The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast

In this episode, Holly sits down with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, founder of Your Instructional Designer, to talk about the changing world of learning and development and what it takes to build a sustainable career in an industry that continues to evolve.From the rise of AI to the expanding role of instructional designers, Holly and Nicole have an honest conversation about what is happening in L&D, what professionals need to pay attention to, and how to prepare for what comes next.Together, they discuss:How AI is changing the L&D landscapeWhy instructional designers need stronger business acumenSetting boundaries, defining scope, and knowing when to say noBuilding a sustainable and profitable L&D careerThe skills that will help L&D professionals future-proof their careersThe big takeaway? Future-proofing your L&D career isn't about chasing every new tool or trend. It's about developing durable skills, understanding the business, building relationships, and being willing to evolve.AI is changing the industry, organizations are changing, and the role of the instructional designer continues to expand. But Nicole makes the case that professionals who can think critically, understand business needs, communicate effectively, and adapt to change will continue to bring tremendous value.Whether you're an instructional designer navigating the job market, considering freelancing or entrepreneurship, or simply trying to figure out where L&D is headed, this conversation offers a realistic look at what it takes to keep growing in this field.Shoutouts and resources shared:Your Instructional Designer — Learn more about Nicole's work in learning and development.Nicole Papaioannou Lugara — Connect with Nicole and follow her work in instructional design and L&D.Christy Tucker — Nicole highlights Christy's approach to setting boundaries, defining her area of expertise, and knowing how to say no.Offbeat by Lavinia — A practical, community-centered L&D newsletter recommended by Nicole.Connect with US💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel — Watch EdUp L&D on YouTube📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing in L&D delivered to your inbox💃 Check us out on TikTok — @ihollyo💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversationThanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

In this episode, Holly sits down with Dr. Panos Siozos, CEO and Co-Founder of LearnWorlds, to explore what the rise of AI means for instructional designers, L&D professionals, and the future of learning. Together, they unpack the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the field, and why the future isn't about replacing instructional designers, but empowering them to focus on the parts of learning that matter most.Together, the discussion explores:How AI is changing the instructional design processWhy AI can take on some of the repetitive work without replacing instructional design expertiseThe difference between generating content and actually creating learningWhy learner experience should be at the center of instructional designUsing AI to create more personalized, interactive, and engaging learning experiencesWhy organizations need to make learning a strategic priority in the age of AIMoving beyond "click-through" training and annual compliance coursesHow L&D teams can create an operating system of learning within their organizationsMeasuring real learning outcomes instead of relying solely on completion rates and activity metricsWhy instructional designers may become even more important as organizations adapt to constant changeThe opportunities AI creates for instructional designers, trainers, and subject matter expertsThe big takeaway? AI may change the work instructional designers do, but it doesn't eliminate the need for instructional design. As AI makes content creation faster and easier, instructional designers have an opportunity to focus more of their expertise on learner experience, meaningful practice, strategic learning design, and creating the friction that actually helps people learn.If you're an instructional designer wondering how to thrive in an AI-powered future, trying to figure out how to use AI in your work, or simply thinking about what's next for L&D, this conversation is for you.Shoutouts and resources shared:LearnWorlds — Check out the platform for creating, delivering, and selling online learning experiences.Dr. Panos Siozos— Connect with Panos and follow his work in AI, educational technology, and online learning.Connect with US💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel — Watch EdUp L&D on YouTube📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing in L&D delivered to your inbox💃 Check us out on TikTok — @ihollyo💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversationThanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

This episode was previously recorded as a LinkedIn Live on 9/23/26. Holly kicks off the live session with a little housekeeping before inviting listeners to reflect on their own career journeys. The conversation dives into what it really means to build a career around your strengths, and why the experiences that seem unrelated at the time can actually become some of your greatest career assets.Together, the discussion explores:Embracing change and knowing when it’s time to pivotEvaluating career opportunities based on what you actually wantSetting healthy boundaries in the workplaceRedefining what career success means as your life evolvesRecognizing the value of your experiences—even the unexpected onesBuilding a career blueprint around your strengths, goals, and aspirationsThe big takeaway? Your career doesn't have to follow a straight line. You can change direction, redefine success, and build a career that fits the person you are now—not just the person you were when you started.If you're questioning your next move, feeling stuck, or wondering what comes next, this conversation is for you.Shoutouts and resources shared: Your Career Blueprint SKIP - Use the code "HOLLY" for 10% off your subscription and follow my friend Chelsea Maude Averitt on LinkedIn NextGround - Go join the waitlist for the NextGround paths (coming soon!) and follow my friend Devin Lewis on LinkedIn Check out and register for the Next Chapter Conference happening in New Orleans on November 4 & 5, and follow my friend Ella Epshteyn on LinkedInCheck out the fantastic master's programs offered through Touro University's Graduate School of Technology (where I teach!) Connect with US💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn📹📹 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing delivered to your inbox💃Check us out on TikTok💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversationThanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

Episode 192: Finding Work That Actually Excites You with Dave FanoWhat does it really mean to find a fulfilling career—and how do you navigate the job search when the market feels harder than ever?In this episode of EdUp L&D, I’m joined by Dave Fano, founder of Teal, a career platform designed to help job seekers take more control of their search.Dave and I talk about what people are really looking for in their careers, why the current job market can feel so frustrating, and how AI is changing the way we search for and communicate about jobs.We also dig into something I think gets overlooked way too often: excitement. What if finding a job isn’t just about checking the right boxes, but about finding work that genuinely energizes you?Dave shares his perspective on approaching the job search more objectively, staying authentic throughout the process, creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, and navigating a job market that continues to evolve.In this episode, we talk about:Why pursuing fulfilling work mattersThe challenges job seekers are facing right nowHow AI is changing the job searchThe impact of AI on communication and how we present ourselvesWhy excitement should play a role in your job searchHow to approach your job search more objectivelyThe importance of authenticityCreating opportunities instead of waiting for the “perfect” job to appearChapters00:00 — Introduction to Teal and Career Aspirations01:03 — The Pursuit of a Fulfilling Career04:01 — Challenges in the Job Market20:57 — The Impact of AI on Job Seeking23:05 — The Impact of AI on Communication32:48 — The Role of Excitement in Job Search37:04 — The Value of Being Objective in Job SearchConnect with Dave & Teal➡️ Follow Dave on LinkedIn🔗 Sign Up for Teal — Start your job search with Teal📹 Check out Teal's YouTube ChannelConnect with US💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn📹Subscribe to our YouTube Channel📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing delivered to your inbox💃Check us out on TikTok📲 Grab Free Resources — Check out Holly’s Gumroad for helpful resources and tools.💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversationThanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

You Deserve a Happy LifeHolly is finally back on the mic! After nearly a year away from podcasting, she’s catching listeners up on what’s been happening personally and professionally—from grief and family to leaving jobs, navigating the L&D job market, and figuring out what she actually wants next.This episode is a real-talk reflection on career, identity, and the reminder that your job is only one part of your life. Most importantly, Holly wants you to remember one thing: you deserve a happy life.Holly’s return to podcasting and what kept her awayNavigating grief and putting family firstLeaving jobs without having the next one lined upWhat Holly has learned from being back in the L&D job marketWhy your career shouldn't become your entire identityFiguring out what brings you joy and fulfillmentWhy you shouldn't wait for the “perfect” time to make a change“You deserve to have a happy life.”Holly challenges you to think beyond your job title and ask yourself: What do you actually want? What brings you joy? And what are you waiting for?Episode Sections00:00 — Holly is back!02:19 — Touro Graduate School of Technology spotlight04:41 — Holly’s career journey since 202407:04 — Family, grief, and difficult career decisions09:27 — The reality of being in the job market11:55 — Who are you outside of your career?14:17 — “You’re going to die” and why that hit differently16:35 — Rejections, L&D, and figuring out what’s next19:00 — You deserve a happy life21:18 — What’s coming in Season 7Touro University Graduate School of TechnologyMel Robbins and Gary V EpisodeEdUp L&DLinkedIn: Follow me on LinkedIn TikTok: @ihollyoEmail: [email protected] to be featured in Holly’s upcoming “Hire This Person” content? Reach out via LinkedIn or email.Your career matters—but so does your life outside of work.So Holly’s question for you is: What are you waiting for?RSVP to my upcoming LinkedIn Live event