FROM THE PRESIDENT
Laura Last
Here’s a little history lesson about marketing, the military and you. Let me make the connection.
I’ll bet many of you remember the slogan the U.S. Army used in recruitment campaigns starting in 1980: “Be all that you can be.” For 21 years that was the message — and it came back in new 2023 campaigns.
I can see why. The phrase, written by an advertising copywriter, has become a motivational slogan beyond military service. It’s a call to action to strive for greatness and become the best version of you possible. To reach for the stars, in other words.
There’s the connection. Last month I talked with you about owning your own development; it continues this month.
Later this month, we’ll come together for our LTEN 2025 Annual Conference in Aurora, Colo., with the event centered around a “NEXT” theme. That’s a launch pad for a lot of conversations, including about tools, technology, change management and business growth. While all those apply in the right context, for me the “next” connection is around professional development and career growth; that’s what adult education is all about.
Last month, I reminded you that you own your own development. While there are professional support systems like LTEN and company-sponsored educational opportunities, the ownership remains on you. Training’s return can be extensive, but only with proper effort — something only you bring to your table.
That’s a long way of saying “join us,” isn’t it? Still, that’s the message here: We’re about to roll out an abundance of learning opportunities at the conference, and it’s in your best professional interest to be there to learn!
Check out the conference agenda in detail at www.LTENconference.com. There you will see more than 70 workshops, two keynote presentations, AI Day on Thursday, learning technology demos and a Learning Village exhibit hall full of industry thought leaders and partners. You’d have to try hard to not learn something at an LTEN conference!
With the right effort and attitude — two tools you can bring to any learning opportunity — the development happens naturally. You’ll meet a stranger at a meal or networking break, and they’ll educate, inform or inspire you. Something will click into place during a workshop discussion. A keynote quote is going to ring true. You’ll see someone win an award or display a poster, and the circuit is completed.
Don’t you love it when that happens?
I hope I’ve made my case on taking charge of your growth. Not that I’m done touching on this subject — spoiler alert: It’ll come up in my conference address as well.
Always keep an eye on what’s next — and what’s next isn’t about new opportunities as much as it is about preparation. Increasing your skills and abilities could chart a new course, or it could deepen your roots and allow you to stretch further in your current role. That’s the exciting part.
Think of it this way: You’re on a path and you’ll stay on that path, and there’s nothing wrong with a comfortable pace in familiar territory. But you could be leading a tour down the path. You could be the expert guide setting the course. You could build new paths that don’t currently exist to places others haven’t imagined.
It all starts with wondering what comes next, and putting in the effort to find out.
When LTEN 2025 kicks off on July 28, I hope you will be there and be ready to challenge yourself to grow with your professional peers. Learn more about something new or different. See where “next” takes you.
The Army told us to be all that we can be, a goal we’re already working on for others. Make sure to apply the philosophy to yourself as well, and your options will be limitless!
Laura Last is executive director, head of global talent development and enterprise learning for BeOne Medicines USA (formerly BeiGene USA), and president of the LTEN Board of Directors. Email Laura at laura.last@beonemed.com or connect through linkedin.com/in/lalast.
