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Hi Everyone! I’m Holly Owens—a lifelong educator, tech-obsessed learning designer, and the voice behind The EdUp Learning & Development Podcast.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve stared at a blank lesson plan or LMS dashboard and felt that tug in your gut:
There has to be a smarter, more human way to help people grow.
Every week, I crack that question wide open—so you never have to wonder alone.
Why hit play?
* Real-world confessions & victories – I bring on L&D change-makers who aren’t afraid to share the messy first drafts that came before their mic-drop successes.
* Tools that feel like superpowers – I demo the tech I’m already using with clients and students, so you can steal my shortcuts before they hit the mainstream.
* Permission to dream big – Together we unpack the mindset shifts that turn “mandatory training” into life-altering experiences.
After almost two decades spent teaching in classrooms, strategizing in boardrooms, reinventing my career, and experimenting with every instructional design tool imaginable have revealed one constant: learning lasts only when it reaches the heart first. Let me give you the playbook— and the confidence— to make that happen.
So pour your coffee or tea, grab a snack, plug in your headphones, and join our community of restless optimists. Your next breakthrough is waiting, and I’ll be right here cheering you on.
Press play and let’s build the future of learning—together. 🎙️💙
Welcome back to the blog! In today's post, we're diving deep into a concept that's both powerful and often overlooked: 'talent recognizes talent.' This idea, which suggests that those with exceptional abilities are naturally drawn to and supportive …
In the ever-evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D), one principle stands out as paramount: putting the learner first. This concept isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the cornerstone of effective learning experiences. User-centered des…
In the ever-evolving field of Learning and Development (L&D), knowing your worth and advocating for fair compensation is paramount. All too often, talented L&D professionals undervalue their skills and contributions, leading to missed opport…
Host/Educator/Instructional Designer/Marketer
Holly Owens is the Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig where she leads strategic marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness, engagement, and customer acquisition. With over 17 years of experience in education, instructional technology, and marketing, Holly specializes in creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences that leverage technology to solve complex challenges.
Before joining Yellowdig, Holly built an extensive career in eLearning and instructional design, transitioning from teaching to instructional technology in 2011. She held roles at Northern Virginia Community College, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Countybefore serving as a Senior Instructional Designer at RisePoint (formerly Academic Partnerships). She also worked as an Instructional Designer at Touro University, where she remains an Adjunct Instructor in the Graduate School of Technology, teaching instructional design courses since 2012.
Holly holds two master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, Global Campus—one in Instructional Technology and another in Distance Education—along with a certificate in Distance Education Leadership. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom as the host of the EdUp L&D podcast, where she explores emerging trends in learning and development, featuring industry experts who share insights on the future of education and workforce training.
Recognized for her expertise in marketing, UX, and project management, Holly has worked closely with executive leaders, including CEOs, VPs, and Public Affairs teams, to refine brand messaging, drive engagement, and support data-driven marketing strategies. She has also collaborated with sales teams—including the Land and Expand and Enterprise teams—to attract and convert new customers across higher education and online learning platforms.
Currently residing in Wilmington, NC, Holly shares her life with her partner, Will, their daughter, Juniper, and their furbaby, Berkley. She is dedicated to empowering learners, fostering innovation, and making education more accessible and impactful worldwide.
In this session, Holly Owens discusses the transition from teaching to various roles in Learning and Development (L&D). She emphasizes that instructional design is just one of many paths available in L&D, highlighting the gro...
Summary In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens dives into the critical topic of salary transparency, discussing its importance in the job market and how it affects individuals in learning and development. She shares persona...
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, I share my personal journey and five key strategies for transitioning into a career in learning and development. I emphasize the importance of building a strong personal brand, leveraging transferable skills, networking with intention, telling your …
In this episode, I was so excited to reconnect with one of my favorite people, Chelsea Maude Avirett, founder of Skip. In this tip-packed episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) careers, focusing on job opportunities, salary transparency, and the transition from…
In this conversation, Holly Owens shares her extensive journey through education and instructional design, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and confidence in professional growth. She discusses her transition from teaching to various roles in instructional design, highlighting …
