Session: Skills Over Sectors: Redefining Career Growth Beyond Industry Boundaries
In a world where career paths are no longer linear, the greatest opportunities often come from crossing boundaries. My own journey has taken me from nursing and academia to healthcare technology and ultimately to leading global learning and development in tech. Along the way, one lesson has remained clear: skills are industry-agnostic, and they are the true currency of growth.
This session will explore how skill development empowers professionals to pivot, grow, and thrive across industries. It will also challenge leaders and hiring managers to broaden their vision: to see beyond industry labels and recognize the value of diverse skillsets. By doing so, organizations unlock innovation, agility, and untapped talent that can elevate teams and transform businesses.
Participants will walk away with:
• A practical framework for identifying and developing transferable skills.
• Real examples of how industry pivots can fuel innovation and growth.
• A call to action: to champion skills-based hiring and career development in their own organizations.
Bio
Desirée Lleras is a global Learning & Development executive with nearly 25 years of experience spanning healthcare, higher education, and technology. She has built and led transformative talent strategies for thousands of employees worldwide, proving that skills — not industries — are the true drivers of growth. Passionate about inspiring others to break boundaries, Desirée empowers professionals and leaders alike to embrace skills-based career development as a pathway to innovation, inclusion, and lasting impact.