Career Development Episodes

What’s next for educators who are ready for a change? In this episode, Holly Owens sits down with Devin Lewis, founder of Next Ground, to discuss career transitions, professional growth, and the opportunities available to educators both inside and outside the classroom. Devin shares what inspired him to create a career navigation platform designed to help educators find their next path without having to figure it all out alone.

Episode Overview What happens when organizations expect employees to embrace change without the support they need? And how can experienced learning and development professionals stand out in an increasingly automated job market? In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens sits down with Kristen Lee, a learning strategy and organizational change leader, to explore the intersection of L&D, change management, AI, and the future of work. With nearly 20 years of experience across financial...

In Episode 195 of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens sits down with learning experience consultant Sydne Kasle for a special HIRE THIS PERSON episode highlighting the talent, experience, and perspective that hiring managers shouldn't overlook. With nearly four decades of teaching experience, Sydne brings a unique perspective to instructional design, combining human communication, pedagogy, and a deep understanding of how people learn. She shares why organizations should stop overlooking transitioning teachers for L&D roles and start recognizing the transferable skills they bring to the table.

In this episode, Holly sits down with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, founder of Your Instructional Designer, to talk about the changing world of learning and development and what it takes to build a sustainable career in an industry that continues to evolve. From the rise of AI to the expanding role of instructional designers, Holly and Nicole have an honest conversation about what is happening in L&D, what professionals need to pay attention to, and how to prepare for what comes next.

This episode was previously recorded as a LinkedIn Live on 9/23/26. Holly kicks off the live session with a little housekeeping before inviting listeners to reflect on their own career journeys. The conversation dives into what it really means to build a career around your strengths, and why the experiences that seem unrelated at the time can actually become some of your greatest career assets.

What does it really mean to find a career that feels fulfilling—and how do you navigate the job search when the market feels harder than ever? In this episode of EdUp L&D, I’m joined by Dave Fano, founder of Teal, a career platform designed to help job seekers take more control of their search. Dave and I talk about what people are really looking for in their careers, why the current job market can feel so frustrating, and how AI is changing the way we search for and communicate about jobs. We also dig into something I think gets overlooked way too often: excitement. What if finding a job isn’t just about checking the right boxes, but about finding work that genuinely energizes you? Dave shares his perspective on approaching the job search more objectively, staying authentic throughout the process, creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, and navigating a job market that continues to evolve. If you’re job searching, thinking about your next career move, or si…

In this episode, Holly Owens breaks down how she landed multiple roles without submitting traditional job applications—by focusing on visibility, trust, and relationship-building instead of mass applying. Holly shares why the “spray and pray” approach to job searching is outdated and often ineffective, especially in Learning & Development. Instead, she makes the case for showing up consistently, building genuine relationships, and becoming a known, trusted voice in your field. Drawing from her...

In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens and Chelsea Maude Avirett discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development, particularly focusing on the interview process and job searching strategies. Holly shares her journey from teaching to instructional design, highlighting the importance of resources for job seekers. They explore trends in interviews, the impact of AI, and the differences between corporate and higher education interviews. Networking strategies and the significance of confidence in job searching are emphasized, encouraging listeners to value their experiences and create opportunities for themselves.

In this “Ask Holly” edition of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, Holly Owens shares her personal journey and insights on navigating career transitions, particularly for those moving into learning and development roles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's direction, taking actionable steps, and building a portfolio. Holly also discusses the significance of community engagement and maintaining a positive mindset while overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to approach job searching and professional growth.

In this episode, Holly Owens interviews Ashley Lonie, CEO and founder of Teamed. They discuss Ashley's journey from being a teacher to leading a platform that connects professionals in learning and development with job opportunities. The conversation covers the importance of understanding career paths in L&D, the significance of bridge jobs, the dynamics of the job market, and how to leverage AI in job searches. They also emphasize the need for upskilling, building a strong portfolio, and the value of community connections in navigating the professional landscape.