Designing a Comprehensive Learning Academy with Arno Peperkoorn from Omnicom Media in The Netherlands

In a recent episode of the Talent Development Think Tank, I engaged in an insightful conversation with Arno Peperkoorn, the Chief Talent Officer at Omnicom Media Group in the Netherlands. Arno shared a comprehensive approach to building a robust learning academy designed to equip young professionals with essential human, media, and professional skills. Below are some actionable strategies inspired by Pepperkoorn's work that can help you establish a successful learning academy in your organization.

Balance Human and Professional Development

Arno emphasized the importance of focusing on both human skills and professional development. At Omnicom, the academy features a mix of media and human skills, addressing areas such as leadership, mental health, and inclusivity. To create a balanced program, design curriculums that nurture both professional expertise and personal growth.

Incorporate Diverse Learning Modules

The year-long program includes varied content such as programmatic advertising, search engine advertising, and e-commerce, along with human-centered subjects like mental health and leadership. Ensure your learning academy provides a broad spectrum of modules that cover both industry-specific knowledge and personal development aspects.

Create a Phased Learning Structure

The learning academy is structured into phases where the initial months focus on broad learning, followed by more specific training aligned with individual interests. Implement a phased approach in your organization, where employees first gain foundational knowledge before diving deeper into specialized areas.

Foster a Culture of Inclusivity

Inclusivity is a core component at Omnicom, where creating a safe, accepting environment is a priority. Integrate themes of diversity and inclusion into your program to ensure participants feel valued and understood. Provide resources and training that highlight the importance of inclusivity in the workplace.

Engage with External Partners

Arno's program includes inspiring visits to partner companies such as LinkedIn and Netflix, allowing participants to experience diverse organizational cultures. Consider partnering with other companies or industry leaders to provide participants with practical insights and broader perspectives.

Utilize Professional Expertise

While Arno's program employs in-house professionals for core media training, it also leverages external experts for specialized human skill topics like sleep and energy management. Engage industry experts to bring specialized knowledge into your program, enriching the learning experience with varied expertise.

Open Feedback and Continuous Improvement

A key success factor for Arno's academy is the openness to feedback, allowing continual refinement and improvement. Encourage participants to provide feedback and use it to enhance your program. Regular assessments and willingness to adapt will ensure the program remains relevant and effective.

Arno Pepperkoorn’s approach to building a learning academy offers a detailed blueprint for organizations aiming to develop their workforce comprehensively. By blending professional skills with human-focused development, fostering inclusivity, and engaging with external partners, organizations can create impactful, sustainable learning environments.

Tune into the full episode on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast to delve deeper into Arno's strategies and insights.