Interview with Karen Velasco, Chairman of the British Institute for Learning and Development

Purpose – Karen is a performance management consultant, trainer, facilitator and coach. Karen has worked in a variety of training, development and leadership roles for over twenty years; including eight years as managing director of PeopleSolve Ltd and 12 years as training, development and culture change manager with the Centrica group. Karen is Chairman of the British Institute for Learning and Development, a non‐executive director of the University of Chichester, and a director of Creative Leaders. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer. Findings – In this interview, Karen Velasco talks about her professional background before being appointed Chairman of the British Institute for Learning and Development (BILD), highlights the vision of the BILD, and gives her thoughts on the new developments occurring within the field of learning and development. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – Learning and development departments constantly have to change their priorities to fit with the changing economic climate. Drawing on her professional experience, Karen Velasco offers advice and guidance to L&D professionals on how to remain competitive in new markets, whilst still addressing the needs of their employees.