What do you like most about the L&D field?
L&D professionals have to wear many hats. A daily or even hourly switch from being a designer, writer, project manager, proof-reader, problem-solver, and many other roles is not unusual. I love the variety and the challenge.
What made you decide to stand for the eLN board?
Being on the board is a great way to pay back my thanks to the community. Membership of the eLN has enabled me to improve as an online learning solutions designer with a more profound knowledge of current and future trends. I owe much of this to the eLearning Network.
What would your dream job be?
An aerodynamicist in F1.
If you could change 1 thing about the world of L&D, what would it be?
I get disheartened by some of the posts I see on LinkedIn where someone from within the L&D arena is critical of L&D. I get that we should be self-critical. Still, at times it seems like beating up on ourselves, when being more supportive might be a better way to go.
What does a typical workday look like to you?
Writing in the morning for sure, I find the words have all evaporated by 2 pm, so I move on to building content in the afternoon. In between, I go for a long lunchtime walk to refresh and recharge.
What podcast are you listening to?
I regularly listen to Reply All, The Adam Buxton Podcast and You Are Not So Smart. I recommend S1 of StartUp and all of New Disruptors – they are quite old but contain excellent advice for people starting a business.
If you could give yourself advice when you were first starting out, what would it be?
Just because you can make it spin, it doesn’t mean you should.
What has been your proudest moment?
A company MD once said to me “why can’t I get my people to…” And that’s just the kind of challenge I love. I suggested a coaching card; effectively 2-sheets of A4 paper. I was thrilled when I walked by an office and saw the coaching card taped to the wall. That’s when I knew I had cracked the challenge.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
3 million years ago in a bite-proof suit to see how big animals were back then.
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
Flying would be cool.
If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
George Harrison, George Best, George Eliot and George Lucas. I’d not forget their names, and it’d be quite the mix of people for a conversation.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
I’ve been a vegetarian for over 30 years so not much to report.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job?
Lottery for sure, and then I can pursue my passions such as painting.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Coffee in the morning.
