The talent development industry has lost one of its legends. Bob Pike—the trainer’s trainer—passed away October 11.Bob’s illustrious career spanned six decades—he began his training career in 1969. He authored more than 35 books and designed more than 600 training programs in at least 25 countries. His Creative Training Techniques Handbook (now Bob Pike’s Master Trainer Handbook) has sold 330,000 copies.“He was among the early people to talk about getting a seat at the table for the talent development profession,” said Ken Blanchard, co-founder and chief spiritual officer at the Ken Blanchard Companies. “He really felt that we should be part of the party rather than just visitors. That really helped change the field because we are now seen as teammates rather than vendors.”Elaine Biech marveled at his legacy, highlighting his concept of participant-centered learning, his emphasis on measuring the results of training, his six Ps of preparation for successful program delivery, and his active participation techniques. “Bob’s approach to training focused not just on the process of training but also its outcomes. He emphasized the importance of measuring the impact of training on performance and productivity.”Known as “the trainer’s trainer,” Bob was the second CPLP (now CPTD®) Fellow for his contributions to developing and supporting the designation, a 1981–82 national director and treasurer of ATD (then the American Society for Training and Development), and the recipient of ATD’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award.Bob presented 46 times at the ATD International Conference & EXPO—every year since 1977. One year he even presented virtually following surgery.“Bob contributed so much to the ASTD and ATD community during his impressive 50-plus year career, generously sharing content, advice, and expertise with our local chapters and global community for many years,” said ATD President and CEO Tony Bingham. “He was a leader, mentor, and friend to thousands of professionals in talent development. His legacy in the field is deep, and we have all benefited from the expertise he shared.”Over a 35-year period, he built The Bob Pike Group into a large training and performance consulting company. He sold the company in 2013. He was also past director of the National Speakers Association and in 1999 was inducted into its Speakers Hall of Fame.“As a new training professional in the 1990s, his words in his original Creating Training Techniques Handbook jumped off the page and changed my entire worldview on how to facilitate training programs,” noted Cindy Huggett, CPTD, speaker, and author. “From my early book writing days, he was so encouraging, offering assistance and guidance. He demonstrated the meaning of encouragement and elevating others in the profession. Through his actions, he taught me the importance of helping others.”He was a legend to those who knew him, with his colleagues and acquaintances describing him as “a true giant, the original master trainer, an innovative thinker, and a true legend who had a profound impact on the profession.”“Bob Pike is a founding leader in our industry. He is creative and offers techniques easily deployable in any session,” Nancy Langton, learning solutions provider with EdTech Influence, wrote on LinkedIn. “L&D professionals are constantly searching for new approaches, learning from other pros, and aiming to create impactful learning experiences. Kudos to Bob for helping so many people!”Elaine added, “Bob has left a significant legacy through his contributions and innovations. His work has had a lasting impact on the field. Like his legacy of participant-centered learning, we have all benefitted from his approach as he applied it to us as his eager participants. He made each of us the center of the learning he bestowed upon us.”