We Made THE List!

Culture And Leadership Episodes

182
Sept. 17, 2025

182: “Smarter Than the Machines”: Andy Shean on AI Literacy, Human Ingenuity, and the Future of Learning

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews Andy Shean, the Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group. They discuss the transformative power of technology in education, the need for reimagining traditional educational pathways, and how Penn Foster is making education accessible and career-aligned for working adults. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in education and offers valuable advice for aspiring learning and development professionals
Guest: Andrew Shean
181
Sept. 15, 2025

181: From Stage to STEM: Dr. Jennifer Berry on Designing Delight, Doing Hard Things, and Driving Real-World Skills

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, who shares her inspiring journey from professional dance to leading a STEM education organization. Dr. Berry discusses the importance of STEM identity in learners, SmartLab's mission to create engaging learning environments, and how they prepare students for a future influenced by AI. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders and CEOs, emphasizing curiosity, learning without expectations, and staying rooted in one's values.
180
Sept. 8, 2025

180: Disney World & Taylor Swift on L&D: How to Spark Magic, Build Community, and Turn Learners into Superfans

In this episode, Holly Owens explores the intersection of Learning and Development (L&D) with the engaging experiences offered by Disney and Taylor Swift. She emphasizes the importance of creating loyal learners by designing immersive and emotionally connected learning experiences. By drawing parallels between the fandoms of Disney and Taylor Swift, Holly discusses how storytelling, community building, and authenticity can enhance learner engagement and retention. The episode encourages instructional designers to think creatively about their courses, making them more than just checklist items, and to foster a sense of belonging among learners.
177
Aug. 27, 2025

177: Lead It Like Lasso, Live It Like You: Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio on Becoming Your Own CEO

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio discuss the transformative journey from education to entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from the popular show Ted Lasso. They explore the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and creating value in one's career. Marnie and Nick share insights from their new book, 'The Business of You,' which encourages individuals to take charge of their lives and careers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of leadership, resil...
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...
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...
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