From Data to Impact: Redefining L&D’s Value with Derek Mitchell

Let’s be honest, L&D hasn’t always been great at shouting about its value. For years, we’ve been happy tracking completions, running workshops, and designing eLearning, without really asking, “What difference is this making?” But times are changing. If we want to stay relevant, we need to prove that L&D is more than just a cost centre. We need demonstrate L&D's value to the business – clearly and consistently.

And that’s exactly what Ash and Derek Mitchell, Analytics Partner at Novo Nordisk, discuss in this episode of the Marketing for Learning podcast.

In this episode, Derek shared how L&D can use data to make a real impact. And it’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter. And yes, it’s doable—even if your team is small or your budget’s tight. In fact, it boils down to three simple steps:

STEP 1: STOP GUESSING. START KNOWING.

We’ve all been there. A senior leader calls up and says, “We need a course on X,” and off we go, building it. But Derek points out that most organisations already have mountains of data that tell us what people actually need to learn. Think job descriptions, performance metrics, and even simple employee surveys.

Want to know what skills your people want to develop? Ask them! It doesn’t need to be fancy. Start small, for example something as easy as a quick survey: “List five things you’re great at and five you want to improve.” Suddenly, you’ve got real insights to guide your learning strategy and create real tangible L&D value. No assumptions, no guesswork.

STEP 2: PROMOTE L&D'S VALUE: MARKET LIKE A PRO.

Once you’ve built learning programmes that meet real needs and deliver value, you’ve got to make sure people know about them. And no, a generic “Dear Colleague” email won’t cut it. Derek’s team revolutionised engagement by borrowing a trick from marketers: segmentation and personalisation.

Instead of emailing 20,000 people about a course, they targeted the exact 200 who needed it, and addressed them personally. (“Hi, Derek! We’ve got a course that matches your interests.”) They even ran A/B tests to figure out which subject lines and images got the best response. The result? A sixfold increase in sign-ups. Talk about impact.

STEP 3: MEASURE WHAT MATTERS.

Ah, measurement. The thing we all know we should do but often avoid. Most of us stop at tracking completions. But here’s the thing: completions don’t tell you if you’re making a difference. Instead, we need to measure what matters: skills growth, behaviour change, performance improvements. Did that sales course actually increase sales? Did the leadership programme reduce turnover? If you can tie your efforts to real business outcomes, suddenly you’re not just an L&D team, you’re a strategic partner.

Want to learn more from Derek’s first-hand experience? Then get this podcast episode in your ear’oles now! Happy listening 🍍