Learning & Development in the Digital Age: Insights from Teladoc Health’s VP Carrie Berg

In an engaging episode of the Digital Adoption Show’s third season, industry veteran Carrie Berg, Vice President of Learning and Development at Teladoc Health, shared profound insights on personal growth, career development, and the evolving landscape of workplace learning. With over two decades of rich experience spanning sales, training, marketing, and L&D, Berg brings a unique perspective shaped by her fascinating journey from clinical healthcare to leadership development. Her background in cardiology and cardiac rehab provided a strong foundation for her eventual transition into pharmaceutical and medical device sales, where her natural teaching abilities began to shine.

The Evolution of Learning & Development

Berg characterizes Learning and Development as a “triathlon” – a constantly evolving challenge that requires adaptability and resilience. Drawing from her extensive experience at companies like iRhythm Technologies and CardioDx, she explains how L&D is like navigating an ever-changing landscape. “Work hard and be nice to people,” she emphasizes, a simple yet profound philosophy that has guided her approach to professional development.

Her journey from clinical practice to L&D leadership showcases the importance of embracing new challenges. Berg’s experience building sales training programs for startups before expanding into broader learning and development initiatives demonstrates the evolutionary nature of career growth.

Breaking Down the Growth Mindset

One of the most compelling insights Berg shares is the intrinsic connection between personal and professional development. While individuals might present different personas at work and home, the fundamental principles of growth remain consistent. “You are you and you are only you,” Berg notes, “and there are very few people in the world who even think remotely like you.” This acknowledgment of individuality forms the cornerstone of effective personal development.

Berg illustrates this point with a powerful analogy about cars and personal preferences, highlighting how different approaches to the same situation can all be valid. This perspective has helped her develop more inclusive and effective leadership development programs.

The Technology Factor

In today’s digital landscape, technology plays an increasingly crucial role in learning and development. Berg advocates for:

• Embracing technological solutions for enhanced efficiency, including automated learning systems
• Implementing learning in the flow of work through integrated digital platforms
• Leveraging digital tools and resources effectively, from simple Google searches to advanced learning management systems
• Maintaining adaptability in the face of technological change, including emerging tools like ChatGPT

Berg emphasizes how even simple acts like Googling unknown terms or managing multiple browser tabs contribute to continuous learning in our digital age.

Empowering Career Development

“Career growth starts with yourself and then it’s taking advantage of understanding the programs that are available to you,” Berg emphasizes. This perspective highlights several critical factors:

• Individual responsibility for career progression, including proactive seeking of opportunities
• The importance of awareness and engagement with L&D resources (noting that 64% of employees remain unaware of their L&D teams and available programs)
• The value of learning from everyday experiences and observations, whether in meetings or casual interactions
• The critical role of emotional intelligence and perspective-taking in leadership development
• The importance of seeking and providing feedback for continuous improvement

Personal Growth Through Adventure

Berg’s personal experiences, including her Polar Plunge in Antarctica and multiple skydiving adventures, reflect her philosophy of embracing challenges and stepping out of comfort zones. These experiences have informed her approach to learning and development, encouraging others to take calculated risks in their professional growth.

Looking Ahead

The conversation with Berg illuminates how personal and professional growth are interconnected journeys requiring individual initiative, openness to learning, and adaptability. Success in today’s workplace demands not only technical proficiency but also the ability to understand different perspectives and maintain positive relationships. As organizations continue to evolve, these principles become increasingly vital for both individual and collective success.

Berg’s ongoing work on her doctoral dissertation focusing on women and influence in the workplace further demonstrates her commitment to continuous learning and development in the field. Her research promises to bring new insights to the evolving landscape of workplace learning and leadership development.