GS04 Inspiring Impact: Maximizing Potential through Learning
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Thursday, December 7
One of the most influential factors in the evolution of learners, be it children or adults, is the role of a dedicated, inspiring teacher. As learning and development leaders, we strive to replicate this impact within our organizations. The challenge in this goal often lies in recognizing and emphasizing the vital contributions of these educational leaders, understanding their profound influence on learners, and adapting the insights to shape corporate learning environments.
In the closing keynote for Learning 2023, Deborah Roberts, acclaimed ABC News journalist and author of Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life, presents an insightful exploration of the transformative power of educators, drawing from her rich collection of essays from influential figures. Roberts illuminates the immeasurable influence teachers exert on shaping individuals, sparking a deeper understanding of how their methods can be translated into corporate learning strategies. By underlining the real-life success stories, she ignites a profound conversation exploring how we as learning leaders can harness these lessons to develop high-impact learning environments and support our teams to reach their utmost potential.
Deborah Roberts
Senior National Affairs Correspondent, ABC News Contributing Anchor, ABC 20/20 and New York Times Best-Selling Author
Deborah Roberts is an ABC News senior national affairs correspondent for Nightline, Good Morning America, and World News Tonight with David Muir. She is also a contributing anchor for 20/20. In 2021, she was honored with a Peabody Award for the 20/20 special, Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor. Roberts, who was recently inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, has won multiple Emmy® Awards for her national and international coverage of world events. She has profiled former first lady Michelle Obama and former first daughter Ivanka Trump and covered the inauguration of former President Barack Obama.
The media veteran credits a teacher for helping shape her life’s path and make her the person she is today. Although educators open our minds to new ideas and help us recognize our potential, Roberts laments that they rarely get credit for the transformative work they do. Hoping to shine a light on the substantial impact educators can have on students, Roberts decided to make that the theme of her latest New York Times bestseller, Lessons Learned and Cherished. In it, Roberts shares essays written by celebrity friends and colleagues including Oprah Winfrey, Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker, Robin Roberts, Brooke Shields, Octavia Spencer, Rachael Ray, and Misty Copeland highlighting how teachers inspired and motivated them.
Roberts is also the author of Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom For Modern Times, a book written with her husband, Al Roker.