Accelerating L&D Impact Through Business-Driven Learning: Insights from Sentry Insurance

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping the corporate landscape, learning and development (L&D) has emerged as a crucial driver of business success. Erika Van De Yacht, Associate Director of Corporate Learning at Sentry Insurance, shares valuable insights on how organizations can create impactful learning experiences that align with business objectives.

The Evolution of Corporate Learning

Sentry Insurance, a mutual insurance company based in Wisconsin, established their corporate learning function “Sentry University” five years ago. This initiative represents a shift from traditional, decentralized training to a more innovative approach to learning.

“Our university tagline is ‘welcome to a new way of learning,'” says Van De Yacht. “Today, we offer a diverse mix of learning experiences that range from instructor-led to innovative self-study, blended format, and even virtual reality.”

Key Elements of Business-Driven Learning

• Strong governance structure aligning top leaders with learning leaders
• Integration of business associates into the learning function
• Regular steering committee meetings with chief-level leaders
• Focus on both technical and personal development

Pandemic Lessons and Adaptations

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to learning delivery methods and highlighted important lessons:

“Don’t let great get in the way of good,” Van De Yacht recalls her former senior director’s advice. “We learned that things don’t have to be perfect to roll them out.”

The Human Connection in Digital Learning

Despite the increasing reliance on digital tools, human connection remains crucial in corporate learning. Sentry Insurance introduced “Connection Works,” a program designed to maintain human interaction in a digital world.

“While digital tools are our lifeline to continuing to function in this new environment, we still need experiences that connect us as human beings,” emphasizes Van De Yacht.

Critical Success Factors

• Weaving learning into everyday experiences
• Empowering associates as agents of learning
• Building underlying capabilities like critical thinking and curiosity
• Focusing on upskilling to close talent gaps

The Future of L&D

As organizations continue to navigate the changing business landscape, L&D professionals must balance digital innovation with human connection. The key to success lies in creating learning experiences that are both technologically advanced and deeply human-centered.

“The rate at which an organisation learns may become the only sustainable source of competitive advantage,” Van De Yacht quotes Peter Senge, highlighting the critical role of continuous learning in today’s business environment.