Matt Smith, Vice President of Learning and Development of Curana Health, shares how his team is shaping scalable learning solutions while aligning closely with business needs. With a background in consulting and a passion for coaching, Matt brings a holistic approach to L&D that balances operational value with human impact. At Curana Health, which is the largest provider of senior living primary care services in the US, Matt focuses on enabling people to work better through thoughtful, strategic learning experiences.
Key Takeaways:
(04:00) Many professionals find their way to L&D by following a passion for helping others learn.
(07:35) AI and ROI are major forces reshaping how L&D is viewed by leadership.
(13:52) L&D must be closely aligned with the organization’s strategic goals to remain effective.
(17:46) Building a diverse network of advisors supports professional development in L&D.
(21:12) Effective mentorship depends on proactive engagement from the mentee.
(29:33) L&D leaders grow their influence by expanding beyond design into broader operations.
(31:41) Online communities offer candid input on learning technologies and trends.
(34:49) Reviewing source research builds expertise beyond surface-level knowledge.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-34289320/
Curana Health | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/curana-health/
Curana Health | Website
http://curanahealth.com
“The Unspoken Rules” by Gorick Ng
https://www.gorick.com/unspokenrules
https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322
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