How to Build a Culture of Learning

In this excerpt from The Learner Adoption Playbook Coursera’s Trena Minudri shares why learner engagement is one of the main obstacles in the way of successful learning programs and what leaders can do about it.

By Trena Minudri, VP & Chief Learning Officer, Coursera

As L&D leaders, we’re driven to create successful learning initiatives. We see the immense power of learning to transform businesses, driving employee retention, revenue growth, and shareholder value. Yet, a critical disconnect persists. While nearly 80% of organizations recognize capability building as essential, only a third report consistently achieving impactful outcomes. This gap stems from a fundamental misalignment: Too often, L&D programs are launched without a deep understanding of how learners experience learning or a clear strategy to foster lasting adoption.

The key lies in moving beyond top-down learning solutions and embracing a culture of continuous learning. This requires engaging all stakeholders—from employees to the C-suite—and building dynamic ecosystems that prioritize personalization, accessibility, and incentivization. We must create a continuous feedback loop, where learner voices are heard  and programs adapt to their evolving needs.

Drawing upon insights from Coursera customers like Capgemini and LTIMindtree, as well as partners like Microsoft, The Learner Adoption Playbook will equip you with practical strategies to bridge the gap between intention and impact. We’ll explore the four pillars of learner adoption, providing a roadmap to cultivate a thriving learning culture within your organization.

From fostering executive buy-in to personalizing the learning journey, removing barriers to access, and recognizing learner achievements, we’ll delve into actionable tactics that drive engagement and unlock the full potential of your workforce. The journey requires dedication, but the rewards—thriving careers for employees and a more agile, innovative organization—are worth the effort.