At LifeLabs Learning, every decision we make comes back to one question: How can we best serve the L&D and People Leaders who rely on us to build stronger, more people-skilled organizations?
Today, we’re excited to share an important leadership transition that is designed to deepen our focus on helping our clients achieve measurable impact through people development.
Priscila Bala: Transitioning to Vice Chair
After years of visionary leadership as CEO, Priscila Bala will transition into the role of Vice Chair.
Since joining LifeLabs, Priscila has led with strategy, science, and heart—guiding the company through rapid growth, an acquisition by investment firm Atairos, and new innovations that expanded our reach and impact. Under her leadership, LifeLabs scaled its ability to deliver impactful manager and leadership training to organizations like BlackRock, Paramount, and Mattel. During her tenure, LifeLabs Learning reached the incredible milestone of training over half a million learners and helped countless organizations equip employees with the skills that drive culture, performance, and retention.
Priscila’s unique background as a venture investor, advisor, and entrepreneur has allowed her to help People Leaders make the case for training investments in ways that resonate with executives and boards, all the while ensuring learning programs are seen as powerful drivers of business results.
As she transitions into the role of Vice Chair, Priscila will devote her time to what energizes her most: partnering directly with customers, amplifying the need for human-skills in the age of AI, and supporting L&D leaders in demonstrating the ROI of their work. Her continued presence means clients will benefit from even more of her insight, advocacy, and partnership.
David Smith: Stepping in as CEO
To guide LifeLabs into its next era of growth and innovation, we’re thrilled to welcome David Smith as CEO. David has served as Chair of the LifeLabs Board since 2023 and brings decades of experience helping organizations navigate leadership, strategy, and organizational effectiveness.
Previously, David was a founding Partner at Accenture, where he served as Senior Managing Director of the global Human Capital practice and a member of the firm’s Global Leadership Council. Over his 28 years at Accenture, he advised many of the world’s largest companies, including Fortune 500 companies such as Comcast NBC Universal, Citigroup, Bank of America, Aetna, Siemens and General Electric. He co-authored The Workforce of One: Revolutionizing Talent Management through Customization published by Harvard Business Press, a blueprint for customizing talent strategies to maximize impact, and has shared his expertise in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Forbes.
David’s philosophy is anchored in clarity, momentum, and “pointing north.” He is acutely focused on the opportunities and challenges facing today’s L&D leaders, in an era when human skills matter more than ever. With his leadership, LifeLabs will continue to evolve offerings that build the durable Tipping Point Skills™ that are connected directly to the strategic goals and outcomes of our client organizations.
Michael Ira: Joining as COO
We are equally excited to welcome Michael Ira as Chief Operating Officer.
Michael, already a trusted partner to LifeLabs as a Board member and Executive Director at Atairos, played a key role in supporting the company during its acquisition in 2023. His expertise lies in helping organizations scale, transition, and unlock new opportunities.
As COO, Michael will focus on strengthening the foundation that ensures every workshop, program, and partnership delivers the reliability, excellence, and outcomes our customers expect.
Looking Ahead
This transition represents an exciting new chapter for LifeLabs Learning. With Priscila focusing her energy on customers and growth, and David bringing his deep expertise in leadership and talent development, we are poised to continue scaling our impact with clients around the world.
Together, we’ll continue to build the people skills engine behind the greatest organizations—and make work better for all.
