Career Development Episodes

This category provides insights and strategies for personal and professional growth, including job searching, transitioning careers, and developing skills necessary for success in learning and development.
174
Aug. 18, 2025

174: Making the Invisible Visible: Nicole L’Etoile on Building Inclusive Futures—Starting Now

In this episode, Holly Owens and Nicole L'Etoile discuss the critical importance of accessibility in education and corporate environments. They explore the need for proactive approaches to accessibility, the challenges faced by organizations, and the upcoming federal regulations that will impact compliance. Nicole shares insights from her accessibility cohorts and community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of networking and continuous learning for educators transitioning into accessibilit...
173
Aug. 13, 2025

173: Stop Selling Yourself Short: Quantify Your Impact and Land Your Next Role with Josh Czupryk

In this episode of Ed Up L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Josh Czupryk, the creator of the K-12 job board blast. They discuss Josh's journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, the challenges educators face when transitioning careers, and the importance of quantifying experiences in resumes. Josh shares insights on the current education landscape, opportunities for teachers in L&D and EdTech, and practical advice for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs. Resources mentioned in this episode: JO...
Guest: Josh Czupryk
172
Aug. 12, 2025

172: The Future Is Built, Not Found: Dr. Jarrett Carter on Designing Equitable Careers with Purpose

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens welcomes back Dr. Jarrett Carter to discuss his journey since their last conversation, including his experiences with burnout, redefining success, and launching his own business, Collaboratix. They explore the importance of authentic leadership, networking, and building trust in remote teams, while also providing valuable advice for transitioning educators. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-advocacy, the complexities of personal identity in pr...
171
Aug. 6, 2025

171: Stop Waiting for Permission—Start Leading with Joy: James Gilchrist on Finding Work That Fits You

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews James Gilchrist, an influential figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) space. James shares his unique journey from theater to L&D, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the transformative role of AI in creating engaging learning experiences. He offers valuable insights for those transitioning into L&D, highlighting the significance of networking and focusing on what brings joy in one's career. The c...
170
Aug. 4, 2025

170: Don’t Just Apply—Align: What’s Actually Hiring Now (And Why Clarity Matters) with Chelsea Maude Avirett

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens and Chelsea Maude Avirett discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&D), focusing on career transitions, job market saturation, the impact of AI, and strategies for standing out in job applications. They emphasize the importance of networking and community in L&D, as well as future trends in the industry.
169
July 30, 2025

169: You’re Not Just a Teacher: Lisa Harding’s Blueprint for Career Reinvention

In this episode, Holly Owens interviews Lisa Harding, co-founder of the Teacher Career Transition Academy. They discuss Lisa's journey from the EdTech world to helping teachers transition into new careers. The conversation covers the importance of clarity before action, the emotional challenges teachers face when leaving the classroom, and the significance of networking and transferable skills in the job market. Lisa shares practical advice for teachers looking to make a career shift, emphasizin...
Guest: Lisa Harding
167
July 23, 2025

167: How to Stop Losing Great People: Taresa Scott’s "Bleuprint" for Onboarding, Culture, and Manager Growth

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes back Taresa Scott, founder of Bleuprint, to discuss the critical aspects of onboarding, employee retention, and the role of middle management in organizational success. Taresa emphasizes the importance of effective onboarding experiences, the need for continuous learning, and how middle managers can significantly impact company culture. The conversation also touches on navigating job interviews, the evolving landscape of learning and develop...
Guest: Taresa Scott
165
July 16, 2025

165: From “Not Yet” to “Now”: Ben Erwin on Turning Rejection Into Reinvention

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Ben Erwin shares his journey from being a writing instructor to becoming an instructional designer at Purdue University. He discusses the challenges of burnout in education, the importance of community and networking, and how LinkedIn played a crucial role in his career transition. Ben emphasizes the need for work-life balance and offers valuable advice for those looking to shift careers, highlighting the significance of self-reflection and the u...
Guest: Ben Erwin
164
July 14, 2025

164: Create What’s Missing: Cedric Scott, Jr. on Representation, Reinvention, and STEM

In this episode of Ed Up Learning and Development, host Holly Owens speaks with Cedric Scott Jr., an educator and edtech influencer, about his journey from a background in chemistry to becoming a leader in the education space. They discuss Cedric's mission to improve STEM education for underserved communities, the importance of representation in the classroom, and the role of AI in education. Cedric shares insights on how to leverage strengths for career transitions and emphasizes the significan...
163
July 9, 2025

163: Transforming Doubt into Drive: Whitney Kilgore’s Path from Educator to Entrepreneur

In this episode, Whitney Kilgore shares her inspiring journey from being a first-grade teacher to co-founding iDesign, a leading organization in instructional design. She discusses the importance of recognizing educators' skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the evolution of online education, especially during the pandemic. Whitney emphasizes the need for continuous learning, networking, and adapting to new technologies in the education sector. She also provides valuable advice for transiti...