How would you describe your role?
I manage a team of folks who are instructional systems designers who help develop the curriculum. Part of what we do is give objectives for learning, making sure that all of the training falls in line with those objectives, any kind of assessments that need to go with the training, any type of surveys – the whole curriculum process. We help make sure our training is exciting for learners and has activities and engaging components. We work alongside our subject matter experts and instructors to really give our students a great learning experience from the first time they step foot in a classroom to the time they leave.
I’ve been in training and education for a long time at various levels. I’ve been an instructional designer, a program manager, an instructor, and then I moved into curriculum development. I think Ridgeline is a great blend of the things I like – technology and learning.
What’s your experience been at Ridgeline so far?
It’s been fast-paced, but in a good way. In a sense that you won’t get bored and you won’t have time to sit around thinking, “Oh, what am I going to do today?” For me, it’s been refreshing because you know what you’re working on is going to get used pretty immediately. It’s not going to sit on a shelf. I think that’s a really good thing and I’ve enjoyed being here.
How would you describe your team?
My team of Instructional Designers is newer to Ridgeline and we are all somewhat senior level and bring various things to the table. We’re developing lots of process and integrating that into Ridgeline. Some of us have limited technical experience, so when we have questions, we get to ask our SMEs who make up the other part of the Training and Advisory Services team. I think that’s one of the great things about the team – we’ve got a huge diversity of skill sets.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I would say my biggest accomplishment is helping with change management. One example of this is that we are now using sophisticated instructor guides, participant guides, and exercise guides. All those extra peripherals for the classrooms, we didn’t always use them before, but after seeing how well they work, our instructors really buy into it. I love at this point getting calls from an instructor saying, “Hey, when are you going to create an instructor guide for this?” Or, “Lisa, is there an ISD available to work with me? Can they help me with this?” For me, that is a great accomplishment.
What resources have you taken advantage of in your time at Ridgeline?
All of them! No, but really, the availability of people resources who are ready, willing, and able to help. And if they can’t help, they’ll point you in the direction of someone who can. That’s huge.
I’ve taken advantage of the hobby allowance, and the self-managed PTO is a big one for me. Earlier last year, I had to take PTO to help manage a family member’s illness. Having that flexibility was huge.
How do you think you’ve grown professionally in your time at Ridgeline?
Well, I have definitely learned a lot more about technology. And I’m still learning. At Ridgeline, I learn something new every day and for me that’s good because I’m the type of person who needs to be challenged that way.
What parts of Ridgeline’s mission do you connect with?
I like that we are not just talking the talk, but really walking the walk. We develop things here that really help our customers and that’s our mission and there is great value there. It makes a huge difference in the customer’s ability to do their jobs. It resonates with me.