From Idea to Innovation: How AI Helped Me Build a Talent Development Solution in 18 Months
What happens when talent development expertise meets generative AI? Over the past 18 months, I partnered with AI tools to design, prototype, refine, and launch an innovative solution focused on helping employees better navigate careers, skills, and learning opportunities. While the solution itself remains proprietary, the journey offers valuable insights into how AI can accelerate innovation, enhance decision-making, support rapid iteration, and transform the way we solve complex workforce challenges. In this session, I'll share practical lessons learned, unexpected successes and failures, effective human-AI collaboration strategies, and the mindset shifts required to move from simply using AI to building with AI. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for leveraging AI in talent development, learning design, workforce planning, and business innovation initiatives
Speaker
Don Becker, M.S. is a talent development and learning leader with nearly 20 years of experience designing impactful learning experiences, developing talent strategies, and building professional communities across corporate, higher education, and K-12 environments. Currently serving on Oxy's IT Digital Talent Development team, he leads initiatives focused on workforce development, skills alignment, career growth, certification programs, and the practical application of emerging technologies such as AI. Throughout his career, Don has developed learning solutions for thousands of learners, led enterprise-wide development programs, built competency frameworks, and championed innovative approaches to professional growth.
Prior to Oxy, Don served as a Lead Learning and Development Specialist, Chief Learning Officer and CEO of his own consulting firm, Instructional Technology Manager, Adjunct Instructor, and educator. His experience spans instructional design, organizational development, adult learning, technology integration, leadership development, and community engagement. A long-time member of ATD Houston, Don is passionate about connecting professionals, fostering peer learning networks, and creating opportunities for people to learn, share ideas, and advance their careers. He holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and remains an advocate for lifelong learning and professional development.
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Help Shape the Agenda
We tailor each session based on member needs. Please submit your specific questions or suggested topics in advance to: presidentemeritus@tdhouston.org
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