OM DENNE EPISODE
Why Most Workplace Training Fails (And How to Fix It): MakeThis Make Sense ep4 with Dr. Heidi Kirby
What if the biggest problem with education isn't students—it's how we've designed learning itself? Dr. Heidi Kirby joins the professors to unpack instructional design, why most corporate training misses the mark, how AI is reshaping education, and why meaningful human learning experiences matter now more than ever.
Topics
🎓 Instructional design explained • 🤖 AI changes learning but doesn't replace humans • 📊 Measure outcomes not completion rates • 🧠 Better questions create better learning • 💼 Freelancing in learning design • 🚀 Turning rejection into opportunity
About Dr. Heidi Kirby
Dr. Heidi Kirby is an instructional design strategist, consultant, and educator with experience spanning NASA, billion-dollar SaaS companies, government, retail, and nonprofits. She specializes in helping organizations design learning experiences that improve real-world performance—not just course completion—and is passionate about blendinghuman-centered learning with emerging technologies like AI.
Heidi is also the creator of the Learning Rejects Conference, an innovative event showcasing conference proposals that were rejected elsewhere, proving that great ideas deserve a second chance.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Heidi Kirby
LinkedIn: /heidiekirby https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/
Website: https://heidikirby.com/
Learning Rejects Conference: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/learningrejects
💬 Memorable Quotes
"Instructional design is finding out what people needto work or learn better—and creating education that helps them get there."
"Stop measuring whether people completed the course.Measure whether anything actually changed."
"What game have you ever played that quizzes you at theend?"
"AI makes creating content easier—but human connectionis becoming even more valuable."
"Sometimes the best opportunities come from the thingsthat rejected you."
🎧 Who Should Listen?
🎓 College faculty and educators looking to improve student engagement.
💼Corporate trainers, HR professionals, and learning & development leaders.
🚀Entrepreneurs building onboarding, customer education, or training programs.
🤖Anyone curious about how AI is changing education and workplace learning.
📈Freelancers and consultants interested in instructional design as a career.
🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense
If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense.
NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated.
Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.
Chapters
0:00:00 👋 Welcome to Make This Make Sense0:02:10 🎓 Meet Dr. Heidi Kirby & What Is Instructional Design?0:04:21 📊 FUSE Framework0:07:12 🤖 Could this course have been an email?0:09:25 😅 Beyond CYA: Real Business Results for Training0:16:00 ❓ Change Your Questions, Change Your Life0:21:25 🤝 Why In-Person Learning Is Making a Comeback0:24:51 💡 Winning Trust & Changing Organizational Culture0:28:42 🚀 Skills New Instructional Designers Need Today0:30:46 🎤 Engaging Audiences & Breaking the Ice0:33:47 💥 The Learning Rejects Conference & Turning Rejection Into Innovation0:37:00 👏 Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
