Continuing Ed at Scale - Process Redesign

Challenge:

A pioneering EdTech company had developed a television network model for delivering continuing education units to industries. They started with automotive, and by the time I joined, they had launched a second network for law enforcement, hiring a Hollywood producer and a former beauty pageant winner as host. Though successful, the programming faced two key challenges: unsustainably high production costs and a lack of educational credibility—especially as senior management navigated an IPO.

Solutions Implemented:

My comprehensive program, process, and format redesigns included:

• Course Redesign: Introduced instructional formats based on proven learning theories including Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction and Bloom's Taxonomy, ensuring each program functioned as a well-designed lesson

• Format and Process Redesign: Standardized a "lean production" methodology that transformed the existing video creation process with single-camera field production and short instructional segments. A "live in the field" aesthetic with video shot from the shoulder increased viewer interest while reducing setup time. Segments were reshot in the field until a maximum of three edits were required per segment, which dramatically reduced expensive post-production time

• Tech-Enabled Scaling: Established multiple-shift schedules in production facilities with studios, edit rooms, and control rooms to enable simultaneous and constant content creation

• Cost-Effective Integration: Developed and documented systems that allowed for the acquisition and integration of smaller training companies into this production model

Results Achieved:

The redesigned approach yielded remarkable improvements for scale and business growth:

• Operational Scale: Expanded from two networks to 18 specialized education networks serving diverse industries including law enforcement, fire and emergency, healthcare, banking, accounting, and private security

• Production Capacity: Achieved a greater volume of original content production than CNN on a weekly basis

• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced production costs by 70+% while maintaining engagement and increasing educational value

• Business Success: Transformed all networks into profitable operations

• Market Value: The company was ultimately sold at 30% above estimated value

• Educational Quality: The enhanced visual appeal coupled with improved instructional design rigor increased credibility with professional audiences and training experts

• Innovation and Ideation Excellence: The new production model was highly efficient, cutting costs by 75% while improving educational quality. Hand-held camera work created visual interest and a sense of immediacy, while shared production teams with interchangeable junior staff allowed for maximum resource efficiency.

Innovations and discipline in the processes for producing educational content catalyzed growth and created substantial business value through enhanced educational value.