SPECIAL FEATURE: KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES: INTERVIEW WITH LYNNE MACBAIN
What attracted you to Performance Improvement (PI)/Human Performance Technology (HPT)/the ISPI?
My journey to ISPI began during my doctoral program in Instructional Design and Performance Technology. As part of my dissertation, I completed a real-world performance improvement project using the PI/HPT model for the Gulf Coast ISPI chapter. Shortly after beginning my project, I attended my first ISPI conference. I was drawn to the organization’s focus on the practice side of performance improvement and its genuine professional community.
What sets ISPI apart is its ability to create a genuine professional community. Unlike larger organizations, where members can feel lost in the crowd, ISPI offers a warm, welcoming environment where members connect and get to know one another. This sense of belonging and the camaraderie I’ve experienced are what keep me coming back. It’s refreshing to be part of an organization where students and professionals engage with each other without the “I’m better than you” attitude.
Over the years, ISPI has become more than just a professional organization for me. It’s a platform for personal growth and development. I’ve developed friendships and always look forward to the annual conference. The blend of practical knowledge, professional growth, opportunities for leadership, and genuine connection makes ISPI a unique and indispensable part of my career. As a result, I have taken on leadership roles. I serve as the president of the Gulf Coast ISPI Virtual Community of Practice and chair of the Chapter Affiliation Committee. These positions not only allow me to give back to the community that has given me so much but also offer a way for me to help shape the future of our organization. I hope my journey in ISPI inspires and motivates others to take on leadership roles and contribute to the community.
What is some of the work you are most proud of?
I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to several particularly rewarding initiatives. One of my proudest achievements has been my work with the Gulf Coast ISPI Chapter. When I first started working with the chapter, it had been inactive since its founding in 2018. Leveraging the PI/HPT model, I conducted a comprehensive performance improvement project. The resulting interventions were highly successful, leading to the chapter’s relaunch and growth. This experience not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the PI/HPT model but also showcased the impact of strong leadership and problem-solving skills in revitalizing an organization.
Since then, I’ve continued to work with the chapter, both as a member and now as a leader, to continue its growth into a thriving chapter. Our collective efforts have transformed it into a thriving organization. A significant milestone in this journey was winning ISPI’s Chapter of Excellence award for programming in 2024. This recognition served as a powerful validation of my hard work in revitalizing the chapter. It’s moments like these that make me proud to be part of ISPI and motivate me to continue making a difference in the community.
I am also proud of my work as part of ISPI’s leadership team, which drives the organization’s growth and evolution. In addition to my role as chair of the Chapter Affiliation Committee, I serve on the Performance Improvement Initiative committee. This committee’s mission is to form volunteer teams that provide pro bono HPT services to nonprofit organizations. It’s fulfilling to know that nonprofit organizations that might not otherwise have access to professional PI services can now benefit from skilled practitioners whose expertise helps them grow and thrive.
ISPI has provided me with a platform to give back to the community in meaningful ways. The opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to help both ISPI and other organizations has been deeply gratifying.
When people speak/think of you, what do you want them to say/remember?
When people think of me, I hope they remember me as someone passionate about making a positive impact, both in performance improvement and in the lives of those around me. I want to be known as a dedicated professional who understands the principles of PI and effectively applies them to real-world challenges. I hope they remember me as a community builder who brings people together, creating environments where collaboration and mutual growth can thrive, a leader who leads by example, willing to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work necessary to revitalize and grow organizations. I want to be known as an innovator who is not only pushing boundaries but encouraging others to embrace out-of-the-box thinking and a generous colleague who is always willing to share knowledge, mentor others, and contribute to the professional development of those around me. When people think of me, I hope they see me as someone who values and promotes diversity, inclusivity, and equity, creating spaces where all voices are heard and respected. I also want to be known as a person who finds joy in giving back to the community and helping others achieve their goals.
Ultimately, I hope people remember me as someone who made a difference—someone who left organizations, communities, and individuals better than I found them and who inspired others to do the same.
Short Bio
With over three decades of experience in training, education, and organizational leadership, I am a seasoned performance improvement leader and educator dedicated to transforming communities and organizational cultures.
My diverse career spans roles such as Nonprofit Executive, Instructional Designer, Training Director, and Consultant. A highlight of my professional journey includes successfully revitalizing the Gulf Coast ISPI Virtual Chapter using the PI/HPT model, where I now serve as Chapter President.
Driven by an unwavering passion for innovation and transformative education strategies, I continuously seek to make lasting impacts in the field of performance improvement. My current research focuses on the intersection of AI with performance improvement and instructional design, challenging traditional models like ADDIE. I’ve led engaging workshops on generative AI, exploring its potential to revolutionize our industry.
As a thought leader in the field of AI, I am a sought-after speaker on the application of AI in Performance Improvement and Instructional Design. Through my speaking engagements, I share insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping our industry and how professionals can leverage these tools to enhance their practice.
My academic foundation includes an EdD in Instructional and Performance Technology, which has deepened my understanding of driving positive change in organizations. This knowledge, combined with my extensive practical experience, allows me to develop and implement strategies that truly make a difference.
As a thought leader in the field, I am committed to empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. Whether through innovative project leadership, cutting-edge research, or transformative consulting, my goal remains constant: to inspire and equip others to achieve meaningful, sustainable change in their professional landscapes.
What you do and/or are doing now. Where can you be reached?
Currently, I serve as the Lead Instructional Designer for a Training Development company, where I design and develop cutting-edge learning solutions for military and government clients. This role allows me to apply my expertise in creating innovative, effective training programs for high-stakes environments. My work in this role is a testament to the value of the skills and knowledge I’ve gained through my ISPI membership and leadership and how they can be applied in real-world settings to drive performance improvement.
I can be reached on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnemacbain/
Note: This article was written with the assistance of Grammarly AI.
