Delivering a ‘Return on Experience’

September 18, 2026

Advancing an environment for growth measured in experience translates into improved employee and client experiences.

 

At Optiv, measuring the success of corporate training programs goes far beyond course hours completed and tracking metrics.

 

Instead, Learning and Development leaders evaluate how an expanding roster of educational offerings actively transforms employee behaviors, accelerates career growth and delivers long-term impact across the organization and advances client support.

 

"This year, my focus is ROE, or ‘What's the return on the experience?’" explains Keyana Jones, Senior Manager, Learning and Development. "We want to ensure we are building, guiding, and gathering impact, measuring behavioral change, and seeing how employees are actively applying the content we teach."

 

 

Making Learning More Experiential

Outcomes are directly shaped by the tools and curricula itself.

 

This year, Optiv integrated CAISY from Skillsoft, an AI-powered simulator, into its learning management platform. It allows employees to roleplay complex situations, such as client negotiations or accountability conversations, and receive real-time, actionable feedback.

 

To reinforce digital learning with human connection, the L&D team in 2026 introduced the monthly Leader in Action series. Formatted like a webcast and drawing dozens of participants, the live program provides a platform for peer-to-peer learning, allowing managers to absorb practical strategies directly from colleagues navigating the same day-to-day work.

 

 

Turning Experience into Opportunity

The ultimate measure of Return on Experience is tangible career mobility, best demonstrated by Optiv’s expanding Career Pathways program. Reaching nearly 80% of the company, the framework provides clear success profiles that empower employees to own their growth.

 

Supporting the "whole employee" goes beyond professional competencies to include personal wellness, financial literacy and estate planning, and participation in an expanding roster of Employee Resource Groups.

 

"When we think about development of our people, we believe that personal development is just as important as professional development, because they overlap," says Marisa Casalinova, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

 

We talked to two Optiv employees about their returns on experience.

 

 

Throwing the Rope Back Over

 

If you’re fortunate enough to climb the wall and develop your skills as a leader, you have to throw the rope back over to help someone else gain new skills, show them the way and help them level up.

 

I’ve been with Optiv for 13 years, stepping into a sales leadership role in 2019. Leading a team of 13 people requires a continuous growth mindset. And while taking care of our clients and driving revenue are critical, I think taking the time to join a workshop and develop new skills allows me to show up in the best way possible for my team.

 

Participating in the Leader in Action webcast series gave me the chance to bring real-world examples to the principles of co-active coaching that I learned in my training – how to listen, read the vibes, and support people not just through what they’re saying, but what they’re not saying. I like to internalize that curriculum, use it in the real world and create models for my team, with the hope they become more valuable tomorrow than they were yesterday.

 

Two guiding principles have always driven my career: don’t be afraid to reassess and reevaluate, and always get back to the basics. As a leader, you can’t just focus on the day-to-day sales numbers; you have to support your team with empathy, lead with clarity and create spaces for real connection.

 

Optiv gives us the opportunity to reach breakthroughs in our leadership, and my goal is to keep passing that knowledge forward.

 

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Jason Dauer, Regional Sales Director

 

 

How Opportunity Shaped my Career

 

I’m grateful for the ways embracing opportunity has shaped my path. I never expected my degree in psychology would lead to a career in cybersecurity. My journey has been anything but straightforward, but each experience helped me discover new possibilities.

 

Joining Optiv was a turning point in my career. As a marketing strategist and project manager, I was encouraged to adopt a growth mindset and continuously improve. With the support of my colleagues and leaders, I pursued leadership courses, earned valuable certifications and connected with a mentor who played a key role in my professional development. Participating in initiatives like Women of the Channel (WOTC) and the Executive Women’s Forum further expanded my network and perspective.

 

The people-first environment at Optiv has empowered my growth. Optiv’s focus on expanding talent and opportunity through learning, mentorship and community has shaped my career. It’s proof that with the right support, there is not a single path into cybersecurity. The right team can play a pivotal role in unlocking your full potential and should never be underestimated.

 

“The right team can play a pivotal role in unlocking your full potential and should never be underestimated.’’

 

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Brenda Davenport Budeau, Manager, Integrated Marketing

 

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About Optiv Security: Secure greatness.® 
Optiv is the world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity company. With unmatched technology partnerships and deep technical expertise, Optiv securely enables the AI era for more than 6,000 clients. From financial services and health care, to government, energy and retail, organizations trust Optiv to advise, deploy and operate cybersecurity programs that reduce risk and deliver real results. Learn why Optiv is the most trusted brand in cyber at optiv.com.