We Made THE List!

Higher Education Episodes

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.
185
Sept. 29, 2025

185: Stop Teaching Like It’s 1999: Rebecca Barnes on Preparing Learners for an AI World

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens speaks with Rebecca Barnes, the program director for the business management and leadership degree program at Bellevue University. They discuss Rebecca's transition from a business background to education, the integration of AI in learning, and the unique needs of adult learners. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility in education, the use of technology and tools, and the power of storytelling in making learning engaging. Rebecca also shares insights on innovative learning approaches and offers advice for aspiring educators.
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.
178
Sept. 1, 2025

178: Teachers, You Already Have What It Takes: Kim Scott on Navigating the Transition from Classroom to L&D

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Kim Scott, a former teacher who transitioned into the Learning and Development (L&D) field. Kim shares her inspiring journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of identifying transferable skills, building a professional network, and documenting career achievements. She emphasizes the need for teachers to recognize their value and explore new career opportunities, especially in the evolving landscape of education a...
Guest: Kim Scott
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...
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...
162
July 7, 2025

162: Action First, Always: Karl Kapp’s Blueprint for Engaged Learning

In this episode of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Karl Kapp, a prominent figure in the learning space. They discuss Karl's journey from an instructional design intern to a respected educator and consultant. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Action First Learning,' emphasizing the importance of engaging learners through action rather than traditional knowledge transfer. Karl shares insights on practical applications in instructional design, a...
Guest: Karl Kapp
160
June 18, 2025

160: L&D Career Options Beyond Instructional Design

In this session, Holly Owens discusses the transition from teaching to various roles in Learning and Development (L&D). She emphasizes that instructional design is just one of many paths available in L&D, highlighting the growth of the industry and the importance of transferable skills from teaching. The conversation covers various roles such as Learning Experience Designer, E-Learning Developer, LMS Administrator, L&D Analyst, Learning Consultant, Training Coordinator, and Knowledge Manager. Ho...
Guest: Holly Owens