Carla Prout, a distinguished professional with over a decade of experience in the Learning and Development industry, has firmly established herself as a trailblazer in the field. Her unwavering passion for learning and innovative training design has propelled her to the forefront of instructional design and consultancy.
Carla’s expertise encompasses an impressive array of skills, including storyboarding, instructional design, graphic design, scripting, technical writing, and creative writing project planning and management from inception to completion. Her multifaceted skill set allows her to craft tailor-made learning solutions that consistently deliver outstanding results for her clients.
What sets Carla apart is her commitment to forging strong partnerships with her clients. She works closely with each of them, taking the time to understand their unique needs, goals, and preferred working methods. Her approach is characterised by simplicity, ensuring a seamless experience for her clients, from project initiation to invoicing. Her design and consultancy services have:
Expanded Global Reach:
Carla’s expertise has enabled her clients to venture into the realm of online learning, extending their global presence.
Empowered Workforces:
Carla’s solutions have empowered organisations to invest in the development of their staff, resulting in confident and well-equipped employees and more streamlined processes.
Competitive Edge:
Carla’s courses not only fulfil requirements but also engage and interact with learners, giving her clients a unique competitive advantage.
Currently, Carla operates a limited company and leads a dedicated team. Her business is continually seeking new instructional design contracts across a diverse range of industries.
Thank you for interviewing with us today; can you introduce yourself to us?
Certainly, thank you for having me. I’m Carla, and I’ve been deeply immersed in the Learning and Development industry for over a decade. My passion lies in crafting innovative training solutions, and I take great pride in working closely with clients to achieve their learning objectives.
Over the past four years, I’ve been steadily building my business and brand while continuing my learning journey. On a personal note, I’m married and a mother to my 5-year-old son, Leo. I’m also a devoted dog lover and the proud parent of my fur baby, Benny.
Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?
My journey has been quite a rollercoaster over the years. It all started with a deep fascination for learning and a creative flair, before I discovered the industry. Over time, I’ve honed my skills and built a solid foundation in areas like storyboarding, project management, and creative writing.
After facing various challenges related to my personal health and frustrations with the limitations of the industry and my roles, I made the pivotal decision to establish my own company. This journey continues to be a learning experience, not only in business and team management but also in learning consultancy and development.
Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?
Yes, I’ve evolved my business model to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Learning and Development. When COVID-19 struck, it highlighted the need for digital learning solutions and the opportunities for remote learning and work.
Consequently, my team has transitioned to a remote working model, promoting work-life balance and flexibility. We’ve also adjusted our pricing methods, becoming one of the few businesses in the industry to feature an upfront hourly and day rate on our website. We charge clients based on the time it takes us to create their solution, rather than imposing fixed or minimum fees.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, how has this benefited you either personally or professionally?
I haven’t had specific mentors in my life. My journey has been driven by a need for greater flexibility and my unrelenting passion. I’ve always been dedicated to self-development and love to read a wide range of materials, making learning one of my greatest passions.
What outlets do you use for marketing?
I employ a mix of online and offline channels for marketing. This includes social media, participation in industry events, and personal networking. However, the most powerful form of marketing for me has been the organic growth achieved through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.
What or Who has inspired you most recently?
Most recently, I’ve been profoundly inspired by the resilience and adaptability of individuals and businesses in the face of unprecedented challenges. Witnessing how people unite to overcome obstacles fuels my determination to make a meaningful impact in my field.
What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve received is to stay true to your vision and values. It’s essential to maintain integrity and consistency in your work, even as you adapt and grow. Especially during a time where artificial intelligence is taking over, keeping our human touch is essential and what makes a brand memorable and real.
How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?
Achieving work-life balance requires ongoing effort. I prioritise effective time management, establish clear boundaries, and set aside time for personal interests and relaxation. Striking the right balance between professional commitments and personal well-being is paramount, but is also something I have to keep reflecting on and adjusting to get the right fit.
Name a seminal point in your career so far?
A pivotal moment in my career was the establishment of my own company. It represented a significant step in pursuing my passion and provided opportunities to collaborate with a diverse array of clients and projects. It has grown my self confidence over the years, and allowed me to have a voice in places I did not before.
What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?
Ultimate career satisfaction stems from witnessing the positive impact of my work on individuals and organisations. Knowing that I’ve contributed to their growth and success is profoundly fulfilling.
I love hearing when our clients have won awards for pieces of learning we helped them craft.
Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire, and if so, why?
I deeply admire entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Ben Francis, and Steven Bartlett, who have embarked on personal journeys of self-development while exemplifying innovation, tenacity, and a commitment to making a difference. All are true to their vision and what their businesses are trying to achieve.
How do you define your own success?
Success is a constantly evolving concept for me. It requires regular reflection and realignment of goals as we continue to learn and grow as individuals. Financial stability and freedom are part of it, but so is a life that allows for pursuing passions, continuous learning, and flexibility.
Finally, what can we expect from you next?
In the near future, you can anticipate my unwavering dedication to creating cutting-edge learning solutions, further collaborations with inspiring organisations, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the Learning and Development field.
