Too often in L&D, we’re handed a “training solution” and asked to deliver it without question. In this episode, Brian Washburn talks with L&D expert Jess Almlie about how to stop being an “order taker” and become a strategic business partner. They discuss why relationships matter, how small mindset shifts—from helper to partner—can increase influence, and practical ways to add real business value. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their impact in learning and development.

📖 Check out Jess Almlie's book L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner.

📖 Brian shows how the build-borrow-buy approach can help small L&D teams deliver amazing training in Instructional Design on a Shoestring. 

📖 Brian’s first book, What’s Your Formula? helps professionals find the right approach for their business problems. You can also check out the companion website, 51 Elements of Learning. 

🆓 Get access to more free resources from Endurance Learning. 

🎓 Learn about Endurance Learning’s Foundations of L&D course at L&D Pro Academy.

📜 Read the full transcript of this episode.

💻 Start a FREE TRIAL of Soapbox +AI, the revolutionary tool helping professionals created facilitated training faster and better.