quick blog post about a neat project one of our instructional designers is finishing in pharma.
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