Samuel, Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle: Advize Career Interview

A career in Learning and Development at SoulCycle, as described by a Manager, offers a dynamic and rewarding experience.

The work involves creating and improving engaging training programs—from online courses to in-person sessions—utilizing a learning management system and analyzing data to maximize impact.

Strong communication, strategic thinking, empathy, and attention to detail are crucial skills. The role's variety, encompassing content creation, collaboration, and data analysis, provides constant learning and development.

A significant challenge is securing buy-in for training, highlighting the importance of demonstrating value.

Entry-level positions, such as Training Coordinator or Specialist, offer a pathway into the field, and a strong foundation in communication, like that provided by an English degree, proves invaluable.

The most rewarding aspect is the profound impact on employees' careers and the organization as a whole, a testament to the power of thoughtful, data-driven learning strategies and a willingness to observe and adapt.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Samuel Gonzalez

Manager of Learning and Development

SoulCycle

SUNY Hunter College

N/A; Bachelors of Arts

English, Writing & Education

Restaurants & Hospitality

Human Resources (HR)

Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ

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Career Path of a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle

Samuel's career path includes the creation and deployment of learning opportunities at SoulCycle, using methods such as "online e-learning or a trainer-led learning via Zoom or in person". A key aspect of the role is the ongoing assessment and improvement of training programs based on collected feedback to ensure "impactful learnings".

Career Path of a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle

Main Responsibilities Of A Manager Of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

A Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle's day involves a variety of tasks, from collaborating with "cross-functional partners" to design learning opportunities and facilitating training sessions, to creating engaging content like videos and analyzing data to improve programs. The role also includes the more technical aspects of managing a learning management system, ensuring content is accessible and effective based on user feedback.

Main Responsibilities Of A Manager Of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

A Day in the Life of a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle

A Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle requires "really skilled communication," the ability to simplify "complex ideas into digestible chunks," and strong facilitation skills. Success in this role also demands a blend of strategic thinking and attention to detail, coupled with empathy to tailor learning experiences to individual learner needs and circumstances.

A Day in the Life of a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle

Most Important Skills for a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle, finds the greatest reward in "hav[ing] a really great impact on every employee," demonstrating how learning and development significantly shapes individual careers, a point underscored by Samuel's own career path. The work goes beyond compliance training, offering deep organizational and personal impact.

Most Important Skills for a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle

Biggest Challenge Of Being A Manager Of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle, finds the biggest challenge in the role is "getting the buy-in" for learning and development opportunities, as many struggle to prioritize the necessary time commitment, impacting engagement from both executives and employees. This highlights a common struggle in the field of L&D, requiring Samuel to actively address the perceived lack of time and demonstrate value.

Biggest Challenge Of Being A Manager Of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Manager of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle, finds the daily variety most enjoyable, stating that "every day is a little bit different," encompassing tasks from meetings and video editing to checking in with colleagues. This diversity fuels Samuel's continued engagement and skill development within the field.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Manager of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

Favorite Parts of Working in the Fitness Industry as a Learning and Development Manager

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle, identifies curiosity, strong communication, and empathy as crucial traits for success in the fitness industry, noting that these qualities enable impactful contributions to the organization. The three qualities are key to doing the job well and making a "really amazing impact".

Favorite Parts of Working in the Fitness Industry as a Learning and Development Manager

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Learning And Development Industry, According To A Manager Of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle, emphasizes the critical role of feedback in the industry, advising that "it's really important to look for the patterns" in feedback before making significant changes affecting many people. This highlights the need for data-driven decision-making in learning and development roles.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Learning And Development Industry, According To A Manager Of Learning And Development At SoulCycle

What a Learning and Development Manager at SoulCycle Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Learning and Development Industry

Entry-level roles in learning and development for undergraduate students include "training coordinator" or "training specialist" positions, often involving "managing the learning management system (LMS)" and data entry skills. These specialist or coordinator roles serve as a gateway into the field.

What a Learning and Development Manager at SoulCycle Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Learning and Development Industry

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Learning and Development Professionals

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development at SoulCycle, learned the importance of slowing down and observing before acting, finding that "waiting...to observe a little bit more and to ask better questions" leads to more impactful learning experiences. This approach contrasts with a previous tendency to "jump in...head first," highlighting a valuable shift in their professional strategy.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Learning and Development Professionals

College Experiences That Helped A Learning And Development Manager At SoulCycle Succeed

Samuel, a Manager of Learning and Development, learned the importance of slowing down and observing before acting, stating that "there's a lot to be understood in the sort of waiting process." This allows for better questioning and impactful learning experiences, contrasting with their initial tendency to "jump in, head first."

College Experiences That Helped A Learning And Development Manager At SoulCycle Succeed

Advizer Personal Links

linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuellgonzalez/