"Episode 43. More Than Just Training: The Human-Centered Approach to L&D In this episode of LOVE.PEOPLE.TECHNOLOGY.LEARNING., Tamara Kocharova sits down with Jose Cruz, Senior Vice President of Learning, Development, and Diversity at Forrest Solutions. With a career spanning over two decades at top brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Barnes & Noble, Jose shares his insights on leadership, diversity-first L&D strategies, and building trust in corporate learning environments. Tamara and Jose discuss the shift from managing merchandise to leading people, the importance of empathy in learning, and why training should always be done with people rather than at them. Jose also reflects on his journey from retail to executive leadership, his philosophy on training resilience, and the personal experiences that have shaped his approach to professional development. Whether you’re an L&D leader, a business executive, or someone passionate about fostering a true learning culture, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.