Transitioning into Learning & Development. A 30-Day Resource Series by Kylie Sturday
Meet Kylie Sturday, a learning professional focused on capability development in NSW’s emergency management sector. She co-leads Crackin’ L&D (Down Under) and mentors early-career professionals. Her 30-day series offers practical support for those new to L&D, reminding them that curiosity and questions are strengths.
Kylie Sturday
What’s your name and current role in L&D (or adjacent space)?
My name is Kylie Sturday and I’ve been a learning professional for the last nine years after making my own transition to the L&D field. I’m a public servant who focuses on capability development in the NSW emergency management sector, with a focus on scenario-based training and exercises. Beyond my day job, I co-manage Crackin’ L&D (Down Under), a learning community for professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, and I mentor early-career L&D practitioners through the L&D Shakers mentoring program.
What inspired you to create the 30-day resource series – was there a particular moment or conversation that sparked it?
Transitioning into L&D is something of personal interest to me. The idea to write a series started with a pattern I noticed through mentoring and my own experiences — people transitioning into L&D often felt overwhelmed, unsure where to begin or whether they were "doing it right." I wanted to create something approachable and practical that offered a steady stream of encouragement and useful direction.
How did you go about curating the resources – what criteria or instincts guided what made the cut?
I focused on resources that were clear, actionable and grounded in real practice — not just theory. I asked myself: Would this have helped me when I was starting out? If it helped me personally, came up in peer conversations, or had been bookmarked, it made the shortlist.
Who did you have in mind when designing the series – and how do you hope they feel when engaging with it?
I’ve always believed knowledge isn’t much use if it only stays in your head. I pictured someone who’s just stepped into an L&D role, figuring things out and perhaps second-guessing whether they belong. I wanted them to feel supported, understood, and part of a community that gets it. I also had people like me in mind — those who’ve been in L&D for a while but still appreciate a good reminder or a fresh resource. And of course, those who mentor others and are always looking for something practical to share.
What did you learn or notice about the L&D field while putting this project together? Did anything surprise you?
I was reminded how wide and varied the L&D field really is and that there’s no one “right way” to do this work. The diversity of resources, roles, and voices out there is a real strength, but it can also be overwhelming without some guidance. One thing that surprised me was realizing how many resources I’d saved and never revisited. Pulling this series together made me reflect on how valuable it can be to pause, go back, and make use of what you’ve already found.
If this series changes just one thing for someone new to L&D, what do you hope that is?
That they realize they don’t have to know everything to be valuable. Your curiosity, ability to ask the right questions, and willingness to learn are strengths — not gaps.
30-Day Resource Series
Practical support for those new to L&D, reminding them that curiosity and questions are strengths.
