I recently came across a post from a colleague on the LTEN Network who posed this question to learning professionals: “How are you supporting your personal development?”
With this being such an important topic, I was excited to read the wealth of responses I was expecting to see. So, in preparation I got my personal career notebook ready so I could jot down notes, and I scrolled below to look at the comments.
However, much to my surprise — crickets! Other questions elicited responses, but seemingly no one had career development advice to share.
This experience made me remember something that a seasoned learning leader once shared with me about my development:
- You are responsible for your own career development. Do not wait for someone else to take a personal stake in your career before you take the initiative.
This was a great reminder, and I asked myself why I was waiting to hear from someone else about my own development?
First Position
That reflection opened my eyes to how others have had to claim their own development too — including people far outside our field. Enter stage left, Misty Copeland, the trailblazing American ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. She is recognized for her phenomenal artistry, athleticism and expanding representation in classical ballet.
Copeland’s journey is a powerful reminder that when you take charge of your own development, you can redefine what is possible — for yourself and for everyone watching. As training professionals, we can take lessons from her career and relate it to career development for learning professionals who are facing expectations that are constantly changing and the pressure to demonstrate impact.
Copeland began ballet late but accelerated in her field because of clarity and focus. As learning professionals, it is never too late to expand your skill set and embrace modern technologies.
We all have a story, and no one can tell your story better than you. Take time to create a skills story map that links your past roles to core learning and development (L&D) competencies, helping you craft a personal narrative that highlights the unique value your background brings to L&D.
Pas de Deux (A Dance for Two)
Copeland was discovered by someone who recognized her potential and opened doors. Career acceleration can happen in L&D when a mentor helps you maneuver organizational politics or a leader gives you visibility and access to strategic projects.
Consider seeking a sponsor who is not in L&D. Sometimes, those are the folks that may already have the respect of others that can open doors for you.
As L&D professionals, we must collaborate with stakeholders who want training for non-training problems, speed over quality and people who resist change.
Taking a course on boundary setting could help you learn to redefine your role, even when others resist. This personal career growth could help you transition from the traditional training order taker to a L&D strategic business partner.
The Turning Point
Copeland successfully navigated bias as the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. As learning professionals, we often find that we are the only learning experts in the room.
Consider taking a strategic thinking course to learn how to shift from reacting to problems to intentionally shaping future decisions that align with long-term goals rather than short-term pressures.
When Copeland retired in 2025 and underwent hip replacement surgery, she described the process as humbling, realizing that every small step matters. The retired ballerina unexpectedly returned to the stage at the Academy Awards just two months later, after having no plans to perform so soon.
L&D professionals also must consistently refresh and expand their expertise. The rapid rise of AI and digital learning platforms means L&D practitioners must keep evolving their capabilities.
Create a focused, 90-day plan to intentionally build one or two new capabilities instead of trying to learn everything at once. Choose a specific skill area — like AI tools, learning analytics, curriculum design or facilitation — and commit to making measurable progress.
Take a Bow
You do not need a perfect or linear path for your career development. You need initiative, focus and someone who can help you recognize the potential in your own story.
Misty Copeland did not soar by following tradition, and that is exactly what made her extraordinary. The same is true for you.
Remember, the most powerful journeys rarely follow a straight line, and the challenges along the way are what elevate your story. Start where you are, build strong connections, think boldly, claim your place and keep having the courage to reinvent along the way.
That’s how careers grow!