Most instructional designers begin their work the same way:a request arrives — “We need training.” And without hesitation, they get to work. It feels straightforward.It feels helpful.It feels like the job. But designers who operate this way rarely become strategic partners.They become production support — the people who “make the training” rather than the people who help solve the problem. The designers who rise — the ones who are invited into conversations early, trusted w

If Chapter 1 welcomed you into the field, this post invites you to step into your power within it. Let’s start with a truth many Instructional Designers feel but rarely say out loud: We are often treated like order takers. Someone sends a request that says, “We need training on this,” and the expectation is simple:Build it. No questions. No analysis. No conversation about whether training is even the right solution. If that’s been your experience, I want you to know two thing

Instructional Design has never had a single doorway.Some of us arrived here from teaching. Some from graphic design. Some from HR or IT. Some from roles that had nothing to do with Learning, Education, or Development at all. Because there’s no clear path in, there’s also rarely a shared foundation. Many talented people are handed the title “Instructional Designer” without ever being taught what the work truly requires. They’re told to “make training fun,” “add gamification,”

For the last two or three years, something has been growing quietly inside me — a set of ideas, insights, and revelations about alignment, clarity, and the way we move through life. I didn’t have a name for it. I didn’t have a structure for it. I just knew it was there, waiting. The catalyst that finally brought it forward was a leadership conference called Lead On Fire , created and led by my friend Temika Younger , the powerhouse behind Virginia Adult Care Education (VACE).

Are you an instructional designer or a professional in learning, education, or development looking for a fresh way to grow your skills? Imagine a weekly session where you can connect with an expert, get your questions answered, and explore new ideas—all while enjoying your lunch break. That’s exactly what Lunch and Learn with Your LEAD Mentor offers. Starting this February, every Friday at 1 pm EST, this group coaching and mentorship program will help you sharpen your instru

One of the primary challenges faced by corporate executives in the realm of Learning & Development is aligning learning outcomes with corporate goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). This challenge persists for many organizations, often due to a reverse approach to addressing performance issues. Typically, a performance problem is identified, leading to the assumption that training is the appropriate solution. Subject matter experts provide insights, and a training prog