Platinus, a 3rd-century philosopher, delved into the profound concepts of knowing and being, as well as the intricate relationship between knowing and identity. Drawing inspo from this, my journey into developing LinkedIn Learning courses began in 2019, sparked by a collaborative campaign between LinkedIn and myself. After my brief stunt in their In It Together campaign, I was approached to develop architecture courses for the online educational and professional development LinkedIn Learning or LiL ;)
A bit surprised by LinkedIn's recognition of my expertise (who? me?), I embarked on creating courses for LinkedIn Learning, a platform primarily focused on technical and career development skills and software tutorials. However, I took a unique approach, incorporating soft skills, design processes, and materials in addition to subjects like professional practice and project types.
The rewarding aspect of this venture extended beyond the course content. Collaborating with the LinkedIn team, learning the intricacies of course development, working with producers, and working on crating content amongst a larger team of pros expanded my perspective and broadened my skill set. Filming the courses remotely during the pandemic prompted me to explore podcasting and gave birth to the Dope Designer Club, delving into the realms of lighting, cameras, equipment, software editing, and photography and more importantly production and media.
The true highlight emerged when I received messages from individuals, especially young women in remote areas like Nigeria and Papua New Guinea. They found inspiration in seeing a woman teach in traditionally male-dominated fields such as real estate, architecture, and construction. This realization that my courses reached those without access to universities or role models was a profound and enlightening moment.
Recently I also discovered that my courses were augmenting university curricula, becoming integral in esteemed institutions like Harvard (!!!) and USC. I realized that the impact of my work went beyond professional achievements, touching lives and shaping educational landscapes.
Fast forward to the present day, I find myself on a unique journey, developing courses independently on topics such as net zero, ai, space planning and others. Over the winter break, I dedicated time to crafting new courses set for a soft launch in late February and early March. This marks a significant step in sharing knowledge, contributing to education, and continuing the evolution of my professional and personal journey.
I invite you to engage in this journey of learning and identity formation. Platinus' ancient wisdom serves as a reminder that knowledge is a transformative force, shaping who we are. Stay tuned for the upcoming course launch – an opportunity to delve into these topics, expand your horizons, and contribute to your own professional and personal evolution. Join me in this exciting venture, and let's embark on a journey of knowledge and self-discovery together.