In this episode, I was so excited to reconnect with one of my favorite people, Chelsea Maude Avirett, founder of Skip. In this tip-packed episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) careers, focusing on job opportunities, salary transparency, and the transition from teaching to L&D roles. We emphasize the importance of recognizing transferable skills, building a professional presence, and utilizing free resources for career advancement. The conversation a...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens and guest Bob Ertischek discuss the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the need for a shift from traditional teaching methods to more engaging and community-focused approaches. They explore the importance of empathy, community building, and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. Bob shares his insights from his extensive background in higher education and instructional design, highlighting the significance of fosterin...
Jan 30, 2025•36 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast Overivew In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, I share my personal journey and five key strategies for transitioning into a career in learning and development. I emphasize the importance of building a strong personal brand, leveraging transferable skills, networking with intention, telling your story with confidence, and crafting a targeted application strategy. I draw from my own experiences as a teacher and instructional designer to provide actionable insights for listeners looking...
Jan 13, 2025•40 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the significance of human connection, especially in the context of digital learning environments. They explore how authentic relationships can be fostered online, the barriers to genuine connections, and the importance of empathy and motivation in education. Shaunak shares insights from his experience as the CEO of Yellowdig, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing human connections and the need for a supportive community in le...
Dec 19, 2024•39 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the transformative role of AI in education, exploring its evolution, implications for learning, and the importance of maintaining human connections. They delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including data security and the need for a collaborative approach in higher education. The conversation emphasizes the potential of AI to enhance engagement and creativity while addressing the challenges it presents. This amazing episode w...
Nov 19, 2024•40 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens moderates a discussion with L&D experts Tom and Heidi, exploring the latest trends, tools, and strategies in Learning and Development. They delve into effective communication tools, task management, project management, instructional design, and graphic design tools, emphasizing the importance of user-centered approaches and productivity in the L&D field. The conversation also highlights the significance of adapting to new technologies while main...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast If you're thinking about getting into the entrepreneurial space, this episode is for YOU! In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development I got to sit down with my new boss Shaunak Roy, founder and CEO of Yellowdig, to chat about the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of community and mentorship, and how to navigate the challenges of building a business in the EdTech space. We discuss the significance of self-awareness, the impact of AI on education, and the necessity of maintaining ...
Nov 06, 2024•40 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast Summary In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens and Aleza Jerome explore Aleza's journey from graphic design to a successful career in learning and development. They discuss the importance of real-world applications of instructional design, the value of networking, and the impact of a master's degree on career growth. Aleza shares her insights on navigating the learning and development field, the significance of collaboration, and the evolving landscape of technology in education. In this con...
Oct 25, 2024•42 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast In this engaging webinar, Holly Owens shares her extensive experience in instructional design and offers valuable insights into the interview process for aspiring instructional designers. The discussion covers key strategies for preparing for interviews, the importance of showcasing a compelling portfolio, and how to handle common interview questions effectively. Participants gain practical tips on maintaining composure under pressure and the significance of confidence in presenting oneself duri...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Holly Owens and Josephine Coco discuss the journey into the field of instructional design and technology. Josephine shares her personal story of returning to education later in life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the industry. They explore the value of pursuing a master's degree, the realities of freelancing, and the transition back to higher education. The conversation also covers practical advice for job seekers, including the...
Sep 18, 2024•59 min•Ep 152•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens interviews Isaac Herskowitz, the Dean of the Graduate School of Technology at Touro University. Isaac shares his journey from working at IBM to becoming the Dean and highlights the importance of practical education in the field of instructional technology. The Graduate School of Technology at Touro University stands out for its practical approach to teaching and its focus on preparing students for real-world careers in instructional d...
Sep 11, 2024•44 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast Some might ask... What is L&D? In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers possess. The hosts emphasize the importance of creativity and dynamic approaches in education and discuss the evolution of instructional design. They define learning and development as a broad fi...
Sep 11, 2024•36 min•Ep 150•Transcript available on Metacast The tables have turned and our host, Holly Owens is being interviewed about her experience as an Instructional Designer and her love for teaching by guest host, Shriti Panda, Digital Marketing Specialist at Touro. In this episode, Holly discusses her journey from being a high school teacher to working in higher education and corporate instructional design. She teaches courses on designing online instruction and emphasizes the importance of applying theories and knowledge in real-world projects. ...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Ep 149•Transcript available on Metacast Summary In this episode, Holly Owens covers navigating the learning and development job market, emphasizing networking, authentic connections, and the skills needed for success as an instructional designer. She advises job seekers to be selective and find their niche. Holly also compares instructional design in corporate vs. educational settings, noting differences in innovation pace and audience. She offers guidance on the value of a master's degree or certificate, suggests relevant program...
Aug 15, 2024•59 min•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast Payam Bina, the chair of the instructional technology program at Touro University, discusses the unique offerings of the program and its focus on integrating technology into educational and corporate settings. The program emphasizes small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and hands-on experience. It prepares students for the evolving demands of the technology and education sectors, including the use of artificial intelligence. The program also offers scholarships and financial s...
Aug 06, 2024•27 min•Ep 147•Transcript available on Metacast Summary In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Nicole L'Etoile, the founder and CEO of L'Etoile Education, about accessibility in learning management systems (LMS). Nicole shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a business owner and consultant in the field of L&D. She emphasizes the importance of creating a proactive culture of accessibility in organizations and provides practical tips for incorporating acc...
Jul 30, 2024•36 min•Ep 146•Transcript available on Metacast Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Jean-Claude Brizard, the CEO and President of Digital Promise. They discuss Brizard's journey in education and his role at Digital Promise. They also explore the challenges facing educators today, such as teacher shortages and the need for support and career growth opportunities. Brizard offers advice for teachers who are considering leaving the profession and emphasizes the importance of creating a career ladder in education. ...
Jul 23, 2024•32 min•Ep 145•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Taresa Scott, the founder of Bleuprint. They discuss Taresa's journey as a founder and the work that Blueprint does. They also explore the importance of creating a learning culture within organizations and the trends in L&D and e-learning. The conversation ends with advice for individuals looking to transition into a role in learning and development. This amazing episode was sponsored by iSpring Solutions Go check out all thei...
Jul 16, 2024•33 min•Ep 144•Transcript available on Metacast In this video episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens and guest Anna Poli from iSpring discuss the updates and new features of iSpring Suite Max. Anna showcases the iSpring Cloud platform and demonstrates how to use the AI assistant to generate course titles and quiz questions. She also highlights the ability to customize the design of learning content, adjust column widths, and add audio to answer choices in quizzes. Additionally, Anna introduces the iSpring Content Library, ...
Jul 10, 2024•45 min•Ep 143•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chief Impact Officer at AstrumU. They discuss the challenges of the current job application process and the need for a more equitable and effective system. AstrumU is a data and insights company that aims to level the playing field in the skills economy. They help individuals create verified skills profiles and work with learning institutions and employers to provide career insights and upskillin...
Jul 02, 2024•32 min•Ep 142•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we got interview the amazing Sean Jennison, the Senior DSP Learning Experience Manager at Amazon. Sean shares his journey into the learning and development space, starting from wanting to be a geography teacher to teaching English in Madrid. He discusses his role at Amazon, which involves developing learning strategies and delivering training interventions for last mile logistics. Sean emphasizes the importance of putting the learner at the heart of everything and seeking feedba...
Jun 25, 2024•27 min•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, the hosts welcome Julie Dirksen, an instructional design and learning development expert. They discuss Julie's journey into the L&D space, her new book 'Talk to the Elephant,' and strategies for designing effective learning experiences that genuinely change behavior. Julie also shares valuable advice for transitioning teachers looking to enter the instructional design field. Takeaways Transitioning teachers should consider the differences in daily tasks and energ...
Jun 11, 2024•37 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast Summary In this episode, we got interview Dave Fano, the CEO and co-founder of Teal. Dave shares his background and journey, from studying architecture to starting a consulting business and eventually being acquired by WeWork. He discusses the challenges and lessons he learned as an entrepreneur and emphasizes the importance of focusing on your craft and simplifying the job search process. Dave also explains how Teal helps users find their career path and navigate the job market by providing too...
May 13, 2024•48 min•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast In this live demo, Kavitta Ghai, the CEO and co-founder of Nectar, showcases Nectar AI, their newest product. Nectar AI is an AI assistant that can be customized for classrooms, providing personalized help and feedback to students. The AI assistant can be integrated into the LMS and is FERPA and COPPA-compliant. It can access uploaded documents and use general or limited knowledge from GPT-4 to answer student questions. The goal is to create an accessible and engaging learning experience for eve...
Apr 23, 2024•27 min•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Holly discusses the topic of transitioning into a career in learning and development (L&D), specifically in instructional design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic in the career transition process. She suggests five key steps to take before applying for roles in the L&D industry: 1) identify what you want in a role, 2) determine which sector of L&D you want to work in (e.g., education, corporate, government, freelance, etc.), 3)...
Apr 17, 2024•42 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, we interviewed Dr. Katie Wolfe-Burelson and Marissa Gilbert from Anderson University. They discuss the Instructional Design and Learning Technology program at the university. The program is a 30-credit hour, 100% online master's degree that offers courses on various topics such as instructional design, online learning, mobile learning, and media development. The program also emphasizes collaboration, both between students and with instructors, and provides op...
Apr 03, 2024•40 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, we interviewed Spencer Sharp, a Talent Specialist at Field Pros Inc., who specializes in recruiting for the ed tech industry. Sharp shares his journey from being a STEM teacher to entering the ed tech industry and eventually becoming a recruiter. He discusses the qualities he looks for in candidates, including the ability to pivot, confidence, and soft skills. Sharp also emphasizes the importance of understanding the recruiting process and the challenges that com...
Mar 21, 2024•39 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, hosts Holly Owens and DaNadia Johnson interview Dr. Phil Hickman, the CEO and founder of Plabook, an innovative reading technology that uses artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and speech recognition to help children learn how to read. Dr. Phil shares his extensive background in education, from being a teacher, counselor, school psychologist, assistant principal, principal, to superintendent in some of the largest school districts in the nation....
Mar 11, 2024•36 min•Ep 134•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson delve into the intricacies of LinkedIn optimization, emphasizing the critical nature of establishing a polished professional profile. Key recommendations include utilizing a professional photo and cover image, crafting a compelling headline, and specifying your location. The hosts also advocate for featuring a portfolio or website link in the designated section. They caution against sharing proprietary content, suggesting a shift towards more generi...
Mar 05, 2024•38 min•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast In this discussion, Holly provides advice on how to navigate job descriptions when applying for roles in instructional design or the learning and development (L&D) field. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the sector you want to work in, such as corporate, education, government, ed tech, or nonprofit. Holly also suggest that applicants should not be deterred if they don't meet 100% of the qualifications, as many companies are open to candidates who meet 60-70% of the criteria a...
Mar 02, 2024•35 min•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast 
