Stop Chasing a Seat—
Invite Stakeholders to Your Table
Too often, learning professionals chase a “seat at the table,” hoping to gain executive buy-in. Why not flip the script? Instead of fighting for a seat, create the table!
This session challenges the outdated idea that L&D leaders must wait for permission or advocacy to gain executive influence. Instead, participants will learn to proactively position themselves as strategic advisors, elevating their strategic relevance, gaining executive allies, and driving tangible business impact through creating opportunities for executives to engage with their workspaces, conversations, and strategic ideas.
The content is drawn from decades (30 years) of experience as a corporate L&D leader and external consultant supporting executive teams across sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, technology, and more. This session is based on real client engagements where L&D built credibility not by asking for influence, but by demonstrating value, insight, and business fluency.
Why this session is right for you:
The talent development field is maturing—and we’re overdue for a mindset shift. Participants will leave with a replicable, practical “Table-Building Blueprint” and clear, actionable methods to drive influence, communicate impact, and gain meaningful business partnerships with the C-suite. This session addresses one of the most urgent challenges for learning leaders today: aligning with business and building executive credibility.
Session activities will focus on demonstrable business impact and include measurable outcomes from real client engagements.
About Dr. Jimmy Nelson:
Dr. Jimmy Nelson has over 30 years of expertise in Learning & Organizational Development, holding a Master's in HR Management and a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. As a long-term member of ATD since 1994, he has achieved both CPTD and SHRM-SCP certifications. Jimmy, a former Dale Carnegie® and Franklin Covey® instructor, is certified in numerous professional development tools such as D.I.S.C., Myers-Briggs, and ADKAR.
Jimmy is a recognized expert in Organizational Culture, Talent Management, Corporate University Processes, Coaching & Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Advanced Teambuilding Skills.
Living in Grand Rapids, MI, Jimmy has served as a consultant and organizational leader, implementing innovative development processes. He is the past president of ATD Kentuckiana and has been elected to the ATD National Advisory Council. With experience in teaching across the U.S. and globally, Jimmy's practical approach and extensive experience make him a trusted advisor. In his personal life, he enjoys hiking, spending time on ANY beach, boating, Geocaching, and especially traveling abroad.
In essence, Dr. Nelson is dedicated to equipping leaders with the skills to foster team cohesion and high-performance cultures within organizations.
Location (metered parking available)
Grand Rapids Community College
Applied Technology Center (ATC), Room 120
151 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Directions (Google Maps)
GRCC Campus Map
