How to make sure that your participants apply what they learned?
💡 Learning Transfer: The Only KPI That Matters in L&D
You don’t invest in learning to entertain people for a few hours.
You invest to see results. Change. Action. Performance.
But here’s the truth most organisations ignore:
Most trainings fall short of expectations!
These numbers are based on over a decade of research and enhanced by my practical work with hundreds of teams.
And they’re not improving — unless we rethink how we approach learning.
Many learning professionals talk about engagement, content, and formats.
I talk about what happens after the training.
Because learning transfer isn’t magic — it’s a design challenge.
One that involves three critical levels: organisation, training design & participants.
💪From Average Learning Offers to Empowering Participants💪
Let’s be honest: Too many learning programs are designed for delivery, not for change.
Slides are shared, discussions happen — and then? Nothing.
But real learning doesn’t stop when the session ends.
It only starts to matter when people try, apply, adapt, reflect and grow.
That’s why I focus on empowering participants:
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with formats that invite ownership
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with tools that make action easy
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with space to turn ideas into habits
Because when people feel confident and supported, they stop being passive learners and start becoming active changemakers in their daily work.
Studies support the effectiveness of these strategies, indicating that a concentrated effort on learning transfer can boost training effectiveness by up to 90%.
“Learning without transfer is just a moment. Learning with transfer is a movement. A great learning experience isn’t measured by applause at the end of the session, but by what people actually do with it the next day. Learning without transfer is well-packaged content. Learning with transfer is real change — in behaviour, in mindset, in results.”
Training should never be an isolated event.
If we want learning to have an impact, we need to think beyond the session, into the systems, conversations, and habits that follow. Learning transfer isn’t a bonus; it’s the benchmark. It’s the difference between a feel-good initiative and a real lever for transformation.
I’ve worked with organisations across sectors — from logistics to finance, from public institutions to global tech teams. Whether virtually, on-site, or hybrid, I design learning experiences that not only inspire but also create lasting traction. My clients don’t ask for more content. They ask for learning that sticks. That’s where we start: with clear objectives, solid transfer strategies, and a shared responsibility across the organisation
I had the privilege of hearing Barbara speak at the Valencia Digital Summit 2023 on Remote Work. Her insights as a fempreneur and solopreneur were not only enlightening but also practical and forward-thinking. Barbara’s expertise in digital trends and her engaging speaking style make her an invaluable asset in this field. Highly recommend for any digital and remote work initiatives.
Over the last few years we have worked together on a number of projects. Barbara gave a series of keynote speeches on our behalf for the topic “Working successfully in a virtual global environment”. Some of the events held online were attended by over 100 listeners. The results were always the same: absolutely enthusiastic customers and listeners.
I highly recommend Barbara as a remote work consultant. I met her recently and was impressed by her extensive knowledge of practical tools and theoretical frameworks to guide leaders and teams. She champions the concept of work-life harmony over balance, offering a fresh perspective that has proven invaluable in today’s dynamic work environment.
Dr. Barbara Covarrubias Venegas is an international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. With a rich blend of academic rigour and practical expertise, Barbara stands at the forefront of pioneering New Ways of Working and Digital Leadership. Her journey as a Virtual Enthusiast is underpinned by a solid foundation in research, a fiery passion for speaking, and a proven track record as an author.
Barbara is deeply committed to exploring and shaping the future of work and learning, focusing on Positive Leadership and cultivating vibrant organizational cultures. Since 2010, she has been an active figure in the global intercultural community. Her roles have spanned from being a researcher and seasoned professional to leading virtual teams across diverse cultural landscapes.
Every year, Dr. Barbara Covarrubias Venegas and other top experts in our network travel around the globe to address issues of Digital Transformation, New Ways of Working & Learning, global virtual teams, Virtual Learning Journeys. We set great importance on public engagement and sharing our expertise to contribute to public and corporate education. Previous speaking engagements can be found online here!
Barbara is a true expert in setting up and facilitating virtual and hybrid events. She truly understands the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of the remote meeting. She is doing wonderful work in incorporating simple yet innovative approach that transforms the meetings from boring to engaging and productive.
Barbara’s session about hybrid work and collaboration for us was meaningful and helpful. She also created immediate intimacy through her engaging personality and established her credibility as an expert in this domain of hybrid collaboration and team work. We left inspired and with concrete tips and tools to try out.
Barbara’s Keynote “Dancing into Leadership” during the Leadership Horizon by MDI was the ultimate highlight and an epiphany! The concept is absolutely outstanding and just can’t be argued about because it makes perfect sense transpiring it to the concept of effective leadership. Loved every second of it and I hope I can transport this to my management as well. I can’t thank YOU enough!
Trusted by organisations from across the globe
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