Fred J. Burns II

Learning & Development Portfolio

Fred J. Burns II,
MSL

Learning & Development Leader

"Learning is a business advantage — not an event."

20+
Years Experience
200+
Leaders Impacted
500+
Associates Onboarded

Enterprise Learning Strategy  ·  People Leadership  ·  Compliance  ·  Houston, Texas
mrfredburns@gmail.com  ·  469.573.4599  ·  linkedin.com/in/fredburns

Who I Am

Learning Leader.
Business Partner.
People Developer.

I'm a Learning & Development leader with 20+ years of experience designing, governing, and executing enterprise learning strategies across regulated, high-performance environments — including financial services, mortgage lending, call center operations, and leadership development.

My career spans Bank of America, NIIT Technologies (Boeing, GE, BofA), Jack Henry & Associates, and Planet Home Lending. Across each, I've built learning systems that are consultative, scalable, and grounded in what the business actually needs — not just what was requested.

"Learning at the enterprise level isn't about training. It's about building systems that make excellence repeatable."

I'm ready to formally lead learning strategy, people, and systems at the Director, AVP, or Head of L&D level — bringing institutional knowledge, operational discipline, and a track record of building learning cultures that last.

My Career Journey

2021 – Present
Senior Sales Trainer — Planet Home Lending
Enterprise L&D across Sales, HR, Compliance, Operations. Launched Planet Leadership Academy (200+ leaders). Zero compliance release misses.
2020 – 2021
L&D Specialist, Advisory — Jack Henry & Associates
Conducted 150+ learning consultations. Onboarded 500+ associates to LinkedIn Learning and Pluralsight. Facilitated 40 New Hire classes and Change Management workshops across the enterprise.
2015 – 2020
Content Developer / Training Consultant — NIIT Technologies
Select clients: Boeing, Bank of America, General Electric. Designed global training materials, curated 300+ enterprise learning courses, and ensured regulatory compliance across proprietary content.
2007 – 2015
Learning & Leadership Development Officer — Bank of America
8 years leading L&D across Mortgage Banking and Leadership functions. Directed change management training, developed specialized learning solutions, and reduced delivery costs by converting live courses to on-demand formats.
2012 – 2014
Founder & Principal — Building Blocks for Professionals / Director of Education
Consultancy delivering leadership, communication, and customer service programs for 300+ Palmdale School District employees. Led education strategy across two campuses. Won 2013 Stellar Leadership Award.
2005 – 2007
Training Supervisor — LoJack Corporation
Built foundation in high-volume, compliance-driven call center training. Advanced from Trainer to Training Supervisor, overseeing 3 Team Leads and 50+ employees.
ILT / VILT / Blended Kirkpatrick Model Franklin Covey Needs Assessment Compliance Training LMS Administration Facilitator Development ROI Measurement

Platform Presence

Facilitation Experience

In addition to designing and governing enterprise learning programs, I regularly facilitate live and virtual sessions across leadership development, onboarding, compliance, and operational training — adapting delivery based on audience level, business context, and learning objectives.

Leadership Development
Executive & Manager Workshops
Semi-monthly live and virtual workshops for front-line managers, Directors, and Vice Presidents — facilitating sessions that challenge leaders to think and lead differently.
VILT & ILT Delivery
Virtual & In-Person Facilitation
Extensive experience facilitating across virtual and in-person environments — adapting delivery style, pacing, and engagement strategies to maximize learning transfer.
Train-the-Trainer
T3 Program Design & Delivery
Designed and delivered train-the-trainer programs that extend learning reach, build internal facilitation capability, and ensure delivery consistency across distributed teams.
Cross-Functional
Enterprise & Team Training
Facilitated onboarding, compliance, change management, and operational training across Sales, HR, Operations, Compliance, and Marketing audiences enterprise-wide.

Known for: sparking insight through powerful questions  ·  using stories and metaphors to shift perspectives  ·  leveraging positive tension to drive accountability  ·  creating psychologically safe, high-engagement learning environments.

What I Bring

Core Competencies

Eight capabilities that define how I operate — and how I create measurable value at the enterprise level.

Enterprise Learning Strategy & Governance
Aligning programs to business priorities, SLAs, and regulatory requirements across multi-site environments.
People Leadership & Trainer Development
Coaching, observing, and quality-auditing facilitators to ensure consistent, high-impact delivery at scale.
Compliance & Risk-Aware Training Design
Embedding policy adherence into every learning touchpoint — zero compliance slippage across all programs.
Instructional Design (ILT, VILT, Blended)
Designing for adult learners across modalities, converting live content to virtual and on-demand as needed.
Cross-Functional Stakeholder Partnership
Trusted advisor to Sales, HR, Payroll, Compliance, Operations, and Marketing leadership.
Curriculum Standardization & QA
Documenting SOPs, building repeatable systems, and connecting learning outcomes to business metrics.
Vendor & Program Management
Overseeing external providers including Franklin Covey and curated on-demand platforms for targeted skill gaps.
Change Enablement & Operational Readiness
Leading learning through system transitions, product launches, and organizational change at scale.

What I've Built

Signature Programs & Impact

A selection of enterprise learning programs designed and delivered across leadership development, compliance, and operational readiness.

Flagship Program
Planet Leadership Academy
200+ Leaders · Franklin Covey Integrated
Designed and launched enterprise-wide leadership curriculum for mid- and senior-level leaders. Integrated Franklin Covey frameworks to strengthen executive presence, decision-making, and organizational alignment.
Onboarding
New Manager Orientation
Accelerated Readiness · HR & DEI Aligned
Structured onboarding program to accelerate readiness of newly promoted leaders. Partnered with HR, Talent, and DEI teams to align pipeline development with enterprise strategy.
Risk & Readiness
Compliance Training System
0 Missed Releases · 100% Transcript Tracking
Built compliance into daily learning schedules, tracked completion transcripts, and documented readiness profiles. Zero releases without full completion across all regulated audiences.
Instructional Design
Blended Learning Architecture
ILT + VILT + On-Demand
Converted live sessions to virtual, created executive 1:1 versions, and shifted core content to on-demand. Maintained engagement while improving cost efficiency and business continuity.

Portfolio Documents

Work Samples

Original work samples demonstrating end-to-end L&D methodology — from diagnosing business needs through designing, delivering, and measuring programs that drive performance. Each sample reflects a scalable, enterprise-ready approach.

Needs Analysis
Learning Needs Assessment & Diagnostic Tool
Business Context
Designed for use when a business partner requests training but the root cause is unclear. This tool ensures L&D operates as a consultative partner — diagnosing before prescribing.
Business Impact
Prevents wasted resources on misaligned training, strengthens L&D credibility, and ensures every intervention is tied to a real performance gap and measurable business outcome.
👉 View Sample (PDF)
Curriculum Design
Coaching Conversations for Managers — Curriculum Design
Business Context
Designed as part of a leadership development series to equip managers with structured coaching techniques using a repeatable five-step framework delivered across five blended modules.
Business Impact
Supports improved coaching consistency across the enterprise, strengthens manager effectiveness, and drives measurable improvements in team performance, accountability, and retention.
👉 View Sample (PDF)
Facilitator Guide
Facilitator Guide — Coaching Conversations, Module 2
Business Context
Created to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of the core skill-building session in the Coaching Conversations series — regardless of which facilitator leads the session.
Business Impact
Reduces facilitator preparation time, ensures program fidelity at scale, and gives facilitators the tools to lead psychologically safe, high-engagement coaching practice sessions.
👉 View Sample (PDF)
Participant Guide
Participant Guide — Coaching Conversations, Module 2
Business Context
Designed as a durable learning tool participants keep and reference beyond the session — reinforcing the C.O.A.C.H. framework and supporting real-world application with their teams.
Business Impact
Extends learning beyond the classroom, increases on-the-job application, and gives managers a structured reference for their 30-day coaching commitment and accountability partnerships.
👉 View Sample (PDF)
Measurement & ROI
Learning Measurement & ROI Framework
Business Context
Designed to establish a consistent, enterprise-wide approach to measuring learning effectiveness — built into program design from the beginning, not bolted on at the end.
Business Impact
Enables L&D to demonstrate business value at all four Kirkpatrick levels, connect learning investment to operational outcomes, and build executive confidence in the learning function.
👉 View Sample (PDF)
Program Design
New Manager Onboarding — 30/60/90 Day Design
Business Context
Built to address the most common onboarding failure — front-loading content in week one, then abandoning new managers. This phased model delivers the right support at the right time.
Business Impact
Accelerates manager readiness, reduces early attrition, builds cross-functional relationships, and creates a measurable 90-day foundation for long-term leadership effectiveness.
👉 View Sample (PDF)

Results That Matter

Selected Impact Stories

Real situations. Deliberate actions. Measurable results.

Training was undocumented and inconsistent — new hires received different information depending on who facilitated.
Partnered with SMEs to document SOPs, aligned content to SLAs, and built a blended classroom + floor model with manager feedback loops.
Training became repeatable, measurable, and aligned with business readiness standards.
A business partner requested a new training course, but the actual need was skill variance — not a knowledge gap.
Diagnosed the root cause through discovery questions and observation; provided targeted on-demand learning licenses instead of building unnecessary content.
Faster skill acquisition, better ROI, and a stronger consultative L&D reputation with the business.
Compliance drift risk emerged across production teams in a regulated mortgage servicing environment.
Embedded policy navigation into all training schedules, tracked transcripts daily, and documented individual readiness profiles for leadership review.
Zero releases without compliance completion — sustained across all regulated audiences.
An underperforming facilitator was impacting program consistency and the learner experience across multiple cohorts.
Provided structured coaching, co-facilitation opportunities, and targeted observation with written feedback tied to specific performance criteria.
Full performance turnaround — facilitator became a consistent, trusted program deliverer.

Education & Credentials

Formal Qualifications

Master's Degree
Master of Science in Leadership
Grand Canyon University · Phoenix, AZ
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
University of Phoenix · Phoenix, AZ
ATD Certification
Consulting Skills
Association for Talent Development · ID: 21-3F5VN
Executive Influence Strategic Thinking High-Stakes Communication Enterprise Change Communication Learning Management Systems Leading Distributed Teams

Award

2013 Stellar Leadership Award
Recognized for restructuring the learning organization at Living Praise Christian Institute (LPCI) — driving a 70% increase in participant retention and satisfaction in a single semester.

Additional Certifications

Franklin Covey Leadership Organizational Learning & Development Brain-Based eLearning Design Coaching for Results Creating a Leadership Development Program Talent Management Project Management Simplified Teaching Technical Skills Through Video Teaching Techniques: Project-Based Learning Agile at Work: Planning with Agile User Stories ATD Consulting Skills — ID: 21-3F5VN

Beyond the Work

Community & Service

Leadership doesn't stop at the office door. These commitments reflect the same values I bring to every learning environment — empowerment, equity, and genuine investment in people.

Military Support
Military Support & Assistance Group (MSAG)
Member & Contributor supporting advancement through networking, mentoring, and information forums for military-connected employees.
Economic Empowerment
Black Professionals Group (BPG)
Member & Contributor enhancing contributions of African American, West Indian, Caribbean and African heritage professionals.
Women's Leadership
LEAD — Leadership, Education, Advocacy & Development
Member promoting women's professional development and helping attract and retain successful women in the workplace.
Mentorship
Ventura County LEAD — Women Mentoring Program
Relationship Consultant ensuring mentor-mentee alignment with organizational goals and continuous program quality.
Communication
Toastmasters International
Participant developing communication, public speaking, and leadership skills in a supportive community setting.
Youth Development
Real Youth Mentoring
Mentor investing in young people through the R.E.A.L. framework — Resurrecting Economics And Leadership — for boys ages 5–18.

What Leaders Say

Recommendations

"He doesn't just deliver content; he brings it to life. Fred is an exceptional human being — any organization would be incredibly fortunate to have him leading their Learning & Development or Leadership Training programs."

JP
Jennifer Paradise
AVP, Enterprise Initiatives and Risk

"Fred is an extraordinary Master Facilitator, specializing in leadership development whose passion for growing leaders is unmatched. I'd hire him again in a heartbeat."

SS
Starla Sharpe, CDE®, MS-OLT
Transforming Organizations Through Strategic Talent Development

"Fred's professionalism and subject matter expertise consistently stood out. He's not just skilled, he's approachable, easy to work with, and always willing to help others succeed. If you get the chance to work with Fred, you're in good hands!"

SR
Steven Randall
Director, Database Engineering & Operations — Planet Home Lending

"Fred plays a pivotal role in our new hire onboarding experience. His ability to break down complex processes into clear, actionable steps accelerates learning and builds confidence from day one. Fred's professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care for learner success make him an invaluable asset to our organization."

BC
Brenda Colter
Advocate | Mortgage Professional in Operations & Sales | Change Management

"Fred is a conscientious and diligent team member who delivers on time. He participates in brainstorming discussions and presents his perspectives very well. His dedication and motivation reflects in his work. Any manager would be lucky to have him on their team."

VG
Vaidehi Gupte
PMI | CSPO | Program/Project Management | People Leadership

Let's Connect

Ready to Lead at the Enterprise Level

"I'm ready to lead learning strategy, people, and systems at the enterprise level." — Open to Director, AVP, Head of L&D, and equivalent leadership roles in regulated and high-performance industries.

469.573.4599
Houston, Texas