Barbara Ratkowski
Glen Ellyn
Summary
Results-driven Learning and Development Manager with over 20 years of experience in designing and executing transformative learning programs that yield measurable outcomes. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and subject matter experts, facilitating meticulous project planning and budgeting to meet both current and future organizational needs. Strong analytical skills enable prompt, data-informed decision-making, enhancing employee performance through thorough skill gap analyses. Accomplished in leading high-performing teams and managing vendor partnerships to achieve strategic goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Global Learning & Development
Cisco Systems
San Jose
07.2013 - 11.2024
- Successfully led global compliance training for 120,000 employees and contractors each year
- Guided a high-performing team in creating impactful training programs that not only deepened understanding of legal boundaries and company policies but also significantly mitigated risk
- Served as a trusted advisor by collaborating closely with business units to pinpoint specific training needs and monitor compliance through comprehensive assessments and detailed reports
- Championed a data-driven business intelligence strategy, resulting in a remarkable 95% training completion rate and enhanced regulatory adherence
- Implemented a Code of Business Conduct with policy documents and interactive training to ensure a thorough understanding of regulations
- Led the global L&D strategy to reduce compliance risk and support employee performance
- Developed innovative training programs in Anti-Corruption, Security, Data Privacy, Human Resources, Anti-Trust, and e-learning initiatives
- Mentored a team of L&D professionals, fostering a high-performance culture
- Managed the budget for learning initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and effective management of external contracts for specialized training services
- Established metrics to evaluate learning programs, using various feedback tools for continuous improvement
- Advised senior leadership on L&D trends and integration of tools
- Secured support for a custom BI system to analyze compliance training, reducing manual reporting and improving efficiency
- Promoted diversity and inclusion in learning programs, ensuring accessibility and representation for all employee groups
- Operationalized a dedicated global compliance learner support model, delivering uniform employee support across time zones, leading to an average customer satisfaction score of 4.92 out of 5 by standardizing processes and response mechanisms
- Launched an anti-bribery training program for new partners, resulting in an improved understanding of risk areas
- Monitored trends and regulatory changes to address compliance training gaps
- Maintained precise records of global compliance training and managed audits and inquiries
Manager, Learning & Development
Cisco Systems
San Jose
07.2010 - 07.2013
- Directed the financial operations and project managers of an enterprise learning and development organization comprising over 200 departments and employees with an annual budget of $130 million
- Collaborated with senior management, finance, and global procurement to enhance financial performance, improve operational efficiency and drive strategic decision-making
- Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts to ensure high-quality service level agreements and scope while staying within budget
- Effectively selected and allocated appropriate resources for training content development projects
- Managed relationships with external vendors and consultants to supplement training design and development processes
- Known for effectively facilitating training design workshops between development staff and subject matter experts to meet business needs
- Respected as a trusted advisor on fiscal management challenges, devising methods to improve spend tracking and forecast accuracy and delivering actionable solutions to complex business challenges
- Recognized inefficiencies across global teams and implemented continuous improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce cycle time, and optimize resource allocation
- Led quarterly and annual fiscal planning processes, providing senior leadership with accurate financial insights and actionable scenarios to drive investment and de-investment decisions
Learning & Development Manager, Worldwide Sales
Cisco Systems
San Jose
12.2001 - 07.2010
- Developed and delivered key training programs for Cisco’s global Systems Engineering (SE) community, supporting increased technical competency and pre-sales expertise for internal and external engineers
- Managed ILT, eLearning, and VOD content creation while collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors to drive operational excellence
- Led global training programs that improved skill development and employee engagement
- Managed cross-functional teams for VOD content to enhance creativity and alignment
- Developed relationships with external vendors to improve training offerings, overseeing vendor selection and contract negotiations for cost-efficiency and quality
- Oversaw budget planning and financial tracking for accountability
- Analyzed training content usage to increase its impact
- Maintained training Learning Maps to ensure content remained relevant to business objectives
- Collaborated with global teams to align content strategies
- Managed program content on digital platforms for global accessibility
VP, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING
Crawford & Associates International
Chicago
01.1994 - 05.2001
- Led a global team to design and implement innovative training programs for major Fortune 500 clients enabling enhanced employee performance
- Guided creative teams to integrate cohesive themes and effective communication strategies into all learning solutions, ensuring they were engaging and aligned with client business goals
- Collaborated with subject-matter experts and industry leaders to develop content addressing both technical skills and soft skills
- Managed client relationships meticulously, maintaining clear and consistent communication throughout project lifecycles to ensure on-time, high-quality deliverables within budget constraints
- Oversaw project plans, set measurable objectives and conducted regular reviews to track progress and implement necessary adjustments promptly
- Worked with client teams to assess training needs using focus groups, interviews, and surveys
- Collaborated with client teams on utilizing a range of mixed media formats, including video, interactive modules, and live workshops to enhance the learning experience
- Recognized as a trusted advisor on the design of short-term and long-term training plans to meet business needs
- Significantly enhanced consistency and reduced cycle time by optimizing operations processes and guidelines across various projects
- Through strategic project management and strong client partnerships, achieved a remarkable 16% increase in annual profits, contributing to the company’s most profitable year
- Led the design and development of global ERP training programs for major clients, notably increasing technical competency and pre-sales expertise, ultimately meeting the needs of the business
- Oversaw daily operations of the Chicago office, fueling company growth and ensuring successful client outcomes
Education
B.A. - Business Administration
Skills
- Learning and Development Strategy
- Leadership and Team Management
- Training Program Design and Implementation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Digital Learning Platforms
- Change Management and Communication Campaigns
- Instructional Design Methodologies
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Employee Engagement & Retention
- ERP Application Training
- Agile and Waterfall Project Management
- Budget & Resource Management
- Performance Metrics & Program Evaluation
- Vendor Management
- Ethics and Compliance Training Program Management (Privacy, Data Protection, Security, Anti-Corruption, Workplace Harassment, Conflict of Interest)
- Adult Learning Theories
- Process Optimization & Operational Efficiency
- Corporate and Functional Business Training
- Stakeholder management
- Digital literacy
- Learning analytics
- Curriculum design
- Instructional strategies
- Budget administration
- Cross-functional teams
- Analytical mindset
- Curriculum planning
- Coaching and mentoring
Affiliations
- Association for Talent Development
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Continuing Education
- Gen AI Content
- Adult Learning Principles
- Blended Learning Development
- Applying Creative Learning Techniques
- Fundamental Selling Techniques
- Effective Negotiation in Relationships
Timeline
Manager, Global Learning & Development
Cisco Systems
07.2013 - 11.2024
Manager, Learning & Development
Cisco Systems
07.2010 - 07.2013
Learning & Development Manager, Worldwide Sales
Cisco Systems
12.2001 - 07.2010
VP, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING
Crawford & Associates International
01.1994 - 05.2001
B.A. - Business Administration
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