Adam Sones
@adamsones
I lead AI-native learning programs, building scalable frameworks and high-performing teams.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I’m an organizational capability and learning leader with 15+ years building scalable programs, high-performing teams, and the standards that make learning work consistently across complex enterprises. I currently direct a Center of Excellence that owns the frameworks, shared products, and quality benchmarks defining how learning programs are designed, measured, and delivered across a global technology organization.
I bring product thinking to internal offerings—turning strategy into measurable outcomes through adoption, ROI, and learner impact. I translate performance data into stakeholder narratives that drive investment, and I move organizations from ad hoc experimentation to standardized, scalable AI-native integration across the learning lifecycle.
In my current role, I lead program success across seven capability areas: Learning Experience Frameworks, Measurable Impact Strategies, Communications & Visual Design Standards, AI-Native Program Design, Efficiency & Tooling, Scalable Program Delivery, and Third-Party Learner Tools. I also set team-wide accountability through a charter organized around capability areas and partner interlocks, and I manage teams spanning individual contributors, people managers, and contractor/vendor workforces.
Previously, I built and scaled learning products and shared services, including a peer learning network modeled on Google’s g2g program, and I integrated generative AI tools into coaching, assessments, and learning design workflows. Earlier in my career, I led instructional design and curriculum work—delivering scalable content, emerging-tech pilots, and measurable improvements in engagement and retention.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Leads the Program Success Center of Excellence, owning standards, frameworks, and shared capabilities for how learning programs are designed and delivered across Global Learning & Development. Drives AI-native program design, scalable delivery, and measurable impact strategies across multiple partner teams.
Customer Advisory Board Member
Yoodli AI Roleplays
Dec 2025 - Present (7 months)
Advises on product roadmap and enterprise adoption, sharing insights from large-scale rollout of AI-powered experiential learning. Provides guidance to support adoption across enterprises.
Built and scaled a peer learning network and launched learning products and shared services to standardize and expand internal learning capacity. Managed a vendor portfolio and integrated generative AI into coaching, assessments, and learning design workflows while translating impact data into ROI narratives.
Owned internally built learning products using a product mindset, iterating based on user feedback and measuring success through adoption and learner outcomes. Designed enterprise development programs for 8,000+ employees, built Power BI dashboards to track impact, and scaled a leadership pipeline via an emerging manager program.
Led instructional design teams delivering scalable learning content and standardized global training development. Designed AR/VR simulations and gamified learning experiences and drove emerging-tech learning pilots and digital transformation initiatives.
Managed training facilitators delivering learning experiences across North America, improving new hire retention and sales performance outcomes. Implemented performance-analytics-driven processes to measure and enhance training effectiveness.
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Mar 2018 - Sep 2019 (1 year 6 months)
Designed statewide professional development for educators, introducing blended and distance learning instructional methods. Shaped state policy to enhance workforce readiness by aligning learning programs to economic development priorities.
Adult Education Program Director
Workforce Essentials
Jun 2016 - Mar 2018 (1 year 9 months)
Managed a $3M budget and a team of 10 to support 5,000+ learners annually across 12 partner locations. Expanded adult education programs and strengthened business and community partnerships to increase access and enrollment.
Program Manager & Instructor
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville
Sep 2012 - Jun 2016 (3 years 9 months)
Scaled adult education enrollment by redesigning programs and developing blended learning curricula. Served as both program manager and instructor to support adult learners.
Music Education Instructor
Marching Arts Education Programs
Jan 2007 - Jan 2014 (7 years)
Designed and delivered performance-based instructional programs for competitive marching ensembles, including skill progression frameworks, rehearsal plans, and assessment structures. Coached performers in high-pressure competitive environments, emphasizing technique, teamwork, and discipline through feedback and measurable practice.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Memphis
Master of Science, Instruction & Curriculum Leadership (Instructional Design & Technology)
Earned a Master of Science in Instruction & Curriculum Leadership (Instructional Design & Technology) from the University of Memphis.
Middle Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science & African Studies
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & African Studies from Middle Tennessee State University.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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