Becoming a Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is a significant move for learning and development professionals who want to make a greater impact on their organisations. 

As a CLO, you are responsible for leading the organisation's learning strategy and ensuring that it aligns with the company's overall goals and objectives. 

The role of a CLO goes beyond being a practitioner, requiring you to become a leader who can drive change, inspire teams and deliver results.

This transition requires a shift in mindset and an acquisition of new skills. 

A CLO must be able to think strategically, communicate effectively and build relationships across the organisation. 

Additionally, a CLO must possess strong business acumen and be able to demonstrate how learning initiatives contribute to the bottom line.

Developing new skills

To navigate this change successfully, L&D professionals must focus on developing new skills, such as strategic thinking, relationship building and leadership. 

They must also be willing to take risks and embrace new challenges.

Here are some practical tips for those wanting to become a CLO.

The role of a CLO can be isolating at times but having a community of like-minded individuals in the L&D industry can provide support, inspiration and valuable insights

1. Develop a strategic mindset

The best advice for someone wanting to develop their career and move from L&D practitioner to CLO is to focus on developing strategic thinking skills.  

As a CLO, you will need to have a big-picture view of the organisation and be able to align learning initiatives with business objectives. 

This requires the ability to identify trends, anticipate changes and make informed decisions. 

Developing strategic thinking skills can be achieved by expanding your knowledge of business operations, staying up to date with industry trends, and seeking out opportunities to work on cross-functional projects within the organisation.

2. Build relationships

A CLO must be able to build relationships across the organisation, including with senior leaders, department heads, and key influencers. 

This requires excellent communication skills and the ability to influence without authority.

3. Embrace new technology

Technology is transforming the way we learn and work. 

A CLO must be able to embrace new technologies and incorporate them into the organisation's learning strategy.

Developing strategic thinking skills can be achieved by expanding your knowledge of business operations, staying up to date with industry trends, and seeking out opportunities to work on cross-functional projects within the organisation

4. Foster a learning culture

A CLO must be able to create a culture of continuous learning and growth within the organisation. 

This requires a focus on employee development and engagement.

5. Stay up to date with industry trends

The learning industry is constantly evolving. A CLO must stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices to ensure that the organisation's learning initiatives remain relevant and effective.

Making the transition from practitioner to CLO requires a willingness to develop new skills and take on new challenges. 

By focusing on strategic thinking, relationship building, leadership, technology and fostering a learning culture, L&D professionals can successfully navigate this change.  

6. Growing your professional network

Something that is often overlooked in our industry is the benefit of a professional network or community.  

Building and maintaining a strong network is essential for aspiring CLOs. 

The role of a CLO can be isolating at times but having a community of like-minded individuals in the L&D industry can provide support, inspiration and valuable insights. 

Here are some tips to help you build and maintain a strong professional network.

Joining professional organisations and online communities can help you stay current with industry developments, while also providing opportunities to connect with other L&D professionals in the field

Attend conferences and events

Attending industry conferences or L&D events is an excellent way to meet other professionals in the field. 

It provides opportunities to learn about the latest trends, exchange ideas and perspectives, and connect with peers and mentors.

Pursue mentoring/peer support opportunities

Having a mentor or peer support group can be invaluable for aspiring CLOs. 

Mentors can provide guidance and feedback, share their experiences and offer support and encouragement. 

Peer support groups can be an excellent source of advice, feedback and support from people who understand the challenges of the role.

Join professional organisations/communities

Joining professional organisations and online communities can help you stay current with industry developments, while also providing opportunities to connect with other L&D professionals in the field. 

Such groups can provide access to resources, networking opportunities, and learning opportunities.

Building and maintaining a professional network requires time and effort. Aspiring CLOs should prioritise networking and make it a regular part of their professional development activities

Leverage social media

Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can be powerful tools for building and maintaining a professional network in our industry. 

They provide opportunities to engage with other professionals, share ideas and resources, and stay up to date with hot topics and discussions. 

Building and maintaining a professional network requires time and effort. Aspiring CLOs should prioritise networking and make it a regular part of their professional development activities. 

This might involve setting aside time each week to attend events, participate in online discussions, or reach out to potential mentors or peers.

Tip: By investing time and effort in building and maintaining a strong professional network, you will gain valuable insights, access new opportunities, and find support as you navigate your leadership role. 

Remember to take risks, embrace new challenges and be willing to invest time and effort in your professional development. 

With dedication and perseverance, you can successfully navigate the transition to becoming a CLO and achieve your career aspirations.

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