Celebrating a Legacy: Honoring Bill Brandon’s Retirement

The close of 2024 marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of The Learning Guild and the L&D community. William Brandon —a cornerstone of our organization, a mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for our industry—is retiring after over 20 years with The Learning Guild and a career spanning over five decades. While we’ll deeply miss his wisdom and camaraderie, I’d like to take this moment as an opportunity to celebrate his incredible contributions to the field, the community, and each of us personally.

A Life of Dedication to Learning

Since 1968, Bill’s career has been defined by passion, dedication, and adaptability. He began designing and delivering instruction in traditional settings and became an early practitioner of eLearning in 1984. Over the decades, he has contributed to nearly every facet of learning and development—from corporate training to authoring books and articles to consulting and conference programming.

In 2002, Bill became the original editor of Learning Solutions Magazine, the then eLearning Guild’s flagship publication. Over the years, he turned the magazine into a trusted resource, publishing thousands of articles that have helped L&D professionals navigate emerging trends, refine their craft, and build their careers. David Holcombe , co-founder of The Learning Guild, notes, “Bill was responsible for literally thousands of articles being published over the years—probably half of which he researched and wrote himself. The Guild simply wouldn’t be what it is today without Bill Brandon having been there since the beginning.”

Championing Others

What truly sets Bill apart is his ability to champion others. He loves placing people in the spotlight, helping them find their voice and extend their reach, while never seeking the spotlight himself.

Jean Marrapodi, PhD, CPTD recalls her first writing experience: “Bill was so encouraging and supportive during the process, it was a joy to give birth to our creation. Even today, I look forward to reading the fruits of his labors as we receive new editions. His work helps so many of us stay abreast of our craft.”

This sentiment is echoed by JD Dillon , who shares, “Bill’s confidence boosted my own and made me feel like I had a story worth sharing. The style I developed with Bill’s support continues to inform my storytelling approach today.”

Bill’s kindness and humility are matched by his ability to bring out the best in people. Julie Dirksen describes him as “great about helping and supporting efforts without making himself the main voice—which is what a great editor does.”

A Builder of Community

Bill’s impact extends far beyond his editorial role. He is a builder of community, creating spaces where people feel welcome, valued, and inspired. Chad Udell puts it perfectly: “Bill’s influence goes way beyond helping individuals like me. He’s been the foundation of a lively community of writers, presenters, and thought leaders. His kindness turned tough feedback into real growth, and his approachable nature is a rare gift.”

Sarah Mercier shares how Bill’s presence made even daunting tasks feel manageable. “Writing with Bill as an editor has always been so simple. I’ve already been missing my hugs from him at Guild events, but I’m so excited for his next adventure.”

A Legacy of Resilience and Insight

Bill’s personal strength is also inspiring. A cancer survivor since 2017, he continues to approach life with an inspiring optimism and a commitment to his work. Michael Allen praises Bill’s ability to tackle complex problems with empathy and insight, adding, “He could ask the best questions and weave answers into profound conclusions in the humblest of ways. What a model he is for us all.”

Bob Mosher shares his admiration for Bill’s collaborative spirit and professionalism, saying, “Bill is a true thought leader who gave so many of us a platform to share our ideas and build our voice. His influence is felt across our field, and his legacy is one of both professionalism and kindness.”

My Personal Thoughts

For me, Bill’s care and dedication shine through in everything he does. He cares deeply about his work, the people he works with, and the community he serves. His willingness to do what is needed to support the Guild’s mission is something I appreciate more than my words can express.

Bill is also an incredible friend—someone whose kindness and dedication inspire me on many levels. I’ve always admired his ability to create opportunities for others, his thoughtful mentorship, and his ability to build lasting connections. More than anything, I will miss working with him and having him on our team. Bill will always be part of the Guild family, and his legacy will live on in our work and the lives he’s touched.

Wishing Bill Well

As Bill steps into retirement, we celebrate not only his incredible professional achievements but also the genuine person he is. His legacy is one of kindness, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the L&D community. We wish him all the joy and fulfillment he deserves in this next chapter of his life.

Thank you, Bill, for your tireless efforts, your generosity, and your friendship. You’ve made a lasting impact on the Guild, the L&D community, and all of us fortunate enough to know you. You’ve also made me a better person through your example. Enjoy your well-earned retirement—you’ve truly set a standard for excellence that will inspire us for years to come.