Learning Rebels – Open for Business

It's About Time logo for ST

It’s about time.

I know it took us long enough and thanks to the patience of Kevin Thorn, graphic design (AKA Learn Nuggets) and Brian Dusablon the magic behind the website. Learning Rebels as an official consultancy, is off and running.

Why now?

Good question. At first Learning Rebels was a place to share thoughts and opinions that seemed, dare I say, “normal”. The more I expressed myself, the more it occurred to me that my knowledge of the industry, my ability to think differently about learning solutions, and my passion to bring learning engagement to corporate America would be best suited to those who seek it, than to those who may hire me only to change their minds after I sign on the dotted line and then I’m stuck. But it’s time to walk the walk, time for a little Kaizen (Recall my “New Years Resolution”).  Time for change.

There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. ~ The Matrix

My career experiences in corporate America gives me a unique perspective on how organizational learning both fails and thrives. Unfortunately, failure is the norm and there are enough reasons for this failure for me to write a blog post everyday for the next year and because of this, the choice becomes clear. I can try to help corporations evolve from the inside, only to discover that some inherently don’t want to and subsequently spend my days wanting to jump off the nearest roof; or I can become part of a larger solution. Don’t get me wrong, I have worked for leadership who truly see the value of building a learning culture, but I have also worked for leadership who just want to tick a box.  We can all attest that the former is significantly more rewarding than the later and unfortunately more rare to find than a vegetarian in a Brazilian steak house.

It is this knowledge coupled with my experiences that motivates me to do better and to help organizations do better.  Will I find organizations who want to hire Learning Rebels to check a box? Yes, of course.  I can then use my super ninja skills to try to persuade them not to waste their money.  I can then determine if I want to take their business or not. It becomes a choice.

“You have already made the choice Neo, now you just have to understand it. ~ The Matrix

No worries, I haven’t been drinking my own Kool-Aid. I know in the beginning it will be a tough go and I’m sure there will be times of frustration and not to mention having to be something that I’ve always claimed I’m not – a salesperson. Flinging around words like “branding”, “differentiator” and “elevator speech”, GASP.  In my career choices, I’ve gravitated towards working in industries that are interesting and offer up something new for me to learn.  Well, I’ve certainly rounded that corner, haven’t I?

boxing gloves, fight, rebel
Learning Rebel

But one thing remains the same, the passion. The passion for wanting to “Fight the Good Fight”. Fighting the fight against boring, uninspired, insipid, and intelligence insulting corporate learning. Fighting for the corporate hostages held tethered to e-learning with locked navigation, timed screens and tests which prove nothing other than anyone, with a bit of luck and logic, can pass them. Hostages held in classrooms facilitated by people who think one must know the history of time in order to read a clock. “Fighting the Good Fight” to help wake up zombie L&D professionals handcuffed by the ridiculousness of HR, IT and Leadership stuck in 1985. There is a quiet (and not so quiet) army of L&D professionals who are also part of this fight; and I look forward to meeting more and more of them. So, I’m guessing that I won’t be one of those touchy-feely consultants.

That being said, I have nothing against the touchy-feely consultants out there, unfortunately some aren’t helping the cause.  For every consultant who acquiesces to the desires of an L&D lead who wants the whiz, bang, pop of a learning event without discussing a critical follow-up learning plan, money is tossed out the window. Don’t we owe it to our customers to tell them just that? Perhaps that is “rose-colored” glasses thinking, but that’s the Learning Rebel mission.

So, here’s to the Learning Rebels. Now, officially open for business.

Shannon Tipton

Shannon Tipton

As Owner of Learning Rebels, Shannon Tipton is a skilled learning strategist, content developer and International speaker. Shannon has over 20 years of leadership experience developing successful learning strategies and infrastructures for training departments within organizations in North America, Europe and Korea.

Shannon works with people and organizations to develop learning solutions that brings actual business results. Recognized as bringing real-world expertise into the learning field, Shannon integrates technologies and social learning tools to strengthen workplace alignment, enhance collaboration and increase learning connectivity.

As author of “Disruptive Learning” Shannon frequently speaking at conferences across North America and Europe and ranks as one of the top 100 L&D influencers on Twitter (@stipton).

18 thoughts on “Learning Rebels – Open for Business”

    • Thank you Ann. I’m excited to see where the path takes me and of course all will be shared with my fellow Rebels.

      Reply
    • Thanks Monica! Closed my eyes and jumped. Then realized I had left my parachute on the cliff – so better flap my arms like crazy! 😉

      Reply
    • Thank you Michelle! Although I didn’t mention it, you have inspired me with the work you do, LOVE your blog. We have kindred rebel spirits! Let’s get the party started.

      Reply
    • Thank you Andrea. You’ve been a great supporter, and I appreciate it. (Now you know why I’ve been MIA on the Skype chats lately.) Hopefully I’ll get up to your neck of the woods again soon, would be great to see you!

      Reply
  1. Hi Shannon,
    Congrats on this “new” endeavor. It’s been a long time coming and a labor of love. Your talent development experience and knowledge of the business coupled with your passion for innovative and meaningful content position you well for success in this undertaking. I wish you every success!

    Reply
    • Thanks Coline! I appreciate your support, advice and help in getting this off the ground. I look forward to what happens next.

      Reply

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