Time to Take Our Own Advice: Q&A With Elaine Biech

As ATD marks its 75th year, we want to take time to talk to industry luminaries about where the field of talent development has been, where it is going, and what professionals need to succeed. There is no better place to start than a conversation with Elaine Biech, whom many consider an industry treasure. As president of ebb associates inc, a strategic implementation, leadership development, and experiential learning consulting firm, Elaine has helped organizations develop their talent and navigate change. She has presented at dozens of national and international conferences, is the author of more than 80 books, and has been featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Management Update, Investors Business Daily, and Fortune. A long-time volunteer for ATD, she has served on its National Board of Directors and been the recipient of numerous awards. More importantly, Elaine has led the charge in the evolution of training and talent development--helping it transform from an order-taking function to a fully realized profession and strategic partner that businesses need to excel. However, I still didn't know there was a profession called "training," and I'd never heard of Malcolm Knowles, Don Kirkpatrick, or of the other thought leaders in our field.