Love to Learn Spotlight: Dr. Alaina Szlachta

In this series we put a spotlight on the passion and the life of true luminaries in learning, to discover what makes them tick about their area of learning expertise and to get inspired on how to help people learn better.

For this first edition we had a chat with Dr. Alaina Szlachta about the power of data in learning and in life.

Some people shy away from data. But for Dr Alaina Szlachta, just hearing the word ‘data’ brings a big smile to her face. She proudly calls herself a ‘data nerd’, and once you get to know her, you can’t help but agree.

Alaina is a Measurement Architect and Learning Designer with over 15 years of experience in academia and corporate learning. She specialises in creating data-driven and behaviour-changing learning experiences that deliver measurable results.

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Data as a tool to improve

But where does that passion for measurement and evaluation come from?

From an early age, data has been central to Alaina’s life. As an athlete, debater, and dancer, she learned that progress depended on measurement, feedback, and continuous improvement. Her coaches used data-driven systems to track performance, helping her focus on what mattered most to succeed.

For Alaina, data was always a means to an end—winning. Her competitive nature made her appreciate the power of insights, ultimately earning her a university scholarship in speech and debate.

This mindset carried over into the corporate world, where she quickly realised that data isn’t just about tracking numbers—it’s about optimising performance. As a leader, Alaina uses data to provide clear, evidence-based feedback, helping her team improve continuously. She knows that while feedback can be hard to hear, when it is backed by clear data, it becomes a tool for real growth and improvement.

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Data as a mirror

But let’s be honest—data can be intimidating. There is a reality check that comes with data that can be uncomfortable.

Dr. Will Thalheimer shares a strong point in his new book, CEO’s Guide to Training, eLearning, and Work. He says, "Over-relying on learner reaction and satisfaction scores can have damaging consequences. If we focus too much on making learners feel good, we might end up designing training that prioritises fun over real results."

It’s a helpful reminder that while positive reactions are important, the true aim of training should always be to deliver real, measurable outcomes. As Alaina points out, “Learning is challenging and uncomfortable, and it's in that discomfort where true growth happens.”

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But here’s the positive twist: once we embrace what data can do, it becomes a powerful ally. As Alaina reflects: "When you realise what data can do for you, there’s no holding back. All of a sudden, you want more data because you realise that data can help you do anything."

Alaina also explains that data can help you achieve personal goals, improve performance, and solve problems in ways you may never have imagined. And that it’s not just about numbers; it’s about progress.

That’s why it’s important to see data for what it really is: a tool for improvement.

Data to measure training impact

So how can you make the most of your training data for customers?

Start by thinking of your training as a solution to a problem, not just a course. Talk to your customers about the challenges they want to solve and how your training fits into that. It’s not just about the session itself—it’s about the changes in performance that follow.

Be clear from the beginning about what you’re trying to achieve. What behavioural or performance changes are you looking for? That way, you can use your data to see whether your training is truly making an impact.

When we embrace data for what it truly is—honest and unfiltered—it can really drive change. It’s not about having all the answers, but about gaining insights that help us make better choices, improve, and lead more effectively. Data might not always tell us what we want to hear, but it’s the key to real, meaningful progress. So, let’s use it to move forward, learn, and grow.

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Data-enabled training design made simple