This year, Training Industry is celebrating a big milestone — our 20th anniversary. For two decades, we’ve been sharing insights, research and resources to help you build stronger teams, innovative programs and training functions that make a real impact. And honestly, we couldn’t have done any of it without you.

Learning and development (L&D) has always been about people — helping employees grow, supporting business goals and keeping organizations moving forward. But the role of today’s learning leader is not just about building skills. It’s about creating the conditions where learning drives performance, fuels innovation and strengthens the organization as a whole. That means balancing the needs of employees with the expectations of senior leaders, aligning development initiatives with business strategy and goals, and ensuring that training delivers measurable results. Our mission at Training Industry is to equip you with the resources and insights to navigate this complexity and lead with impact.

That’s why we dedicated this issue of Training Industry Magazine to you, the learning leader. Inside, you’ll find actionable strategies to build a learning strategy that works for your organization, uncover critical skills gaps, show the business value of training and strengthen your business acumen so you’re seen as a true trusted partner. You’ll also get tips for moving past imposter syndrome so you can lead with confidence.

To further support your growth, we’ve included a special report on the Training Manager Competency Model. Based on years of research with thousands of L&D professionals, the model outlines 24 competencies across seven core responsibilities. These are the essential skills today’s training managers need to succeed. Think of it as a roadmap for growing your capabilities and expanding your influence within your organization.

We’re living in an exciting yet demanding time for learning leaders. Emerging technologies are transforming how employees learn, creating opportunities for faster, more personalized and more engaging training experiences. At the same time, shifting business priorities and economic uncertainty are putting pressure on organizations to adapt quickly, often with fewer resources. In this environment, your ability to lead with clarity and demonstrate the value of learning has never been more important.

Learning leaders have the opportunity to influence business strategy, improve workplace culture and give people the skills and confidence to meet the challenges ahead. This issue is designed to help you develop those capabilities so you can drive your organization forward.

As you read, we encourage you to reflect on what you and your teams need most right now. And let us know how Training Industry can continue to support you in the years ahead.