Dr. Ali Atkison

Professional History
Over 20 years of experience in:
* Communication
* Strategic Planning
* Facilitation and Coaching
* Learning and Development
* Teambuilding
* Evaluation and Assessment
* Program Development
* Leadership and Staff Development
* Change Management

Educational Background
University of Denver
D., Human Communication Studies
A., Human Communication Studies

University of Indiana
A. Communication

Certification, Assessments & Licensure
* Credentialed in University of Denver’s University College Master Teaching Status

Dr. Ali Atkison is a nationally respected expert in learning and development, known for designing innovative, brain-based learning strategies that deliver measurable impact across industries. As Vice President of Learning & Development at HRD, Ali leads high-impact leadership programs and consults with executives to align learning initiatives with organizational goals. Her work empowers teams from the front line to the C-suite to communicate more effectively, lead with clarity, and build thriving workplace cultures.

Ali brings over 25 years of experience in learning strategy, leadership development, facilitation, coaching, and program design. She has a knack for translating complex human behavior and neuroscience into actionable tools that drive both performance and engagement. Whether she’s creating enterprise-wide leadership toolkits or launching coaching frameworks tailored to diverse industries, Ali’s approach is strategic, evidence-based, and deeply human.

In addition to her L&D leadership, Ali is the author of How’s Your Computer-side Manner? Nine Digital-Communication Mistakes You’re Making That Are Holding You Back (2024), and a frequent contributor to publications like ATD Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and UPCEA’s Unbound. She also teaches online learning courses for Audible and The Great Courses, and her audiobook on consulting was named one of the “12 Best Business Consulting Audiobooks of All Time” by BookAuthority.

Ali is passionate about building programs that are not only effective—but actually enjoyable. She believes learning should be meaningful, memorable, and measurable. And with a background that spans higher education, corporate consulting, and digital learning, she brings a uniquely broad lens to solving today’s most pressing talent and performance challenges.

Her credentials include certifications in Human Performance Improvement and Working Genius, as well as an active membership in ATD and Mensa. She continues to contribute to the field through speaking, coaching, and digital content, always advocating for learning as a strategic lever for business success.

Accomplishments
* Published Author: Her book, How’s Your Computer-side Manner? Nine Digital-Communication Mistakes You’re Making That Are Holding You Back, was released in 2024.
* Mensa Member: Active member in good standing with Mensa International.
* Published Expert: Contributed articles to ATD Magazine, UPCEA’s Unbound, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
* Speaker Engagements: Has been a speaker at prestigious events, including the Mastercard Neurodiversity in the Workplace Summit, multiple HR Indiana conferences, and the 2022 Python Web Conference.
* Podcast Guest: Featured on popular podcasts like Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization and LinkedIn Live with Dr. Laura Sicola.
* Digital Course Creator: Developed self-paced digital courses on brain-based communication strategies, available through Great Courses and Audible.
* Award-Winning Course Instructor: Her Audible course, Consulting 101: So You Want to Be a Consultant?, was named one of the “12 Best Business Consulting Audiobooks of All Time” by BookAuthority.
* Corporate Trainer & Consultant: Delivered keynotes and workshops on brain-based communication and facilitation for organizations such as Marsh McLennan, Pinnacol Assurance, the Denver Art Museum, and the Institute for Adult Learning in Singapore, among others.