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This week we’re joined on the podcast by Mallori Steele, an Instructional Designer, entrepreneur, world traveler, and community builder.  When Mallori first decided to transition into the learning and development field, she was living abroad in Turkey. As an expat wife and new mom, she knew she wanted to find meaningful work that she could do remotely. She explored various online programs and communities to teach herself the skills needed to become an instructional designer. 

By immersing herself in these online resources like IDOL Academy (affiliate link), Mallori gained the skills and knowledge needed to confidently pursue instructional design roles. She may have been new to the field, but she felt ready to jump into the deep end thanks to the wealth of information available through online courses, blogs, videos, and social media.  

Work Life Balance 

As a working mom in the L&D field, Mallori has learned first-hand the importance of setting boundaries. When juggling the demands of a career and raising kids, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and burned out. 

After transitioning back to the US from living abroad during the height of COVID, while also caring for her young children, Mallori struggled to find balance between work and family life. Many days she felt she was failing at both – not fully present for her kids or able to be as productive at work as she wanted. 

She’s realized over time that to be the best version of herself, both professionally and personally, she needs to take care of herself. Whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, or enjoying a warm bath, Mallori has learned to prioritize her own needs. This allows her to refuel so she can be fully engaged when she’s with her kids or working. Saying “no” more often has also been an important lesson – declining extra projects when her plate is full. 

The Inspiration for Bad-A$$ Moms

Mallori Steele was inspired to create the Bad-A$$ Moms community after becoming a new mother herself. As a working mom balancing a career in L&D, Mallori felt the need for a supportive space to connect with other mothers who could relate to her experience. 

Mallori’s vision was to create a community where mothers could support each other, learn from one another, and feel empowered in their roles as badass moms. The community would focus on building real connections and sharing stories to inspire other moms in their motherhood journeys. 

Building Community in the Digital Age 

Social media and digital connectivity have transformed the way people interact and build community. While these tools offer immense value in connecting people across distances, there is still need for human connection. 

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to foster connection between mothers and celebrate shared experiences. Events like Badass Moms aim to create a supportive community where mothers can connect and share their stories openly and honestly. 

Through organizing local meetups and virtual events, people can prioritize true connections and diverse perspectives. This allows them to move beyond merely scrolling feeds and into creating lasting bonds. 

Amplifying Black Voices in L&D 

The learning and development industry has historically lacked diversity and representation of black professionals. Mallori recognized this gap within the field and wanted to help amplify the voices and perspectives of black practitioners in L&D. This motivated her to start the Black in L&D community, which aims to bring more visibility to black L&D professionals and create a supportive space to share their experiences. 

As a black woman in the industry herself, Mallori understands firsthand the importance of representation and community for professionals of color. She saw a need for more black voices at the table within learning and development roles, leadership positions, conferences, and industry events. Mallori hopes the Black in L&D community can help drive meaningful changes in diversity, equity and inclusion across the field. 

By providing a platform to highlight the work of black L&D professionals, Mallori aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in learning and development. The community also allows members to connect with mentors and sponsors to help grow their careers. Mallori believes that when black professionals in L&D are empowered to share their talents and perspectives, the entire industry benefits from their innovation and insights.  

Taking Risks to Pursue Passions 

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on something you’re passionate about, even if it seems unrealistic. Trying new things inevitably leads to learning, even if an endeavor doesn’t pan out as expected. Follow your instincts and don’t let fear hold you back. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to take risks. 

Making a career change or picking up a new hobby requires bravery, but the rewards are immense. You gain confidence when you prove to yourself that you can handle unfamiliar situations. Pushing your boundaries expands your perspective and unlocks new possibilities. 

Life is short – take the chance to live it fully. Keep evolving by pursuing what sparks your curiosity and passion. The risks you take today will enrich your life and career for years to come. 

Advice for Newcomers to L&D 

As someone who transitioned into the L&D field fairly recently, Mallori has learned a few things that she wishes she had known starting out. The world of learning and development can seem overwhelming at first, but taking advantage of online resources and communities can make the journey much smoother. 

First and foremost, prioritize self-care. As you balance work demands and pursue new skills, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Set boundaries and say no when you need to. A healthy mindset is just as important as technical know-how in this field. 

And don’t forget the power of community. Connect with other L&D pros on social media and through local meetups. Share challenges and celebrate wins together. You’ll be surprised how many others are on a similar journey. And take initiative to give back by mentoring newcomers down the road. 

Learning and Development is an ever-evolving field. But by taking care of yourself, utilizing online resources, and building connections, you’ll gain the fundamental skills and mindset to thrive as a lifelong learner. The L&D community is welcoming and wants to see you succeed. 

Want to hear more about finding your community in L&D? Listen and watch Episode 05 of the Learning Matters podcast – available everywhere you listen to podcasts!

Additional Resources

• Sharpen your instructional design skills with IDOL Academy, the ultimate career accelerator for designers and developers! Use code “ttc” for 10% off.*
• How to Launch Your Career as an L&D Consultant
• 6 Practical Ways to Grow Your ID Business Tips for Beginners
• The Art of Launching L&D Projects: 10 Key Components for a Successful Project Kick-Off Meeting
• How to Find and Refine Your Instructional Design Niche