2022 ATD San Antonio Member Highlights 

Monica Byrd | January 2023

How did you get started in talent development? 

I started in talent development in 2005. I led the learning & development of a fortune 500 company where I delivered ongoing leadership development training and worked with employees on career development. In my current role with Texas Biomedical Research Institute I lead our talent development efforts through our professional university that affords employees the opportunity to participate in leadership development, aspiring leaders and new leader academies.

What aspect of your role do you find most rewarding, and why?

I am enlightened to be part of an employee’s professional development and see them move within the organization that supports both their career and the company’s goals.

What is your biggest challenge as a Learning & Development Specialist in your field, and how are you working through it?

Time. A large percentage of our leaders in our organization are scientist who are extremely busy with biomedical research. I offer several learning sessions throughout the year and I am cognizant of their schedule by ensuring that the development programs are manageable.

What new/innovative trends or technologies in learning & development are you most interested in?  

I’m most interested in maximizing our LMS system that offers playlists and bite-size learning, which will be helpful for our large remote workforce.

What are some of your own learning & development goals?

My personal L&D goals are to continue to learn about new technology that will support a hybrid work environment and creative approaches to talent development.