Today's MP Local is super interesting! We are shinning the light on Morgan Lavall - a Learning Designer. When we first read her title, we neeeeeded to know more. Her business is super unique and interesting. She designs engaging learning experiences for individuals and organizations! So cool! Hands on learning has peaked in trends lately - more and more people are wanting to learn new things, which is great! Having a great user experience while you learn is key in a successful completion.
We're excited to introduce Morgan - she shares her story and the power of taking the leap and trusting yourself that it will work out!
Name: Morgan Lavell
Your title: Learning designer.
Your elevator pitch:
I help individuals and organizations build effective and engaging learning experiences. Mostly I work with sport organizations developing coach education courses and post-secondary institutions in course and learning experience design! This might mean I take an existing face to face course and turn it into an elearning module or help a client build a great in-person workshop or activity.
One word to describe yourself:
Learner
Why did you choose that word?
I just can’t seem to get enough. I want to know ALL THE THINGS (lol). I keep going back to school – I have an undergraduate degree, two post-secondary college certificates and am currently working on my Masters of Education. I love reading, listening to podcasts, watching TED talks.. the works. It’s one of the coolest parts of my job.. I get to learn about my client’s content as I help them with the design of their material. SO much fun.
Why did you start the business that you did and what was the inspiration or reasoning of how it came it life?
A few years ago, I was working at the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada. I had a great job, worked with awesome people but was losing interest in my role. I was ready for a bit of a shift in direction from running an Education department to doing more learning design. I took a leap – I resigned, negotiated an advisor role to keep some projects and started my Masters of Education. At the same time, I was competing in curling, trying to qualify for the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials the next year so I focused a lot on that also. After the Trials, I realized I loved working for myself, doing new types of projects all the time and haven’t looked back. Fortunately, I have great mentors and have been able to subcontract for some great learning designers that have taught me a lot.
First thought when you officially became your own boss:
It was such a slow transition into it that I don’t remember having one real moment. When I launched my website and got a real business bank account (weird, right?) I had a real “holy hell, I’m really doing this thing!” moment. I still regularly pinch myself that I get to do this, despite all the terrifying moments that go with it!
When you’re not hustling, what do you do in your free time?
Training and competing in curling (Team Kaitlyn Jones – woot woot), camping, reading..
Describe a day in your life:
I wake up around 7:30am, have some breakfast (coffeeeee) and read or listen to a podcast. I start working around 8:30 or 9am either at home or at my co-working space (Galt Collective). I try to do my more challenging work in the morning when I have the most attention. I eat lunch around 1pm and either do a workout at lunch or after work, around 5:30pm. Day to day it changes, sometimes I work late in the evening or run errands during the day, all depends on what’s going on. Evenings and weekends, I hang out with my husband, friends or do school work.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Probably taking this leap to work for myself. I didn’t really see it coming and it was a scary jump. I’m proud that I trusted myself enough to take it on.
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
1. Finish my Masters of Education
2. Win international medal in curling
3. Write a book
What or who inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?
My mom. She’s an entrepreneur and a really creative person. She doesn’t worry about the way you’re supposed to do things.. you just go out there and do what works for you and your goals.
What is your spirit animal and why?
The wolf. Abby Wambach has a quote that I love:
“Like all little girls, I was taught to be grateful. I was taught to keep my head down, stay on the path, and get my job done. I was freaking Little Red Riding Hood.. If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing it would be this: Abby, you were never Little Red Riding Hood, you were always the wolf.”
Plus, wolf tshirts are awesome..
I love the fierceness of the wolf and the strength in their pack. I love working with others, being part of a team, and I’m grateful for my own pack!
What is your daily mantra?
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated?
Changing my environment if I get stuck. Working at Galt Collective has been a great change for me. I like having the option of having another spot to go, depending on what I’m working on. I also have recently realized that I can’t rely on my motivation all the time. I have to be disciplined, I have to just start working, or tackle the thing I don’t want to do. It’s the only way ahead. I’m also very motivated by the changes in projects I get to work on. That keeps things fresh and exciting for me, part of how I know I’ve picked the right line of work for my personality.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
That nobody really has it all figured out and expecting to be perfect will only hold you back. Try to be better every day and stay honest with the people you work with and for.
Overpromising and underdelivering is a real business killer.
What’s next for you?
I’m working away on some fun client projects, getting new projects set up, working on my website and curling season is already around the corner. I got married in January and we just got home from our honeymoon in the Yukon and Alaska so some work catch up and back into the regular routine!
How can our readers find you?
Insta: @morganhlavell
Twitter: @morganlavell
We are super excited to see what the rest of this year brings Morgan and her website! Also rooting for a medal in Curling (woot woot). If you or your business is looking to create an engaging learning experience for your team - definitely reach out to Morgan!
We are constantly looking to promote local businesses and freelancers in the community, so if you are interested in sharing a bit about your life and your journey, send us a DM or email us at hello@mintandpoppy.com.
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