BLOC Podcast
Heidi Kirby
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The BLOC (Building Learning and Organizational Culture) Podcast is a learning and development podcast where Heidi Kirby talks to professionals in the field who are passionate about finding creative, innovative ways to bring learning front and center at their organizations and beyond.
Available episodes
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Nov 21, 2023
82: Ask Heidi
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&D
* ScreenPal (which I referred to by its former name, Screencast-o-matic)
* OpenShot Video Editor
* Audacity
* 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/
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Nov 7, 2023
81: Marketing Your Learning Projects with Hannah Waddams
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/
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Oct 17, 2023
80: Fighting Hustle Culture and Supporting Middle Management with Rachel Koblic
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/
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Sep 26, 2023
79: L&D for the Healthcare Industry with Alexandria Schefman
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 System
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/
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Sep 5, 2023
78: How I Came To Create a Training for Astronauts
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/
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Aug 8, 2023
77: Balancing a PhD with Motherhood with Dr. Sonia Tiwari
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 Graduates
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/
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Jul 18, 2023
76: Laid Off in L&D
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 Linkedin
* 31: Instructional Design Interviews
* 35: Agile Unemployment with Sabina Sulat
* 43: Musings from an ID Hiring Manager with Matt Gjertsen
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/
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Jun 27, 2023
75: Why is There SO Much Bad Training?
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/
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Jun 6, 2023
74: The Skills You ACTUALLY Need for your ID portfolio with Tim Slade
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/
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May 16, 2023
73: Finding your Second ID Job with Clea Mahoney
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/
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Apr 25, 2023
72: Ask Heidi (with guest host Matt Smith)
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/
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Apr 4, 2023
71: Journaling and Handwriting for Learning with Sam Kain
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…
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Mar 14, 2023
70: Working and Learning with Others with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD
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.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepapaioannouphd
https://www.instagram.com/yourinstructionaldesigner
Nicole's suggestion for creating social learning experiences:
* Contagious by Jonah B…
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Feb 21, 2023
69: Dear Heidi 3
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/
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Jan 31, 2023
68: What the History of L&D Can Teach Us with Tom McDowall
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/InstructionalDesignTips
Tom's suggestion for a historical resource…
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Jan 10, 2023
67: Creating a Professional Development Plan for 2023
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/
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Dec 27, 2022
66: L&D Trends and Wrapping Up 2022 with Matt Smith
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/
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Dec 13, 2022
65: Peer-to-peer Learning with Zahra Davidson
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/huddles
Sign 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/101
Follow Huddlecraft on socials:
Linkedin h…
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Nov 29, 2022
64: Horror Stories from L&D
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/
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Nov 15, 2022
63: The Business Perception of L&D with Josh Cardoz
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 m…
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Nov 1, 2022
62: Theory and Practice in L&D
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-Hofmann
* Evidence-Informed Learning Design by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner
* Eamonn Powers
* Matt Smith
* Useful Stuff
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/
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Oct 18, 2022
61: Moving from ID to Senior ID with McKenzie Day
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 ww…
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Oct 4, 2022
60: Dear Heidi 2
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?
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/
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Sep 20, 2022
59: Accessibility with Bela Gaytan
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 Designe…
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Sep 6, 2022
58: 4 Ways for L&D to Get a Seat at the Table
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/
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/
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Aug 23, 2022
57: Content Curation and Creation with Lavinia Mehedintu
On this episode, I chat with co-founder of Offbeat, Lavinia Mehedintu, about creating a podcast, starting a business, and curating content.
Lavinia Mehedintu has been designing learning experiences and career development programs for the past 9 years both in the corporate world and in higher education. As a Co-Founder and Learning Architect @Offbeat she’s applying adult learning principles so that learning & people professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow. She’s passionate about social learning, behavior change, and technology and constantly puts in the work to bring these three together to drive innovation in the learning & development space.
Visit Offbeat: offbeat.works
Lavinia's suggestion for inspiration: producthunt.com
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/
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.c…
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Aug 9, 2022
56: Learning Myths with Dr. Kuva Jacobs
In this episode, Dr. Kuva Jacobs and I break down 4 major learning myths: the learning pyramid, the Forgetting Curve, learning styles, and microlearning as the answer to the world's problems. If you've encountered any of these on social media lately, you should tune in!
Kuva's passion for learning design seeded from a PhD in mathematics when she created visual, interactive, flash based modules that brought complex mathematical equations - like sorting algorithms and spring oscillations - to life.
This drive to create innovative learning solutions has led Kuva into the corporate space, where she's had the excitement of contributing to a wide range of learning & development projects, across all stages of their lifecycle.
Feel free to connect with Kuva on LinkedIn, where she regularly sparks controversial learning debates. Or come bust some myths at- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14108260/
Check out Kuva's company at www.emergentlearning.com.au
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https…
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Jul 26, 2022
55: Change Management and L&D with Lata Hamilton
In this episode, I chat with the brilliant Lata Hamilton about change management and how it's related to the field of L&D. We talk about the differences and similarities between L&D and change management as well as why change managers like to work with folks in L&D.
Lata is a pocket rocket burst of energy with a big heart... and big hair! She is the Founder & CEO of Passion Pioneers and the creator of the “Leading Successful Change” program. Lata has worked with some of Australia’s biggest companies, and tripled her salary in the space of just 3 years to almost $200,000. She moved from Marketing to the world of Organisational Change Management and developed her own style of inspiring change leadership. She’s worked on changes that have impacted over 100,000 people, global cultural transformations, operating model changes, and digital transformation that is literally changing the way that we work. In 2015, Lata became a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner…
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Jul 12, 2022
54: How Instructional Designers Should Think About Learning
In this quick solo episode, I reflect back on two years' worth of BLOC podcast episodes, talk about how I think new instructional designers (and even some of the most seasoned L&D professionals) should think about learning. I also share that Laura Hoyer and I are back and ready to run our ID Coaching Cohort this fall!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jun 28, 2022
53: 5 Instructional Design Interview Answers
In this episode, I answer some of the interview questions from my ATD blog article, "10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Instructional Designers."
Here's a link to the blog article: https://www.td.org/atd-blog/10-questions-to-ask-when-interviewing-instructional-designers
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jun 14, 2022
52: What Facilitation Can Teach Leaders with Bhakti Karkare
In this episode, I chat with Bhakti Karkare, founder of Third Loop Learning about what facilitation can teach leaders. We talk about how leadership has changed since the pandemic and Bhakti gives tips on how to be an inclusive leader.
Bhakti Karkare is the founder of Third Loop Learning. She is a Facilitation Evangelist, who takes simple, easy to use facilitation skills and shows you how to use them to become the leader you know you can be - one that inspires loyalty, creativity, and dedicated work. She has helped hundreds of leaders and managers become facilitators, and really, they discover their own authentic style of leadership that makes all the difference for their teams, and their career.
Bhakti's suggestion for growing your leadership skills:
* Timothy R. Clark's The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks for listening to the BLOC!
Connect with me on LinkedIn:…
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May 31, 2022
51: The Power of Play with Sarah Filman
In this episode, I chat with the founder of Playful Perspectives, Sarah Filman about how she helps develop teams and leaders through improv and play.
Sarah Filman (she/her) is a certified leadership coach, playful facilitator, and improv comedian based in Seattle, Washington. She founded Playful Perspectives to support mission-driven individuals, leaders, and teams to grow, connect, and create to transform themselves and the world. Grounded in leadership and people management experience in both tech and non-profit organizations, she's passionate about the power of play to support radical growth, inclusive spaces, and thriving teams.
Visit Sarah's website at: https://www.playfulperspectives.com
Sarah's suggestion for those interested in learning more about leadership and power dynamics:
Cyndi Suarez's The Power Manual: How to Master Complex Power Dynamics
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks for listen…
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May 17, 2022
50th Episode Celebration and Reflections
In this episode, I look back at some of my favorite BLOC podcast moments, messages, and guests to celebrate the release of the 50th episode.
In celebration of the 50th Episode, I've created a document with all of the resources recommended by my guests over the last 50 episodes. You can find it here. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rCrOvsFGlwUaLRmn9l9r8KWqYa62GQk8ig7shFcLZgA/edit?usp=sharing)
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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May 3, 2022
49: Cohort-Based Learning in Eduflow with William Cronje
In this episode, I chat with my dear friend, William Cronje, about the cohort-based learning experiences, social learning, and William's career journey that led him to leading a cohort of 800 instructional designers from all over the world!
As an instructional designer and program manager at Eduflow Academy, William Cronje is the co-creator of the popular "Instructional Design Principles for Course Creation" cohort-based course. With over five years of experience creating online and blended learning experiences, William is a proud geek who is always eager to learn more about learning. His most recent fixation is finding ways to tap into the social energy of a learning community with the goal of finding ways to make online learning more engaging and valuable.
Eduflow Academy: https://www.eduflow.com/academy
Instructional Design Principles for Course Creation: https://www.eduflow.com/academy/instructional-design-principles-for-course-creation
William on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.c…
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Apr 19, 2022
48: The Core of Learning Culture
In this episode, I talk about learning culture - a term with a really broad definition that comes down to a human being learning. If we think about what it takes for human beings to learn, we can leverage those conditions to create a positive learning culture.
I also announce my new side hustle: learning culture and strategy consulting.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Apr 5, 2022
47: Psychological Safety and Advice for Toxic Work Environments
In this episode, I define psychological safety and explain why it's important in the workplace and what individuals in L&D can do to promote psychological safety in their organizations. I also talk about the traits of toxic work environments, how L&D can help make a difference, and advice for if and when you find yourself in a toxic work environment. As someone who successfully got out of a toxic work environment, this topic is close to my heart. I'm so proud to work for a place that has, even in my short tenure, encouraged me to show up as my authentic self each and every day.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Mar 22, 2022
46: Women in L&D Leadership with Alexandra Smith
In this episode, I celebrate International Women's History Month with Alexandra Smith, CPTM. We chat about what it's like being a woman leader in L&D and what you can do to learn and grow as a leader!
Alexandra Smith, CPTM, is a leading learner who leads leaders! She brings to her team her empathetic leadership approach. They get high-level projects across the finish line. Alexandra is a highly skilled, creative and experienced learning leader with a strong background in communications. She thrives on the process of training, motivating and directing employees in order to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth. Adept at addressing the needs of a wide variety of employees and customers, Alexandra's experience in past positions impacts others worldwide.
Alexandra's suggestions for women leaders in L&D
* Follow L&D leaders like Kassy Laborie and Elliott Masie on LinkedIn
* Attend conferences, like DevLearn (https://devlearn.com/) and the Training Industry C…
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Mar 8, 2022
45: Book Release Announcement! Graphic Design for Course Creators with Dr. Dawn DiPeri
In this episode, I'm bringing my friend, Dr. Dawn DiPeri back to chat about her new book, Graphic Design for Course Creators!
Her book is CC-BY, which means you can print, copy, paste, and re-use the content however you like as long as you give her credit. This also means that the web version is FREE!! You can find it here: https://graphicdesignforcoursecreators.pressbooks.com/front-matter/dedication/
Dr. Dawn DiPeri is a learning designer and graphic designer with over 15 years of experience working in the corporate sector in various capacities serving ad agencies, publishing firms, and as the owner of a certified minority women-owned business. Additionally, Dawn spent many years as a college professor teaching online, face to face, and in hybrid environments for both public and private universities. She has taught courses that range from new media literacies, educational technology, graphic design, animation, interpersonal communication, public speaking, and branding. Dr. Dawn DiPe…
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Feb 22, 2022
44: 3 Things You Can Do Now to Improve Scalability for Your L&D Department
In this episode, I give you 3 easy tips that you can start incorporating today to ensure that your learning and development department can be more scalable and can contribute the most resources and the most value to your organization.
I mention a few L&D communities in this episode:
* Tim Slade's eLearning Designer's Community: https://community.elearningacademy.io/home
* GLDC (Global Learning and Development Community): https://mygldc.com/
* TLDC (The Training, Learning, and Development Community): https://www.thetldc.com/
* 360Learning's L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-collective-launch/
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Feb 8, 2022
43: Musings from an ID Hiring Manager with Matt Gjertsen
In this episode, I talk to Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios about his recent hiring process to hire a new part-time instructional designer for his team!
Matt's journey into learning started as an Air Force Instructor Pilot where he also spent time teaching people to compete in half marathons and triathlons. After 9 years in the Air Force, Matt took his experience with him to SpaceX where he worked for 4 years as the manager of the Training and Development team. Matt left SpaceX in 2019 to start Better Every Day Studios with a mission of enabling as many people as possible achieve their maximum potential by transforming how small companies approach learning and development.
Matt believes excellence is repeatable and can be developed in everyone. By both believing more in and committing more to their employees, companies will far exceed their performance expectations and create a dedicated workforce of the highest caliber.
For more information on how Better Every Day Studios…
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Jan 25, 2022
42: My L&D Bookshelf
In this episode, I share with you some of my favorite books that are on my L&D book shelf.
* What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer by Dr. Luke Hobson
* Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen
* The Non-Designers Design Book by Robin Williams
* Designing for Modern Learning - Beyond ADDIE and SAM by Crystal Kadakia and Lisa M.D. Owens
* The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
* The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Enjoy!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jan 11, 2022
41: BLOC Party with Heidi Ranganathan, Elsbeth Seymour, and Sarah Natalie
In this episode, I talk to three of my favorite former educators who now have a successful career in learning and development. We talk about how they got there and what they've learned so far!
Heidi Ranganathan pivoted from bilingual classroom teacher to corporate instructional designer in 2021. She specializes in the alignment of organizational needs with learning objectives and partnering with stakeholders and subject matter experts to achieve the greatest organizational impact. A career transition is possible AND remember that you are the hero of your own story! You can read all the books, listen to many podcasts, and experiment with various authoring tools, but in the end it is how you take action, reflect, and keep moving forward to support your career transition. Outside of work, Heidi enjoys traveling and cooking up new recipes from around the world with her family.
Elsbeth Seymour started her transition journey in eLearning around January of 2021, while working fulltime as a…
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Dec 28, 2021
40: 2021 Retrospective
In this brief episode, I talk about my 2021 and give a challenge to all of you listening.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Dec 14, 2021
39: Trends in L&D in 2021
In this episode, I talk about three trends that have impacted L&D in 2021.
* Educators making a career switch into L&D/instructional design
* Microlearning
* Learning in the flow of work
Here are some links to things I mention in this episode:
* TLDC's free January 2022 event: The Road to L&D: From Teaching to Instructional Design (https://www.thetldc.com/)
* 7Taps (https://www.7taps.com/)
* The HPT Model (https://hptmanualaaly.weebly.com/ispi-hpt-model.html)
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Nov 30, 2021
38: The Pivoter with Ann Lopez
In this episode, I get to chat with Ann Lopez, creator of The Pivoter website, which is chock FULL of free resources for those looking to change careers and enter the field of L&D.
3 years ago, Ann pivoted out of teaching and found her true calling working in the education technology sector. In 2020, when schools were forced to move to remote learning due to the pandemic, she decided to transition back to public education and supported teachers with technology integrations.
She has since worked as a learning experience designer and is now a product operations manager for an ed tech company.
When Ann is not geeking out on new technologies, she's a full-time mom to two little kiddos and likes to work on some passion projects to help others. She's also a volunteer mentor for a group called Teaching: A Path to Learning & Development, where she help teachers who are interested in transitioning out of the classroom.
Here's a link to Ann's The Pivoter website: https://thepivoter.preview.s…
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Nov 16, 2021
37: My L&D Job Search
In this episode, I chat about 4 big takeaways I've found to be true in my recent L&D job search.
* Hone your search.
* Network, network, network.
* Practice self-care.
* Avoid toxic positivity.
I mention two great resources in this episode:
* Sarah Cannistra's The Overnight Trainer Podcast (https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ty9ns-1100e63)
* Subina Sulat's Agile Unemployment (https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Unemployment-Guide-Thriving-While/dp/1737718308)
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Nov 2, 2021
36: BLOC Party - Customer Education with Sarah Bedrick, Chris LoDolce, and Lindsay Thibeault
In this episode I talk to the founders of the Hubspot Academy, Sarah, Chris, and Lindsay about what it's like standing up a customer education academy, difficulties they faced, and fond memories they made. You are NOT going to want to miss the very first (but not the last) BLOC party episode!
Sarah Bedrick is an advisor for software companies looking to build and scale their Academy education initiatives. Sarah founded and grew the HubSpot Academy team from 2012 to 2017, and after that cofounded the fast-growing HR software company Compt. In her free time, Sarah is a personal and career coach, and enjoys exploring her new home in St Petersburg, Florida and living life through the eyes of her toddler.
Chris LoDolce spends his time professionally advising Customer Education/Academy Leaders of B2B SaaS Software companies on how to build and scale their educational content initiatives to drive top and bottom line growth. Chris was a founding member of HubSpot Academy in 2012 and in 2019-…
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Oct 19, 2021
35: Agile Unemployment with Sabina Sulat
In this episode, I talk to Sabina Sulat about her amazing book Agile Unemployment (https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Unemployment-Guide-Thriving-While/dp/1737718332) and what it is like to be unemployed, how to take care of yourself, and how to focus your search for the next step in your career journey.
Sabina is a graduate of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. While in school, she studied philosophy, mathematics, and physics. She performed her graduate work in Industrial/Organizational Psychology through Walden University, focusing on the impact of internet use on social interactions. Sabina has spent most of her career as an HR professional and Learning & Development executive for multiple organizations at a national and global level including Magellan Health, BlueCross BlueShield, the federal government, The George Washington University, and most recently, AstraZeneca. Sabina specializes in leadership development, change management, organizational development, and DEI. Along h…
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Oct 5, 2021
34: L&D and the Changing Economy with Chris Young
In this episode, I chat with Chris Young about the changing economy and its impact on L&D, what L&D hiring managers are looking for, and about BS words in L&D. :)
Chris Young serves as the director of Workforce Development, a section of the Human Resources Division at the Texas Department of Transportation.
Chris began his career in the U.S. Army. After the Army and then undergraduate work at the University of Texas, Chris served as a diplomat for the State Department where he led training programs overseas for foreign governments. In 2008, he left the State Department and went to work for a small business as a consultant to the U.S. Government – building and implementing training programs for the intelligence community – before moving back to Texas.
Chris has degrees from the University of Texas, an MBA from the University of Colorado, and a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology. Chris holds multiple certifications and is a member of research and professional committees f…
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Sep 21, 2021
33: Learning Culture and Mindfulness at Work with Roberta Dombrowski
In this episode, I talk to Roberta Dombrowski, VP of User Research, about how to encourage a culture of learning in your organization and what mindfulness in the workplace looks like.
Roberta Dombrowski, MS is the VP, UXR at User Interviews, a research recruitment platform aimed at helping teams discover and embrace user insights. Roberta previously led product research at Year Up, edX, and Pluralsight. In her free time, Roberta is an adjunct professor through Boise State University's Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) program and mindfulness teacher.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertadombrowski
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/robertalearns
Roberta's suggestion for those who want to make a bigger impact on the learning culture at their organization:
Teresa Torres' Continuous Discovery Habits: Discover Products that Create Customer Value and Business
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirb…
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Sep 7, 2021
32: Dear Heidi
On this Q&A episode of the BLOC, I answer (from my experience and opinion) the following questions:
* I want to get into an L&D career - what should I do? (or some form of this)
* What is the best way to tell someone, "Uh, no dude, that is not MY job, that is YOUR job"?
* I have a new learning program that I am trying to launch, and I just can’t get buy-in past my own boss. What can I do?
* I met with a SME last week, and I asked a TON of needs analysis questions that I don’t think she had even considered. She literally just came to my boss and tried to order an e-learning course on leadership. When I starting asking questions, she became really defensive. After the meeting, she emailed my boss and asked for a different instructional designer to be in charge of the project because I didn’t “understand her vision.” What should I do?
* I’m looking for more professional development opportunities in L&D. How do I know which conferences to go to and which conferences…
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Aug 24, 2021
31: Instructional Design Interviews
In this episode, we talk about instructional design interviews. What are the common questions that are asked? What are those questions trying to get at?
In this episode, I reference Nyla Spooner's "I'm New Here" podcast, which you can check out here: https://anchor.fm/nylalxd.
I also reference Episode 3 of the BLOC with LaToya Smith, which you can find here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1206305/4521908-episode-3-latoya-smith.mp3?download=true
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Aug 10, 2021
30: L&D Leadership with Sarah Cannistra
In this episode, I talked to Sarah Cannistra about L&D Leadership.
Sarah Cannistra is an L&D career coach and modern learning leader and consultant. Through her company, The Overnight Trainer, Sarah helps people looking to transition into an L&D career, as well as L&D leaders looking to grow their strategic learning mindset. She draws on over 10+ years experience in corporate L&D to provide both group and 1:1 coaching from an L&D executive vantage point.
Website: www.theovernighttrainer.com
Sign Up for Next Cohort of Group Coaching: https://theovernighttrainer.thinkific.com/courses/the-overnight-trainer-8-week-coaching-program-august-2021
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scannistra/
Sarah's suggestion for L&D leaders:
* Designing for Modern Learning: Beyond ADDIE and SAM
Here is the link to Sarah's AWESOME podcast: https://theovernighttrainer.podbean.com/
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks f…
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Jul 27, 2021
29: Avoiding L&D Fads with Dr. Julia Huprich
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Julia Huprich, Editor-in-Chief of Learning Science Weekly, about how we can avoid L&D fads or trends and focus on what really matters in the field.
Julia Huprich is the Vice President of Learning Science at Intellum, where she leads the initiative to establish evidence-based practices in corporate learning and customer education that drive real-world results. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Learning Science Weekly (www.learningscienceweekly.com), an outreach initiative that helps to bridge the gap between empirical research related to the learning sciences and the practice of professionals in the field. She earned her PhD from the Department of Learning Sciences at Georgia State University in 2020. A former librarian, she previously worked as the Director of Training and Continuing Education for the Georgia Public Library Service, where she provided e-learning and in-person training for Georgia’s 4,000+ public library staff.
Julia's suggestion for…
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Jul 13, 2021
28: User Experience Design with Mark Hoffman
In this episode, I talk to Mark Hoffman about user experience (UX) design, which is closely tied to learning design and why Mark, an instructional designer, has decided to take this career side step.
Mark is an educator and learning development professional who began his career as a high school social studies teacher and happily landed in the career of instructional design. Mark has a passion for leveraging technology to make materials that are respectful of learner's time, and are learner centered. He is currently pursuing a Masters in User Experience Design, and hopes to create thoughtful user-centered products upon completion of his program. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn!
Mark's suggestions for learning more about UX design:
* Career Foundry's UX Design Courses (Including a FREE e-mail short course)
* LinkedIn Learning's UX Design Courses (May be free through your local library!)
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.h…
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Jun 29, 2021
27: Creating Value as an L&D Department
In this solo episode, I talk about a couple of ways we can add value to our organization as an L&D department - by collaborating with our SMEs and stakeholders so that they understand the time and effort it takes to create learning experiences and by innovating and using a variety of tools to create learning experiences quickly and efficiently.
I mention the wonderful 7taps tool in this podcast. If you haven't tried it yet, you should because it's great!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jun 15, 2021
26: Getting into L&D for FREE with Cara North
On this episode, Cara North is BACK! We chat about the recent videos she's published to her Unfiltered ID YouTube channel, FREE L&D organizations you can join, and how you can move into the field of L&D and why it's important to continue growing as an L&D professional.
Here are links to the FREE resources discussed in this podcast:
* Teaching: A Path to L&D
* ATD (Association for Talent Development)
* TLDC (The Training, Learning, and Development Community)
* EdTech Books
* The Learning Guild
* AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology)
* GLDC (Global Learning and Development Community)
* L&D Cares
Please note - some of the organizations we've shared also have paid memberships and resources behind a paywall, but it is not necessary to become a member to access some of their free resources!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks for listening to the BLOC!
Connect wit…
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Jun 1, 2021
A 25th Episode Celebration
In this episode of the BLOC, I celebrate the 25th episode by playing the intro to every guest interview of the BLOC we've had so far.
In order of their appearance, you'll hear from:
* Eamonn Powers
* Dr. Luke Hobson
* LaToya Smith
* Jeremy Negrey
* Cara North
* Holly Owens
* Veronica Reed
* Alex Mitts
* Leslie Early
* Jenifer Johnson
* Sara Stevick
* Kate Udalova
* Dr. Dawn DiPeri
* Monique Danielle
* Matt Gjertsen
* Jonah Goldstein
* Margaret Boersma
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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May 18, 2021
24: Emotional Intelligence with Margaret Boersma
In this episode, I chat with Margaret Boersma about emotional intelligence.
Margaret Boersma, OCT is an educational consultant, trainer, speaker with proficiency in Emotional Intelligence. Her career in teaching, combined with her expertise in social/emotional learning allows her to assimilate the affective domain (people skills) in the context of a company’s goals. In the role of a catalyst, her innovative programs are experiential in nature and have participants highly engaged in creating memorable and practical integration into their workplace. Results are leadership skills, new models of communication and collaborative employees who embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Margaret’s use of brain-compatible strategies to engage and internalize learning makes the transfer of knowledge to life impactful.
To connect with Margaret for a FREE lunch and learn and to find out more about her work, visit her website, Creative Education in Action.
Margaret's suggestions for reading mo…
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May 4, 2021
23: Social Learning for Learner Engagement with Jonah Goldstein
In this episode, I talk to Jonah Goldstein about the cool projects he gets to work on at 360Learning, from the CLO Connect leadership interview series to programs for new leaders and ways to get everyone in the organization involved in learning.
Jonah has worked in education, training and development for 20 years. From academic publishing, to education policy with the United Nations, and corporate learning and development, he has held leadership roles in many organizations in both the United States and France. Today, Jonah leads L&D at 360Learning, the leading collaborative learning platform.
Check out Jonah's L&D interview series, CLO Connect (which was also his suggestion for a resource to check out if you are responsible for creating learning programs at your organization).
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks for listening to the BLOC!
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidie…
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Apr 20, 2021
22: Scalable Learning for Behavior Change with Matt Gjertsen
In this episode, I talk to Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios about how he helps small companies scale great learning experiences and how learning for behavior change is better than throwing information at people any day of the week!
Matt's journey into learning started as an Air Force Instructor Pilot where he also spent time teaching people to compete in half marathons and triathlons. After 9 years in the Air Force, Matt took his experience with him to SpaceX where he worked for 4 years as the manager of the Training and Development team. Matt left SpaceX in 2019 to start Better Every Day Studios with a mission of enabling as many people as possible achieve their maximum potential by transforming how small companies approach learning and development.
Matt believes excellence is repeatable and can be developed in everyone. By both believing more in and committing more to their employees, companies will far exceed their performance expectations and create a dedicated workforce…
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Apr 6, 2021
21: Employee Engagement
In this solo episode, I talk about how the learning and development function at an organization can help to contribute to employee engagement. We typically think of employee engagement in terms of how engaging our learning experiences are, but in this chat, I offer additionally ideas and ways to think about employee engagement.
If you want more ideas for employee engagement events with varying price points, here's a pretty comprehensive list from SnackNation!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Mar 23, 2021
20: Professional Voice Talent for L&D Projects with Monique Danielle
In this episode, I talk to voiceover artist, Monique Danielle, on why you should hire professional voiceover artists for your learning projects whenever possible. She also shares tips for amateur voiceover for those moments when you have to record your own voiceover for learning projects.
Monique Danielle is a friendly voiceover artist providing outstanding, vibrant voiceovers for eLearning projects and more. She tells stories with an engaging, approachable voice with a penchant for quirkiness! As a voiceover actor and a designated accountant, she's that one-of-a-kind left- and right-brained talent able to genuinely connect with your script as an artist and deliver results like a business professional.
Find her work on www.MoniqueDanielleVO.com or connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @Monique4Reals.
Monique's suggestions for learning more about voiceover:
* The Global Voice Acting Academy (lots of free resources)
* Gravy for the Brain (for those looking…
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Mar 9, 2021
19: Graphic Design Meets Instructional Design with Dr. Dawn DiPeri
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Dawn DiPeri about how she combines graphic and instructional design to run her co-owned small business, East End Advertising. She gives great tips on graphic design for new instructional designers! We even talk briefly about - gasp - COMIC SANS!
Dawn DiPeri is a Learning Designer at Harvard University where she works in the AERID lab helping a team of researchers migrate a face-to-face professional development teacher training curriculum online. Prior to working at Harvard, Dawn worked for the Center for Higher Education Leadership where she helped them rebrand themselves as Brighter Higher Ed. Dawn also helped them create courses for higher education professionals. Dawn has also co-owned a mbwe graphic and instructional design agency on the east end of Long Island for over 9 years. She has taught and designed college courses online, face to face, and in the hybrid modalities since 2012. Dawn writes and researches on topics of workforce development and e…
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Feb 23, 2021
18: 7Taps Microlearning with Kate Udalova
In this episode, I chat with Kate Udalova about her amazing new product, 7taps! We talk about how she came up with the idea, some of the great features, and a new 7taps course creation contest she is launching, which she announces for the very first time right here on our show!!
Here is a link to the 7taps contest!
Kate Udalova is the founder of 7taps Inc, a Florida-based edTech startup that allows users to create, share, and track stunning microlearning content - in a way that is fast and painless. Previously, Kate worked at a Belarusian consulting company where she was responsible for building and scaling L&D products and worked closely with clients as an L&D consultant.
Here is a link to the 7taps website.
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn.
Kate's suggestion for a great resource on microlearning:
Carla Torgerson and Sue Iannone's Designing Microlearning
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks for listen…
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Feb 9, 2021
17: Empathic Design: Building Learner Personas
In this solo episode, I briefly introduce the idea of empathic design to create a learner persona to best help learning and development professionals understand their learners' needs.
First, I briefly explain the Empathic Framework created by Kouprie and Visser.
Then, I introduce another form of empathic design, an Empathy Map that was first introduced to me by Connie Malamed but has since been updated into a new Empathy Map Canvas by Dave Gray.
Finally, I share an article, Building Empathy and Developing Instructional Design Experience and Skills, written by my Ph.D. advisor, John Baaki, and Jennifer Maddrell (who I worked with on projects that included the personas mentioned in the article).
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jan 26, 2021
16: Leveraging Your LinkedIn
In this solo episode, I give five basic tips for leveraging your LinkedIn profile as well as a couple of more advanced tips for LinkedIn users. I think LinkedIn is a powerful, professional social media platform that can be used for more than just finding a job!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jan 12, 2021
15: Transitions from Education to ID with Sara Stevick
In this episode, I chat with Sara Stevick, who is an instructional designer and the founder and president of Teaching: A Path to Learning & Development (TPLD) (formerly known asThe Next Step: Life After Teaching (TNSLAT)), a volunteer organization who helps educators transition into instructional design career roles. We talk about why we are committed to helping new instructional designers essentially become our competition, imposter syndrome, and some of the more surprising nuances of instructional design.
Sara Stevick is inspired to design, and designing to inspire! Finding ways to engage learners in eLearning, blended instruction, or teacher-led instruction is not just Sara's career path, it's a passion of hers. There is a complex puzzle to solve with each instructional design project and excitement to be had in finding the best way to solve it using tools/skills already honed or by developing new ones! Learning is not stagnant - it is ever-evolving, and Sara strives to stay ahead…
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Dec 15, 2020
14: Organizational Development with Jenifer Johnson
In this episode, I chat with my former manager, Jenifer Johnson, about organizational development (OD) (or, as I like to call it, instructional design's cousin) and how OD can transform your organization, improve performance, and engage employees. She also shares some tips for managing a virtual team and how to keep some of the work-from-home perks we currently enjoy after the pandemic is over.
Jen is currently the Senior Manager of Associate Experience at Dealer Tire in Cleveland, Ohio. As an Ohio native, she possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Communications with an emphasis in Business from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Master’s Degree in Education in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University. At eighteen, as first in her family, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Lorain County Community College through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO) two weeks before graduating from high school. She also holds a Profe…
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Dec 1, 2020
13: 2020 Retrospective
In this episode, I start by answering the question I ask all my guests, "Tell me a little bit about your career path and how you got into L&D."
Then, I reflect on this year and share one of my favorite resources to help you reflect on 2020 and set goals for 2021. YearCompass offers a free booklet that I used last year and intend to use this year as well! Scroll down to "Download Booklet," and choose your language and format preferences.
Thank you so much to all my listeners for your support! And to all the podcast guests who helped me get this thing off the ground in 2020, I can't thank you enough!
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Nov 17, 2020
12: Learning Controversies with Leslie Early
In this episode, Leslie and I talk about some of the controversial thoughts and ideas educators and IDs bring to the table: including pedagogy versus andragogy, where learning objectives belong, and the myth of learning styles. *Gasp* Leslie shares her perspective as both and educator and an instructional designer.
Leslie Early is an instructional designer focused on developing engaging digital content that incorporates the best of storytelling, graphic design, and adult learning theory. In a past life, she taught ESL and elementary education for 10+ years. Lessons Leslie learned there include the value of project-based learning and how to make lessons rewarding, self-directed, and fun.
You can check out Leslie's portfolio at www.leslieearlydesign.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Leslie's suggestion to read more on Learning Styles:
APA's Belief in Learning Styles Myth May Be Detrimental
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website:…
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Nov 3, 2020
11: The Arts and ID with Alex Mitts
In this episode, I talk to Alex Mitts about our shared undergraduate backgrounds in English Literature and our affinity for the arts and how that has shaped who we are as instructional designers. Alex gives advice to those who are looking to hone their craft and shares how "being obsessed" has helped him to transition from teaching to instructional design.
Alex Mitts currently serves as an Instructional Designer for California State University, Bakersfield and Bakersfield College. He is a former Instructional Technology Coach and classroom teacher. He has an MA in Educational Technology, a BA in English Literature, and is pursuing his preliminary administrative services credential. He is constantly developing himself to be the best asset he can be in the realm of educational technology and instructional design!
When he is not up to his elbows in academia, you can find Alex with his lovely wife at home with their two basset hounds, at Disneyland, crafting voice-overs, or on stage in s…
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Oct 20, 2020
10: Finding Your L&D Style with Veronica Reed
In this episode, I talk to Veronica Reed about developing your instruction design/talent development/learning and development style and why it is important for you personally as well as for your organization. We also talk about your ID/L&D philosophy, which goes a bit deeper and why it's important to be grounded in your style and philosophy and also to revisit them regularly.
Veronica Reed, aka "The Learning Queen," is a new Learning Experience Designer who has over 7 years of experience in Human Resources. Veronica is passionate about connecting the employee experience with the learner experience and discovered she could do this as a Talent Development professional. Veronica is an active volunteer for the ATD Dallas Chapter, where she helped to start the New to Talent Development Meetup, which focuses on providing resources for professionals new to the field.
Please visit Veronica's website https://thelearningqueen.com to learn more about her!
Veronica's suggestions for those who w…
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Oct 6, 2020
9: International Podcast Day Celebration
In this solo episode, I celebrate International Podcast Day by sharing some of my favorite L&D podcasts:
The Classics:
* The Mind Tools L&D Podcast (formerly known as The Good Practice Podcast)
* The eLearning Coach Podcast with Connie Malamed
* The Instructional Redesign Podcast with Cara North and Joseph Suarez
* Trends & Issues in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, & Learning Sciences Podcast with Abbie Brown and Tim Green
The Up and Coming:
* Dr. Luke Hobson Podcast
* That’s Awesome ID! with Leslie Early
* ifyouaskbetty with Betty Dannewitz
* I’m New Here: A Podcast for New Instructional Designers and E-learning Developers with Nyla Spooner
**Sorry that I say National Podcast Day in the episode. It's INTERNATIONAL! :)**
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com
Thanks for listening to the BLOC!
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/
Or check out…
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Sep 22, 2020
8: A Challenge for L&D Professionals to End 2020
In this solo episode, I issue a challenge for my fellow L&D professionals to do the following to finish 2020 strong:
* Keep up with and consume educational research,
* Find a new technology to try to help you design instruction,
* Have one difficult conversation that helps you gain a little bit more autonomy, and
* Set one last professional development goal.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Sep 8, 2020
7: Remote versus Online Learning with Holly Owens
In this episode, I talk to Holly Owens about how the media has given remote learning a bad reputation, and Holly talks about the difference between remote learning and online learning. She provides best practices for teachers as well as tips for those hoping to transition from education into instructional design.
Holly Owens is the Assistant Director of Instructional Design with Online Education at Touro College and University System. She has over 13 years of experience in education in various roles, including instructional technologist and high school educator. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in education, and instructional design. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Education Administration and Leadership with Touro University Nevada and will graduate in the summer of 2021. She has a passion for online learning and the opportunities this modality brings to students around the world.
Holly has presented at international, national, and regional conferenc…
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Aug 25, 2020
6: How To Be an L&D Professional with Cara North
In this episode, we talk to Cara North about how to professionally brand yourself as a learning and development professional. We also talk about graduate degrees for learning and development professionals, and although neither of us believe a degree is necessary for success in the field, we talk about some of the benefits we've seen to pursuing one.
Cara North is an award-winning learning experience designer and has been in talent and development for 10+ years, working in both higher education and corporate settings. She is a Training Operations Manager at Silfex. North is also a Ph.D. candidate at The Ohio State University. She also serves as Past-President of Central Ohio ATD and Community Manager for the Training Learning and Development Community. A self-proclaimed social media junkie, you can often find her on Twitter (@caranorth11) & LinkedIn (/in/caranorth11).
Cara's suggestions for those who are considering instructional design:
Harold D. Stolovitch and Erica J. Keeps's Tell…
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Aug 11, 2020
5: Finding Potential Candidates Outside L&D with Jeremy Negrey
In this episode, we talk to Jeremy Negrey about finding potential in candidates outside of traditional learning and development roles. He issues a challenge to L&D hiring managers to think outside the box when looking for qualified candidates.
Jeremy Negrey has spent nearly his entire career in customer education. He’s run the gamut from technical writer to instructional designer and has created and delivered both instructor-led and eLearning content. He’s currently the owner and lead learning consultant for Crooked River Learning and the Director of Customer Education for PartsSource Inc., a healthcare technology management solution based just outside of Cleveland, Ohio USA where he resides with his wife, three children, and two dogs.
Jeremy's suggestions for instructional designers who want to expand their skill set or non-instructional designers who are interested in the field:
Cammy Bean's The Accidental Instructional Designer
Articulate's E-learning Heroes Community
The L…
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Jul 28, 2020
4: Creating a Leadership Development Framework
In this solo episode, I summarize and provide insight on a blog post I wrote for Verasana about creating a leadership development framework for your organization.
Here is the link to the blog post on Verasana.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: 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/
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Jul 14, 2020
3: Positive Organizational Change with LaToya Smith
In this episode, we talk to Latoya Smith about about how to bring positive change to organizations and how to tell if a potential employer truly values learning during your interview.
LaToya Smith is the Director of Support & Training for EDX Wireless in Eugene, Oregon. EDX is the technology leader in advanced Radio Frequency (RF) planning solutions. As an active member of the Executive Leadership Team, LaToya has reintroduced EDX Wireless and their customers to service-oriented support offerings. As training is a new focus for EDX, LaToya is introducing her team to new methods and technologies designed to help develop and provide customers with a training framework that provides a consistent means for addressing workplace learning and performance needs. This new learning ecosystem is designed to support RF Engineers and professionals in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to use EDX Software and deliver quality results.
Prior to joining EDX Wireless, LaToya served in the contrac…
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Jul 14, 2020
1: VR and Simulation with Eamonn Powers
In this episode, we talk to Eamonn Powers about simulation and virtual reality and how it can be used for training. We also talk a little bit about Star Wars and video games!
Eamonn is the Learning Experience Architect at FlightSafety International. He specializes in technical training environments, the use of simulation, and emergent technologies like virtual/augmented reality.
His research interest focus mainly around how data generated performance measures can improve training effectiveness and how the technology and design of video games can be used to design amazing learning experiences.
Eamonn's suggestions for further viewing/reading on VR and simulation:
* Watch Episode 4 of Disney Gallery - Star Wars: The Mandalorian
* Read Charles Fink's Convergence, an AR-enabled book
Eamonn also mentions Unreal Engine a number of times throughout this episode, so I wanted to provide the link to that as well.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/…
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Jul 14, 2020
2: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an ID with Dr. Luke Hobson
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Luke Hobson about his popular blog post, "What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer" and discuss some of our own stories from the field.
Dr. Luke Hobson is a Program Manager for Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an Instructor for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). His blog and podcast center on his years of experience in online higher education and focus on the learning experience and supporting online students. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from SNHU where his research focused on online Millennial Generation students and how they perceived their relationships with online Academic Advisors.
Visit the links below for of Luke's work:
* Dr. Luke Hobson's Website and Blog
* The Dr. Luke Hobson Podcast
Luke's suggestions for further reading on becoming an awesome instructional designer:
* Katie Novak and Tom Thibodeau's UDL in the Cloud
Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co…
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Jul 10, 2020
Trailer: BLOC Podcast
Do you want your organization to live and breathe learning, but you don’t know where to start?
Do you want your team to be as passionate about learning as you are, but you don't know how to inspire them?
Join Heidi Kirby, a learning and development professional, as she chats with people in the field who are passionate about creating a learning culture to be proud of.
It all happens here on the BLOC (Building Learning and Organizational Culture) Podcast!
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/
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