Corporate Episodes
195
Oct. 6, 2026
195: AI, Business Acumen, and Building an L&D Career That Lasts
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.
Guest: Nicole Papaioannou Lugara
192
Sept. 21, 2026
192: Rethinking the Job Search with Dave Fano
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…
Guest: Dave Fano
188
Oct. 27, 2025
188: Navigating L&D Interviews: What Hiring Managers Are Asking Right Now
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.
Guest: Chelsea Maude Avirett
184
Sept. 24, 2025
184: How Do I Stand Out? — Be the Candidate They Remember in L&D
In this episode of Ask Holly, host Holly Owens dives deep into the essential strategies for standing out in the Learning and Development (L&D) field. She discusses the importance of crafting a compelling portfolio and resume, emphasizing storytelling and impact over mere tasks. Holly also shares insights on how to excel in interviews by showcasing authenticity and personal narratives. The episode concludes with a recap of key points and a bonus tip for leveraging video recommendations to enhance job applications.
Guest: Holly Owens
179
Sept. 3, 2025
179: Democratizing Content Creation: Shivali Goyal on Trupeer’s AI-Powered Magic for L&D
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Shivali Goyal, founder of Trupeer.ai, a platform that revolutionizes content creation for learning and development professionals. Shivali shares her journey from working at Boston Consulting Group to launching her own AI-powered startup. The conversation delves into the features of Trupeer, including its ability to transform rough screen recordings into polished videos and guides, saving time and enhancing accessibility for L&D professionals. Shivali also discusses the current funding landscape for startups, offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Guest: Shivali Goyal
176
Aug. 25, 2025
176: Audit Your Life: Leena Saleh on Turning Teacher Skills into Strengths for Corporate, EdTech, and Beyond
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes back Leena Saleh, a former teacher and current content strategist at Canva. They discuss the emotional journey of transitioning from teaching to corporate roles, the importance of networking, and actionable tips for educators considering a career change. Leena shares her experiences at Canva, the impact of educators in corporate environments, and the significance of building a personal brand. The conversation emphasizes the value of leveragi...
Guest: Leena Saleh
175
Aug. 20, 2025
175: Visible, Valuable, Hired: Stephanie Yesil on Career Pivots, Growth, and Why Your Next Job Won’t Be Your Last
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Stephanie Yesil, founder of Elevated Careers, who shares her journey from education to corporate learning and development. Stephanie discusses the importance of building visibility in a competitive job market, the resources she offers to help educators transition into corporate roles, and actionable advice for those looking to pivot their careers. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the role of AI in L&D, and the im...
Guest: Stephanie Yesil
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...
Guest: Dr. Nicole L'Etoile
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.
Guest: Chelsea Maude Avirett
168
July 28, 2025
168: Smarter, Faster, More Human: Fred Thompson on Designing the Future of Learning
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens interviews Fred Thompson, founder of Thirst.io. They discuss the intersection of technology, innovation, and learning, exploring the challenges faced by L&D professionals, the importance of personalization in learning, and how AI is transforming the educational landscape. Fred shares insights on building effective teams, the future of learning, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Resources mentioned in this ep...
Guest: Fred Thompson