Higher Education Episodes

You Deserve a Happy Life Holly is finally back on the mic! After nearly a year away from podcasting, she’s catching listeners up on what’s been happening personally and professionally—from grief and family to leaving jobs, navigating the L&D job market, and figuring out what she actually wants next. This episode is a real-talk reflection on career, identity, and the reminder that your job is only one part of your life. Most importantly, Holly wants you to remember one thing: you deserve a happy life. Holly’s return to podcasting and what kept her away Navigating grief and putting family first Leaving jobs without having the next one lined up What Holly has learned from being back in the L&D job market Why your career shouldn't become your entire identity Figuring out what brings you joy and fulfillment Why you shouldn't wait for the “perfect” time to make a change

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...