---
title: "Learn or Die: 11 Steps to Create a Strong Learning & Growth Culture | Talk by Marian Kamenistak"
description: "Go beyond Coursera and Udemy. Build the learning system talent joins for."
url: "https://www.marian.coach/speaker/learn-or-die-growth-culture/"
lang: "en"
image: "https://www.marian.coach/images/marian-kamenistak-og-image.jpg"
---

# Learn or Die: 11 Steps to Create a Strong Learning & Growth Culture

Go beyond Coursera and Udemy. Build the learning system talent joins for.

For: CTOs, VP Engineering, Engineering ManagersFormat: 45-60 min keynote or 4-hour workshop

[Book this talk →](mailto:marian@marian.coach?subject=Speaking%20request%3A%20Learn%20or%20Die%3A%2011%20Steps%20to%20Create%20a%20Strong%20Learning%20%26%20Growth%20Culture)

![Marian Kamenistak presenting "Stop hiring unicorns, grow leaders" at an ELC engineering leadership meetup.](https://www.marian.coach/_astro/talk-15.DJTYfM7q_Vs5AC.webp)

## How do you build a real learning and growth culture, not just a training budget?

Coursera licences nobody opens. A training budget that expires in December. Learning culture is not a benefits line, it is what happens in the twenty minutes after something breaks. Eleven concrete steps, the order they have to go in, and the two that fail if you skip the first one.

You leave with the 11-step guide and the Team Lead Readiness Test, so the people you are growing can see their own gaps instead of waiting for you to name them.

## Why this talk, not a generic version of it

Most "learning culture" talks stop at a benefits line: buy the Coursera seats, call it done. The real damage happens in the twenty minutes after something breaks, and that's where this one starts. Eleven steps, in the order they have to run, including the two that fail outright if the first one gets skipped.

Built for CTOs and engineering managers who've already bought the licenses and still can't explain why the culture isn't there. The close is the 11-step guide and the Team Lead Readiness Test, so the people being grown can see their own gaps without waiting for a manager to name them.

What the room walks out with:

[Read the 11-step post →](https://www.marian.coach/blog/11-steps-to-transform-your-learning-culture/)

## Quick answers

Who is "Learn or Die: 11 Steps to Create a Strong Learning & Growth Culture" for?

CTOs, VP Engineering, Engineering Managers

What format is it delivered in?

45-60 min keynote or 4-hour workshop

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[← Back to all talks](https://www.marian.coach/speaker/)

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