Cara North

Hi there, I'm Cara and I've been working in learning and development for all of my professional career. Over the years I’ve built learning strategies and experiences for higher education, corporate, and consulting. Since then, I’ve been the one people call when training goes sideways, tech implodes, or someone forgets we are in the business of supporting the complex creatures called humans.

Along the way I’ve collected the kind of stories that double as icebreakers:

The Porta-Potty Standoff: Showed up to a new-hire orientation to find a row of porta potties in the training room. We had people to onboard and enough stuff to deal with and was able to get the porta-potties banished. 

One-Woman Software SWAT: Got “Hey, we’re changing core software, train the entire org in a week” with zero team, zero prep. I caffeinated, white-boarded, and lived to meme the tale.

eLearning ER: Performed emergency-saving surgery on eLearning so ugly they triggered OSHA concerns.

If you are a teacher or someone who is new to instructional design, welcome! I hope you find as much joy in this work as I have. If you want some recommendations to get started with books & tech, I've created an Amazon storefront with some of my favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/unfilteredid 

DMs are always open (but my inbox is a spicy chaos goblin). Please note this year I've started to set boundaries for my time so if you are immediately asking for me to hop on a call, do something for you, etc without trying to build a relationship, I'll refer you to my services calendar.

Founder & Chief Learning Consultant

Earlier in the year, I made a post about your GPS never telling you that you are wrong. Instead your GPS will say recalculating.

I’ve tried my best to bring that energy into this year and sharing this as a reminder for myself but also others who may be struggling:

It all won’t happen overnight, but if you quit, it won’t happen at all.

Inspired by recent conversations with Danielle Eisenach-Reichel, SHRM-SCP, Nathan Coey and Tim McClurg. 

I hope you are staying kind to yourself and not giving up. You are always worth being at the top of your “to-do list” and you never lose by encouraging someone.

Learning & Development Leader, Speaker, & Author of Learning Experience Design Essentials

Happy Friday the 13th from Sidious and yours truly.

You know what shouldn’t be scary or cursed? Your career development. 

If you aren’t doing anything today at 1:00pm ET join me at The Monthly 60’s February event where we are going to talk all about career development unfiltered.

It’s free and open to all, special shoutout to our February sponsor my leadership coach Marc Stoecker CPCC, ACC, CPQC and his company Prism of Purpose! 

To get an invite sign up at The Monthly 60’s website by adding your email address. https://lnkd.in/e-6C-Gft

Who will I see there? 

#instructionaldesign #themonthly60

AI makes it easier to publish training you cannot defend.

Because it speeds up the part that looks like work (writing)
and slows down the part that actually matters (governance).

So if you are using AI in training development, you need an actual defensibility system.

Not “best effort.”
Not “we reviewed it.”
Not “our SME skimmed it.”

A system.

Join me March 10 at 6:30pm ET as we talk through strategies and safeguards to making your training more legally defensible.

Please note I’m not a lawyer and this won’t be legal advice :) 

Thank you to ATD - Research Triangle Area Chapter for hosting me and I hope to see you there!

Open article: ATD Research Triangle Area Chapter by tdrta.org

Happy Mon-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining the L&D Active Club I started on Strava, lots of good folks over there sharing their wellness journeys. Free and open to all current, aspiring, or retired L&D professionals: https://lnkd.in/gBE73HHV

Onboarding Specialist, Accuris (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ezveh-dn

Onboarding Specialist, Centro (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eWiTJiRn

Ed Tech Specialist, Clever (remote & contract)
https://lnkd.in/efHg2EcY

Implementation Specialist, Jonas Software (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eRuGMtz9
Clinical Learning Leader, GE Healthcare (remote)
https://lnkd.in/euKGbAjF

Director of Training and Quality, The College Board (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ewFARUW4

Training Manager, STERIS (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eC-Krf9f

Program Manager, Delta Dental (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eRn5mFQg

Training Manager, California FAIR Plan Association (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eiCWWvd7

Sr Learning Design Specialist, CVS Health (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eKkuYdGs

Learning Manager, Ventura Foods (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e_Usj3Re

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: What is the best movie you’ve seen this year?  For me, I’ll go with Black Phone 2.  Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Irvine, California, United States (Remote)

Medical, Vision, Dental, 401(k) and 2+ benefits

Happy Thurs-Yay!! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining The Monthly 60: a community of practice for aspiring, retired, and active learning professionals. Our next session is March 13 and we are exploring learning ecosystems. Join the mailing list for the invite: https://lnkd.in/e-6C-Gft

Learning Consultant, Stride (remote & contract)
https://lnkd.in/eF4ECsXA

eLearning Specialist, Orbis (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eUPpFjds

Learning Manager, Brilliant Earth (remote)
https://lnkd.in/em9fNp8W

Learning PM, MGT (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eASrUvpH
ID, Crunch Fitness (remote) https://lnkd.in/eJRpHgWz

Manager Product Adoption, Zoom (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e8q9RcTg

Learning Program Manager, Level9 (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e7jwnFRG

Senior Manager Content Development, NetSuite (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e3gYudBS

Technical Training Manager, TFS (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eFDg8Nqh

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: which animal do you think would rule a reality tv show? For me, I think a Canadian Goose would be the star of the show. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

United, Pennsylvania, United States (Remote)

Some interview processes have so many rounds I am starting to wonder if people are really applying for jobs or if people are slowly being inducted into a secret society. 

Curious what is your record of number of job rounds? For me, my highest is 5.

You know what's really cool?
Besides Nick Jonas of course :D
When you invest in someone your time and energy and then you see them pay it forward.
Abby McLester, M.Ed you are the real deal. That's all.

If you lead people, this is your reminder to do a check-in with them. 
It's goal setting season and you shouldn't assume people know they are doing a good job.
I took the time today to do a performance retro highlighting key achievements thus far for the year, stakeholder feedback on performance, and highlighting how they worked across the organization. It was a conversation that allowed them to also reflect on what has went well and other things to consider for the year.
Feedback shouldn't just be a one and done, normalize it being a frequent,  2-way conversation.

Receipts. Timeline. Proof. Screenshots.
I knew my love of Bravo tv and the Real Housewives series could pay off someday. I just didn't expect it to be in organizational learning.

I've really enjoyed making this presentation for ATD Central Pennsylvania because it is not another "build relationships" presentation.
It's a reunion episode for real stakeholders of organizational learning.
Confessionals. Live voting. Plot twists.
Yes, we are bringing the receipts.

If you've ever heard:
"Can you just build training on this?"
"We need it by Friday"
"Make it mandatory"

Congratsulations. you are living in Season 12.

In this session, you'll learn how to anchor in performance by using one mantra:
Receipts. Timeline. Proof. Screenshots. 

Come join me with ATD Central Pennsylvania for The Real Stakeholders of Org Learning March 12 at 5:30PM ET over Zoom: https://lnkd.in/gFwSi5aa

Bring your messiest stakeholder quote. I will help you translate it.

#instructionaldesign

Receipts. Timeline. Proof. Screenshots.
Receipts: Artifacts that reduce fear and prevent blame.
Timeline: Decision checkpoints, not hope and wishful thinking.
Proof: A measurable pilot, not promises or good vibes.
Screenshots: clarity that survives forwarding and forwarding again. 

Happy Mon-Yay!! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining The Monthly 60: a community of practice for aspiring, retired, and active learning professionals. Our next session is March 13 and we are exploring learning ecosystems. Join the mailing list for the invite: https://lnkd.in/e-6C-Gft

Team Lead, Infuse (remote & contract)
https://lnkd.in/eNBeT4e2

Learning Design Lead, Humana (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ear4QNNR

Training Director, Circana (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e7iuVn8Z

ID, M&T Bank (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ehZ67uSc

Training Specialist, Level Access (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ecH-YjeG

Solution Specialist, Ellucian (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eVpgkK2c

ID, Dekra (remote and contract)
https://lnkd.in/erp9U5zK

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: what is something that recently made you laugh? For me, it’s a giant banana we bought at the grocery store. It’s the biggest banana I’ve ever seen and we couldn’t stop laughing about it and even took pictures with it 😆Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Open article: The Monthly 60 by themonthly60.com

If you recognize this filter and its place in legal and AI pop culture, then you should come join me and the wonderful folks at ATD - Research Triangle Area Chapter as we put AI-generated training on the stand and ask questions your governance should've asked on day one. (If you don't know this reference, I linked a story about it in the comments). 
Right now, a lot of AI-enabled training is basically a litter box of mystery ownership with a cute completion badge on top.
Sign up to join us: https://lnkd.in/eH7tZrPX
No hiss-terics. Just purr-cedures, paw-licies, and documentation that won't get shredded.
I'd also love to know in the comments if you have seen AI "help" a little too creatively in your own projects.
Huge shoutout and thank you to Ricky Fisher for the invite.
#catsoflinkedin #AI #instructionaldesign

Happy Wednes-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider following The Monthly 60: a learning and development community of practice that meets once a month to talk about a topic. Our next event Feb 13 1:00PM ET and covers career development! If you want to get added to the invite, add your email address to our list: https://lnkd.in/eGvBrGD4

Senior Training Specialist, Thrivent (remote)
https://lnkd.in/euJh3ECY

Product Director, Sophia Learning (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ee_8Raae

Director of Training, ASPCA (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e2ubcvuN

ID, UMass (remote)
https://lnkd.in/euMDivPx

ID, Simtrek (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eFiNK9ui

ID, Nebius (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e_AHSxrJ

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: What is something you’ve wanted to do and finally tried it? For me, it is going to the gym before work. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Happy Tues-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining the L&D Active Club I started on Strava, lots of good folks over there sharing their wellness journeys. Free and open to all current, aspiring, or retired L&D professionals: https://lnkd.in/gBE73HHV

Client Training Manager, Headspace (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eFtBBjjj

Senior AI Specialist Training, Nielsen (remote)
https://lnkd.in/edDdMuKE

Learning Coordinator, Crunch Fitness (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ej3Ead_4

Senior Manager, NetSuite (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eWC73TC8

Managing Director, Save the Children (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e-d5RSsU

ID, NuScale (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eu4KACQb

Customer Experience Training Facilitator (remote & contact)
https://lnkd.in/eAYAXWdy

Education Director, OneDigital (remote)
https://lnkd.in/exrC-7FB

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: What is the color of the shirt you are wearing? For me, mine is leopard print. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Open article: | Learning and Development Active Group by strava.com

What if I told you all your evaluation and ROI troubles could magically be solved?

If you slowed your scroll to read this thank you. I do not have such power sadly but the great Will Thalheimer wants to help you but needs some information from you. Consider filling out GROWLE.  

GROWLE is a research effort gathering data from L&D professionals across the globe, getting their perspectives on the state of learning evaluation. What successes are seen? What obstacles to doing learning evaluation? What are the best practices? What are the best evaluation frameworks? What do senior leaders say they want in learning evaluation?
 
The goal of GROWLE is to support learning professionals in doing learning evaluation. A full free report will be issued to the public. Everyone's perspective is important, whether you're new to L&D or whether you're an experienced learning evaluator.

Open article: 2026 Global Research on Workplace Learning Evaluation by surveymonkey.com

2026 Global Research on Workplace Learning Evaluation

I’m back as a judge for the iSpring Course Creation Contest, and I want more of you to jump in this year. 

Here’s the real pitch (especially if you’re an aspiring or current LXD who keeps saying “I should build more portfolio work”):

1) Experimentation without permission
Try a new interaction, a new structure, a new visual style, a new way to assess learning. This contest is basically a safe sandbox to ship something you’ve been overthinking.

2) A legit portfolio asset for job seekers
You’ll have a finished course you can show, talk about, and defend. Not “I’d do this if I had time.” An actual artifact.

3) Free feedback on your work
You submit, you get eyes on it, including expert judges and peer reviews. If you want to get better faster, feedback beats vibes every time. 

A bonus as well...you can win stuff! 

Dates to know:
✅ Register by April 24, 2026
✅ Submit your course by May 10, 2026
🏆 Winners announced June 10, 2026

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Come build something a little weird, a little brave, and a lot more “you” than your day job usually allows.
Join here: https://ispri.ng/Lgn53

#instructionaldesign
#iSpringStars2026
#iSpringCourseCreationContest

People do not judge your thinking.
They judge the screenshot of your outcome.

Behind every “why would they do that?” is a constraint you did not see.
Learning and development has been talking for years about influence and earning a seat at the table. True influence is fact gathering around the constraints.

Next time leadership drops a decision that makes you blink twice, do not debate vibes, run what I call a Constraint Interrogation:

1) Name the box
“What constraints are shaping this? Budget, risk, compliance, time, headcount, dependencies?"

2) Name the trade
“What are we optimizing for right now? Speed, safety, cost, reputation, customer harm reduction?”

3) Name the owner
“Who owns this tradeoff and how will we measure if it was worth it?”

4) Name the unlock
“What would need to change to unlock a better option? More headcount, clearer data, reduced scope, a different sequence?”

If you want the Taco Bell Diablo hot sauce scale practical version of stakeholder influence, come to my session for ATD Central Pennsylvania The Real Stakeholders of Org Learning: The Reunion (Virtual) March 12, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:00 PM ET | Zoom

Reality TV format. Confessionals. Audience voting.
We will dissect a real initiative and map the stakeholder cast that controls adoption.

Receipts. Timeline. Proof. Screenshots. (if you know, you know)
Join us:

Open article: ATD Central Pennsylvania - The Real Stakeholders of Org Learning: The Reunion (Virtual) by centralpaatd.wildapricot.org

ATD Central Pennsylvania - The Real Stakeholders of Org Learning: The Reunion (Virtual)

Happy Wednes-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining the L&D Active Club I started on Strava, lots of good folks over there sharing their wellness journeys. Free and open to all current, aspiring, or retired L&D professionals: https://lnkd.in/gBE73HHV

Learning Manager, TD Synnex (remote)
https://lnkd.in/exjUD4N3

Director of Learning, Risepoint (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eyjKthXR

Senior Curriculum Consultant, Blue Ridge Associates (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e_tHdYCN

Lead ID, Labcorp (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e9iHn8hw

Learning Architect, Strive Pharmacy (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e8r3R4cE

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: pick one: less meetings, more time, or more budget. For me, I will always go less meetings. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Happy Fri-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining the L&D Active Club I started on Strava, lots of good folks over there sharing their wellness journeys. Free and open to all current, aspiring, or retired L&D professionals: https://lnkd.in/gBE73HHV

Training Specialist, ServiceTitan (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eGg3sHH3

Training Specialist, Celigo (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e-spCMGQ

Training Specialist, 3DR (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e6PWETdq

Technical Training Specialist, Vertex (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e-hFx8iF

Onboarding Specialist, Accuris (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ezveh-dn

Educational Specialist, Beltone (remote)
https://lnkd.in/ecv8c-zm

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: what is a pattern you like? For me, I’ve always liked plaid and madras. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Happy Wednes-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining The Monthly 60: a community of practice for aspiring, retired, and active learning professionals. Our next session is March 13 and we are exploring learning ecosystems. Join the mailing list for the invite: https://lnkd.in/e-6C-Gft

Senior Director of LXD, Per Schoas (remote)
https://lnkd.in/gFKuZhqU

Director learning assessment, Edmentum (remote)
https://lnkd.in/gw3ChJFu

Training Leader, HRT (remote)
https://lnkd.in/g5iyzumQ

Director of Leadership Development, Dayforce (remote)
https://lnkd.in/gbBwAVC8

Program Manger, Vanta (remote)
https://lnkd.in/gzCCjTxb

Learning Program Manager, TripleTen (remote & contract)
https://lnkd.in/g9jKPcgM

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: what is something you like but can’t enjoy as much as you’d like? For me, it’s candles. Our youngest loves to get too close to them so I can’t light them as much as I used to. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

Happy Thurs-Yay! You can find past posts by searching #hotidjobs and follow me for future lists by selecting the bell by my name on my profile. If you want to share these with your network, please use the repost button. Also a friendly reminder I’m not a recruiter or a restaurant, meaning don’t send me your resumes or requests/demands for me to make a special list just for you. Consider joining the L&D Active Club I started on Strava, lots of good folks over there sharing their wellness journeys. Free and open to all current, aspiring, or retired L&D professionals: https://lnkd.in/gBE73HHV

ID, College Board  (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eyf5GFjD

ID Manager, Juniper Square (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eU28YMvp

ID, HMH (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eXhTKyKB

Talent Manager, 2U (remote)
https://lnkd.in/eHrSi56w

Senior Customer Success Manager, Schoox (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e325ATMR

Senior Learning Strategist, Pointclick Care (remote)
https://lnkd.in/e5v-yVz7

If you made it this far, thank you. To further boost the post, respond to the following question in the comments: what are your go to pair of shoes? For me, my dailies are a blue pair of Brooks. Tell someone you love them today and have a genuine day.
#jobs #instructionaldesign

taplio

Cara North's Linkedin Analytics

Cara North

Performance ScoreCara North's LinkedIn Performance

Cara North's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

.css-6ytdur{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39, 43, 72, 1) 0%, rgba(33, 47, 183, 1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Cara North's Linkedin Analytics

Cara North

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Cara North's LinkedIn Performance

Cara North's Best Posts .css-1emoo84{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:400;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);}(last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Cara North's Linkedin Analytics

Performance ScoreCara North's LinkedIn Performance

Cara North's Best Posts (last 30 days)