The Story - From order taker to strategic business partner

Jess Almlie making a silly face

 It wasn’t working.

I was the vice president of learning, leading an amazing team, delivering top-notch, beautifully designed trainings. We fulfilled every request, but here’s the catch: it wasn’t enough.

Our training was great, but it wasn’t solving the real talent challenges our stakeholders were facing. That’s when I realized—training alone wasn’t the solution. We needed to stop taking orders and start acting like strategic business partners.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took time, creativity, and a lot of patience. But when we made the leap, the impact was undeniable. Suddenly, we weren’t just the “training people”—we were the go-to team for solving talent issues. We became strategic business partners.

Jess Almlie walks down the hall carrying  notebook

That’s when I knew: this is what L&D should be.

I’ve been in this field for 30 years and done it all—trainer, LMS admin, program manager, VP of learning. Along the way, I kept thinking, “There’s got to be a better way.” Turns out, there are many. But the best way? It’s becoming a true strategic business partner—working with your organization to solve talent challenges and driving real results.

Now, I help other L&D leaders and teams make this same shift. You can move from order taker to strategic partner, and I’m here to show you how. Together, we’ll shift your mindset, build the skills, and create the strategy that takes your L&D work from transactional to transformational.

Ready to get unstuck? Let’s make it happen.

I’m on a mission to help L&D leaders and teams level up—whether through one-on-one coachsulting, dynamic workshops, or teaming up to build strategic learning blueprints that actually drive results.

I hold a B.A. in Organizational Communication and an M.S. in Educational Leadership, where my thesis explored, “Can leadership be learned in a classroom?” I’m also certified in Improving Human Performance through ATD, with 30 years of experience in the L&D industry, having done it all—from orientation coordinator to VP of Learning Experience. I’ve led teams, developed strategies, and measured impact.

As a dedicated volunteer, I’ve served as the President of my local ATD chapter and as an ATD National Advisor, mentoring and coaching chapter leaders across the country.

the professional side

The Sneaky Fun side

I only wear silly socks because, let’s face it, they’re sneaky fun. I may look all professional, but inside my shoes? It’s a party.

When I’m not helping L&D leaders, you can find me hiking and cycling through the AZ desert—nothing beats those desert sunsets.

I’m slightly obsessed with baking competitions. The Great British Baking Show? Can’t get enough of it.

I’ve been married to the love of my life for 25 years (and counting!). We’ve got two grown kids and one adorable grand-fur baby!

Are you ready to make a bigger difference in your organization and L&D career? Let’s work together to elevate your work as a strategic business partner— improving impact, solving talent challenges, and having a little bit of fun!