FROM THE PRESIDENTLaura Last
I t’s been conference season these past few months for LTEN, and I couldn’t be happier about that. There were recently two gatherings of LTEN members just two months apart, and both brought unique levels of excitement.
I’ve shared on the success of this year’s LTEN Annual Conference, so I’m excited to tell you now about the second event, the Learning Executive Series: Annual Forum. The forum took place Sept. 17-18 at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago, and I could not be prouder of what this event has become for our community. Over those two days, LTEN members shared insights, tested new ideas and strengthened the bonds that unite us as learning leaders in the life sciences. The energy, curiosity and collaboration showed once again the value LTEN brings each of us.
Special thanks to the 14 partner companies that sponsored and supported this year’s annual forum. As always, our partner community brings more than dollars to the table – they contributed to the success of the event, shared openly with attendees and work to extend the value for everyone. The 2025 Learning Executive Series: Annual Forum sponsors are:
Allego
Custom Learning Designs (CLD)
CMR Institute
Encompass Communications and Learning
iCoachFirst
Metrix Group
NIIT (USA)
Proficient Learning
Quantified
Red Nucleus
SmartWinnr
Syneos Health
Whole Systems
WLH Consulting & Learning Solutions
This year’s forum brought together executive learning leaders for strategic conversations, supported by 14 of our valued training partners. Especially exciting was the new “buy one, bring one” initiative, which allowed each invited leader to bring an emerging leader from their team. Watching seasoned executives and rising stars work side by side underscored the importance of preparing the next generation to carry our shared mission forward. It showed that we are modeling the way when it comes to developing our teams.
Jaime Torchiana of Exemplary Performance was our keynote speaker and stayed to lead an engaging, hands-on workshop. She not only inspired everyone with strategies for leading with vision and agility in a time of rapid change but also challenged us to put those strategies into practice. That blend of insight and action is exactly what our organizations need.
Attendees also had the pleasure of gathering for a welcome reception at the Chicago Sports Museum’s Hall of Legends. They enjoyed full access to the exhibits, gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier and an evening of camaraderie. The highlight of the reception was a facilitated session on Coaching with L.O.V.E. — Level Up, Observe, Visualize and Empower — a framework that reminds us that strong coaching relationships are built on trust, inspiration and the belief in unlocking potential. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the deep connection and learning ahead.
As always, perhaps the greatest value from the forum – like all LTEN events – wasn’t found on the stage or in the slides: It was in the conversations between peers. The candid discussions, the networking, the willingness to share challenges as well as successes all spark creative solutions and reminds me of the true power of community.
I encourage everyone to keep that learning alive. Here are some of the takeaways from the event; I hope sharing these can benefit our broader LTEN community, even if you couldn’t attend the forum this year:
Agility is a leadership imperative. We must be ready to pivot strategies and lead through change with clarity and confidence.
Our people are our future. Investing in both current and emerging leaders ensures a strong, resilient workforce.
Learning must connect to performance. When training translates directly into better outcomes, the value is undeniable.
Relationships matter. Peer networks and trusted partners help us move faster and think bigger.
Vision must meet execution. Strategic thinking only drives results when paired with actionable steps.
Inspiration multiplies. What starts in one room can ripple through entire organizations, sparking innovation and energy far beyond the forum itself.
While our crowd is intentionally compact, the impact of the LTEN Learning Executive Series: Annual Forum is anything but limited. The ideas shared in Chicago are already flowing back into life sciences training departments, fueling new initiatives, refreshing approaches, energizing teams and developing future leaders. That ripple effect is the true legacy of the time together.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s forum such a success. I look forward to seeing how each of you carries these lessons forward — and to continuing the journey together as a community committed to learning, leadership and innovation.
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.
