BLUE U'S DIGITAL STRATEGY

ATD Capability Model: 

Personal: Lifelong Learning

Organizational: Future Readiness

Description:

In 2018, Blue U successfully secured the buy-in, alignment, and funding to embark on the modernization of Learning through a digital learning strategy. The impetus for this change was the ubiquity of learning, the changing demographics of the workforce, learner preferences, and the business imperative to attract and retain talent beyond the local borders. With an intentional focus on innovation, Blue U's digital strategy encompasses various elements that aim to maximize overall business performance and workforce future readiness. To activate this strategy, Blue U built an infrastructure using leading-edge technologies and expanded its strategic partner ecosystem.

The unprecedented onset of COVID-19 tested the strategy when 98% of the workforce was mandated to work from home. Having exceeded expectations, the strategy was widely praised for the seamless business continuity enabled by the digital learning capability. With a newly virtual and distributed workforce, Blue U was intentional with developing a comprehensive change management plan to achieve the needed switch from didactic learning to learning in the flow of work. By proactively collaborating with stakeholders Blue U was able to mitigate excessive resistance and ensure a smooth transition to digital learning.

Despite early successes, there continue to be expected challenges as the modernization of learning matures. These challenges primarily revolve around the rapid pace of technological advancements and the need to constantly adapt and stay ahead. By remaining proactive and adaptive, Blue U ensures that its digital strategy stays up-to-date and aligned with the evolving needs of the industry and the workforce.

Differentiating between a passing trend and a game changer is crucial in the fast-paced digital landscape. Blue U leverages pilot projects and proofs-of-concept to test the viability and effectiveness of new technologies or strategies before making large-scale implementations. This agile approach to innovation enables Blue U to make informed decisions that deliver a strong return on investment and ensures a future-ready workforce.

Presenter: Adri Maisonet- Morales

Adrienna (Adri) Maisonet Morales is the Vice President of the award-winning, Enterprise Learning and Blue University at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). In her current role, Adri is accountable for setting a learning strategy that produces a knowledgeable and skilled workforce equipped with the capabilities to deliver on the organization’s ambitious goals.

With over 20 years of experience, Adri has a history of being a trail-blazing innovator with a track record of achieving high impact bottom-line results. Her strong background in business enables her to engage in a wide range of workforce development opportunities that target underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Adri is a lifelong learner and pays it forward by serving on various boards such as NCBCE, Durham Compact, Center for Talent Reporting, Chief Learning Officer, and Dress for Success. She is the former Chair for the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce (2021) and serves as the Co-Chair for the Client Services Committed for the Triangle DFSS.

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Adri actively volunteers for a wide range of civic and community opportunities that allow her to use her talents to bring up the next generation of leaders and lend a helping hand to underserved populations.

Adri holds a BS in Leadership Development and an MS in Organizational Performance from Bellevue University, an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources from Penn State University, and is currently a Leadership Innovations Doctoral Candidate with NYU. and Analytics Solution.

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