Ingrid Sol Urman is working on the leading edge of our field, exploring new technologies, methodologies, and approaches. The journey that prepared her for this role is varied and global—allowing her to think broadly, plan big, and consider the world her training audience.

Q: Let’s start out by talking a little about your current role.

A: In my current role with Tenaris Corporate University, I’m responsible for learning methodologies. We are researching and benchmarking, trying new methods and approaches. Our focus is on innovation in adult learning.

As you can imagine, our goals (and how we go about meeting them) change all the time. When we started almost 10 years ago, we were relying solely on classroom courses and e-learning. Then, just four years ago we moved on to include webinars and webcasts. Now, our big project and partnership revolves around MOOCs (massive online open courses) and SPOCs (small private online courses).

I’m also responsible for working on communication strategies and online content development through a range of means (videos of all kind, tutorials, and so on).  We’re currently engaged in a tablets pilot, trying to go greener and exchange printed materials for electronic versions.  We're always looking at other organizations and cutting edge technologies. Training is part of our working culture. Because, how can we expect the rest of the organization to differentiate and innovate without a corporate university that’s the heart of innovation?

Q: What**’**s the most satisfying dimension of your current work?

A: Our corporate university is huge and I am particularly satisfied when we work all together in projects that we call HIT, which stands for “high impact training.” Even though Learning Methodologies is a staff area, we get to work closely with our clients, with our representatives in 12 regions, and with the school that designs the content.

Q: What skills, characteristics or traits have been most helpful to you along the way?

A: I would say drive for results. At Tenaris, there’s a commitment to and focus on achieving goals and results; so my natural drive for results has served me well.  Also, in our field, teamwork and collaboration are essentials. I’ve experienced throughout my career that the best ideas come as a result of collaboration.  And one last thing: I have learned to really leverage my strengths versus focus on my weaknesses. That’s not always intuitive—especially in traditional organizations—and it may take courage, but amplifying strengths is absolutely simpler and more effective.

Q: Looking back, what one or two choices did you make that helped most to move you forward?

A: Before coming to Tenaris, I worked in two other companies in five months. (I don’t include them in my vitae!) But for me, it is very important to work in a company that I believe in and that’s congruent with my values. Gratefully, I found Tenaris, an organization that exemplifies the tenacity and professionalism I respect and value.  I kept looking until I could find a place where I belonged and could settle into, feel at home with, and be loyal to for a long, long time.

I’ve also always looked to join teams where others are collaborative and where the bosses develop their own people. The boss is key in terms of the exposure or assignments you might enjoy. So, I’ve always been very intentional about who I choose to work with and for.

That said, it’s also important to ensure sponsorship and support around the company. So, I’ve always looked to broaden my network outside my own department.  It’s key for success in training and development to have the right sponsorship and build your network.

Q: Without having to kill me, what are you working on that**’**s new or exciting?

A: I am really excited about our current MOOCs and SPOCs projects in partnership with one of the most prestigious platforms. It’s the way of the future, sharing knowledge broadly with the world. The opportunities are extraordinary.  Our MOOCs include a series of weekly videos (short 3-7 minute learning nuggets), followed by activities, assessments, discussion forums, hang-outs, Q&A with instructors, webinars for heightened interaction, a final test, and certification.

At Tenaris University, we’ve also just completed our 2nd edition of TEDxTenaris. Apart from loving being part of the organization, during our inaugural event I gave a talk and this year I played the host with another colleague.  It was a dream come true for me—I love TED talks. We had many different areas participate and our people now really appreciate that we have it in our hands to communicate and make these ‘ideas worth sharing’ real.  As a result, I think TEDx has foster innovation and become part of our culture.

Q: Looking into your crystal ball, what do you believe will be the next big thing in L&D?

A: I’m very high on MOOCs as an innovative, unique way to make high-quality content available on a massive scale. And I love the way traditional and corporate universities and are opening their doors and sharing in an abundant way. I think that’s the future.