BLOC Podcast

In today's episode,  I chat with my new friend, Dr. Owen Chamberlain, about pracademia and how we can narrow the gap between theory and practice by approaching what we learn in academia with more practical intent. We talk about the role of truth in learning and asking the kinds of questions that matter. Owen Chamberlain is a strategist, writer and speaker with 15+ years of experience in organizational transformation, remote work culture, and the future of leadership. He currently works at a Fortune 500 company, shaping strategy at the intersection of people, systems, and power.A British-born ‘pracademic', he is currently based in Colorado. Owen has a doctorate in education and critical theory, and his research draws heavily from Foucault, systems thinking, and lived experience. He is particularly interested in the evolution of professional identity, how invisible power shapes our working lives, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work.Owen has spoken at major conferences in both the US and UK on topics ranging from the future of remote work to the politics of knowledge in corporate systems. He is a guest lecturer, podcast contributor, and behind-the-scenes advisor to executives seeking to redesign their organizations with humanity in mind. His writing has been featured in business journals and online platforms.Before his current role, Owen held senior positions in both corporate and educational sectors, often serving as the bridge between legacy institutions and emerging models of work. His previous roles include strategic advisor, director of execution, and consultant on distributed teams and transformation initiatives.He is best known for blending sharp analysis with irreverent humor, frequently asking the questions others avoid, whilst delivering this with a Northern British accent. He's also after the perfect curry recipe.When not interrogating the cultural machinery of work, he spends weekends either hiking, fixing things, or playing music. He misses British pubs, but not British weather.Find him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/owenchamberlainWebsite: owenchamberlain.comOwen's suggestions for:Learning more about pracademia: Google "arts-based learning" and "arts-based research" to see pracademia in actionFor your general professional journey: do a therapy course to learn how to ask great questions and listen wellPlease don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig, if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities.To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this solo episode, I share 3 best practices for getting more or better leadership support for your learning initiatives based on my experience and research. Those three tips include: Knowing the common obstacles and how to overcome themAligning your work with business goals from the beginningShowing the impact of your work (going above and beyond survey and assessment data)Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig, if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities.To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Carrie Graham about how to consult with intention in the learning space, specifically how to treat clients and organizations with patience, respect, and grace when you begin work with them and have to tell them they're doing things wrong or poorly. With 25+ years of experience in instructional design and a PhD in adult/workplace learning, Dr Carrie Graham consistently transformed organizational training into measurable business growth. Her research and hands-on work with businesses has proven that effective learning strategies directly impact bottom-line results. After observing countless workplace training programs fail to deliver ROI, Dr Graham developed the ERA Training Method—a strategic framework that improves client training outcomes by 90% while accelerating business development. Business leaders who implement my methodologies report significant improvements in team performance, operational efficiency, and ultimately, revenue growth. Dr Graham's expertise helps companies identify training-related barriers to expansion and implement solutions that align learning initiatives with strategic business objectives. She's guided organizations through critical growth phases by ensuring their teams develop the exact capabilities needed to support scaling operations.Carrie's suggestion for someone getting started with consulting to try an focus in their strategy/vision? The best resource is your mind -- you have to understand your own process and document it so that you can implement it. To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode, I chat with Hanan Harb Sahourieh, author of Everybody, Be Cool! 6 Personal Development Lessons to Elevate Your Workplace Vibe. We talk about what it really takes to level up at work, from asking tough questions to embracing self-awareness -- with plenty of pop culture and real talk along the way. Hanan Harb Sahourieh is a writer, workshop facilitator, and learning & development strategist with over 20 years of experience in writing, marketing, and workforce development. As the author of 'Everybody, Be Cool!'—a practical (and real) guide to employee growth and communication—she's captivated audiences as a keynote speaker at events like the ATD Sacramento Learning Conference and UKG's Thrive Summit. Her insights have been featured in top industry outlets, including Training Industry, eLearning Industry, Chief Learning Officer, and Big Think.Hanan's mission is simple: to help people and organizations grow, connect, and thrive by developing essential skills like empathy, introspection, and curiosity. Learn more about her work and approach at everybody-be-cool.com.To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

Linnéa Sjögren is a Stockholm-based educational training professional passionate about creating learning opportunities. With extensive experience in planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating various types of training, she creates everything from classroom training to blended learning and e-learning.Having worked in organizations that haven't always had the resources to hire external support, Linnéa has developed the skills to build everything from start to finish. Instructor materials, participant materials, exercises, videos, audio files, podcasts, and infographics are just a few of the things she can produce.More about her work can be found at www.linneasjogren.se, and her educational tips are available under the hashtag #pedagogiskaverktygsladan or at www.pedagogiskaverktygsladan.wordpress.com.Linnéa's suggestion on honing in on your freelance skills? Ask your favorite AI or a friend "What it is I do that is so great?"Please don't forget to visit our brilliant sponsor, Yellowdig, if you're looking to create more engaging learning communities.To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode I answer the question "What process, model, or framework do you use for needs analysis? Does it have to be a formal process?"For some great questions to ask during needs analysis, visit the Ultimate Guide to Working with SMEs on the Useful Stuff website. For more on Roger Kaufman's work, I highly suggest visiting the HPT Treasures website! Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

On this episode, my friend, Lata Hamilton, returns to talk about her new book, Pioneer Your Career Change. Lata shares stories from her own career that taught her to have the confidence to do the kind of work she loves - and how you can find work that excites you too.   Lata Hamilton is a Change Leadership and Confidence expert who empowers ambitious women to carve their own paths in career, leadership, and life with confidence, authenticity, and fulfillment. A speaker, author, leadership trainer, and consultant, Lata has worked with some of Australia's largest companies on transformative initiatives, including global cultural shifts, digital innovations, and operating model changes impacting thousands. After tripling her salary in just three years to nearly $200,000, she is on a mission to help millennial women find their worth, step into their leadership, and embrace the magic of change. Make sure you go back and listen to Lata talk with me about change management in L&D on episode 55.Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

To end the year on a high note and to continue the celebration of 100 episodes of the BLOC, I'm sharing a replay of the #1 most downloaded episode of the BLOC of all time - a chat I had with my L&D BFF, Tim Slade. Tim Slade is a speaker, author, award-winning freelance eLearning designer, and creator of The eLearning Designer's Academy. Having spent the last decade working to help others elevate their eLearning and visual communications content, Tim has been recognized and awarded within the eLearning industry multiple times for his creative and innovative design aesthetics. Tim is also a regular speaker at international eLearning and instructional design conferences, a LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of The eLearning Designer's Handbook.I took it upon myself to recommend Tim's free community of eLearning professionals to anyone who is looking to get into instructional design. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

It's the 100th episode of the BLOC! On this episode, I reflect on how this podcast turned into an L&D business and how human connection is what separates us from the robots. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

This special episode is a replay of a live podcast recording I did with Tom McDowall on November 15 in London as part of the Learning Network's Connect 2024 conference. You can also find the replay (with video) on Tom's The iDeas Podcast. I also highly recommend joining The Learning Network if you want to connect with other brilliant L&D folks! In the episode, Tom suggests everyone read Human Competence by Thomas Gilbert.Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode, I invite all of you to join the Useful L&D Community I launched back in September. I share a little bit about why I started this (global - as I forgot to mention in the episode) safe space for aspiring, new, and expert L&D pros to connect and working together to make learning more useful. We are having great discussions, hosting events, and we're just getting started!Join us here: https://useful-stuff.circle.so/join?invitation_token=729b68d43899a5f480ee11363cc12b7a9b766573-aea3a980-a69c-4a70-b0f4-8d3b27a526c4Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode, I chat with Fred Thompson, CEO of Thirst, about staying current in L&D and how he's managed to continue to take a modern approach to L&D, despite beginning his career with Flash. Fred Thompson is CEO of Thirst and is a seasoned learning and development expert with over two decades of experience helping businesses create engaging learning environments that level up learner engagement.Fred has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have empowered employees to learn and develop in the most intuitive way possible. His insights into the latest learning technologies and trends have been invaluable to countless organizations looking to turbocharge their learning cultures with game-changing learning platforms.Fred has a passion for using AI and machine learning to create social learning experiences that meet the unique needs of each employee and help them enhance their skills and grow their careers.Fred's suggestion for taking a modern approach to L&D:Look at what influencers and your favorite people on social media are using to create content, and try creating a prototype!!Thanks for listening to the BLOC! To learn more and get more great resources: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

Dinye Hernanda is a distinguished practitioner in Learning & Development, known for her bold, results-driven approach. With a proven track record in building L&D departments for high-growth organizations, Dinye has made her mark across major corporations, tech scale-ups, and VC firms. Named one of the 'Thirty Under 30' in L&D in 2021, she is recognized for her unique ability to blend strategic vision with practical execution.Honored as Mentor of the Year 2023, Dinye is committed to elevating the practice of L&D professionals across industries. A global citizen, she divides her time between Berlin, Dubai, and Jakarta.https://www.dinyehernanda.com/Dinye's suggestion for learning a tool that isn't specific to L&D? Learn Canva.Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with my new L&D pal, Caner Akova, about how we learn in real life, how we can bring some of those best practices into workplace learning, and why it isn't happening more often. Caner is an L&D expert with global experience in higher education and multinational corporations and he's here to shake things up. He's passionate about cutting through the fluff, and uses real life learning to make workplace learning actually work. He likes tackling the brutal truths about L&D, delivering practical, no-nonsense solutions that work without the need to invest in a ton of different software and hardware.Connect with him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/canerakovaCaner's advice for those who want to start making changes to learning at their organizations:Watch how the people (and pets) around you are learning in real life.Make one small change at your workplace (without asking for permission). Assess the results, and add more changes or adjust accordingly. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, inspired in part by my new friend Molly's LinkedIn post about undergoing 10 job interviews for a contract L&D position, I talk about the dreaded job interview assignment. This episode is both for job seekers and hiring managers because I give best practices for what you should be looking for in a job interview assignment, including the following:Every job interview should be part of a structured process that is clearly communicated to candidates. This is what we DO as L&D professionals, we should be clearly communicating up front how many interviews, if there's an assignment, and the goal start date of the candidate. If given, job interview assignments should NOT be arbitrary - the assignment should clearly align with its purpose and HAVE a purpose. Is the purpose to show proficiency with a particular tool? Then, it should do that. It shouldn't be "create a 30-minute eLearning module on the topic of your choice" because that's what their portfolio is for. If the assignment is going to take the candidate more than 3 hours, it should be paid. Also, you should never use a candidate's work or ask for source files. If a job interview assignment feels icky, you should trust your gut!Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

On this episode, I celebrate the BLOC turning 4! Can you believe I started this podcast 4 years ago? I talk about the origin story of the podcast, some of the tips I've learned along the way, and recap the most popular episodes!Here's to more episodes of the BLOC! Thank you all so much for your support. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with engineer and founder of Teach the Geek, Neil Thompson, about how we can be better presenters as technical professionals or improve our training on technical topics, making them more useful for our audience. After one too many failed presentations, Neil Thompson, an engineer who worked in the medical device industry, knew he had to improve. He did so, and now, via his company Teach the Geek, he works with technical professionals like himself to improve their presentation skills. He's the creator of the Teach the Geek to Speak online public speaking course, geared towards those in the technical fields. He hosts a podcast, the Teach the Geek podcast, interviewing technical professionals about their public speaking journeys. He's also author of the book, Teach the Geek to Speak: a no-fluff public speaking guide for STEM Professionals and the accompanying workbook. To get in touch with Neil, please visit http://teachthegeek.com, and to check out the podcast, visit http://podcast.teachthegeek.com.Neil's advice for those who want to improve their presentation skills:Join your local ToastmastersThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I chat with my brilliant friend, Dr Linda Berberich about AI, learning technologies, prototypes, and how you're never too old to learn something new! Linda Berberich, PhD, is a behavioral scientist specializing in innovative, impactful, and immersive learning and intelligent, intuitive technology product design.  With an extensive background in data analysis, technical training, behavior analysis, learning science, neuroscience, behavior-based performance improvement, and sport psychology/performance enhancement, Dr. Berberich consults with clients developing innovative learning technology products, projects, and programs, especially for highly technical audiences, using her proprietary Level-Up Learning Framework. Her focus is on learning innovation, product/program/project vision, learning strategy, leading team ideation, rapid prototyping, and roadmapping the path to a fantastic final product in record time.LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-berberich-phd-3745004/LI business page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linda-b-learning/Website: https://www.lindablearning.com/Linda's advice if you want to get into AI and learning technologies?Find your favorite GPT and ask it to create a curriculum on any topic. Use that as a jumping off point to assess the quality of the AI, add and remove your own content, and create something amazing. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with Karen Vieth about her journey and time at InSync Training. We also discuss how to do a better job collecting learning data and connecting it to the business goals. Karen Vieth is a distinguished figure in the realm of virtual and hybrid learning, serving currently as the President & CEO of InSync Training. Her illustrious journey in education commenced within the academic sphere, progressively advancing to significant roles in teacher training at both district and national levels, thus cementing her status as a revered educational consultant. Vieth's ascent to the presidency in January 2024 was notably influenced by her substantial tenure at InSync Training, where she previously excelled as the Director of Training and later as the Vice President of Virtual Learning Solutions. During these formative years, she pioneered the integration of research-backed methodologies and professional expertise to develop learner-centric training experiences, setting new benchmarks for quality and engagement in virtual education. This rich background laid the groundwork for her visionary leadership, under which InSync Training has emerged as a beacon for pioneering accredited train-the-trainer certificate programs and customized virtual learning services. These offerings are meticulously designed to ensure optimal engagement, effective learning transfer, and enduring retention. Through her strategic foresight and dedication, Vieth has played a pivotal role in redefining the landscape of virtual education, thereby shaping her presidency at InSync Training.Karen's suggestions for digging into the data:InSync Training's Hybrid Learning Research ReportVirtual Learning is Real LearningThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend and colleague, Mallori Steele, to talk about how she landed in L&D and how she uses her strengths as a connector to create spaces for marginalized people to network, learn, and grow. Mallori is a multi-passionate and multi-talented Leader, Strategist, Solutionist, Entrepreneur, and Mom of 2. She is the CEO of Growductive Consulting, an L&D Consulting Agency, the Founder of the non-profit Black in L&D, and the visionary of the virtual conference, The Learning Exchange. Mallori is a connector! She strongly believes in the power of community and collaboration. She has a passion for helping people reach their full potential and has a unique skill set that allows her to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. A California native, Mallori lived 10+ years abroad in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Turkey. She currently resides in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. Mallori is launching her latest passion project, celebrating moms for Mother's Day. So, if you're a Bad-A$$ Mom, have a Bad-A$$ Mom, or know a Bad-A$$ Mom, register for the Bad-A$$ Mom event on May 9th: https://www.airmeet.com/e/3967c820-f793-11ee-84ef-3d68ce1df13cConnect with Mallori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malloristeele/Mallori's advice if you want to start something (a community, event, business, etc.):Focus on YOUDon't overthink itCollect your thoughts and resources in OneNote (or a similar notetaking app)Think about what you want and your capacityRealize that other people's advice is just that -- adviceThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode I answer your questions about inspiration, adding value, skills development, L&D tools, and the L&D job search! Here are some of the resources mentioned in the show:Bloc Podcast Episode 75: Why is There SO Much Bad Training?Bloc Podcast Episode 3: Positive Organizational Change with LaToya SmithIntro to Copyright for L&DThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I explain 5 helpful tips for making your training (and I'm talking ANY kind of training - job aids, virtual sessions, instructor-led, and even eLearning) more engaging. And if you know me, you know that I believe the best way to make training engaging is to make it useful. So, forget all the bells and whistles and gimmicks, and let's talk making training highly effective. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with my new friend, Yen Tan. We chat about why they founded Kona and how they've built a product that uses AI to help coach remote managers. We talk about why you shouldn't "slap AI on everything" and how we can take a more deliberate approach to using AI in L&D. We also explore some use cases where it can really help teams and managers be their best. Yen is co-founder of Kona, the AI-powered coach for remote managers. Yen's work on people-first leadership and employee happiness has been featured by The Guardian, Fortune, Yahoo, TechCrunch, Entrepreneur, Harvard Business School, Forbes, and more. They've led remote management, employee well-being, and feedback workshops at Mercury, Mailchimp, Circle, and more. In their free time, Yen likes exploring LA's bookstores and boba shops and convincing their partner that they could use another plant.Yen's suggestion for folks who want an intro to practical AI use:HBR's Guide to AI Basics for Managers ToolkitThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I talk about how I moved from an individual contributor role as an instructional designer to an L&D leadership role and give you tips if you're interested in doing the same. I talk about how to break it to your manager, how to create a plan to upskill, weighing the risks of staying at your current organization or trying to branch out to a new one, and how to get people leadership experience outside your full-time day job. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I bring Tim Slade back to talk about building your reputation on LinkedIn. We use it to look for work... We use it to find new clients... We use it to connect and learn about each other... But there's so much noise! How do we know what's real?Tim's suggestion for folks who are getting into instructional design? Read a BOOK - you're more likely to get expertise because of the time and effort it takes to write and publish a book than what FURUs can accomplish in brief social media postsTim's suggestion for people as they begin to post on LinkedIn?Be yourselfDon't try to create something that you're notWrite what comes to mindInclude what you LEARNED when you share a certificateThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat about the lessons I learned in 2023 and what I think are L&D's brightest possibilities for 2024. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I answer YOUR questions on L&D leadership, upskilling in tools, working cross-functionally, getting data for needs analysis, and more! Resources mentioned in the episode:Rachel Schell's Emerging Leaders in L&DScreenPal (which I referred to by its former name, Screencast-o-matic)OpenShot Video EditorAudacityCanvaThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Waddams -- or Han -- from MAAS Marketing about why you need a marketing strategy for learning projects and what other best practices we can borrow from our marketing departments!Marketing for learning® expert, Han is part of the duo that make up MAAS Marketing. With over a decade of experience, Han is on a mission to help L&D embrace the power of marketing within their function (and get the learner engagement we all so want!)Here's where you can connect with Han:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahwaddams/ https://www.maas-marketing.co.uk/ https://www.maas-marketing.co.uk/podcast/ Hannah's suggestion for starting to market your learning projects:MAAS Marketing's Guides (especially on Learner Personas!)Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with Rachel Koblic about why she isn't buying into the hype around hustle culture and how she founded Starling to support middle management. Rachel Koblic is a leader at the intersection of learning, design, and strategy. Her mission is to create high-quality learning for life in the digital economy, and foster nurturing and inspiring workplaces for the people around her. With nearly 20 years of interdisciplinary professional experience as both a doer and a leader, she is adept at designing effective learning programs, growing engaged and efficient teams, and connecting disparate dots to solve complex problems.Rachel lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with her partner Luke and their two dogs, three cats, and four chickens.Here's where you can find her:https://www.starlinglx.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkoblic/Rachel's suggestion for middle management to hone their skills:ChatGPT Premium Subscription (for ideas for questions, ways to solve problems, ways to word emails, etc.)Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, Alexandria and I talk about L&D from the healthcare lens -- but the conversation is important to ALL of us in L&D as we talk about the importance of remembering that there are solutions that aren't eLearning out there, we can learn a lot from UX design, and that proving our impact and being able to scale training is crucial to our success in L&D. With a decade of experience in the field of learning and development, Alexandria has had the privilege of contributing to the growth of individuals and organizations. Her journey began as a career development coach, where she had the opportunity to work closely with underserved populations in the nonprofit social services sector. Alexandria's passion for helping others led her to her current role as the Crisis Prevention Training Program Manager at one of New York City's largest hospitals.In her role, Alexandria is dedicated to providing professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to support individuals in crisis effectively. She also focuses on creating safe environments within organizations, prioritizing the well-being of employees and the communities they serve. Alexandria remains committed to enhancing human potential and fostering compassionate workplaces.Alexandria's recommendation for those who want to learn more about the healthcare industry:Road to Resilience Podcast by the Mount Sinai Health SystemThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

It's a short story, but as requested by Dr. Sonia Tiwari, who was interviewed in my last episode, I share the story of how I came to create training that was presented to actual astronauts! I also share a bit about what I'm working on today so that maybe we can find a way to collaborate. To learn more, visit www.heidikirby.com. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend Dr. Sonia Tiwari to talk about what it's like to pursue your PhD while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood. It's a bit different than your normal episode, but whether you're a mom considering a graduate degree or someone who wants to learn how to better support your family, friends, and colleagues who are juggling both -- there's good stuff for everyone. Content warning: at the end of the episode, Sonia and I briefly talk about post-partum depression. Dr. Sonia Tiwari is a Learning Experience Designer interested in creating children's educational products (media, books, toys, games, AR) based on qualitative research. Her current research explores ethical design of virtual influencers for children through industry collaborations in the San Francisco Bay Area.Sonia's recommended resource for mom PhD students:The Smart Way to Your Ph.D.: 200 Secrets from 100 GraduatesThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I share some previous episodes of the BLOC as well as some tips from my own personal experience being laid off (twice now). Here are the previous episodes of the BLOC I mentioned:16: Leveraging Your Linkedin31: Instructional Design Interviews35: Agile Unemployment with Sabina Sulat43: Musings from an ID Hiring Manager with Matt GjertsenThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I share some stories of bad training -- why I think bad training is so prevalent in L&D, based off my dissertation research -- and some of the things I think we can do to help. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

I finally get a chance to sit down with one of my L&D besties -- the one and only Tim Slade -- to talk about what you need to become an ID and how to present those skills in your portfolio. We tackle some common misconceptions and help you navigate through some of the noise!Tim Slade is a speaker, author, and award-winning freelance eLearning designer. Having spent the last decade working to help others elevate their eLearning and instructional design content, Tim has been recognized and awarded within the learning and development industry multiple times for his creative and innovative design aesthetics. Tim is also a regular speaker at international eLearning and instructional design conferences, a recognized Articulate Super Hero, a LinkedIn Learning instructor, author of The eLearning Designer's Handbook, and creator of The eLearning Designer's Academy.  I took it upon myself to recommend Tim's free community of eLearning professionals to anyone who is looking to get into instructional design. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with my pal Clea about reflecting on your first role as an ID and how to use that knowledge to find your SECOND ID role!Clea is an instructional designer who collaborates with cross-functional teams to design and deliver inclusive and impactful learning experiences for a global teams and internal communities. Keep up with her wildly-experimental, mostly-rambling blog at cleadesigner.com. Clea recommends just networking and connecting with people who are doing things similar to what you want to be doing as a way to build your skills for your second ID job. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, Matt Smith is back to ask me YOUR questions from LinkedIn. We cover things like L&D leadership, imposter syndrome, AI, and more! Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, Sam Kain of Purple Reset and I talk all about how handwriting helps with retention and how L&D professionals might benefit from incorporate writing into their work and into their own practice as a tool. Sam Kain has been a project manager for 8 long years now, and she will tell you, it's been quite the ride. But despite her professional background, she's always been a creative at heart. Sam firmly believes that creativity is the key to success, both in and out of the workplace.Sam is all about getting things done as quickly and effectively as possible. She hates wasting time and resources, and she's constantly on the lookout for ways to optimize processes and improve workflows. But she will always go physical before digital.One thing that Sam is super passionate about is journaling. She believes that everyone should do it, no matter who you are or what you do. It's a great way to reflect, organize your thoughts, and stay on top of your goals -- which is one of the driving forces to build her own collection of journals and notebook systems for creative chaotic minds.You can find Sam on all social media platforms as @purplereset and on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-kain-twcwapm-ab9a9533/Sam's suggestion for how to get started:Purple Reset Bumper Pack of Journal Prompts (FREE!)Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with my friend Nicole Papaioannou Lugara about working with others (clients, SMEs, teammates, and stakeholders) and about learning with others through social learning. Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD, is the founder of Your Instructional Designer, a learning and people development agency committed to accelerating startups through enhanced operational efficiency and collaboration via our social learning solutions. An entrepreneur at heart, she is also co-founder of the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp,  Learn Getaway retreats for women entrepreneurs, and Recovery Education and Applied Learning, a platform for parents of children with substance use disorder. She is working hard to learn how to Her mission is to make learning that matters.https://www.yourinstructionaldesigner.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepapaioannouphdhttps://www.instagram.com/yourinstructionaldesignerNicole's suggestion for creating social learning experiences:Contagious by Jonah BergerThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

On this Q&A episode of the BLOC, I answer (from my experience and opinion) the following questions:How do I know what to put in my instructional design portfolio?How do I deal with a toxic boss who keeps giving me more and more work, doesn't understand how long ID takes, and who keeps expecting me to take orders without any pushback?How do I get my team to work more quickly and efficiently through the ID process?Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, Tom and I didn't have a plan... so we ended up talking about how nothing is really original in L&D and how the past can teach us lessons to take into the future. Tom McDowall has been making workplace learning work for people and businesses for the last decade. From sales and customer services to utilities, IT and some stuff that's still secret, he's stepped across industries with a single focus, helping organizations deliver by building performant workforces. Tom now runs Evolve Learning Design with his wife and a small team of learning geeks.He is currently the chairperson of The Learning Network, a community interest company created to support learning and development professionals, share best practices and elevate the industry.Tom also hosts the iDeas Podcast and the Instructional Design Tips YouTube channel.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcdowall/IDT: https://www.youtube.com/c/InstructionalDesignTipsTom's suggestion for a historical resource to learn from? The Republic by Plato, which you can find for free on MIT's The Internet Classics Archive.Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

Whether you're looking for a new career in L&D, a promotion, a new organization, or just looking to stay right where you are but grow and learn more, this episode is a quick chat about how to set professional development goals for 2023. I believe in having two kinds of goals: one that enhances your career and one that enhances your soul/heart. Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with my L&D BFF and the other half of Useful Stuff, Matt Smith, about the trends we saw in L&D in 2022, why L&D should be more boring and useful, and future predictions for 2023. Matt Smith has been in L&D for 14 years working as an internal L&D professional, trainer, consultant, freelancer and ran a learning agency in Australia. He's also the co-founder of Useful Stuff (https://www.getusefulstuff.com/).Matt's suggestion for L&D pros as they head into 2023:The L&D Word Project (https://www.getusefulstuff.com/words). Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with Zahra Davidson of Huddlecraft about peer-to-peer learning and how we can learn better together. Zahra is Chief Exec of Huddlecraft. a Community Interest Company who help people and organizations wield the ‘power of peer groups'. Over the next decade, people face the steepest collective learning curve in history. Huddlecraft exists to spark a surge of peer-to-peer learning that can help us climb this curve. There are lots of ways to get involved with Huddlecraft.Join a Huddle: purposeful peer groups that tackle a learning journey together. There are Huddles open around a range of themes locally and globally, from parenting, to going beyond burnout, to reimagining hope. Check them out: huddlecraft.com/huddlesSign up for Huddlecraft 101: a 7 session immersive training that will teach you how to apply the power of peer groups within your own work. The next programme will start in May 2023: huddlecraft.com/101Follow Huddlecraft on socials:Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/enrol-yourselfInstagram https://www.instagram.com/huddle.craft/Twitter https://twitter.com/HuddlecraftIf you can spot a way to collaborate or work together, get in touch with zahra@huddlecraft.comZahra's suggestions for more about peer-to-peer learning:Huddlecraft's ResourcesLiberating StructuresMicrosolidarityThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I take the time to share a couple of TRUE horror stories (with names and details omitted) from L&D horrors I've experienced in my time working in the field -- as well as the lessons I've learned from each. I talk about compliance training, meeting learner needs, projects that go off the rails, working well with others, and more! Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I talk to my new pal, Josh Cardoz, about how L&D is viewed in the business and what we can do to become better cross-functional partners with those in the business. Josh Cardoz is an independent Digital Learning Strategist - with over a decade's experience helping organizations go digital the right way, fine-tune their strategy and create amazing things together. He was previously Head of Digital Learning Experience at a large professional services firm, and prior to that, Principal Learning Strategist at a creative digital learning agency. Josh also teaches at the University of Toronto, and is the creator and producer of Digital Learning Done Right - an audio series catered to supporting digital learning leaders and their organizational strategies. Anything at the intersection of design, story, learning and technology (and sarcasm) - that's where you'll find him. www.digitallearningdoneright.com  Josh's suggestion for impacting the business:Watch the movie Inception (2010)Thanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat a bit about what I think is an unnecessary separation of theory and practice in L&D, including how that separation has impacted me as a PhD student in instructional design and technology and also as an instructional design and L&D leader in the field. I also suggest following or consuming content by some amazing folks who are constantly encouraging evidence-informed, research-informed, and data-driven practice:Data-Driven Learning Resources from Lori Niles-HofmannEvidence-Informed Learning Design by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. KirschnerEamonn PowersMatt SmithUseful StuffThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

In this episode, I chat with my friend McKenzie Day about her journey from instructional designer to senior instructional designer and how she upskilled and leveraged her network to find a new role and a promotion! McKenzie Day is a Senior Technical Instructional Designer who creates digital learning experiences with purpose. With a background in education, McKenzie started off as an ID in the financial services sector before making the move to tech and joining a software company. Her career has led her to diverse communities of learners all over the planet- from Antigua to Quito to Hong Kong to Atlanta to Indianapolis. She is an active advocate for DEI initiatives in the workplace, and lives those values by instilling authenticity, inclusivity, and autonomy into her work. Outside of L&D, McKenzie is a voracious bookworm and the member of a feminist community choir.You can connect with McKenzie on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenzieday123/) or check out her website at www.mckenzieAday.com.McKenzie's suggestion for anyone looking for a promotion:The HerMoney podcast with Jean ChatzkyThanks for listening to the BLOC! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/Or check out what I'm working on over at https://www.getusefulstuff.com/

On this Q&A episode of the BLOC, I answer (from my experience and opinion) the following questions:How do we get people to use all these new courses we've given them?What is the difference between L&D and instructional design?How do I know which people to follow on LinkedIn - which people are quality and who is just trying to sell something? And how do I network with those people?I know it's not okay to lie about previous titles on my resume, but what do I do about my LinkedIn headline?Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com

In this episode, I chat with my teammate at Pantheon, Bela Gaytan, about accessibility - not only how to create more accessible experiences for our learners but also some common misconceptions about accessibility - such as what is a disability? And can we make something 100% accessible? Known for her authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability, Bela Gaytan (she/her) unapologetically disrupts spaces to create change.  She leverages her lived experiences and intersectional identities as a neurodivergent, queer, physically disabled Latina to educate folks on disability, accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and equity.She is a Technical Instructional Designer at Pantheon (https://pantheon.io) on the Customer Education team with Heidi Kirby (yay), as well as the co-lead of Pantheon's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and an active member of the DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility) task force.  She also works as the Community and Social Media Manager for The eLearning Designer's Academy (https://elearningacademy.io) with her mentor, Tim Slade.  In her free time, she is a WordPress Web Developer, a fierce DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility) advocate, speaker, and coach.You can connect with Bela on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/belagaytan), Twitter (https://twitter.com/belagaytan), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/belagaytan), Medium (https://belagaytan.medium.com), or on her website (https://belagaytan.com) where you can sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on cool crap! :)Bela's suggestion for learning more about accessibility:Web Accessibility in Mind (WebAIM): (https://webaim.org/)

In this episode, I share four ways for L&D to get a seat at the table:Stop complaining that we don't have a seat at the table.Work on discovering the problem, not immediately sharing a solution.Broaden the metrics we use to define success.Work with, not against, the other areas of business. Don't forget to sign up for the Useful Stuff newsletter (usefulstuff.email). Issue #2 is going to be all about how to determine what people need and how to determine business goals. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/