Mitchel MacNair: Crown Castle - Making Employee Development Strategic

How do you turn a skeptical organization into a believer in the power of Learning & Development? We interviewed Mitchel MacNair, Director of Talent Development and Learning at Crown Castle to find out. Mitchel takes us on a journey from his unconventional background in nuclear engineering and the Navy to leading transformational change in L&D. He tells us how he reshaped Crown Castle’s learning function by aligning it with business strategy, building credibility through data-driven results, and elevating its impact across the organization. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...How Mitchel’s background in the Navy prepared him for L&D leadership [4:35]Handling the loss of 50% of the L&D team within Mitchel’s first six months [6:20]How organizational chaos impacts strategic L&D changes at Crown Castle [9:29]Transforming L&D from "order takers" to strategic business partners [10:58]The role of the principal designer in Crown Castle’s L&D success [13:20]Collaborating with other functions to focus on outcomes [15:10]Why obtaining business performance data early is critical for L&D success [18:17]Demonstrating a 192% increase in services sold through L&D programs [23:00]How Crown Castle developed their AI policies [35:10]L&D’s role in Crown Castle's skills strategy and future talent planning [41:00]Resources & People MentionedIs Your Genius at Work by Dick RichardsNick Shackleton-Jones (LinkedIn Thought Leader)Connect with Mitchel MacNairMitchel MacNair on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES

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At RedThread, we love data—but we know stories are what stick. That’s why we bring together thinkers, writers, leaders, and practitioners to share real-world insights about what works in the workplace, what they’ve learned, and where the future of work is headed. We keep it insightful, thought-provoking, and maybe even a little irreverent.But we don’t stop at conversations. Our research, events, and community turn insights into action, helping organizations and individuals navigate the changing world of work.Want to be part of the conversation? Join our community for free and connect with others shaping the future of work.Learn more about RedThread Research here: https://redthreadresearch.com/home