April's Edition of CLO Lens on ‘Business Alignment’: Unlocking Organisational Success

April's CLO Lens - The Free Monthly Digital Magazine for Learning Leaders  

From actionable insights to real-world success stories, this month's issue brings together thought leaders and experts who share ideas that inspire, challenge, and transform. Among the compelling contributors this month are Yasmine Alani from Mediazoo, Sarah Clayton-Jones of Read to Lead, and business enabler Pete Brooks. Their shared perspectives reveal how L&D can go beyond traditional training to serve as a key lever in bridging strategy and execution.

The Power of Purposeful Alignment

Yasmine Alani’s piece, “Getting Aligned,” outlines a practical and empathetic approach to integrating L&D within business frameworks. “We believe alignment starts with asking the right questions and really listening to the answers,” Alani says, emphasising the role of empathy mapping in uncovering employee challenges and designing resonant solutions. Her article calls for measurable, real-world impact, such as how a leadership program built around these principles achieved clear ROI for a global retailer. “When you invest in discovery, you create learning that lands,” Alani adds.

Connection as the Foundation of Success

Sarah Clayton-Jones takes a different angle in “The Power of Human Connection,” advocating for leveraging connection and trust as the bedrock of team alignment and better business outcomes. "Technology has made communication instant, but it hasn’t necessarily made it meaningful,” she argues. Her strategies include fostering cultures where appreciation is routine, equipping leaders with empathy-driven soft skills, and leveraging technology as a mechanism to amplify, rather than replace, human interaction. “Genuine connection isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’,” Clayton-Jones asserts. “It’s the foundation for engagement and performance, ready to drive success.”

Breaking Silos and Winning a Seat at the Table

Peter Brooks brings his usual fiery passion to the April edition, challenging the L&D world to rethink its role in business in “Knock Knock, Who’s There? L&D.” Often overlooked and undervalued, he argues that L&D’s full potential lies in breaking down silos and promoting long-term, systems-based thinking. “Focusing on ‘busy-ness’ is not the same as focusing on business,” Peter Brooks declares, urging L&D leaders to shift away from reactive, compliance-driven tasks and toward solving organizational pain points. His call to action inspires professionals to step boldly into strategic roles, ensuring learning supports the most pressing business goals.

Explore More in This Month’s Issue

This edition of CLO Lens is a must-read for all L&D professionals eager to build bridges between strategy and execution. Packed with actionable strategies, outcome-driven case studies, and innovative frameworks, these articles are designed to help you rethink, realign, and reignite your organisation’s potential.

“It’s time to stop thinking of learning as a checkbox activity,” Peter Brooks. stresses. “When we align development strategies to the heart of the business, we aren’t just proving our value. We’re transforming organisations.”

Access the Full Magazine

The April edition of CLO Lens is now available to inspire your leadership and learning strategies. Visit our website to read the full content and discover groundbreaking ideas. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from some of the top minds in the field.

About CLO Lens:

CLO Lens is the go-to publication for insights and strategies in corporate learning and development. Each issue features contributions from leading voices in the industry, offering both thought-provoking commentary and actionable advice to drive impact and innovation in organisations worldwide.

For press inquiries or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact robert.wagner@clo100.co.uk