Become An Idol

In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Dr. Alaina Szlachta, author of the book "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," shares her insights on simplifying measurement and evaluation strategies for learning and development professionals. Tune in to hear: How Dr. Szlachta's research on the challenges of measurement and evaluation led to the writing of her book. Strategies for getting buy-in from stakeholders and being a strategic business partner when it comes to measurement. Ways to leverage AI and technology to save time and make measurement and evaluation more efficient.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Stacy Carter shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a career in education to becoming an Instructional Design Specialist for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration organization. Tune in to hear: How Stacy's perseverance and resilience led her to her dream job after three years of determined effort. The valuable lessons Stacy learned about the importance of building confidence, optimizing her LinkedIn profile, and practicing interviews. Stacy's insights on the joys and adjustments of working in a corporate setting after years in the education field.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Matthew Campbell, a former Senior Director at McGraw Hill, shares his insights on transitioning from a social studies teacher to a successful career in educational technology.  Tune in to hear: The key skills and qualities needed to break into instructional design and EdTech. How Matthew leveraged his teaching experience and networking to land his first corporate job. Matthew's tips for aspiring EdTech professionals, including building a portfolio and developing self-belief. Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs) on Amazon.

In this episode, Laurel Schulert, the Senior Director of Learning Experience at SAP Concur, discusses her journey from being an English teacher to becoming a successful instructional designer.  Tune in to find out: Laurel's insights on why English majors make great instructional designers and the valuable skills they bring to the field. Laurel's personal story of transitioning from teaching to corporate training and development, and the challenges she faced along the way. Laurel's advice for aspiring instructional designers, including tips on building a strong portfolio and demonstrating their expertise in adult learning theory.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Tamara McLemore, a project management expert, shares her insights and strategies for effective project management, particularly in the context of learning and development.    Tune in to find out:   Tamara's approach to building relationships and communicating with stakeholders, including her emphasis on understanding people's perspectives and what's in it for them. Tamara's tips for self-management and staying productive when working on solo projects, such as the importance of understanding your own work style and environment. Tamara's advice on identifying and leveraging team members' strengths to improve collaboration and project success, regardless of personality type.

In this episode, Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Kayvon Touran, the CEO and co-founder of Zal.ai, about the role of generative AI in workforce learning and development. Tune in to find out: How Kayvon and his company are using generative AI to enhance employee training and practice through AI-powered practice partners and feedback facilitators. The importance of using quantitative and binary rubrics to measure employee skills and competencies and how this data can drive personalized learning interventions. Kayvon's advice for aspiring instructional designers on embracing AI as a tool to augment their abilities and play a crucial role in the future of workforce development.

In this episode, Utdam Song, an instructional designer from Cambodia, shares his career journey from being a high school teacher to landing his first instructional design job. Utdam discusses how the IDOL courses Academy provided him with practical, hands-on learning that complemented his academic studies. This helped him succeed in the interview process and secure his current role. The episode highlights Utdam's success story and the value of the IDOL program in supporting career changers and aspiring instructional designers.

In this episode, Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Dr. Natalie Berkman about her journey to becoming an instructional designer through IDOL courses. They discuss her background in higher education, achievements, and transition into a C-level role. Tune in to hear: - Dr. Berkman's insights on upskilling and leveraging new tools like Articulate 360 and Genially to enhance instructional design. - Strategies she used to optimize her LinkedIn profile and portfolio, leading to significant career advancements. - Her approach to positioning herself as a problem solver in her cover letter, which landed her a custom C-level position.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, host Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Juliana Stancampiano, founder and CEO of Oxygen Experiences. Tune in to hear: - Juliana's journey from working at Microsoft to founding the US office of Oxygen and eventually acquiring ownership of the business - How Juliana's company creates engaging learning experiences through hands-on activities and emphasizes understanding the business perspective - Advice for new instructional designers around finding a mentor, understanding how businesses work, and tying learning outcomes to business goals

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Dr. Dwayne Wood about leadership and teaching.  Tune in to find out: How Dr. Wood explains how leadership and teaching are interchangeable concepts based on his military and educational background. Examples of leadership principles and qualities that can be applied to effective teaching and instructional design. How experiential learning techniques can be used in both leadership development and education, with a focus on practical application and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Betty Dannewitz and Dr. Robin Sargent discuss leadership training and overcoming imposter syndrome in L&D. Tune in to hear: Betty’s background in learning and development and how she became a known conference speaker Insights into imposter syndrome, including common causes and coping strategies discussed Tips for overcoming imposter syndrome during a career transition or when learning instructional design

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Amanda Nguyen shares her journey and advice on creativity in instructional design.    Tune in to hear: - Amanda's experience working as a learning experience designer at Canva and how she utilized their platform for educational purposes. - Her creative process and workflow, including how she draws inspiration from other designers and industries to spark new ideas. - Her unconventional path to becoming an instructional designer, including how she "bootlegged" her way into her first role through perseverance and taking chances.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Alyssa Coiro shares her journey from teacher to instructional designer.  Tune in to hear: - Alyssa's story of how she discovered instructional design during the COVID pandemic and decided to pursue it through IDOL. - Details about Alyssa's experience building her portfolio within 8 weeks of the IDOL program and starting to apply for jobs. - An overview of Alyssa's career progression so far, including her roles at Lowe's and a large construction company. Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs) on Amazon.

In this episode, Jessica Evans shares her journey from classroom teacher to freelance instructional designer.  Tune in to hear:  Jessica's career path from teacher to instructional designer and how she started her freelance business  Tips on networking, building relationships, and generating referrals as a freelancer   Advice for aspiring instructional designers on getting training, asking questions, and dreaming big 

In this episode, Robin Sargent interviews Chris Skees, a Learning Product Manager at Cisco, about his career progression in the learning and development industry. He provides insights into career development and upskilling strategies, emphasizing mindset, curiosity, and stretch projects. Tune in to hear: 1. Chris Skees discuss his career journey from content creation to learning product management and the various roles and industries he has worked in. 2. Strategies for career development and upskilling, including taking online courses, reading, conferences, and stretch projects to expand skills. 3. Advice for aspiring instructional designers on clarifying career goals, researching job descriptions, and applying instructional design skills in different professional roles. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs

In this episode, Robin Sargent interviews Russell Sweep about his career transition from professor to instructional designer and training manager.  Tune in to hear:  Russell's story of transitioning from academia to the corporate world as an instructional designer. How Russell prepared himself for 6 months before landing contract work and eventually a full-time role. Advice Russell has for others looking to make a similar career change, including building a portfolio and leveraging resources and your network. Connect with Russell on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Robin Sargent interviews Destery Hildenbrand, an XR Solution Architect who helps clients realize their immersive technology dreams through virtual reality, augmented reality, and blended learning solutions. Tune in to find out: Destery's career journey from graphic designer to XR Solution Architect and how he got involved with immersive technologies. Examples of use cases for augmented reality and virtual reality in learning and why certain modalities are better suited for different scenarios.  Advice for instructional designers on getting started with no-code AR tools like Zappar and how to incorporate emerging technologies into their work.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, host Robin Sargent interviews Kelsie Marks, the director of resume services at Educated Exit, an organization that helps teachers transition out of the education profession.   Tune in to find out: Kelsie's journey from being a preschool teacher to leaving the education field and founding Educated Exit.   The process Educated Exit uses to help teachers find new careers outside of education, from identifying values and skills to resume/LinkedIn profile building to networking and job searching.   Advice Kelsie gives to teachers looking to make an exit, such as having patience, trusting the process, and understanding it is a journey rather than something that happens overnight.