Skills (R)evolution: How Top-Performing L&D Functions Stay Ahead of the Moving Target
October 28, 2026 1:00 PM ET
The skills your organization needs today will not be the same ones it needs next year, and traditional learning and development (L&D) was not designed to keep up. Drawing on new SHRM research surveying thousands of HR professionals and workers around the world, this webinar looks at why the skills gap has become a moving target and what organizations with top-performing L&D functions, or “Skills Strategists,” are doing differently to stay ahead.
This webinar will explore why hiring alone cannot solve a challenge that continues to evolve and how Skills Strategists are leveraging L&D to drive measurable business results, including stronger financial performance, higher employee engagement, and a healthier workplace culture.
You’ll leave with practical ideas for making learning more relevant, visible, evidence-based, and scalable, along with concrete steps you can take today to start building a more prepared and adaptable workforce.
Join Sally Windisch, Senior Researcher at SHRM; Ashley Miller, Director of Operations and Partnerships at SHRM; and Anne Sparaco, Host of SHRM's All Things Work podcast, as they explore the findings from SHRM’s 2026 Skills (R)evolution research report.
SHRM Knowledge Advisors will join the live webinar to answer your questions in real time—right in the chat. If we don’t get to your question during the session? No problem, SHRM members can head to SHRM Connect after this webinar to keep the conversation going with advisors for 30 extra minutes. This benefit is only for members who join the live webinar and not included later on demand.
Meet the Presenters
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Sally Windisch
Sally Windisch is a Senior Researcher on SHRM's thought leadership team and collaborates with SHRM Foundation and external stakeholders to bring forward research-based solutions for integrating untapped talent pools into the workforce and supporting their success. Her areas of focus include skills-first hiring, advancing inclusion and diversity, and promoting second-chance employment, all aimed at addressing workforce challenges and supporting inclusive talent development. Windisch holds an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science from San Diego State University's School of Public Health and a BS from California State University East Bay.
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Ashley Miller
Ashley Miller, M.A., SHRM-SCP, is SHRM's Director of Thought Leadership Operations and Partnerships. Over the last decade, she's served in a multitude of roles across SHRM, including driving functional transformations, redefining strategies for business functions, building new initiatives, translating research to insights for internal and external stakeholders, and leading strategic partnerships. Prior to joining SHRM, Miller was a human capital and workforce consultant for public, private, and government sectors organizations to build competency models, conduct job analyses, design and validate selection systems and assessments, and execute change management initiatives. She holds a master's degree in industrial/organization psychology.
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Anne Sparaco
Anne Sparaco is a dedicated media professional and the new dynamic host of SHRM's "All Things Work" podcast, where she leads insightful discussions on the ever-changing landscape of work. Through her podcast, Sparaco engages with industry leaders, HR professionals, and thought leaders to explore topics that impact the modern workplace, from diversity and inclusion to the future of work.
Before joining SHRM, Sparaco built a distinguished career as a News Anchor and Senior Multimedia Journalist in New York and Virginia. Her journalism career is marked by her ability to tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences on a national scale and champion marginalized voices through multimedia production.
Her award-winning journalism has earned her accolades from the Associated Press and the Syracuse Press Club. Among her notable achievements, Sparaco's reporting on a historic WWII All-Women’s Army Corps Unit has helped bring deserved recognition to these trailblazing women, leading to their forthcoming U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. Additionally, her compelling coverage on the use of psychedelics to combat veteran suicides has brought much-needed attention to mental health issues affecting veterans.
SHRM certification has approved this webinar for 1 PDC toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. A program code will be provided at the end of the webinar.